TR Istanbul, Turkey

When to Visit
Istanbul?

Istanbul is the only city in the world straddling two continents. Bosphorus, Ottoman palaces, ancient bazaars — an incomparable cultural destination.

Updated: March 2026 · Open-Meteo · 10 years · 12 months compared · 41.01°N 28.95°E
JulyBest month
84°FOptimal temperature
12%Rainy days

When to visit Istanbul?

🌞 Best time overall
July
🌡️ Optimal temperature
70°F–84°F in July
🌧 Least rain
12% rainy days in July
🌧 Wettest month
January (43%)
📅 Best score
9.3/10

Best time by type of trip

🕌Culture & MosquesApril-May or September — Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi without the heat.
🛒Grand Bazaar & BosphorusMay or September — shopping, Bosphorus cruise, Kadıköy markets.
🌷Tulip FestivalApril — millions of tulips in Istanbul's parks.
👨‍👩‍👧FamilyJune or September — cruises, Miniaturk, aquarium.
🍽️Food & DiningYear-round — meze, kebabs, baklava, and a world-class restaurant scene.

Istanbul weather month by month

MonthMin °FMax °FRainy days (%)Precip. in/dSun h/dScore
🌦️ January39°F50°F43%0.1in6.4h4.1/10
🌦️ February41°F50°F35%0.1in8.0h4.6/10
⛅ March43°F55°F35%0.1in9.4h5.8/10
⛅ April48°F63°F29%0.1in11.6h7.2/10
🌤️ May55°F70°F30%0.1in12.6h7.8/10
☀️ June66°F79°F21%0.1in13.9h9.0/10
☀️ July70°F84°F12%0.0in13.7h9.3/10
☀️ August72°F86°F8%0.0in12.3h8.9/10
☀️ September66°F79°F23%0.1in11.3h8.5/10
🌤️ October57°F68°F21%0.1in9.4h7.5/10
⛅ November52°F61°F31%0.1in7.8h7.0/10
🌦️ December45°F54°F42%0.1in6.8h4.4/10
Ideal Fair Challenging climate Source: Open-Meteo · 10 years

What to expect each season

🌸 Spring (Mar–May) — Acceptable

Average 17°F, 31% rainy days, 11.2h sunshine/day. Score: 6.9/10.

☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Excellent time

Average 28°F, 14% rainy days, 13.3h sunshine/day. Score: 9.1/10.

🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Good time

Average 21°F, 25% rainy days, 9.5h sunshine/day. Score: 7.7/10.

❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Challenging climate

Average 11°F, 40% rainy days, 7.1h sunshine/day. Score: 4.4/10.

Find a place to stay in Istanbul

Check availability during the recommended period

Tip : April, May offer a good weather/price balance — decent score with fewer crowds.

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Activities and tours in Istanbul

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences. Browse activities on GetYourGuide

Find a flight to Istanbul

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Detailed weather by month

Frequently asked questions

July is ideal with 12% rainy days and 29°F.
January is the wettest month with 43% rainy days.
Yes, July is the best month with an average of 29°F.
In winter, the average score is 4.4/10. Difficult period — prefer the peak season.

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