Istanbul Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Istanbul, Marmara Region, Turkey. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Generally, Istanbul receives mid-range precipitation levels, with 730 mm (29 in) annually. The distribution varies significantly throughout the year, with a distinct dry season during certain months, as shown in our charts below.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

Istanbul can be quite wet during December, receiving approximately 103 mm (4.1 in) of precipitation over 17 rainy days.

In contrast August, experiences much drier conditions, with 24 mm (0.9 in) of rainfall, spread across 5 rainy days.

December, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 12°C (54°F). The city receives 61 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month August you can expect a temperature of 29°C (84°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Istanbul Temperature page.

Istanbul's average annual precipitation is 730 mm (29 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Boston, USA, experiences 1238 mm (49 in) of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall during the winter.

In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm (49 in), with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.

In Tokyo, Japan, the average annual precipitation is 1528 mm (60 in), with significant summer rains due to typhoon season.

Singapore, situated near the equator, gets 2581 mm (102 in) of rainfall annually, with no distinct dry season and consistent monthly precipitation.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

• Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
• In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
• Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.

For more detailed information about Istanbul's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Istanbul Climate page.