Travelers nowadays are keen to see Turkey's rich past fusion with Istanbul's contemporary bustle since it is known as the city where East meets West.

The city is still a thriving melting pot of several distinct nations, cultures, and beliefs, and it is best to tour it with a local guide.

When is the Best Time to Visit Istanbul?

"What is the best time to visit Istanbul?" is the primary concern in our thoughts as we continue to organize our next vacation to Turkey. Istanbul is one of the most visited cities in the world; thus, the activities and lodging options change dramatically throughout the year. Additionally, it's critical to take accessibility, safety, and crowd management into account while arranging a trip.

You may be sure it will be a vacation of a lifetime no matter when the time of year you manage to visit Istanbul. In buzzing Istanbul, there is seldom ever a dull moment. The city's historic sights may be enjoyed all year round, although its atmosphere changes significantly with the seasons, from rainy and gloomy winters to bright and humid summers. In line with this, lodging costs also alter.

Quick Tips on the Best Time To Visit Istanbul 

• Best time for nice weather: is April to October.
• Best time for shopping: June, July, and August, Discounts are possible between mid-December and early January.
• Best time for pubs and clubs: is May to September.
• Best times for visiting the attractions: are April, May, and from mid-September to the end of October. 
• Best time for saving money: is December to February.
  
  

High Season: June- August

Even though many locals leave Istanbul for vacation or family homes elsewhere in Turkey, the summer is Istanbul's busiest travel season. As a result, hotel prices might be high, and there may be long queues at popular sites. Although the weather is hot and muggy, the sun is gorgeously reflecting off the Bosphorus, and there is a wealth of outdoor seating at cafés, restaurants, and bars, creating a vibrant urban atmosphere. Other events like concerts and festivals are also held outside.

If you like crowds, a spirited atmosphere and nightlife, it is the best time to visit Istanbul.

Shoulder Season: March-May and September-November

Istanbul is a city that encourages walking exploration and the lengthy, primarily lovely spring and fall seasons are great for taking in the sights and exploring the districts. While there are fewer tourists, urban life thrives locally, with a full calendar of arts and cultural events.

Low Season: December- February

Winter in Istanbul isn't the most enticing season to travel there, but it does give the city a distinct romantically melancholic atmosphere. The good news is that lodging won't be hard to come by or prohibitively costly, and there will be no shortage of indoor activities thanks to Istanbul's numerous museums, mosques, and other attractions.

If you want to enjoy the silence and snowy streets and visit attractions without waiting in lines, it is the best time to visit Istanbul.

Winter Season in Istanbul, Turkey

January and February are the coldest times, not so popular and the best time to visit Turkey. Since these are often Turkey's coldest months, there will be fewer people to contend with, but you'd better pack warmly! Remember that visiting Istanbul on foot is the best method to learn more about the city. Bring your finest walking shoes because Istanbul is a hilly city with winding cobblestone streets.

Turkish winters, which generally range from 28 °F to 50 °F (-2 °C to 10 °C), are gloomy and wet. Although snow showers are uncommon, you could stroll in this winter wonderland if lucky.

December

Istanbul is quiet in December, so the only good time to travel there is if you want to spend much time inside. Visitors are welcomed in the nighttime by the hot grill of an ocakbaş, a characteristic kind of restaurant providing substantial portions of grilled meats. Wintertime is also best to visit Istanbul's hot hammam or Turkish bath.

Istanbul Weather in December

The beginning of winter has arrived, with daytime temperatures averaging 10°C. With only around 3 hours of sunshine each day, August is the wettest month. Although there may occasionally be snow and chilly winds, there won't be as much as in surrounding mountainous areas. Average nighttime temperatures plummet to about a few degrees above freezing, and morning fog can be troublesome and interfere with air and marine transport. The sun sets much before 5:00 p.m.

December Events in Istanbul

• The long-running, week-long Istanbul International Short Film Festival (variable, mid-December) features screenings of over 200 films from Turkey and other countries.
• International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival (variable, late December) - The most significant event of its kind in the nation brings together foodies, 2,000 chefs from more than 25 nations, and other industry professionals for three days. 
• New Year's Eve (the 31st of December) is widely observed in Istanbul, especially among younger, more westernized populations. Families typically get together for a large supper, gift-exchanging, and fireworks viewing at popular locations. 
  

