Experience the charm of Istanbul's unique weather, where European and Asian climates collide. The best time to visit is from April to June or September to October, with temperatures ranging between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F). Did you know that Istanbul averages around 60 rainy days per year? Yet, the city's vibrant energy never wanes. For an unforgettable experience, stroll along the historic Istiklal Street during a gentle spring shower or under the moonlight in autumn.
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Istanbul Climate & Weather Averages
What is the weather really like in Istanbul? Over 2015–2024, August was the hottest month with highs around 29°C, January the coolest at about 9°C, and January brought the most rain. The full month-by-month picture is in the table below.
Istanbul enjoys a temperate climate without harsh extremes: summers are pleasant (29°C average highs in August), winters cool but manageable (9°C in January), and rain is a year-round companion that peaks in January. Snow does visit — about 9 days a year — but rarely settles in for long.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Sunshine (h/day) | Wind (km/h) | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9° | 4° | 107 mm | 5.5 | 25 | 5 |
| Feb | 10° | 5° | 76 mm | 6.8 | 25 | 2 |
| Mar | 12° | 6° | 74 mm | 7.8 | 22 | 1 |
| Apr | 16° | 9° | 56 mm | 10.3 | 21 | — |
| May | 21° | 14° | 53 mm | 11.8 | 20 | — |
| Jun | 26° | 19° | 42 mm | 12.9 | 20 | — |
| Jul | 29° | 21° | 22 mm | 13.5 | 24 | — |
| Aug | 29° | 22° | 15 mm | 12.6 | 25 | — |
| Sep | 26° | 19° | 49 mm | 10.9 | 23 | — |
| Oct | 20° | 14° | 54 mm | 8.4 | 21 | — |
| Nov | 16° | 11° | 84 mm | 7 | 23 | — |
| Dec | 11° | 7° | 91 mm | 5.5 | 23 | 1 |
A warming climate: Istanbul's warmest month (August) has warmed from an average high of 27°C in the 1950s to 29°C today — a shift of +2°C over roughly seventy years.
Sunshine is most generous in July, averaging about 13.5 hours a day, and thinnest in January at roughly 5.5 hours. The breeziest stretch of the year comes around August, when daily winds typically peak near 25 km/h.
Best time to visit: May–September offers the most comfortable conditions, with daytime highs around 24°C. Light, breathable layers plus a light waterproof cover most days here. For the coldest spell around January, bring warmer layers.
Istanbul weather — frequently asked questions
What is the rainiest month in Istanbul?
January is on average the wettest month in Istanbul, with about 107 mm of rainfall. The driest month is typically August, at around 15 mm.
Does it snow in Istanbul?
Yes. Istanbul averages about 9 days with snowfall per year, falling mostly between January and March.
How hot does Istanbul get in summer?
August is the hottest month, with daytime highs averaging 29°C — individual days run hotter still. Nights in August typically stay around 22°C.
What is the sunniest month in Istanbul?
July, with roughly 13.5 hours of sunshine a day on average over 2015–2024. The dimmest month is January, at about 5.5 hours.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
Weather-wise, May–September is the sweet spot in Istanbul: average daytime highs around 24°C with less rain than the January peak. Data from 2015–2024.
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive. Averages computed from daily records.