Bounce To: Finest Time To Go to Istanbul | Month-By-Month | FAQs
It’s essential to know the perfect time to go to Istanbul to get essentially the most out of your time, however, the actual fact you’re even excited about visiting this vibrant metropolis is thrilling—I imply, I’m excited for you; that is certainly one of my favourite locations on earth. Istanbul is full of historical past and modern-day enjoyable on the similar time; you received’t be bored for a single second.
I can’t depend the variety of occasions I’ve been to Istanbul and have usually stayed for a month or extra at a time. My husband has household there, and we repeatedly go within the winter months to see them and discover. It’s certainly one of my favourite occasions of the 12 months.
As such, I’ve grow to be fairly the knowledgeable on when to go to Istanbul, what to see and do, and, after all, what to eat. It’s no shock that most individuals who go to this metropolis return ultimately; it’s intoxicating on each single stage, and in case you’re into historical past, you’re positive to be blown away. However sufficient pleasure for a second, let’s get all the way down to the small print.
General Finest Time To Go to Istanbul
Istanbul is an all-year-round metropolis, and you might argue that there’s no good or unhealthy time to go. I notably prefer to go when it’s colder, just because the crowds are intense, (the visitors is on one other stage), and whenever you add warmth into the equation, it may be a recipe for stress. However lots of people love to go to within the spring and summer season months when you might argue it’s extra nice to stroll round within the sunshine.
In case you’re seeking to save a bit of money, November to February is an effective time to go to, however keep away from New Yr as costs skyrocket. Nevertheless, I’ve to confess that New Yr is a lot enjoyable in Istanbul. Crowds by no means actually abate an excessive amount of irrespective of the time of 12 months, however summer season does are typically busier due to the varsity holidays.
To discover a piece of center floor, (and to keep away from the coldest temperatures), the shoulder months are the perfect occasions to go to Istanbul. I’m speaking about September and October and between March and Might. It would nonetheless rain, and you might get the odd chilly day, however total it’s gentle, and you may wander round and discover every little thing there may be to supply—which is loads.
Peak Season in Istanbul
(June- August)
As I mentioned, each month is busy, however the peak season in Istanbul falls in the summertime, between June and August. That is when Turkish faculties are on trip, together with the remainder of Europe. There can be crowds at the moment, however in all honesty, there are crowds irrespective of whenever you go, and a minimum of when the solar is shining you may stroll round and not using a coat and benefit from the climate.
Lodge costs have a tendency to remain roughly the identical all year long, however chances are you’ll discover them barely larger at the moment; I’m speaking round $30 extra per night time maybe. The plus level is that many occasions are happening, together with the Istanbul Music Competition in June, the Chill-Out Competition in late Might/June, and the Istanbul Worldwide Jazz Competition each July.
By way of when to journey to Istanbul and what to do, this time of 12 months is good for taking a tour, such because the Istanbul Meals Tour, as a result of every little thing is organized and also you don’t have the problem of utilizing public transport within the warmth. Whereas it doesn’t normally get scorching sizzling in Istanbul, it’s nonetheless heat sufficient to make you sweat, and the Metro just isn’t splendid in that scenario. Click on right here for tour data.
Shoulder Season in Istanbul
(September-October & March-Might)
The spring and fall months are fantastic occasions to go to Istanbul. The climate remains to be gentle, and there’s the possibility of rain (as there all the time is), however you may transfer round a bit of extra freely and comfortably. This can be a nice time to don your comfy footwear and take a full tour of town’s predominant highlights, now the crowds have abated very barely. Click on right here for extra data.
You’ll discover each vacationers and locals alike at the moment of 12 months, however extra worldwide vacationers than home guests now the colleges have returned. One of the best month to go to Istanbul for heat temperatures and decrease rainfall is Might. Despite the fact that the seasons are shifting towards summer season, it’s nonetheless fairly comfy.
The Istanbul Worldwide Movie Competition takes place each April, excellent for film buffs, and a giant draw is the Istanbul Tulip Competition, which takes place throughout the previous few weeks of April. That is all the time a preferred occasion, and also you’ll get some wonderful images with the flowers and the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia within the background.
