The Best Time to Visit Istanbul

By Santorini Dave

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When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is either April-May or mid-September to October-end when the days are longer, drier, and sunnier, but not as hot as in the peak of summer. Temperatures range between 12°C and 25°C and there are a few brief showers occasionally. These months also avoid the large tourist crowds.

Best Time to Visit Istanbul

The best time to visit Istanbul is April, May, and mid-September to the end of October.

  • Best Time for Good Weather: April to October.
  • Best Time for Honeymoons: April, May, and September.
  • Best Time for Nightlife: May to September.
  • Best Time for Saving Money: Avoid the peak months of June, July, and August when hotel rates are at their highest. The cheapest time is the winter, from December to February, but the cold weather is less inviting.
  • Best Time for Sightseeing: During the summer months of June, July, and August, the crowds around the sights in the old city can be overwhelming – and made worse by the hot and sticky weather. So, the optimal time is April, May, and from mid-September to October-end. During April, the entire city is in bloom for the tulip festival (see later).
  • Best Time of the Day for Sightseeing: The most pleasant time to visit Istanbul’s abundant sights during summer is soon after opening, or later in the day, but in winter there are usually no queues or crowds at any time. In summer, however, expect sweltering heat, massive crowds, and long lines at entrance gates. Weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) are usually busier, but most attractions have their own closing days and slightly different operating hours, so always check before visiting.
  • Best Time for a Bosphorus Cruise: During September, the weather is usually warm, the crowds are reduced, and the winter gusts have yet to settle in. May is the next best option and an ideal time to look for the 3 species of dolphins that inhabit the strait. However, cruises along the Bosphorus are worthwhile at any time. Cruises might be canceled in winter because of poor weather; those in the morning will offer the best chance of sunshine.
  • Best Time for Shopping: Istanbul is a popular shopping destination, offering a wide variety of world-famous brands along with high-quality local designs. The city’s local fashion industry is also booming, so seek out non-chain stores for the best prices. Spread over 40 days in June, July, and August, the Istanbul Shopping Fest offers substantial discounts across various malls and markets, although the abundance of tourists at the Grand Bazaar at this time reduces the possibility of too many bargains. Discounts are also possible across the city between mid-December and early January.
  • Best Time for Water Activities: Despite so much of the city facing the Bosphorus Strait and Golden Horn, water-sports are really limited to boat cruises which are especially popular after dark. Strong winds can make sailing, or even traveling a short while by ferry, a little uncomfortable. The water is calmest in the summer (June to August).

Istanbul Travel Seasons

  • High Season (June to early September): At this time, the crowds can be overwhelming, especially in the older parts of the city where the streets are narrow and sights, impressive. All visitors should book accommodations way ahead and expect rates to be far higher than just a week or two before and after this period. These months coincide with summer when the heat and humidity peak and the Turkish school holidays are on (mid-June to mid-September). However, this is a perfect time to enjoy a meal at a seafood restaurant along the Bosphorus or a Turkish coffee at a sidewalk café.
  • Shoulder Season (mid-September to the end of November, April, and May): These periods avoid the Turkish school holidays and the hottest weather, so they’re ideal for visiting Istanbul, especially during the tulip festival in April. It’s still crowded in places during September and October, but the cool and pleasant weather can continue until around mid-November.
  • Low Season (December to March): Expect substantial discounts in hotel rates and significantly reduced crowds, but it will be very cold, especially near the water. Some tourist businesses, e.g. dinner cruises and day tours to regional areas, may stop for a month or more. Hotels get busier and dearer during the Christmas/New Year period (around 20 December to 5 January).

Istanbul Weather by Month

Turkey’s largest city enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters, with changeable months in-between. The weather can vary within the city because of its size, layout across 3 peninsulas, and position along the invisible divide between Europe and Asia.

Temperature by Month (high in Celsius)
When is the best temperature to visit Istanbul?

Rain by Month (mm)
When is the driest time of year to visit Istanbul?

