Istanbul Weather in December
December in Istanbul brings low temperatures around 12°C (54°F) during the day, dropping to 7°C (45°F) at night, with the most rainfall of the year.
Rainfall in Istanbul in December
With this being the wettest month, keeping an umbrella on hand might save you from getting wet from a sudden shower. Historically, the month has about 17 days of rain, averaging 103 mm (4.1 in) in total. This is a wet month with frequent and often heavy showers. Both the number of rain days and the total rainfall are high.
Temperature in Istanbul in December
Temperatures in Istanbul in December top out at 12°C (54°F) and drop to 7°C (45°F) overnight. December marks the winter season. Temperatures remain on the cold side all day. A proper warm jacket is worth having, not just for evenings. With lows around 7°C (45°F), nights are cold. The upside is that cool, crisp nights are often the best for a deep sleep.
Sunshine in Istanbul in December
This month sees fewer sunny days, with about 61 hours of sunshine, perfect for those who enjoy cooler temperatures.
Average water temperature in December
With water temperatures around 11°C (52°F), swimming isn't really an option for most visitors. The cold sets in quickly and a wetsuit won't fully solve it.December in Istanbul has its charm. However, if you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather, our weather planner can help you explore other destinations in the world.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Turkey, check out our Istanbul's climate page.
Istanbul Temperature in December
Min Temperature
7°C (45°F)
Max Temperature
12°C (54°F)
Water Temperature
11°C (52°F)
Chance of Rain
56%
Precipitation
103 mm (4.1 in)
Rainy days
17 days
Sunshine
61 hours
Percentage Sunshine
22%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Istanbul typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 12°C (54°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 8°C (46°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Istanbul in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Istanbul spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Istanbul historical weather extremes in December
Based on 39 years of weather observations (1986-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Istanbul.
- The hottest December day on record in Istanbul reached 24°C (75°F) (December 3, 2010).
- The lowest daytime temperature in December was -1°C (30°F), recorded on December 9, 1991.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -4°C (25°F) on December 28, 1992, marking the coldest December night on record.
Best Places in Turkey in December
Find out more about the weather in Turkey and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Turkey in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Istanbul in December
The weather can swing between comfortable and chilly in December, so flexibility is key. Pack a variety of tops, at least one warm layer, and both shorts and long pants. This gives you options no matter what the day brings. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. With water temperatures around 11°C (52°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. With limited sunshine expected, sunglasses aren't a priority for packing.What To Do in Istanbul in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Turkey, check out our Istanbul's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Water Temp
See the full Istanbul climate overview or explore weather in Turkey.
