Istanbul
Two continents, a ferry between them for the price of a coffee, and a domed building that has been the biggest thing in the room since 537.
The best time to visit Istanbul is Apr–May, Sep–Oct, when typical daytime highs reach about 21°C (69°F). Local time there is 13:53 (UTC+3).
Good for
In season
The year at a glance
April · high 15°C · rain 79mm · 13.3h of daylight · in the recommended window
shaded columns are the recommended window
Averages for 2019–2023 from Open-Meteo’s archive, not a forecast
Ramadan falls around 7 February to 8 March in 2027. Daytime cafés and restaurants often keep shorter hours.
| Month | High °CHigh °F | Rain mmRain in | Light | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C49°F | 102mm4.0in | 9.5h9.5h | |
| February | 10°C50°F | 84mm3.3in | 10.6h10.6h | |
| March | 11°C52°F | 84mm3.3in | 11.8h11.8h | |
| April | 15°C60°F | 79mm3.1in | 13.3h13.3h | in the recommended window |
| May | 21°C69°F | 67mm2.6in | 14.5h14.5h | in the recommended window |
| June | 25°C76°F | 80mm3.1in | 15.1h15.1h | |
| July | 27°C81°F | 42mm1.7in | 14.9h14.9h | |
| August | 28°C83°F | 30mm1.2in | 13.8h13.8h | |
| September | 25°C77°F | 38mm1.5in | 12.4h12.4h | in the recommended window |
| October | 21°C69°F | 65mm2.6in | 11.0h11.0h | in the recommended window |
| November | 17°C62°F | 82mm3.2in | 9.8h9.8h | |
| December | 13°C55°F | 79mm3.1in | 9.2h9.2h |
Good to know
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When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
The best time to visit Istanbul is Apr–May, Sep–Oct, when typical daytime highs reach about 21°C (69°F).
How warm does Istanbul get?
Typical daytime highs in Istanbul are Mar–May 16°C (60°F), Jun–Aug 27°C (80°F), Sep–Nov 21°C (69°F), Dec–Feb 11°C (51°F).
Is Istanbul expensive?
On the ground, Istanbul is cheap.
What sort of trip is Istanbul good for?
Istanbul is good for history and culture, food and drink, bucket-list trips.
How rainy is Istanbul?
The wettest month in Istanbul is January at 102mm (4.0in), the driest August at 30mm (1.2in), with a monthly average of 69mm (2.7in).
What plug do I need for Istanbul?
Istanbul uses type C, F sockets at 230 V.
