Istanbul

Turkey

Local time09:59 Sunrise07:16 Sunset18:22 Elevation100 m

Photo: Johannes Hafner · CC BY-SA 3.0

Weather

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

Average high and low for every month, with rainfall below. The current month is highlighted.

Cold (high ≤ 8 °C) Cool Mild Warm Rain (mm)

Warmest month 29° August

Coldest month 3° January

Wettest month 88mm December

Rain per year 641mm

Rainy days per year 80

Averages for 1991–2020 measured at the Florya weather station, 15 km away. Source: World Meteorological Organization climate normals.

Month	High	Low	Rain	Rainy days	Daylight
January	8.8 °C	3.3 °C	74 mm	10.0	9.6 h
February	9.4 °C	3.3 °C	77 mm	10.3	10.7 h
March	12.0 °C	4.9 °C	61 mm	8.6	11.9 h
April	16.7 °C	8.2 °C	47 mm	6.7	13.3 h
May	21.8 °C	13.0 °C	33 mm	4.1	14.5 h
June	26.5 °C	17.5 °C	31 mm	4.3	15.1 h
July	29.1 °C	20.1 °C	19 mm	2.2	14.8 h
August	29.3 °C	20.7 °C	23 mm	3.3	13.8 h
September	25.4 °C	17.0 °C	43 mm	5.1	12.5 h
October	20.4 °C	13.2 °C	75 mm	6.8	11.1 h
November	15.4 °C	8.9 °C	70 mm	7.6	9.9 h
December	10.7 °C	5.3 °C	88 mm	11.0	9.2 h

What to pack

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Day20 °C Night13 °C Rain75 mm

October in Istanbul: mild, with highs of 20 °C and lows of 13 °C. Bring something warm for the evening.

Base layer T-shirt and a long-sleeve shirt

Warm layer Light sweater for the evening

Jacket Light windbreaker

Shoes Closed, water-resistant shoes

Folding umbrella Sunglasses Sunscreen

Based on each month's average weather. Pack your everyday basics too.

Typical souvenirs

Researched in October 2026

Handmade Turkish ceramicsHand-painted ceramics are sold all over the historic centre.

WhereGrand Bazaar and the Sultanahmet and Ortaköy squares

No reliable price data

Sources: istanbul.com · chasingthedonkey.com
SpicesThe Spice Bazaar in Eminönü is the classic place for spices, tea and sweets.

WhereSpice Bazaar, Eminönü

No reliable price data

Sources: istanbul.com · chasingthedonkey.com
Turkish delight (lokum)A traditional Turkish sweet that travels well. It comes in many flavours.

WhereBazaars and confectioners downtown

No reliable price data

Sources: istanbul.com · chasingthedonkey.com
Handmade carpetsCarpets are a classic Turkish purchase. Prices vary widely by piece.

WhereGrand Bazaar

No reliable price data

Sources: istanbul.com · chasingthedonkey.com

We don't recommend specific shops: we tell you what to look for and in what kind of place. Prices change often; use them as a rough guide.

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