January

There is always enough hot tea available to warm you up, even though the beginning of the year in Istanbul is often quiet and chilly, and there is a potential for snow. Watch out for salep, a hot, creamy beverage served mainly in the winter with a cinnamon topping.

Istanbul is not the most incredible destination in January because it might be chilly and wet. Even though many people are uninformed of it, it does become rather cold. But the best time to visit Istanbul is if you enjoy cold and snowy weather and take time without fighting crowds.

Istanbul Weather January

January competes with February as the coldest month of the year. About four days may see snowfall, but nothing that would interfere with travel arrangements. In Istanbul, snow may fall in certain areas and not in others. Despite having an average daily high of 8°C, the nighttime temperature only rises by 3–4°C. After December, this month has the second-highest average rainfall, with rain falling on around 14 days with the sun setting before 5 o'clock.

January Events in Istanbul

• The 1st of January - Quiet, contemplative day when many residents stay home, likely following a wild night out or visiting friends. Public transportation is less available due to the holiday, although most tourist attractions are open.
• For the Orthodox Epiphany on the 6th of January, if you have a chance to be in Istanbul, you may witness brave Greek men wading into the freezing Golden Horn to find a cross that has been thrown from the Galata bridge.
• The Aegean hamlet of Selcuk hosts one of Turkey's most unusual festivities every third weekend of the month: 3 days of camel wrestling at a local open-air amphitheater.
  
  

February

Although the Bosphorus winds are still chilly, the Meyhanes (taverns) are warm, and their tables are still piled high with the fresh fish that the winter season has provided. When visiting Istanbul in February, you may expect to pay less for lodging, lower airfares, and less waiting in line at the city's top tourist sites. If you are planning a trip on a budget, the best time to visit Istanbul.

Positively, the fewer visitors at this time allow you to see all the fantastic museums and landmarks without encountering too many crowds. As you go further East and interior, snow is regularly experienced.

Famous places like Cappadocia are just as beautiful to visit in the winter as in the summer.

It offers a distinct environment with snow-capped chimneys and plenty of opportunity for fantastic panorama shots due to the substantially smaller population.

Consider traveling even farther north to the little ski village of Kartalkaya in the Koroglu Mountains if skiing is your chosen activity.

Istanbul Weather February

Winter continues with chilly, rainy conditions and might be very windy close to the ocean. Before midday, fog may cause some planes and ferries to be delayed, and snowfall may cover the streets for a few days. The average temperature is similar to January's. Consider going to indoor sites like museums, galleries, mosques, and the Grand Bazaar when there are often fewer than 4 hours of sunshine each day.

February Events in Istanbul

No events are planned during February.

Spring Season in Istanbul, Turkey

In Turkey, springtime is characterized by wind and rain and is often colder as we go from March to April. Approaching May, the weather gradually improves and becomes warmer. While the weather in Turkey might be a little uncertain in March, you can anticipate pleasant and sporadic wet days, chilly evenings in April, and warm days and nights with more sun than rain in May.

The weather will be warmer, and the prices will be more reasonable in the spring because Istanbul is less congested than in summer. The temperature ranges from 11 °C to 20 °C, or 51 °F to 68 °F.

March

Things are beginning to wake up in Istanbul in March, with sunnier days and lively evenings as the Newroz festival celebrates the arrival of spring and the Persian (and Kurdish) new year.

This time of year, especially on the southern coasts, the weather is improving, which will be the best time to visit Istanbul for hikers and cyclists. Dolphin sightings are likely as they go northwest toward the Black Sea.

Istanbul Weather March

The highly variable month that locals still refer to as "winter." From 8°C in February to 11°C in March, the average daytime temperature increases slightly, while there will be about 13 days of rain. March 1987 had the most snowfall ever observed in Istanbul.

March events in Istanbul

• Sonar Istanbul (variable, early March) is one of several worldwide music festivals that include the hottest and greatest up-and-coming bands and DJs, with the majority falling under the category of "electronic." two days.
• Short Film Festival in Akbank - Ten-day competitions and screenings in various categories, such as "Perspective" and "Experiences." Additionally, there will be interviews, seminars, and debates. Entry to all events is free. Most movies are in Turkish; however, some have subtitles in English.
• Istanbul International Dance Festival (variable, late March to early April) - Numerous international performances and master seminars and workshops in 40 different dance forms.
  
