Istanbul Weather in the Upcoming Days
Istanbul is famous for being a giant city with a population of over fifteen million people. Apart from being rich with its people and history, Istanbul is also very rich with its climate. Weather in Istanbul and What to Wear in Istanbul are the biggest questions before visiting this magnificent city. Lets dig in and find answers.
What to wear in Istanbul depends mostly on the season. Winters are cold, damp and cloudy, summers are warm and humid, and spring and autumn change from one day to the next, so layers work best. The table below shows what each season is like and what to pack.
| Season | Typical weather | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Spring, March to May | Mild and changeable, with some rain. Average highs of 12 to 22°C (54 to 72°F). | Layers, a light jacket and a small umbrella |
| Summer, June to August | Warm to hot and humid, with little rain. Average highs near 30°C (86°F) in July and August. | Light cotton or linen, a hat and comfortable sandals |
| Autumn, September to November | Warm at first, then cooler and wetter. Average highs fall from 26 to 16°C (79 to 61°F). | Layers, a rain jacket and closed shoes |
| Winter, December to February | Cold, damp and cloudy, with some snow. Average highs of about 10 to 12°C (50 to 54°F). | A warm coat, scarf, gloves and waterproof shoes |
What to wear in Istanbul?
There are many days in the city where you can start the day in Winter and finish it wearing a t-shirt by the Bosphorus having your fish. Seaside parts of the city tend to be more humid and windy. Considering you will spend most of your time in the golden horn area which is completely surrounded by the sea, you should have a well-thought dressing plan. I recommend my guests coming in Autumn and Spring, having multi-layered clothes in case there will be common temperature changes during the day. The best is having a shirt below a sweater and a jacket on top. A thin leather jacket will be enough in the autumn and springtime. But I strongly recommend tick clothing especially if you are visiting Istanbul in the mid-winter time. Also please do not forget summer temperatures in Istanbul can reach 30 Celsius and more degrees so thin linen clothes and shorts are recommended. You can always contact me If you have any further questions on Istanbul weather and how to pack for Istanbul tours. See you soon in a lukewarm Istanbul day, Hasan Gülday.
Weather in Istanbul
I believe the best times to visit Istanbul should be from March to May and also between September and November. Since there is not so much rainfall and the temperatures are manageable. Please keep it in mind temperature in Istanbul is averagely above 30-celsius degrees from June to Septemeber. Small cruise tours and city center attractions tours are manageable but I don’t recommend walking tours. The coldest month is January and there is often snow in the city center. Snow doesn’t become a big nuisance since snow plower trucks make a great job.
What to Do in Istanbul on a Rainy Day
Go under a roof or underground. The Grand Bazaar is covered market, and the Basilica Cistern is an old underground water hall full of columns. A Turkish bath is another good plan, and I wrote about the historic Turkish baths of Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rainiest month in Istanbul?
December is the rainiest, with about 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rain. January has the most rainy days, around 16. July and August are the driest, with only three or four rainy days each.
What is the weather in Istanbul in October?
October is mild. Afternoons reach about 21°C (70°F), nights fall to about 14°C (57°F), and it rains on about nine days. Take a light jacket and a small umbrella.
What shoes should I wear in Istanbul?
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Many streets in the old city are steep and paved with stone, which gets slippery when wet, so in winter waterproof shoes are the better choice.
You can always contact your professional licensed Turkish tour guide to learn more about the weather in Istanbul. There are many more tips and information I can provide for you. See you soon, Hasan Gülday.