Off-Season in Istanbul
(November – February)
Strictly talking, November to February is the ‘low’ or ‘down’ season for Istanbul, however you wouldn’t assume it judging by the crowds. I believe that is the perfect time of 12 months to go to Istanbul as a result of winter simply appears to go well with town so effectively. And in case you’re fortunate sufficient to go to when it snows, you’ll be shocked at simply how stunning it turns into.
You may discover lodge costs are a bit of cheaper at the moment of 12 months, except for the tip of December. January is usually time to seize some lodge bargains, as I’ve discovered this month tends to supply barely decrease costs. For instance, you may usually get an evening’s keep in a mid-range lodge for round $45. Simply seize a heat coat, and a few comfy footwear and discover; it’s my high factor to do on this wonderful metropolis.
Many occasions are happening round New Yr, and town is extraordinarily busy. You may as well take a look at the Istanbul Worldwide E book Honest in November, together with the ever-popular Istanbul Marathon in the identical month. In fact, you may nonetheless see all the main sights in Istanbul throughout this so-called quieter time, together with the wonderful Dolmabahce Palace.
When to Go to Istanbul For Seashores
Istanbul is house to some nice seashores and in case you’re searching for the perfect time to go to Istanbul for swimming, July and August are your greatest bets. Caddebostan Plajı is the closest seashore to town, which is close to Kadıköy on the Asian facet. Alternatively, you might make a journey to the Princes Islands, which provide a incredible break from the hustle and bustle of town.
You’ll discover the closest seashores to town are very busy in July and August specifically, so it’s a good suggestion to get there as early as you may. These months provide the most well liked temperatures and fewer likelihood of rain, though keep in mind that rain can come at any time of 12 months on this metropolis; be sure to verify the forecast earlier than you go.
When to Go to Istanbul For Festivals
There are numerous festivals happening throughout Istanbul all by means of the 12 months, so it actually relies upon upon the kind of competition you wish to attend. Throughout the summer season months, you’ll discover extra out of doors festivals happening, with vacationers and locals gathering to have a good time and see one thing new.
Summer season sees the Istanbul Music Competition, Istanbul Festivali, Istanbul Worldwide Jazz Competition, and the Istanbul Purchasing Competition. Nevertheless, throughout December you’ll discover numerous occasions happening throughout the entire metropolis as everybody appears to be like ahead to the New Yr. This can be a enormous celebration, recognized domestically as Yılbaşı, and also you’ll discover that lodge costs improve for just a few days.
When to Go to Istanbul For Historic Websites
One of the best time to journey to Istanbul to see historic websites is any time! It primarily will depend on which climate you like, however I take pleasure in sightseeing when it’s colder as a result of I discover it simpler to maneuver round with out getting too sizzling. Nevertheless, the hotter months imply you don’t must take a coat with you, which might make strolling round easier.
For gentle temperatures and barely decrease crowd ranges, Might and October are good decisions. Throughout this time, you may take a Bosphorus cruise tour or totally different strolling excursions, such because the Fener & Balat Tour. In fact, you are able to do this at any time of 12 months, however the climate does make it simpler when it’s not closely raining or is so chilly you may’t really feel your fingers.
When to Go to Istanbul For Low cost Costs
General, costs have a tendency to remain the identical all year long, however there’s normally a slight drop in lodge costs in January. I’ve observed that is the most cost effective time to go to Istanbul and it’s additionally a quieter time of 12 months—regardless of it nonetheless being busy for many different cities. After New Yr, individuals are recovering from excesses, and January holds a excessive likelihood of snow.
Nevertheless, don’t let that put you off as a result of it’s a lot simpler to discover when there are fewer individuals to navigate round. I’ve been in January earlier than, and I had each snowy and really heat days; it’s potluck to some extent. A sensible choice at the moment of 12 months is the Hop on and off Vacationer Bus, so it can save you your toes and keep away from getting too chilly as you’re exploring. Click on right here for extra data.