  

April

People start to venture outside as the fair weather and tulip-filled parks across the city begin to blossom. April is the best time to visit Istanbul for movies fans as the yearly film festival also pulls people into theaters.

Istanbul Weather April

Significant improvement from the previous month's average temperature of 12°C just before sunset to 16°C. The most fantastic time to go for the year thus far is during the city-wide tulip festival, when there is a substantial decrease in average rainfall from earlier months and when there are fewer travelers and accommodation prices significantly cheaper than those in June, July, and August. By the end of the month, the days are visibly longer, and the sun is sinking at about 8 p.m.

April events in Istanbul

• Istanbul Film Festival (variable, early-mid April) - For two weeks, the thriving Turkish film industry presents both domestic and foreign films at various theaters, frequently with English subtitles, favored by movie enthusiasts hoping to meet prominent performers.
• Istanbul Lale Festival, which lasts the entire month of April, is an international tulip festival. The dazzling display of the national flower From late March, millions of bulbs from more than 100 kinds planted across the city begin to blossom. Very picturesque and especially practical in the ancient city of Sultanahmet Square and Gülhane Park. There are several live performances of traditional music and exhibits all across Istanbul.
• The Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey is Turkey's equivalent of the Tour de France (changeable, mid-April). Over a week was spent peddling across different city areas and the vicinity.
• The 23rd is National Sovereignty and Children's Day, which commemorates the 1920 election of Turkey's first modern parliament. The public holiday is marked with parades, performances by kids singing and dancing in support of their country, and the placement of wreaths at Atatürk monuments.
  
  

May

Istanbul is best visited in May when dining and drinking fully flow outside. The weather is warm and bright but not yet oppressively hot. So, the best time to visit Istanbul and enjoy the nice weather.

Istanbul Weather May

The average daily temperature rises to a comfortable 20°C but drops to a refreshing 12°C at night. Although there may be a few spots of rain and unexpected weather swings, now is still a fantastic time to travel because summer looks right around the horizon.

May events in Istanbul

• The 1st of January is Labor and Solidarity Day, which is widely observed and is a local official holiday. Usually, simply a peaceful period spent with loved ones.
• Hidrellez Festival is a customary occasion that features Gypsy music and old-fashioned customs to mark the arrival of spring. Current days, celebrated more in the rural than in the cities.
• Ataturk, Youth, and Sports Day (19th) - A public holiday with plenty of athletic activities and parades honoring a significant day associated with freedom. Atatürk, the father of modern Turkey, is also honored on this day.
• During the Open Door Festival (variable, late May), the Ortaköy Mosque and Misir Apartment are two of Istanbul's most beautiful and historically significant structures that may be viewed inside.
• Ancient Peninsula's 29th annual Fatih Fish Festival honors the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. In many areas of the ancient city, fish is cooked and consumed often.
• Freshtival (variable, in late May, another sizable music event with the hottest DJs and newest artists, is held in a park in the Maçka neighborhood.
  
  

Summer Season in Istanbul, Turkey

Since schools leave in the middle of June, local tourism increases and subsides when classes resume. The same is true for foreign tourists. Since most colleges and universities finish their semesters in June and begin again in September, you see an increase in tourism and costs, lines, and congestion. Additionally, you may anticipate a rise in pricing around Turkish festivals, particularly during the fasting month of Ramadan. The summer heat is perfect for days at the beach, but it could be better for exploring towns on foot. Plan your days and get an early start to avoid sitting in queues for 30 to 60 minutes during the warmest times of the day.

June

On weekends, numerous citizens visit the Princes Islands, the Belgrad Forest, and parks and picnic spaces across the city.

Regarding crowds of tourists, June is an odd month in Istanbul. Istanbul's streets are still comparatively empty, even though it is evident that the country's tourist season is heating up. 

Most schools will still be in session, and the central European countries' summer break will start for a few weeks late this month.

Even so, prices for hotels and flights are already rising in June. If you don't like crowded streets, It is the best time to visit Istanbul in Summer.

Istanbul Weather June

The beginning of summer sees mild nighttime lows of 17°C and average daily highs of 26°C, while some days might still be much hotter. There are now just six days a month when it rains on average. Beginning of the busiest travel period, but not as crowded, hot, or humid as July and August.