  • Istanbul Weather in January: Rivals February as the coldest month of the year. Snow may fall on about 4 days but nothing to affect travel plans – in fact, it may snow in one area of Istanbul but not another. Average daytime high of 8°C but stays just 3-4 degrees above freezing overnight. Second-highest average rainfall (after December), with some rain falling on about 14 days and the sun setting before 5pm.
  • Istanbul Weather in February: Winter continues with cold and wet weather, and it’s often extremely windy near the water. Fog may affect some flights and ferries, usually before mid-day, and the streets may be lined with snow for a few days. Average temperatures are about the same as January. With less than 4 hours of sunshine on average per day, consider visiting indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, mosques, and the Grand Bazaar (which is mostly undercover).
  • Istanbul Weather in March: Highly changeable month which locals still call ‘winter’. Average daytime temperatures rise a little from 8°C in February to 11°C in March, and it still rains on average for 13 days. In fact, the highest snowfall ever recorded in Istanbul occurred in March 1987.
  • Istanbul Weather in April: Substantial increase on average from the previous month to 16°C and still a cold 12°C soon after sunset. With a noticeable drop in average rainfall from previous months, as well as fewer tourists and far lower hotel rates than June, July, and August, this is the best time to travel for the year so far – especially during the city-wide tulip festival (see below). Days are noticeably longer, with the sun setting at about 8pm by the end of the month.
  • Istanbul Weather in May: Average daily temperature peaks at a pleasant 20°C but stays a coolish 12°C overnight. Expect some brief showers and sudden changes in temperatures, but it’s still a fabulous time to visit as the summer seems to be just around the corner.
  • Istanbul Weather in June: Start of the summer, when average daytime temperatures are 26°C and a mild 17°C overnight, but it can still be significantly hotter on some days. Showers have reduced to an average of 6 days a month. Start of the peak tourist season, but not as busy, hot, and humid as July and August.
  • Istanbul Weather in July: Equals (with August) the highest average daytime/overnight temperatures for the year: 28°C/17°C. While this may not seem hot to some, peaks of about 35°C are not uncommon, and the humidity, traffic, and crowds can become uncomfortable at times. Very little rain, as expected, with the lowest average monthly rainfall. To escape the heat and humidity, find a nice waterside café.
  • Istanbul Weather in August: About the same average temperatures during the day and night as July, and the busiest month of the year for visitor numbers. Expect shirt-soaking humidity and little relief from any winds. Still very dry, with occasional showers on only about 5 days a month.
  • Istanbul Weather in September: Slight drop in average daytime/overnight temperatures to 25°C/17°C (about the same as June), but reduced significantly by the end of the month. While it still may rain on some days, the drop in crowds, especially later in the month, makes this a perfect time to travel.
  • Istanbul Weather in October: Substantial drop to 19°C on average during the day and a coolish 12°C overnight as the autumn/fall has arrived. Still pleasant for visiting, although a little chilly, and days can be rainy; in fact, October receives the highest average monthly rainfall for the year since January, mostly falling during the second half of the month.
  • Istanbul Weather in November: The last month until April when some days can be pleasant, particularly during the first half – although expect about 13 days with rain during the month. A cool 14°C on average during the day but after dark, it plummets to a chilly 9°C. By the end of the month, there may only be 5 hours of sunshine on average.
  • Istanbul Weather in December: Winter now starts in earnest as daytime temperatures average 10°C. Easily the wettest month of the year on average and only about 3 hours of sunshine per day can be expected. Winds can chill the bones and there may be some snow on a few days, but certainly not as much as in nearby mountainous regions. Overnight average temperatures drop sharply to only a few degrees above freezing, while morning fog can be problematic and affect travel by air and sea. By now, the sun sets well before 5pm.

Istanbul Holidays, Events, and Festivals by Month

Dates for all Islamic festivals vary each year according to the lunar calendar (which is about 11 days shorter). These festivals will affect the opening of mosques and probably the ability for tourists to drink at an outdoor bar or even eat during the day at a table outside. Also, timetables for public transport may change and some workers, e.g. drivers for day tours, may be unavailable. On public holidays, all banks and government offices and some businesses will close.

