Find out about the weather in Istanbul by month. When is the best time to go for excursions and beach holidays? Water and air temperature, weather conditions at different times of the year. Reviews of tourists.
When is the best time to go to Istanbul
Fans of excursion tourism and shopping come to Istanbul all year round. The city is especially beautiful in spring, when tulips bloom on the streets and in parks.
Some people manage to combine sightseeing with a beach holiday in Istanbul. When is the best time to go? The swimming season starts at the end of May and lasts until the beginning of October. Summer months are hot. At the height of the day, the thermometer rises to +30 ... + 35 ° С. For a swim, head to the Princes' Islands.
In October, the weather is still warm, but in November, a trip to Istanbul is not much fun. Late autumn in Turkey is cool, windy and damp.
Istanbul Monthly Weather
January
Water and air temperature. In the middle of winter, the air temperature in Istanbul is +8 ... + 9 ° С. Sea water is cold + 12 ° С.
Weather. There are only 9 sunny days in January. The rest of the time the sky was covered with dense clouds. The amount of precipitation is 90 mm. It rains for half a month, but it does not last long.
Reviews of tourists... There is no low season in Istanbul. In the reviews, tourists note the bonuses of a winter holiday in Turkey. After the New Year holidays, prices for tours fall, hotels offer big discounts, and there are no crowds of tourists on the streets. Visit the famous mosques, palaces and museums, and in between excursions, have a glass of hot Turkish coffee!
February
Water and air temperature. In February, the air temperature is +6 ... + 8 ° С. On some days, the thermometer rises to +10 ... + 14 ° С. Sea water temperature +11 ... + 12 ° С.
Weather. Although at the end of winter the number of days with precipitation drops to 12, Istanbul is damp and cloudy. From the side of the sea, piercing sea winds blow. Don't forget to bring a windproof jacket, a nice sweater, gloves, and a warm hat!
Reviews of tourists. There are plenty of people wishing to come to Istanbul in February! Cool weather does not interfere in any way with excursions, shopping, visiting museums and choosing souvenirs at colorful Turkish bazaars.
The Marco Polo experience. We went to Istanbul in February - it was mostly cold and chilly, but when the sun came out it got hot. It's cool in museums too, dress warmly.
March
Water and air temperature. There is pleasant spring weather in Istanbul in March. It is getting warmer: up to +12 ... + 13 ° С during the day and +8 ... + 9 ° С at night. The sea water temperature does not change + 12 ° С.
Weather. There are many sunny days in early spring. Daylight hours increase to 12.5 hours. There are only 3-4 days with precipitation in a month, and humidity reaches 75%.
Reviews of tourists. March is a month when it is better to go to Istanbul for excursions and walks. Tourists like to get acquainted with historical sights, relax in parks and spend time in Turkish cafes.
April
Water and air temperature. In mid-spring, the air temperature rises to +16 ... + 17 ° С. The sea is still cold + 13 ° С.
Weather. In April, the number of sunny days rises to 16. Istanbul is very beautiful. Flowers bloom, birds sing, tree crowns turn green with might and main. There is a lot of precipitation - 60 mm, but the rains do not spoil the spring mood.
Reviews of tourists. In calm weather, it is pleasant to go on a small cruise along the Bosphorus and feed the seagulls on the embankments. Tourists are delighted with the Tulip Festival, which is held in the streets and parks of the city in April.
May
Water and air temperature. In May, the air temperature is + 20 ° С, and the sea water temperature is +16 ... + 18 ° С. The bravest ones can swim!
Weather. May weather in Istanbul is good for walks and excursions. There is no longer the winter dampness, but the summer heat has not yet come. There are more sunny days - up to 22 per month. There is very little rain, and the air humidity is moderate - 70%. Perhaps the best month to visit Istanbul!
Reviews of tourists. The high season in Istanbul starts at the end of the month. All hotels are open, restaurants, cafes, bars, attractions and entertainment centers are operating. Prices for tours to Istanbul in May are high. You won't be able to save! Tourists are happy to take part in the colorful Spring Festival, which the Turks hold on May 5-6.
June
Water and air temperature. When the weather is really hot in the seaside resorts of Turkey, no one suffers from overheating in Istanbul. Air temperature +25 ... + 27 ° С. Sea water is moderately warm +19 ... + 21 ° С.
