Istanbul month by month

The best time to visit Istanbul

For most travellers, the sweet spot in Istanbul is September · October · May: 25° avg. high, prices close to the yearly average. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.

Climate through the year

Month	Temp	Crowds	Price	Verdict
January	8° / 3°	Low	$	Quiet
February	9° / 3°	Low	$	Quiet
March	12° / 5°	Moderate	$	Fair
April	16° / 8°	Moderate	$$	Ideal
May	21° / 12°	High	$$	Ideal
June	26° / 17°	High	$$	Great
July	29° / 20°	High	$$	Great
August	29° / 20°	High	$$	Fair
September	25° / 17°	High	$$	Ideal
October	20° / 13°	Moderate	$$	Ideal
November	14° / 8°	Low	$	Fair
December	10° / 5°	Moderate	$	Fair

Best months September October May April

The year in Istanbul

Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in Istanbul.

Spring Ideal

Mar–May · highs around 16°C · Tulip season blooms across the city's parks

Mar ·Apr ·May

Summer Great

Jun–Aug · highs around 28°C · Hot, dry, Bosphorus cruises fill up

Jun ·Jul ·Aug

Autumn Ideal

Sep–Nov · highs around 20°C · Cooling down, comfortable and slightly quieter

Sep ·Oct ·Nov

Winter Fair

Dec–Feb · highs around 9°C · Cold and wet, festive New Year's crowds

Dec ·Jan ·Feb

When to go, depending on what you want

Best weather

The months where climate comfort peaks, whatever else is happening.

September ·May

Best value

Still a good trip, at the lowest prices of the year.

January ·February

Fewest crowds

When you get the main sights closest to yourself.

January ·February

Biggest events

When the calendar gives you something the other months do not.

April ·June ·October

Practical basics

Region: Middle East
Local currency: TRY
Hemisphere: Northern (summer in Jun–Aug)
Yearly range: 3° – 29°
Strongest months: September, October, May
Good for: culture · city · food · romance

Events in Istanbul

Apr Tulip Festival — Millions of tulips bloom in Emirgan Park and along the Bosphorus.
Jun Istanbul Music Festival — Classical concerts fill Byzantine and Ottoman venues across the city.
Oct Istanbul Coffee Festival — Roasters and cafés showcase Turkish coffee culture citywide.

Every month in Istanbul

A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.

Istanbul in January 8° · $ Quiet Istanbul in February 9° · $ Quiet Istanbul in March 12° · $ Fair Istanbul in April 16° · $$ Ideal Istanbul in May 21° · $$ Ideal Istanbul in June 26° · $$ Great Istanbul in July 29° · $$ Great Istanbul in August 29° · $$ Fair Istanbul in September 25° · $$ Ideal Istanbul in October 20° · $$ Ideal Istanbul in November 14° · $ Fair Istanbul in December 10° · $ Fair

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Istanbul?

What is the cheapest time to visit Istanbul?

January — This month counts as low season: some of the best deals of the year. Save 57%.

What is the weather like in Istanbul?

Average highs sit around 29°C with lows near 3°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.

Things to do in Istanbul