Istanbul Weather Guide

Updated Date : 10 October 2025

Istanbul Weather

Istanbul is located on the seaside, but if you think the temperatures are always high because of the sea, it will be wrong. There are four seasons in Turkey and these seasons are completely different with only minor exceptions. Depending on the time of the year, you can expect to have considerable similarities from region to region in Turkey. When it comes to istanbul weather, here are some recommendations for you.

In Istanbul, there are four seasons. December, January, and February are winter; March, April, and May are months for spring; June, July, and August are summer, and September, October, and November are fall. The average temperatures for seasons are, for winter 6, for spring 11, for summer 22, and fall is 15 Celsius. The average humidity rate is 75 percent. 

When it comes to climate, it changes pretty immediately in Istanbul. in winter generally, it is cold, and in January and February, you may expect snow. In spring, there is generally rain. In summer, generally sunny, but if the humidity is high, there may be sudden rains. In fall, typically windy. 

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Winter 

Winter is the coldest time of Istanbul, with temperatures changing from -10 to 10 degrees Celsius. Generally, there is snow and rain, but it gives travelers a unique chance to enjoy Istanbul weather. To see istanbul under snow. If you have the opportunity to come to Istanbul in winter, don't miss the opportunity because the whole city will give you picturesque views. Another option for the winter is choosing to go to a one-day city escapes from Istanbul. For example, Bursa, a 2-hour bus ride from istanbul, offers one of the best experiences for the skiers. It is also famous for silk, chestnuts, peaches, and iskender Kebap. An experience not to miss.

istanbul Winter

Spring

Springtime in Istanbul offers two unique experiences for the traveler. The first one is the tulip festival. Every year, on the 15th of April, the tulip festival starts and lasts about a month. Millions of tulips decorate the city giving perfect pictures for travelers. Even there is a beautiful park that becomes the center of the attractions, Emirgan Park. The second chance is seeing the Juda's Trees in the Bosporus. This is an endemic tree that is originating from Istanbul. The tree is that rare that Roman Emperors used the color of the tree, which is purple, as their ceremonial color. The weather in Istanbul is pretty much friendly; you will experience different aspects of the climate.

istanbul Spring

Summer

The highest season in tourism in Istanbul is the summer season. With the most elevated Istanbul weather temperatures going up to 35 degrees Celsius, travelers may choose to visit the seashores and sandy beaches of the city aside from the regular visits. Istanbul has a lot of different places for travelers who like to swim. Princes Islands are the most famous location for the locals and travelers in the summertime.

istanbul Summer

Fall

This is the time that the temperatures are still suitable and the places to visit are more silent. This season may be the best season for walking tours. As the tourism season is over after this season, the accommodation and travel industry prices are slightly lower. As there is the chance of unexpected rains, it is always better to bring some raincoats if you like to travel to Istanbul in this season. A good recommendation for the fall would be Sapanca & Masukiye tour. Located not far from Istanbul, this is something that the majority of the travelers are missing. With its beautiful lakes and forests, Sapanca & Masukiye would be an excellent option to relax away from the other travelers with its peace.

istanbul Fall

The final word

When bringing a costume coming to Istanbul, you can get costumes depending on the seasons. A good recommendation for the winter is heavy jackets, hats, and gloves. As the temperatures will be shallow in the winter, anything that may protect you from the cold would work. In the spring, you know about Istanbul weather, as mentioned earlier, there is always a chance for rain. It is better to bring raincoats and umbrellas, but other than that, light jackets would be enough. In the summertime, as it will be hot and humid, you can bring as many t-shirts as possible. If you are sensitive to heat, sun creams would be a good idea. Fall is going to be cold as the temperatures start to go down before the winter. Light coats and raincoats will be helpful. Still, there is the chance of rain that you may keep in mind during the fall.

What are the different types of weather we have in Istanbul?

Istanbul sees all four kinds of weather, i.e., summer, winter, spring, autumn, at different times of the year. 

When does it snow in Istanbul?

It usually snows between December to February in Istanbul because it is the coldest time of the year, and the temperature can fall up to -10C. Istanbul, covered with snow, presents some highly pictorial views.

What to enjoy in winters in Istanbul?

Winters are full of enjoyment opportunities for travelers from experiencing a snowy day to one day escapes from Istanbul everything, even the scenery, is to die for.

When do we have the Tulip festival in Istanbul?

Istanbul celebrates the Tulip festival in the times of spring. The festival spans over a month and starts from the 15th April of every year.

What is there in Istanbul in the summers?

In summers tourists can enjoy places such as the seashores and beaches. Bosphorus Tours are the most popular tourist activity in the summers.

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