For one month during Ramazan (Ramadan), Muslims, with a few exceptions, are obliged to not eat or drink during daylight hours. Şeker Bayrami (known as Eid al-Fitr elsewhere) celebrates the end of Ramazan for 3 days. It is also called the ‘Sugar Feast/Festival’ because sweets are given, mostly to children, and the first day after Ramadan is a public holiday. The most important festival is Kurban Bayrami (Eid al-Adha), which usually involves slaughtering sheep or goats over 4 days to commemorate the willingness of Abraham/Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to God.

Istanbul Events in January

  • New Year’s Day (1st) – Quiet, reflective time when many locals stay at home, probably after a big night out, or visit friends. Public holiday, so some amenities, e.g. public transport, are more limited, but most tourist sights are open (and busy).

Istanbul Events in February

  • No festivals are organized during this peak winter month.

Istanbul Events in March

  • Sonar Istanbul (changeable, early March) – Part of an international chain of music festivals showcasing the hippest and best up-and-coming groups and DJs – all mostly under the label ‘electronic’. For 2 days.
  • Akbank Short Film Festival (changeable, late March) – Screenings and competitions over 10 days under diverse categories like ‘Perspective’ and ‘Experiences’. Also workshops, discussions, and interviews – and everything is free to enter. Mostly in Turkish but some films have English subtitles.
  • Istanbul International Dance Festival (changeable, late March to early April) – Plenty of performances from across the globe as well as workshops and classes in 40 styles from Cha Cha to belly-dancing.

Istanbul Events in April

  • Istanbul Film Festival (changeable, early-mid April) – For 2 weeks, the flourishing Turkish film industry showcases local movies (often with English subtitles) and international films at various cinemas. Popular among film buffs trying to rub shoulders with famous actors.
  • International Istanbul Tulip Festival (Istanbul Lale Festival) (all of April) – Glorious spectacle of the national flower (which was introduced to the Netherlands by the Ottomans). Literally millions of bulbs from over 100 species planted across the city start blooming from late March. Very photogenic and especially convenient in the old city at Gülhane Park and Sultanahmet Square. Also, plenty of exhibitions and live traditional performances across Istanbul.
  • Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey (changeable, mid-April) – Turkey’s version of the Tour de France. Peddling across various parts of city and the region for over a week.
  • National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (23rd) – Celebrates the first parliament of modern Turkey in 1920. Public holiday with parades, patriotic songs and performances by children, and laying of wreaths at monuments for Turkey’s founder, Atatürk.

Istanbul Events in May

  • Labour and Solidarity Day (1st) – Major celebration across the world and a local public holiday. Usually just a quiet time with family and friends.
  • Hidrellez Festival – Traditional event celebrating the first day of spring with ancient traditions and Gypsy music. Celebrated more these days in the villages than in the cities.
  • Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day (19th) – Public holiday with plenty of sporting events and parades commemorating a special date linked to independence. Also celebrated as the birthday of Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey.
  • Open Door Festival (changeable, late May) – Allows everyone to see inside some of Istanbul’s most architecturally glorious and historically important buildings, such as the Ortaköy Mosque and Misir Apartment.
  • Historical Peninsula Fatih Fish Festival (29th) – Commemorates the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (as Istanbul was once known). Plenty of cooking and eating of fish around parts of the old city.
  • Freshtival (changeable, late May) – Another huge music festival with the latest bands and trendiest DJs. At a park in the district of Maçka.

Istanbul Events in June

  • Istanbul Music Festival (changeable, June and July) – Showcasing opera, choirs, ballets, and orchestras from across the globe, along with traditional music, for over 45 years. Highly prestigious, with events held at various historic venues rarely opened otherwise.
  • Chill-Out Festival Istanbul (changeable, mid-June) – Electronic and trance music for those who can tell the difference. For 2 days. Also in Bodrum in July.
  • Istanbul Shopping Fest (changeable, June/July/August) – 40 days and nights of discounts across various malls in the suburbs and markets, particularly the Grand Bazaar. Also, concerts and other attractions to lure shoppers.
  • International Istanbul Opera Festival (changeable, from late June or early July) – Held in some of the city’s finest venues that are rarely open to the public. Performers from across the world converge for about 2 weeks.
  • Istanbul Jazz/Caz Festival (changeable, often late June to mid-July) – Broad range of music including reggae, rock, and blues. Held over 3 weeks, often in city parks with free entrance.

