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The best times to visit Istanbul are during the spring and autumn seasons. Specifically, from April to May and from September to early October are the very best times. Istanbul has pleasant weather during these months, as well as lots of festivals, which draw tourists from all over the world. In this article, you will discover what the weather is like in Istanbul on a month-by-month basis, how hot it can get in Istanbul during the summer, how cold and rainy it can be in the winter, and what to do in Istanbul if you encounter bad weather.

When to Go to Istanbul | best months to travel

Monthly Climate and Weather in Istanbul

Istanbul experiences the highest amount of rainfall in November, December, and January, while July and August are the hottest months of the year.

Istanbul is especially beautiful in April during the Tulip Festival.

For the best weather conditions, it's recommended to visit Istanbul in April, May, September, or early October.

Find cheap flights Taxi from / to airports Tours in Istanbul

Most tourists try to come to Istanbul during the best time of the year in terms of weather. As a result, large numbers of tourists in April and May lead to higher airfare and and a limited choice of hotels, as well as long queues at Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Here are some tips to minimize these inconveniences:

To get an idea of the city's climate, take a look at the graph below which shows the average temperature and precipitation levels month-by-month.

Average daily temperature and rainfall in Istanbul on a month-by-month basis | When to Go to Istanbul | Travel with AsiaPositive.com
Average daily temperature and rainfall in Istanbul on a month-by-month basis

However, relying on these figures alone can give an incomplete picture of Istanbul's climate. For instance,

  • the average temperature of 28°C in summer might not seem that hot,
  • while 9°C in winter doesn't appear to be 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 amount of sunshine per day.

Look how hot, cold and rainy it is in Istanbul | When to Go to Istanbul | Travel with AsiaPositive.com
Look how hot, cold and rainy can be in Istanbul

What are your thoughts on the following temperatures in Istanbul:

  • 41°C in July,
  • -16°C in February,
  • 18 rainy days in January

While it's not guaranteed that you'll encounter these extreme temperatures, it's good to be aware of them.

If you visit Istanbul during the summer, be prepared for the sweltering heat. Even the locals often head out of the city to the seaside to escape the heat.

If you're travelling in Istanbul in the winter, grab an umbrella, as well as warm and wind-proof clothing.

Maximum, Minimum and Average Temperatures in Istanbul  | When to Go to Istanbul | Travel with AsiaPositive.com
Maximum, Minimum and Average Temperatures in Istanbul

When Tulips Bloom in Istanbul

If you're planning a trip to Istanbul, the best time to visit is during the Tulip Festival. The festival takes place in April, but the exact dates can vary because of 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 adorned with millions of colourful tulips, making for a truly spectacular sight.

В апреле парки Стамбула покрыты ковром из тюльпанов | Когда лучше ехать в Стамбул | Путешествия с AsiaPositive.com
В апреле парки Стамбула покрыты ковром из тюльпанов

You won't go wrong if you come to Istanbul for tulips on April 20-30. Just keep in mind that April 23 is a public holiday and many Turkish residents come to Istanbul for the weekend to admire the flourishing city.

More details you can find in the article Tulip Festival in Istanbul - when and where it takes place, best parks, festival dates.

During the Tulip Festival, there are no free rooms in Istanbul hotels, there are terrible traffic jams on the roads, and there are huge queues almost everywhere. Frankly, it's worth it - Istanbul at the end of April is beautiful.

Sakura also blooms in April | Turkey, Istanbul
Sakura also blooms in April
Lots and lots of tulips | Turkey, Istanbul
Lots and lots of tulips

How to skip the lines at Istanbul's top attractions

Buy entrance tickets or guided tours in advance:

What to do in Istanbul if you encounter bad weather

If you happen to experience bad weather during your visit to Istanbul, don't worry! There are plenty of indoor activities and experiences to keep you entertained.

Here are a few options:

If you're arriving at Istanbul airport and need transportation to your hotel, be sure to check out my guide on How to Get from the New Airport to Istanbul.

About the author

The author of AsiaPositive Iryna Rasko

I am passionate about traveling, and photography is my greatest love. Asia has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

The information I share in my articles is based on personal experience and extensive research. It is my sincere hope that my articles will assist you in planning your travels in Asia and beyond.

Please note that English is not my first language, and I apologize for any mistakes or awkward phrasing.

© Iryna Rasko