Travels in Asia

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.

When to Go to Istanbul | best months to travel

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:

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.

Average daily temperature and rainfall in Istanbul by month | When to Go to Istanbul | Travel with AsiaPositive
Average daily temperature and rainfall in Istanbul 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.

See how hot, cold and rainy Istanbul can be | When to Go to Istanbul | Travel with AsiaPositive
See how hot, cold and rainy Istanbul can be

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.

Maximum, minimum and average temperatures in Istanbul | When to Go to Istanbul | Travel with AsiaPositive
Maximum, minimum and average temperatures in Istanbul

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.

A carpet of tulips covers Istanbul's parks in April
A carpet of tulips covers Istanbul's parks in April.

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.

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 queues at Istanbul's top attractions

Buy entrance tickets or guided tours in advance:

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:

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.

About the author

The author of AsiaPositive Iryna Rasko

I am a passionate traveller and photography is my greatest love. Asia is 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 apologise for any errors or awkward phrasing.

© Iryna Rasko