Weather of Istanbul: When is the Best Time to Visit?

If you haven't been to Turkey for a summer holiday you should actually be ashamed of yourself. Whether you are interested into culture, sunshine, shopping or having fun, Turkey gives you what you want. The same goes for Istanbul. Turkey is famous for being sizzling hot in the summer months, and some parts of the country can experience uncomfortable cold during winter, so when is the best time to book that trip to Istanbul? Read on and find out.

October to March is rather cold, although that's nothing compared to the east of Turkey. Snow can fall from January to March, but it actually never lasts long. If it does, the children get snow free! How cool is that? But either way, there are times when you sit outside in a T-Shirt in December and the next day the wind totally blows you over. So take along a warm coat, cap and umbrella, ´cause if it does rain in this city, you think the world comes to an end. Temperature: 0ºC to 14ºC.

Spring usually starts in May and attracts the first waves of tourists. Although you won't be able to - let's say - make a little bathing trip to the Prince Islands, you will have all the advantages of the summer - long days, warm nights, sitting outside, having those great views without the likelihood of a surprising rain shower - and without the crazy heat. Temperature: 12ºC to 25ºC.

If it is summer in this city it is best to leave. Combine the traffic, all those people and the heat and you get CHAOS. Please, please don't visit Istanbul in July or August as you will hop from one air conditioner to another, probably getting a cold in the end. If you want to travel to Turkey in summertime, stick to the traditional holiday-cities like Antalya, Side, Kemer etc. where you can retrieve from the heat by jumping in the pool. Leave Istanbul to the few people who didn't had the chance to get away. Temperature: 25ºC to 30ºC.

Fall (September / October) is a splendid time in Istanbul. Being not too hot or too cold it is actually the better summer. But still be prepared for both hot and freezing days, as fall also is the time of surprises. Watch the fisherman on the Galata Bridge, make your boat-trip and join all the cheerful people on the streets, terraces and Cafés. Temperature: 15ºC to 25ºC.

Rainfall in Istanbul can be both short-lived and very ugly, depending on the season. If you're unlucky enough to come into heavy rain, take your time to watch the water floating down the streets, drowning the sidewalks, coastal streets and some basements.

When to book that holiday in Istanbul?

If you want to see the city at its best, book your flights from May to June or September to October. Avoid the summer! The best choice based on price/weather is a trip in early May or late October.