IstanbulPhoto: Bosphorus_Istanbul_2007.jpg: Gryffindor derivative work: Stegop · Public domainTurkey · Asia
Best time to visit Istanbul
Istanbul is a fascinating city break year-round. Mild to cool, damp winters and warm summers; spring and autumn are most pleasant.
Climate decision
Best travel months for Istanbul
Top recommendation
Next highest scores
Historical monthly averages, not a weather forecast. Individual days and years can differ substantially.
Latest 5-year values 2021–2025
Average of the five most recent complete years compared with the 1991–2025 climate average.
December · Mean daily maximum
12.4 °C
1991–2025: 10.4 °C
+2 °C · higher
October · Monthly precipitation
40.2 mm/month
1991–2025: 66.9 mm/month
-26.8 mm/month · lower
March · Wet days
11.8 days/month
1991–2025: 10.2 days/month
+1.6 days/month · higher
July: 77/155 days at or above 30 °C; highest single value 37.5 °C.
Five-year historical sample, not a weather forecast or long-term climate trend. Individual hot days can be far above the monthly mean.
Annual profile · City climate
Istanbul: choose the season before the trip style
The lowest and highest average daily highs are 20.6 °C apart. Temperature is therefore the first decision layer, while rain and sunshine refine the choice of month.
How to read the curve
A single annual score hides the change of seasons. The useful question is which temperature window suits the planned city trip.
Lowest average daily low
February · 3.7 °C
Highest average daily high
July and August · 29 °C
Most rainy days
December · 12.6
Most sunshine
July · 8.7 h
Month by month
Overall suitability per month. Tap a month for details.
All climate figures compared
The table is the complete accessible data view; the charts below highlight selected patterns.
| Month | Avg high °C | Avg low °C | Rainy days (est.) | Rain mm | Sun h/day (est.) | Humidity % | Wind m/s | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8 | 4 | 12 | 71 | 1.9 | 84 | 4.3 | 35 |
| February | 9 | 4 | 11 | 66 | 2.7 | 82 | 4.3 | 39 |
| March | 11 | 5 | 10 | 59 | 4.1 | 79 | 4.1 | 48 |
| April | 16 | 9 | 8 | 47 | 5.9 | 77 | 3.6 | 67 |
| May | 21 | 14 | 7 | 37 | 7.5 | 74 | 3.4 | 86 |
| June | 26 | 18 | 7 | 34 | 8.5 | 70 | 3.5 | 88 |
| July | 29 | 21 | 4 | 22 | 8.7 | 66 | 4.2 | 83 |
| August | 29 | 22 | 4 | 21 | 7.5 | 66 | 4.7 | 82 |
| September | 25 | 19 | 7 | 47 | 5.5 | 68 | 4.2 | 89 |
| October | 20 | 14 | 9 | 67 | 3.5 | 75 | 4.1 | 77 |
| November | 15 | 10 | 10 | 67 | 2.2 | 80 | 4.0 | 57 |
| December | 10 | 6 | 13 | 83 | 1.6 | 83 | 4.3 | 36 |
Climate through the year
Compare temperature, rainy days, sunshine and, for coastal destinations, sea temperature month by month.
Find a place to stay
Where to stay in Istanbul
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Useful next decisions
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Similar destinations
The number is the overall climate score, not a similarity score.
Country and region
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
The strongest climate months are May, June, July, September. Values are historical averages, not a forecast.
Which month has the highest average daily maximum temperature in Istanbul?
Average daily maximum temperatures in Istanbul are practically tied in July and August at around 29 °C.