When to Go to Istanbul For Climbing
You could be stunned to be taught that there are just a few nice mountaineering trails in and round Istanbul, and the Istanbul Historic Stroll is the most well-liked. This 3.7km path takes you thru a number of the oldest components of town, passing by sights such because the Grand Bazaar and the gorgeous Topkapı Palace.
One of the best occasions to go to Istanbul for mountaineering are the shoulder months, together with Might, the start of June, October, and November. At these occasions, temperatures are gentle, and it’s simpler to stroll round, notably if you wish to take an extended hike just like the Fener and Balat Loop or the very talked-about Prince Islands Loop.
The Finest Time to Go to Istanbul By Month
Some individuals like rain, others detest it; some like sizzling climate, and others wish to conceal till sunset; what I’m attempting to say is that all of us have our personal likes and dislikes in terms of the climate. As a result of there’s no definitive greatest time to go to Istanbul, I’m going to put every month out for you, so you may determine when is greatest for you.
Istanbul in January
January is the quietest and least expensive month to go to Istanbul, so in case you’re searching for decrease costs, that is the time for you. Nevertheless, January can be Istanbul’s coldest month, with daytime averages of round 8°C/46°F and a excessive likelihood of rain and presumably snow. Having mentioned that, Istanbul in January remains to be a incredible expertise and fewer individuals means you may discover extra freely, together with a procuring tour of the Grand Bazaar. Click on right here for extra data.
Istanbul in February
Istanbul in February is barely hotter than in January, nevertheless, the danger of rain remains to be there, with daytime averages of 9°C/48°F and really chilly evenings. In fact, February is the month of affection, and also you’ll discover plenty of occasions happening round Valentine’s Day—keep in mind to e book eating places upfront to keep away from disappointment! This can be a nice time to take a Turkish bathtub and heat up after a day of sightseeing. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Istanbul in March
In case you go to Istanbul in March, you’ll discover that spring is slowly beginning to present itself, particularly towards the tip of the month. Temperatures hover round 10°C/49°F on common however evenings aren’t fairly as chilly, with much less rain than the earlier two months. Reap the benefits of these hotter evenings by heading to a Whirling Dervish present and persevering with to discover town on foot as a lot as you may.
Istanbul in April
There are a number of festivals in April, because the climate begins to enhance, with temperatures hovering round 14°C/56°C. Bear in mind to take a look at the Istanbul Tulip Competition towards the tip of the month, however that is additionally a good time to make the most of spring and go to the Princes’ Islands earlier than they get too busy. You may take a full-day strolling tour, which is able to present you the easiest of the most important island, Büyükada. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Istanbul in Might
Istanbul in Might brings a marked distinction within the climate, as averages rise to round 20°C/66°F on common in the course of the day occasions. That is the proper time of 12 months to discover, and also you’ll solely want a lightweight jacket and an umbrella in your bag. I took the guided avenue meals tour final Might, and it was such an amazing day trip; I actually didn’t want any dinner within the night. Click on right here for extra data.
Istanbul in June
In case you go to Istanbul in June you’ll discover that it’s a bit of extra crowded than the last few months, however not but as busy as it is going to grow to be within the coming two months. It’s additionally fairly heat at the moment, with common daytime temperatures of round 24°C/75°F. If you wish to go to any of the highest highlights, resembling Dolmabahçe Palace, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, or Hagia Sofia, now could be the time, earlier than the queues get too lengthy.
Istanbul in July
If you wish to keep away from rain, July is the perfect month to go to Istanbul and likewise the warmest (26°C/79°F). Nevertheless, it’s additionally the busiest. I’d keep away from Istiklal Avenue in Taksim at the moment as will get so busy you may barely stroll; as a substitute, head to the Basilica Cistern which sits underground and affords refreshingly cool temperatures. Visiting Istanbul in July is certainly summer-like, and whereas it’s crowded, it does have a very enjoyable vibe at the moment of 12 months.
Istanbul in August
Istanbul in August remains to be very busy as a result of the Turkish faculties are nonetheless on trip, however towards the tip of the month, it is going to settle down. Daytimes are nonetheless very heat at round 26°C/79°F, and this can be a nice time to spend time outside in the course of the night hours, maybe with a Bosphorus dinner cruise. This can be a nice concept for households as there’s leisure on board, resembling stomach dancing and music. Click on right here for data.