Istanbul Events in July

  • Democracy and National Unity Day (15th) – Public holiday commemorating an unsuccessful coup attempt as recently as 2016.
  • One Love Festival (changeable, late July) – One of a chain of international festivals featuring alternative rock bands and famous DJs.
  • Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim (26th) – Some 2,000 competitors from over 50 nations swim across the strait between Asia and Europe while one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes is temporarily closed.

Istanbul Events in August

  • Zafer Bayrami/Victory Day/Armed Forces Day (30th) – Public holiday celebrating the victory over invading Greek armies during the 1922 War of Independence. Patriotic time with military parades, speeches, and ceremonies.

Istanbul Events in September

  • International Istanbul Biennial (biennial, mid-September to mid-November) – Big visual arts festival of paintings and films as well as workshops, panels, and guided tours. Held over 2 months during every odd-numbered year. Everything is free.
  • Contemporary Istanbul (changeable, mid-September) – Over 4 days, contemporary artists and aficionados gather for a range of exhibitions, activities, and workshops.
  • Istanbul Coffee Festival (changeable, mid-September) – Coffee lovers rejoice. Four days when stalls sell international brands and workshops are held with hipster baristas. Also, concerts.
  • If Istanbul Independent Film Festival (changeable, mid-September) – Eclectic, varied, and fascinating. Held for 10 days and linked to the internationally-renowned Sundance Festival, it showcases the finest in Turkish and international films. Also in Ankara and Izmir.
  • Istanbul Design Biennial (biennial, changeable late September to early November) – Educational seminars and workshops over several weeks in even-numbered years.

Istanbul Events in October

  • Filmekimi (changeable, early October) – Another outstanding festival featuring premiers of local and international films for 10 days. Also at Izmir.
  • Akbank Jazz Festival (changeable, from mid/late October) – Range of local and international performers focusing more on traditional jazz. Plenty of concerts, workshops, and jam sessions for 10 days at various historic and intriguing venues. Also held in Izmir and Ankara.
  • Republic Day/Cumhuriyet Bayrami (29th) – Celebrates the proclamation of an independent Turkey in 1923. Sombre, patriotic time, when families enjoy parades, fireworks, and various events on the day (which is a public holiday) and the evening before.

Istanbul Events in November

  • Istanbul Art Fair (changeable, early November) – Plenty of paintings – new, old, western, and traditional – at numerous galleries across the city, especially in the bohemian areas of Galata. For 9 days.
  • International Istanbul Book Fair (changeable, from late October or early November) – The country’s major literary event over 9 days for writers, readers, and everyone in the industry. Mostly in Turkish.
  • Istanbul Intercontinental Marathon (changeable, usually early November) – The only marathon in the world that is run across 2 continents – from the Asian shoreline to the European side of the Bosphorus.
  • Atatürk Remembrance Day (10th) – Death anniversary of the founder of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Variety of activities, including speeches, exhibitions, and concerts.
  • Istanbul International Experimental Film Festival (changeable, mid-November) – Five days of screenings, competitions, and awards for the latest avant-garde films.
  • Mix Festival (changeable, mid-November) – Two days of alternative music as part of an international chain of festivals.
  • Sustainable Living Film Festival (changeable, mid-November) – Films, discussions, and workshops about environmental issues across 5 days. One of many such festivals across the globe.
  • Istanbul Theater Festival (changeable, usually from November) – Features old-style and experimental plays and other live performances for 2 weeks. Mostly in Turkish.

Istanbul Events in December

  • Istanbul International Short Film Festival (changeable, mid-December) – Long-established week-long event with screenings of about 200 films from Turkey and across the world.
  • International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival (changeable, late December) – Largest of its type in the country when foodies as well as about 2,000 chefs from more than 25 countries and everyone else in the industry get together for 3 days. Competitions in all sorts of categories.
  • Christmas (25th) – Not celebrated as a religious event by most Turks but some residents still like to use this as an excuse to go shopping and attend parties. Locals generally celebrate with food and gifts on New Year’s Eve.
  • New Year’s Eve (31st) – Celebrated across much of Istanbul, especially by more westernized youth. Traditionally, families gather for a big meal and to exchange presents, and then watch fireworks at major venues. Especially spectacular during a dinner cruise.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece, offering recommendations for top hotels, neighborhoods, and family-friendly hotels worldwide. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.

