Planning a Trip to Istanbul? Here's the Weather
See what weather to expect in Istanbul, Turkey and plan your trip with confidence. Monthly averages from real historical weather data.
Istanbul straddles two continents and two seas, and its climate reflects that in-between identity — mild but moody, with rain spread across much of the year and genuine warmth only arriving by late spring. Highs peak near 29°C in the heart of summer, while January days hover around 9°C, cool enough to make the city's countless historic cafés feel like a genuine refuge rather than a tourist cliché. It's a city that rewards planning: the difference between a soggy and a sun-drenched visit is largely a matter of timing.
Written by Leo Vicente, founder & engineer who loves to travel
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19°C
Avg. high
12°C
Avg. low
747mm
Yearly rainfall
5
Best months
Travel Window Score · 8.5/10
Istanbul's best stretch runs August–September — around 5 rain days a month and daytime highs near 27°C, on a 10-year historical average (climatology tier).
Climatology · 10-YR AVG · How we forecast →
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Start PlanningMonthly Temperature & Rainfall
9°
4°
106mm
Jan
10°
4°
73mm
Feb
13°
6°
74mm
Mar
17°
8°
53mm
Apr
21°
13°
60mm
May
27°
18°
48mm
Jun
29°
21°
30mm
Jul
29°
21°
20mm
Aug
25°
18°
44mm
Sep
20°
13°
58mm
Oct
16°
10°
85mm
Nov
12°
6°
96mm
Dec
What Weather to Expect in Istanbul
Istanbul typically has the most favorable weather for travel during May, June, July, August, September, with comfortable temperatures and relatively low rainfall — ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Best Time to Visit Istanbul
May through September offer a drier stretch with noticeably lower rainfall than the rest of the year, making it far easier to spend long hours outdoors exploring the city's parks, waterfront, and open-air dining scene. July and August sit at the warm, dry peak — ideal for rooftop bars and evening meals that spill onto terraces well after dark.
The best time to visit Istanbul is May through September, when daytime highs average around 26°C and rainfall stays low at roughly 40mm per month. These months offer the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and exploring the city at a relaxed pace. August is typically the driest of these months, with only around 20mm of precipitation.
Istanbul Weather by Season
Spring
Spring (March–May) brings mild weather to Istanbul, with highs averaging 17°C and lows around 9°C. The season is moderately wet, accumulating around 187mm total with roughly 10 rainy days per month.
Summer
Summer (June–August) brings warm weather to Istanbul, with highs averaging 28°C and lows around 20°C. The season is relatively dry, accumulating around 98mm total with roughly 5 rainy days per month.
Autumn
Autumn (September–November) brings mild weather to Istanbul, with highs averaging 20°C and lows around 14°C. The season is moderately wet, accumulating around 187mm total with roughly 8 rainy days per month.
Winter
Winter (December–February) brings cool weather to Istanbul, with highs averaging 10°C and lows around 5°C. The season is moderately wet, accumulating around 275mm total with roughly 12 rainy days per month.
Things to do in Istanbul
Handpicked activities you can book now, matched to typical weather in Istanbul.
Itineraries Featuring Istanbul
Climate data is a 10-year historical average (2016–2025), averaged across a wide area rather than a single weather station. Temperatures in Celsius. How we forecast →