Istanbul in September
I like Istanbul in September as a result of issues have settled down after the summer season rush, but it’s nonetheless very heat, with a median temperature of 23°C/74°F. The one distinction is that rainfall creeps up a bit of, however as all the time, simply journey ready. In case you love espresso, that is the month for you, because it’s when the annual Istanbul Espresso Competition is held. It’s additionally a good time to stroll as much as Suleymaniye Mosque and take a look at the views. Click on right here for extra data.
Istanbul in October
In case you’re visiting Istanbul in October, you’re nonetheless in for a light expertise, with common temperatures sitting round 18°C/65°C. October is a good month for occasions, with the Akbank Jazz Competition in addition to the Istanbul Worldwide Puppet Competition. In case you’re touring with kids, this can be a good time to move to Vialand Theme Park too, earlier than temperatures drop. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Istanbul in November
I’ve visited Istanbul in November a number of occasions, and it’s by no means been notably chilly; averages are round 14°C/58°C, however you may get some actually heat days. Evenings might be chilly, so simply keep in mind a jacket whenever you’re out and about later within the day. Black Friday is a factor in Istanbul, and this can be a nice time to hit the numerous malls across the metropolis and seize some bargains, together with Cevahir AVM and Mall of Istanbul.
Istanbul in December
In case you head to Istanbul in December you’ll want a coat (common 9°C/48°C), and it could snow. That is certainly one of my favourite occasions to go to town because it’s fantastically adorned and prepared for New Yr – the ambiance is magical and there’s that winter wonderland really feel round.
In case you’re visiting for New Yr, keep in mind to e book your lodge effectively forward of time to keep away from disappointment and be sure to immerse your self within the celebrations—a Bosphorus New Yr Cruise is a good selection. Click on right here to e book.
FAQs About When To Go to Istanbul
Istanbul is a big metropolis, and whenever you first begin to analysis it, the sheer quantity of data might be complicated. However I’m a professional now, so let me reply your widespread questions:
There’s no greatest or worst time to go to Istanbul, it’s about discovering the climate and scenario that’s best for you. Personally, I might keep away from the most well liked months of July and August, and keep on with June or October. These months have heat to gentle temperatures (so that you don’t want a coat), however will let you discover with out the stickiness of the height summer season months.
Irrespective of how lengthy you go for, you’re not going to see every little thing, however I’d advocate a minimum of 4 days to see the principle highlights. Nevertheless, for a deeper dive, a minimum of per week is required to discover town and its hidden gems.
I like December in Istanbul; town comes alive with twinkling lights because it gears up for New Yr, and the frosty really feel within the air provides to the ambiance. In fact, it could actually rain in December, and it would even snow, however getting all wrapped up, grabbing a takeaway espresso or sizzling chocolate, and exploring town on foot is certainly one of my favourite issues to do.
By way of when to go to Istanbul, you’ll discover costs keep roughly the identical worth all 12 months spherical, nevertheless, the height months between June and August could have barely larger prices, thanks to highschool holidays.
Turkey as a rustic is big and has totally different climatic zones, with a sizzling and dry space on the south coast, and a rainier scenario within the north, together with every little thing in between.
Istanbul is situated within the northwest of the nation, and when it comes to the wet season, you might say it’s between November and April. Nevertheless, it could actually rain at any time in Istanbul, and it’s common to expertise heavy downpours in the summertime.
In Conclusion
Now you understand the low-down on the perfect time to go to Istanbul, it’s as much as you to determine when to go. There’s no notably unhealthy time to move right here; I’d go any time of 12 months and nonetheless take pleasure in each final second. It’s simply a kind of sorts of cities, and irrespective of the climate, you received’t be bored for a second.
In fact, all of us have our preferences when it comes to temperatures and rain, so select a month with the perfect climate situations for you and go; severely, don’t even give it some thought for an additional second. I like Istanbul a lot I can’t adequately put it into phrases; there isn’t one other metropolis like this on the planet, and even in case you go for 2 days and it rains continuous, you’ll nonetheless wish to return.