  1. Best Area to Stay in Istanbul in September

    Hi!
    Am planning a trip to Istanbul in September.
    Just wonder if you can advise which area is the best to stay?
    Thank you,
    Juana

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      My hotels page has detailed information on the different areas of Istanbul to stay.

  2. Istanbul in February

    We plan to visit Istanbul in February. How is the weather?
    Leonard

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Expect cold wet days (which is the norm in February) and then if you get dry and mild you’ll be pleased. Weather can be a mix of almost anything in February (besides warm). Queues for the main attractions will be substantially shorter than spring, summer, or fall – which is a plus. Everything is still open in February and many of the top sights are indoors.

  3. Istanbul in November

    I’m planning to visit Istanbul the first week of November. Is that a good time to go? What is the weather like? Have the crowds thinned out by then? Since it’s not high season are most places open for business during this time? Thanks in advance!
    Mary L.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Istanbul in early November is wonderful for sightseeing, walking, and exploring. Pack for cool/wet weather but with a bit of luck it will be mild and pleasant.

  4. Istanbul in September with Kids

    Hi. We are going to Istanbul 1st week of September with kids so please advise about weather.
    It will be hot or cool? What to wear and where to visit?

    Kindly advise and thanks in advance.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      You can feel a noticeable difference in temperature (particularly evening temps) when August ends and September begins. But it can still be very hot in early September have a good amount of cool clothing. Besides the obvious Istanbul highlights I would highly recommend a food walking tour as it’s a great way to expose kids to the culture (and a little history) of Turkey in a fun and relaxed way.

  5. End of October in Istanbul

    Hi Dave ,

    My sister and I are planing to visit Istanbul. We’re going to do a week in the city seeing sights, eating great food, relaxing. Would you recommend visiting on end of October?
    Iza Yusof

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      The end of October is a wonderful time to visit Istanbul.

  6. Istanbul Weather in Early August

    We are planning to holiday in Istanbul in August 1st week. How’s the weather in Istanbul in August? Hope it’s not too sunny and humid.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Sunny, yes. Hot, yes, but usually not unbearable and tends to cool a bit at night. Humid, not really. If you get a hotel near the water you’ll benefit from the nightly breeze off the Bosphorus.

  7. Good Time in Istanbul for Shopping

    Planning a trip to Istanbul with my kids in late of May. Is that a good time in Istanbul for shopping?

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Shopping is always good in Istanbul (so many little shops and markets) and late May is nice as the weather is great – not too hot yet.

  8. Istanbul and Marmaris, Cappadocia, or Pamukkale

    Hello. I plan to visit Turkey in December this year. Please advise me which cities I should be planning to visit, in addition to Istanbul? Any general advice regarding a trip in December would be much appreciated. I am thinking to cover 2 cities from Marmaris, Cappadocia, Pamukkale.

    Shayan

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      December isn’t the best time to travel in Turkey, as many destinations (eg, Cappadocia) are very cold, and snow and ice can make getting around difficult. The coast is probably a better option, although it too will be chilly. Consider visiting the sophisticated city of Izmir, which has a sprawling and historic bazaar, a good food scene and a couple of excellent museums. The nearby ancient sites of Ephesus and Bergama (ancient Pergamon) are wonderful, too.

      In Marmaris, base yourself in Canakkale. From here, you can visit the ancient site of Troy and the battlefields of Gallipoli. If travelling there from Istanbul, consider visiting the town of Edirne in Thrace on the way. Once the capital of the Ottoman empire, it has magnificent mosques and a number of other attractions.

  9. Summer in Istanbul

    I know in much of Europe locals leave the cities and head to the coasts during July and August – and especially August. Is that the same in Istanbul? Is the city quiet in the summer months and are we better off to visit in June or September? Also, is there an area of Istanbul that is good for local food and restaurants (even shops and markets) but still fairly central for sightseeing and good hotels? Is there a hotel or two that is good for proximity to good Turkish restaurants? And finally, is Istanbul a very walkable city?