Weather. Daylight hours increase to 15 hours. The sun shines brightly for almost the entire month. There is little rainfall - only 22 mm per month.
Reviews of tourists. June is the best time to fly to Istanbul with children. At the beginning of summer, the city is not hot, there is a lot of greenery and fresh air. According to parents' reviews, children are satisfied with visiting the Miniaturk Park, the luxurious Topkapi Palace, the huge Istanbul Aquarium, Legoland, the Toy Museum and boat trips along the Bosphorus.
July
Water and air temperature. At the height of summer, the air temperature in the city is +29 ... + 30 ° С. The sea is comfortable for swimming +21 ... + 23 ° С.
Weather. There are almost no clouds in July. The weather is sunny and hot. The sun bakes from morning to evening, and at the end of the month the air temperature rises to +33 ... + 35 ° С. Although the humidity does not exceed 65%, the streets are stuffy.
Reviews of tourists. Due to the heat in July, Istanbul is not very comfortable. Tourists are advised to spend the daytime in museums, temples, palaces and shopping centers. A good solution is to wait out the heat of the day on the beach or in a cafe on the shores of the Bosphorus.
August
Water and air temperature. The end of summer in Istanbul is hot. In the morning, the thermometer shows +27 ... + 28 ° С, and in the afternoon it rises to +33 ... + 35 ° С. Sea water is very warm + 23 ... + 25 ° С.
Weather. There are only 3 cloudy days in August. It rarely rains. Hot weather is not very suitable for excursions and walks.
Reviews of tourists. Tourists have to spend a lot of time in air-conditioned rooms. In order not to overheat and not get heatstroke, we advise you to go out in the sun before 11:00 and after 16:00.
The Marco Polo experience. Even for us, who are accustomed to the heat, it was unbearably stuffy in Istanbul in August. Walking around the city is difficult because it is hilly. We advise you to spend the hottest time in museums! Take a boat trip - the sea breeze is refreshing.
September
Water and air temperature. In early autumn, the air temperature drops to + 26 ° С during the day and + 22 ° С at night. The sea is warm +22 ... + 23 ° С.
Weather. In September, there are fewer sunny days, and the amount of precipitation increases to 35 mm. Tourists rejoice in the warmth and clear sky, but the autumn weather can also bring unpleasant surprises in the form of prolonged rains.
Reviews of tourists. If you do not know when is the best time to fly to Istanbul with children, choose September. The velvet season in Turkey is mild and pleasant. Go to the Princes' Islands - there are beaches, you can swim.
October
Water and air temperature. Compared to September, Istanbul is getting cooler. The air temperature drops to + 19 ° С during the day and to + 12 ° С at night. Sea water cools down to + 18 ° С. Swimming is cool!
Weather. Mid-autumn in Turkey is rainy and high humidity 80%. Sometimes the weather pleases with warm, windless days. In order not to miscalculate, take warm clothes and a jacket on your trip!
Reviews of tourists. October is the first month of the low season. The flow of tourists is decreasing, and tours are getting cheaper. The time is coming when it is better to go to Istanbul for fans of sightseeing holidays, gastronomic tourism and shopping.
November
Water and air temperature. In November, the temperature during the daytime is + 14 ° С, and at night + 9 ° С. During the day it is comfortable in a sweater and a windbreaker, and in the evenings it is better to wear a jacket! Sea water temperature + 16 ° С - warmer than air.
Weather. In November, daylight hours are reduced to 9.5 hours. There is little sun, it rains in a day or two, and the humidity rises to 80%.
Reviews of tourists. The last month of autumn receives a lot of negative reviews from tourists. They complain about inclement weather in Istanbul, chilly winds and dampness. There are few holidaymakers, so small hotels are closed for a break. Tour prices are the lowest of the year.
December
Water and air temperature. At the beginning of winter, the air temperature does not exceed +11 ... + 12 ° С. The sea water is just as cool.
Weather. In December, Istanbul has rainy weather and piercing winds. There is 80 mm of precipitation per month. The number of sunny days is reduced to 11.
Reviews of tourists. In the last month of the year, the weather in Istanbul is suitable for excursions to historical monuments, visits to museums and exhibition halls, shopping in malls and bazaars. In the second half of the month, the flow of tourists is growing. Tourists rush to Istanbul to celebrate the New Year holidays here.
