Weather in Istanbul

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in Istanbul. In this section, you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts to help you plan your time.

The climate of Istanbul, according to the provided data, is characterized by distinct temperature seasons – warm summers and cool winters – yet it is distinguished by a very low level of annual rainfall. This means that when planning a trip to this historic city, you can expect a clear change of four seasons, but with predominantly dry weather throughout the year.

Summer in Istanbul (June-August) delights with warm and mostly sunny weather, with average maximum temperatures in July and August around 28-29°C. During these months, a minimal amount of precipitation falls (1-2 mm), and the number of days with rain is low (4-7 per month), creating excellent conditions for walking. Winter (December-February) brings coolness with average temperatures of 7-10°C. Although the number of days with precipitation increases during this period to 11-14 per month, the actual volume remains extremely low (2-3 mm per month). Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are mild and pleasant transitional seasons with moderate temperatures, also characterized by a very small amount of rainfall.

Thus, the main feature of the weather in Istanbul, based on the provided data, is the very low amount of precipitation throughout the year. Even in months with a higher number of days when precipitation may occur (for example, in winter), their total volume remains insignificant. The summer months, especially August, are the driest both in terms of the number of rainy days (about 4) and volume (about 1 mm). This information regarding the prevalence of dry weather is important for planning your journey to Istanbul.

The temperature regime in Istanbul demonstrates clearly defined seasonality. The annual temperature progression shows a significant range: from cool winter months to hot summers. The coldest months are typically January and February, when the average daily temperature hovers around 7-8°C, and night-time minimums can drop to 5.1°C. Conversely, the peak heat occurs in July and, especially, August. In these summer months, the average temperature reaches 25-26°C, and daytime maximums confidently rise to marks around 28-29°C.

The summer months in Istanbul are a time of real warmth. Starting from June, when the average temperature is about 22.3°C (with maximum values up to 25.8°C), the thermometer steadily climbs. In July, the average temperature rises to 24.8°C, and in August it reaches its peak at 25.6°C, with daytime maximums reaching 28.4°C and 28.8°C respectively. Nights also remain very warm, with minimum values in July and August around 21.3°C and 22.4°C. Such weather encourages long walks and exploring the city, although it can be quite sultry during the hottest hours of the day.

Winter in Istanbul, covering the period from December to February, is characterized by cool but generally mild weather. Average monthly temperatures during this period stay in the range of 7.4°C in January to 9.9°C in December. Night-time temperatures in winter can drop to 5.1°C (in January and February), while daytime maximums usually fluctuate from 9.6°C in January to 12.0°C in December. Frosts are not a typical phenomenon. Temperature fluctuations between daytime maximums and night-time minimums throughout the year are moderate, averaging from 4.2°C (in December) to 7.1°C (in May, June, and July), which ensures relatively stable temperature conditions throughout the day.

The character of precipitation in Istanbul is distinguished by a very low total amount throughout the year, while a clear seasonality is observed in the frequency of its occurrence. The city does not have a pronounced season of torrential rains; rather, one can speak of periods with more frequent but insignificant precipitation, alternating with drier months. Even in months with the highest number of "wet" days, the actual volume of fallen moisture remains minimal.

Precipitation is most frequently observed in the winter period and early spring. Thus, January leads in the number of days with precipitation (on average 14 days), followed by March and December (13 days each). However, in terms of total volume, the "wettest" months are January, November, and December, but even during these periods, only about 3 mm of precipitation falls. This indicates that precipitation at this time of year in Istanbul typically takes the form of light drizzle or short-lived rains.

The summer months, conversely, are the driest. August stands out with the absolute minimum in terms of precipitation amount and frequency: on average only 4 days with precipitation and about 1 mm of moisture for the entire month. May and June are also characterized by very low rainfall levels (about 1 mm) and a small number of rainy days (8 and 7 days respectively). Thus, the summer period in Istanbul offers guests predominantly dry weather.

When planning a trip to Istanbul, it is important to consider its distinct change of seasons and the certain windiness characteristic of a seaside city, so that your wardrobe matches the weather. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable shoes for long walks along the city's hilly streets are an absolute necessity. The principle of layering in clothing will also be your best friend, allowing you to adapt to temperature changes and protecting you from the wind, especially in the transitional seasons – spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these periods, it is worth taking a light windbreaker, a sweater or cardigan, as well as jeans or comfortable trousers. Although the total amount of precipitation in Istanbul is small (1-3 mm per month), a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will be useful, as the number of days with possible precipitation can reach 8-13 per month in these seasons.

In summer (June-August), warm and sometimes hot weather sets in Istanbul, with average maximum temperatures up to 28-29°C and minimal precipitation. Your suitcase should be filled with light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics: cotton t-shirts, linen shirts, shorts, skirts, and sundresses. Do not forget sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and headwear for protection against the active sun. Despite the daytime heat, evenings, especially by the Bosphorus, can be a bit cooler and breezier, so a light top, stole, or thin cardigan may come in handy.

The winter months (December-February) in Istanbul are quite cool, with average temperatures around 7-10°C and night-time minimums around 5°C. for a comfortable stay, you will need warm items: sweaters, fleece tops, perhaps thermal underwear for those particularly sensitive to the cold, and insulated trousers. An important element of the wardrobe will be a warm jacket, preferably windproof and water-repellent, as this period sees the highest number of days with precipitation (11-14 days per month), albeit not abundant (2-3 mm). Do not forget a hat, scarf, and gloves, as well as warm socks and comfortable, preferably waterproof shoes, to explore the city without discomfort.