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Turkey’s major school vacation of the year starts in mid-June and continues through to the end of August, so those İstanbullus who can spare the time and money usually relocate to the coast over this period. This means that some city businesses (including restaurants, clubs, and bars) close. August is particularly quiet. During this period most hotel prices in the city revert to shoulder season rates, which is a boon for travellers looking to save money. Although the city can be quiet, there’s still plenty to do, with all of the major museums open and three of the city’s major music festivals – the İstanbul Music Festival, İstanbul Jazz Festival, and
      Ees PIlsen One Love – being held during this period.

      An area of Istanbul that is close to local food and restaurants and still fairly central for sightseeing and good hotels? There’s only one answer: stay in Beyoğlu, which is full of good Turkish restaurants and excellent boutique hotels.

      Finally, the central part of İstanbul is walkable but sidewalks are in poor condition and traffic isn’t particularly pedestrian friendly. When you walk, look down and around you constantly so that you will reach your destination safely.

  10. Istanbul and Crete in Late May and Early June

    Hi Dave,

    We’ll like to visit Istanbul and Santorini during this end of May to early June. Do you think this is a good times to cover these 2 places? Will it be too humid/hot/crowded in Istanbul/Santorini?

    Ivy

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      This is a great time for both destinations. Weather in Istanbul is perfect for sightseeing and (unless it’s an unusual year) shouldn’t be uncomfortably hot or humid yet. Santorini will be beautiful and the weather, if anything, could still be a little chilly at night. I’d recommend visiting Istanbul first and then Santorini – a few days or a week probably won’t make much difference in the temperature but it is gradually warming through May and June, so you might as well get the slightly cooler weather for Istanbul and the slightly warmer weather for Santorini.

  11. September or October in Istanbul

    What are the differences between visiting Istanbul in September and October? Is one better for sightseeing? And are there big differences between the weather in September and the weather in October? Thank you, Jerri.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Both months are good for visits, with the weather in September being particularly pleasant. It can start to get a bit chilly at night in late October. The internationally acclaimed İstanbul Art Biennale is staged over both months in odd-numbered years and the İstanbul Design Biennale kicks off in late October in even-numbered years. All of the major sights are open and ferry trips down the Bosphorus and to the Princes’ Islands are particularly pleasant in September, with clear skies and warm breezes.

  12. Best Month to Visit Istanbul for Honeymoon

    What are the best months to visit Istanbul? (Say, top two choices.) We plan to do sightseeing and be outdoors.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      The best times to visit İstanbul are late-April to May, and mid-September to mid-October. The weather is generally pleasant and consistent during these periods, making city exploration by both foot and ferry easy and enjoyable.

  13. Late September in Istanbul

    We will be in Istanbul in late September and into early October. Is this a good time for the city or still too busy? Anything in particular we should see or enjoy at this time of year? Can you get cool weather in late September/early October? Should we pack sweaters and light jackets?

    Kelly.

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      Late September and early October are ideal times to visit İstanbul as the weather is pleasant and street life is vibrant. Though days are generally warm, nights can be a bit chilly and there can be rain, so it would be a good idea to pack a sweater, light jacket, and umbrella. Turkey’s major visual arts festival, the İstanbul Biennial is held during September and October and it stages free exhibitions and events in evocative venues around the city – it’s rapidly gaining the reputation as one of the world’s major contemporary art events. Hotels charge high-season prices and crowds at major museums are usually a given.

  14. July or August in Istanbul

    Planning a trip to Istanbul with my husband. We’re going to do a week in the city seeing sights, eating great food, relaxing. Would you recommend visiting in July or August? I know these are both busy hot months and perhaps not ideal but is there a difference between the two for crowds, humidity, or any other factors? Thank you. Joan

    1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

      İstanbul can be unpleasantly hot and humid in both July and August, and many affluent locals choose to relocate to the Princes Islands or the coast during this period. That said, most businesses remain open (clubs are the exception, as some venues also relocate to the coast). It’s the shoulder season for most hotels, although those on the Bosphorus and/or with swimming pools charge high-season prices. Tourist crowds are around the same (August is probably a bit quieter). Weather-wise, early July will be your best bet.

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