Istanbul, Türkiye

The climate in Istanbul is Mediterranean, with annual average temperatures spanning 9°C / 48°F during January up to 28°C / 83°F in August.

Annual rainfall patterns show an average of 58 mm / 2.3 inches per month, with December being the wettest (98 mm / 3.9 inches) and July the driest (20 mm / 0.79 inches).

Sun intensity varies throughout the year, with UV levels reaching 8 in June and falling to 2 in December; strong sun protection is essential during summer months.

The longest days occur in June with around 15.1 hours of daylight, while December has the shortest days at about 9.3 hours.

Whether you prefer warm summers or milder winters, Istanbul provides varied conditions throughout the year.

Today's forecast

Climate at a glance

The big-picture stats that matter for planning your visit to Istanbul.

Typical range

High / low

Average highs up to 28.3°C and lows down to 4.3°C.

Rain pattern

Wettest month

December averages 98 mm.

UV

Typical peak band

Typical peak UV is Moderate.

Daylight

Seasonal range

Roughly 9 hrs to 15 hrs.

Wind

Typical strength

Average around 15 km/h, peaking in February.

Humidity

Typical range

Generally 69 % to 78 %.

When should I go?

Our top-rated months for visiting Istanbul, based on long-term weather comfort and conditions

Next steps

Dive deeper into rankings, month details, or packing guidance.

How Istanbul compares

See how it ranks against the rest of Türkiye for key metrics.

HOTTEST (AVG)
in Türkiye
#2 / 2
COOLEST (AVG)
in Türkiye
#1 / 2
WETTEST (TOTAL)
in Türkiye
#2 / 2
WINDIEST (AVG)
in Türkiye
#1 / 2
HIGHEST UV
in Türkiye
#2 / 2
MOST HUMID
in Türkiye
#1 / 2

Short term outlook

Visiting soon? Here's the next 7 days of weather for Istanbul, or see an hourly breakdown for the next 14 days.

Frequently asked questions

How does the weather in Istanbul feel over the year?

On a typical year, you can expect highs around 18°C (64°F) and lows near 12°C (54°F). Conditions usually feel mild in the daytime and cool once the sun goes down. Expect a mix of sun and cloud across the year.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul for dry weather?

The driest month is usually July, with around 20 mm (0.79 in) of rain. In contrast, December is the wettest month, so that’s when you’re most likely to need a raincoat or umbrella.

When is sun exposure strongest in Istanbul?

UV tends to peak in June, when UV levels are often high (around 8). Regular sunscreen and a hat are recommended.

Is Istanbul a windy place?

Across the year, average winds sit around 15 km/h (9 mph), with gusts on windier days up to about 60 km/h (37 mph). Overall it is it is a notably windy place, and strong gusts are fairly common.

How much daylight does Istanbul get?

On average, days offer about 12 hours of daylight. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.

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