When to go to Istanbul?
Two continents, one skyline of domes and minarets: Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque face each other across a park, and the ferries keep crossing the Bosphorus below. Topkapi Palace opens onto courtyards, tiled chambers and a view down the Golden Horn. In the Grand Bazaar the arithmetic is done over tea, and the alleys around it smell of spice and roasting coffee.
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The best time to go
For the best weather in Istanbul, aim for April to October.
See also: Where to go in April? · Where to go in May? · Where to go in June? · Where to go in July?
Month-by-month weather in Istanbul
| Month | ☀️ h/day | 🌧️ mm | 🌡️ °C | Score /100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.7 | 73 | 7 | 52 |
| February | 6.8 | 77 | 7 | 55 |
| March | 7.0 | 82 | 8 | 55 |
| April | 9.3 | 78 | 13 | 65 |
| May | 11.2 | 58 | 16 | 75 |
| June | 13.0 | 38 | 22 | 85 |
| July | 13.6 | 30 | 25 | 90 |
| August | 12.3 | 28 | 25 | 89 |
| September | 10.8 | 61 | 22 | 78 |
| October | 8.8 | 27 | 17 | 72 |
| November | 6.9 | 125 | 13 | 54 |
| December | 5.4 | 91 | 10 | 50 |
Estimated from 3 years of data. The score (0–100) combines sunshine, dry weather, clear skies and temperature.
The climate in brief
In Istanbul, the sunniest month is July, and the driest is October (about 27 mm). Temperatures peak in August (about 25°C). Over the year, an average of 767 mm of rain falls, and 7 months in 12 offer ideal weather for a trip.
What to do in Istanbul?
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Topkapi Palace
- Grand Bazaar
Practical info
- Country: Türkiye
- Airport: Istanbul (IST)
- Station: Istanbul Sirkeci
Destinations near Istanbul
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