Climate Overview
Istanbul has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry Jul–Aug (30°C, under 22mm rain) and mild, wet winters near 10°C (80–95mm monthly rainfall Nov–Jan). Humidity stays 70–80% all year. Apr–May and Sep–Oct are the sweet spots — mild temperatures, manageable rain, and fewer tour crowds on the Sultanahmet peninsula.
Monthly Climate
Temperature range, rainfall, and humidity by month
Monthly Data
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12.5° | 5.7° | 79mm | 84% |
| Feb | 7.6° | 2.2° | 66mm | 80% |
| Mar | 16.2° | 7.6° | 0mm | 67% |
| Apr | 15.4° | 7.5° | 40mm | 71% |
| May | 22° | 13.2° | 36mm | 64% |
| Jun | 28° | 18° | 1mm | 57% |
| Jul | 32.1° | 21.5° | 1mm | 57% |
| Aug | 29.7° | 21.5° | 4mm | 63% |
| Sep | 25.6° | 18.2° | 28mm | 70% |
| Oct | 19.8° | 13.1° | 144mm | 78% |
| Nov | 18.7° | 12.1° | 52mm | 79% |
| Dec | 12.1° | 6.3° | 71mm | 82% |
When to Visit
Experiences to seek out and peak periods to plan around
Experiences & Highlights
Over three million tulips bloom across Emirgan, Gülhane and Göztepe parks; peak colour falls in the first two weeks with mild 17–20°C highs and ~68mm of April rain, so carry a light shell for morning showers.
IKSV stages classical and chamber concerts at Hagia Irene, the Atatürk Cultural Centre and Sakıp Sabancı Museum across mid-June; warm 27°C days dry out (≈39mm) making open-air evening programmes at Topkapı comfortable.
In 2026 Ramadan runs 19 Feb – 18 Mar; Sultanahmet Square fills with nightly iftar stalls and mahya light messages strung between the Blue Mosque minarets. Cool 11–13°C evenings and 79% humidity, so layer up.
Sea temperatures still warm and highs ease from 26°C to 21°C with just 27–54mm rain; ideal for ferry hops to the Princes' Islands, Çamlıca Hill walks and fish sandwiches at Karaköy before the November rains arrive.
Peak Periods & Travel Advisories
Jul–Aug highs average 30°C with only ~20mm rain and humidity easing to 70%; Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and Basilica Cistern queues stretch 1–2 hours. Pre-book skip-the-line slots and hit sites before 10am.
Rainiest months of the year (Nov 95mm, Jan 81mm, Dec 80mm) with 10–12°C highs and 78–80% humidity; lodoz storms can shut Bosphorus ferries for a day. Lean on covered bazaars, hammams and Asian-side museums.
Bosphorus fireworks and Taksim/Ortaköy crowds push hotel rates 40–70% and add heavy police cordons around Istiklal; book rooftop-view hotels weeks ahead and expect metro and taxi delays past midnight.
Official Resources
Government portals and tourism boards for Istanbul, Turkey