The best time for a visit to Istanbul is during the spring and autumn seasons. The best months to visit Istanbul are April, May, September and October. During these months, Istanbul has pleasant weather and many festivals that attract tourists from all over the world. In this article you will find out what the weather is like in Istanbul by month, how hot it can get in Istanbul in the summer, how cold and rainy it can be in the winter and what to do in Istanbul when the weather is bad.
Istanbul climate and weather by month
The wettest months in Istanbul are November, December and January, while July and August are the hottest months of the year.
Istanbul is particularly beautiful in April during the Tulip Festival.
For the best weather conditions, it's best to visit Istanbul in April, May, September or early October.
Most tourists try to come to Istanbul when the weather is best. As a result, large numbers of tourists in April and May lead to higher airfares and a limited choice of hotels, as well as long queues at the main attractions: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Here are some tips to minimize these inconveniences:
- buy tickets in advance,
- book hotels 1-2 months in advance,
- order guided tours to skip the queues at Istanbul's top attractions.
To get an idea of the city's climate, take a look at the graph below. It shows the average temperature and rainfall by month.
However, relying on these figures alone can give an incomplete picture of Istanbul's climate. For example,
- the average temperature of 28°C in summer may not seem very hot,
- while 9°C in winter doesn't seem too cold.
To give you a better understanding of the weather, I have also created a chart and table with detailed information on the highest and lowest temperatures, as well as the number of rainy days.
What do you think about the following temperatures in Istanbul?
- 41°C in July,
- -16°C in February,
- 18 rainy days in January
While there's no guarantee that you'll encounter these extreme temperatures, it's good to be aware of them.
If you visit Istanbul in the summer, be prepared for the sweltering heat. Even locals often head out of the city to the sea to escape the summer heat.
If you're visiting Istanbul in the winter, bring an umbrella and warm, windproof clothing.
When tulips bloom in Istanbul
The best time to visit Istanbul is when the tulips are in bloom during the Istanbul Tulip Festival.
The festival takes place in April, but the exact dates can vary depending on the weather. It's best to plan your visit for the second or third week of April to experience the Tulip Festival in all its glory. During this time, the parks and streets of Istanbul are decorated with millions of colourful tulips, making for a truly spectacular sight.
You can't go wrong if you come to Istanbul for the tulips between 20 and 30 April. Just remember that 23 April is a public holiday in Turkey and many locals come to Istanbul for the weekend to see the city in bloom.
For more details, see Tulip Festival in Istanbul - when and where it takes place, best parks, festival dates.
During the Tulip Festival, there are no rooms available in Istanbul hotels, he roads are terribly congested and there are huge queues almost everywhere. Frankly, it's worth it because Istanbul is beautiful at the end of April.
How to skip the queues at Istanbul's top attractions
Buy entrance tickets or guided tours in advance:
- E-pass for Top Attractions with Museum Pass
- Hagia Sophia: Entry with Guided Tour
- Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
- Topkapi Palace Guided Tour and Skip the Line
What to do in Istanbul when the weather is bad
If you experience bad weather while visiting Istanbul, don't worry! There are plenty of indoor activities and experiences to keep you entertained.
Here are a few options:
- Indulge in a Turkish bath (hammam) and treat yourself to a relaxing spa day (book in advance).
- Spend a few hours exploring the fascinating exhibits at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum (consider buying a E-Pass to skip the queues).
- Discover the stunning mosaics at the Mosaic Museum of the Great Palace of Constantinople.
- Get lost in Istanbul's famous bazaars and shopping malls (consider booking a shopping tour).
- Relax with a drink in the city's famous bars (book a party).
- Visit the Istanbul Aquarium and marvel at the variety of marine life (consider arranging a transfer).
- Learn to cook traditional Turkish dishes and bring the flavours of Istanbul back home (book a cookery course).
- Experience the mystical ritual of the whirling dervishes (buy a ticket in advance).
Have you decided how to get from Istanbul airport to your hotel in the city? This article may help you - How to Get from the New Airport to Istanbul.
