Istanbul weather

The best months to visit Istanbul are May, June, July, August. April tulip season (Emirgan Park) coincides with Bosphorus ferries running all six routes; September shoulder avoids July's 35C humidity in Grand Bazaar.

August runs the highest averages in Istanbul, with typical daytime highs of 29°C (84°F). August 33C with Marmara humidity; locals decamp to Kilyos Black Sea beaches, and mosque courtyards fill at 5am pre-prayer for coolness.

January brings the lowest averages, with daytime highs near 9°C (48°F). January snow shuts Ataturk bridge; simit sellers stay out, hamams do peak business, and Bosphorus fog cancels ferries for days.

January typically records the highest monthly rainfall — around 108mm on average. November-December brings 4-day systems that flood Eminonu underpass; taxis triple prices and metro stays reliable.

Istanbul, Turkey has warm summers, mild winters, moderate seasonal rainfall. European side is Istanbul proper; Asian Kadikoy is where 30-somethings actually live and drink at Moda seaside. Real Turkish breakfast (kahvalti) is weekend 4-hour affair in Besiktas or Kadikoy, not hotel buffet. Balik ekmek fish sandwich under Galata Bridge is tourist food; go to Karakoy Balikcisi. Don't sit on the aisle seat on ferries; locals want to feed the seagullscrossing. Ramadan iftar cannons still fire from Sultanahmet. You can read the detailed month-by-month breakdown on this page.