June events in Istanbul

• Istanbul Music Festival (variable, June and July): For more than 45 years, this festival has included traditional music with operas, ballets, choirs, and orchestras from all over the world. Incredibly prominent, with activities staged in various old locations rarely opened elsewhere.
• The Chill-Out Festival in Istanbul (variable, mid-June) for those who can distinguish between electronic and trance music is held for two days in Bodrum.
• Istanbul Shopping Fest (variable, June/July/August) - 40 days and nights of sales at numerous marketplaces, including the Grand Bazaar and malls in the suburbs. There are also shows and other attractions to draw customers.
• International Istanbul Opera Festival (variable, from late June to early July): This event takes place in some of the best locations in the city but is rarely accessible to the general public. For around two weeks, performers come together from all over the world.
• Istanbul Jazz/Caz Festival (variable; often in late June or early July) - a wide variety of music, including rock and blues. She was held for three weeks, frequently with free admission to public parks.
  
  

July

In Istanbul and the rest of Europe, the peak season starts in early July and lasts through the end of August. July may not be the best time to visit Istanbul for some people, as they leave the city when the weather becomes hotter and visitors flood in. The hot spots are rooftop pubs and cafés along the Bosphorus, where music events are still going strong.

Due to the high season for cruise ships, beach resorts and historic locations are a little busier. When visiting any historical locations, be aware of the heat.

Given the lack of shade and the amount of walking involved, it is advised to visit these locations early in the morning.

Cappadocia is a little more tranquil because so many people flock to the coast during the summer.

Take a spectacular balloon ride over the fairy chimneys or hike across the valleys that give on a wonderful pinkish hue.

Istanbul Weather July

Equals the highest average daytime/nighttime temperatures of the year (28°C/17°C) in August. Although this may not seem particularly warm to some, there are frequent highs of approximately 35°C, and the humidity, traffic, and crowds may occasionally make things uncomfortable. As predicted, there has been very little rain, as measured by the lowest monthly average. Find a lovely café along the water if you want to escape the heat and humidity.

July events in Istanbul

• 15th - Democracy and National Unity Day - A public holiday honoring a failed coup attempt that occurred as recently as 2016.
• One Love Festival (variable, late July) - One of several worldwide events that host renowned DJs and alternative rock acts.
• Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim (26th) - While one of the busiest shipping channels in the world is temporarily blocked, over 2,000 athletes from over 50 countries swim across the strait connecting Asia and Europe.
  
  

August

The beginning of the month is hectic. If you decide to visit Istanbul in August, we strongly advise all visitors to make cautious travel arrangements. To visit well-known tourist locations, you must make reservations in advance.

It is the time of year when most travelers go for the coast, leaving towns and hiking trails generally deserted, resulting in reduced hotel rates.

Taking a boat journey is the simplest and least expensive way to escape Istanbul's oppressive heat and humidity.

Istanbul Weather August

It has almost the same average daytime and nighttime temperatures as July and is the busiest month of the year for tourism. There won't be much relief from any winds, and expect humidity to drench your clothes. Still quite dry, with only a few spots of rain every five days or so each month.

August events in Istanbul

• Victory Day/Armed Forces Day/Zafer Bayrami (30th) - A public holiday honoring the defeat of Greek soldiers that had invaded Turkey during the 1922 War of Independence. Military parades, speeches, and ceremonies mark this festive occasion.
  
  

Fall Season in Istanbul, Turkey

Between September and November, Turkey experiences lovely weather. The season is the best time to visit Istanbul because the weather is comfortable, not too humid, and without the crowds, every city and tourist attraction is more pleasurable. Prices are more reasonable, and tourists may experience key must-see locations without waiting in lengthy lines or having people block their view because it's not peak travel season (and because most Turkish holidays are during the first half of the year).

In Turkey, fall is characterized by pleasant evenings and mild days with less rain than spring. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 12.7°C (68°F to 55°F).

September

Istanbul's cultural calendar also starts to fill up anew around the beginning of the school year, particularly in the years that alternate with the Istanbul Biennial. Almost all of the city's art galleries, museums, and organizations use the chance to debut their new exhibitions and activities.

September is a great month to visit Istanbul because the busiest season is finished. Even though September is becoming more popular for tourism, it is still a relatively tranquil month with pleasant weather.

However, the beginning of September may be rather crowded, considering that peak season is changing due to the pleasant weather.

Istanbul Weather September

Average daytime and nighttime temperatures fell slightly to 25°C and 17°C, respectively (roughly the same as in June), but temperatures will drastically drop by the end of the month. Even though it may still rain sometimes, this is the best to visit Istanbul because of the decrease in crowds of tourists.

September events in Istanbul

• International Istanbul Biennial is a significant visual arts event that features paintings, workshops, films, conferences, and guided tours. It takes place every two years, from mid-September to mid-November, and is free.
• Istanbul today (variable, mid-September) - Contemporary artists and enthusiasts come together for four days of exhibitions, events, and workshops.
• Mid-September, Istanbul Coffee Festival (variable) - coffee enthusiasts rejoice. Hipster barista courses are held for four days, while vendors offer brands worldwide. And performances.
• The eclectic, diverse, and intriguing Istanbul Independent Film Festival (variable, mid-September). It features the best in Turkish and worldwide cinema for ten days and is affiliated with the renowned Sundance Film Festival, same in Izmir and Ankara.
• Istanbul Design Biennial is held every two years for several weeks (changeable from late September to early November).
  
  

October

With chilly nights and typically good weather, October is the penultimate month of the year for most outdoor activities.

Turkey is often less crowded in October, and the weather is still great near the shore. This time of the year is also the best time to visit Istanbul, thanks to the lovely weather.

In countries like Germany or the Netherlands, Istanbul may experience a significant inflow over the fall break.

Istanbul Weather October

Significant dip to a nightly temperature of 12°C and an average daytime temperature of 19°C as autumn/fall has come. Though calm, the weather is still comfortable for travel, although days can be wet. October has the most annual average monthly rainfall since January, most of it occurring in the second half of the month.

October events in Istanbul

• Filmekimi (variable, early October) - Another great festival that lasts ten days and features world and local film premieres. And in Izmir.
• Akbank Jazz Festival (variable, starting in mid- or late-October), a variety of regional and international artists who emphasize classic jazz. There will be many performances, seminars, and jam sessions for ten days at various interesting and historic locations. In Ankara and Izmir as well.
• The 29th is Republic Day/Cumhuriyet Bayrami, which commemorates the declaration of Turkey's independence in 1923. Time for somber, patriotic celebrations, when families participate in parades, fireworks displays, and other activities on the actual holiday and the night before.
  
  

November

While there are still some pleasant days in Istanbul in November, you may be relieved to see the ubiquitous şemsiye (umbrella) vendors who appear suddenly out of nowhere at the first sign of rain.

If you visit Istanbul in November, you will do it when fewer tourists are there. One of the slowest months for travel is November.

Istanbul Weather November

The final month before April, when some days can be beautiful, especially during the early half, but plan on 13 days of rain. The average daily temperature is a pleasant 14°C, but as night falls, it drops to a cold 9°C. There could only be an average of 5 hours of sunshine left by the end of the month.

November events in Istanbul

• Istanbul Art Fair (variable, early November) - There are many paintings across the city, particularly in Galata's bohemian neighborhoods, that are both modern and old, western and traditional. Nine days.
• The International Istanbul Book Fair (variable, from late October to early November) is a nine-day national literary extravaganza attended by authors, readers, and industry professionals. Mostly in Turkish
• Istanbul Intercontinental Marathon, which spans two continents from the Asian coast to the European side of the Bosphorus (variable; often early November), is the only marathon in the world to do so.
• Founder of the Republic Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's death anniversary is commemorated on the 10th of October with Atatürk Remembrance Day, including speech, exhibits, performances, and a variety of other events.
• Istanbul International Experimental Film Festival - Five days of screenings, contests, and prizes for the most recent experimental films (variable, mid-November).
• A two-day alternative music event that is a part of a worldwide series of festivals is called Mix Festival (variable, mid-November).
• The five-day Sustainable Living Film Festival will feature films, panel discussions, and workshops addressing environmental issues. The exact date is subject to change—one of many similar events held worldwide.
• Istanbul Theater Festival (variable; often starts in November) - For two weeks, this festival presents classic and avant-garde plays and various live acts, mainly in Turkish
  
  

Bottom Line

We hope this guest post gave you a better idea of the best time to visit Istanbul. Traveling to Istanbul in every season of the year has its unique advantages. 

Remember that whenever you travel to Istanbul, prepare yourself for the city's weather, prices and unique events with the information we have provided in this post.