Istanbul, Turkey Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Istanbul
Istanbul has a Mediterranean climate, marked by hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Average daytime highs range from about 48°F (9°C) in January to around 84°F (29°C) in August, and the city records roughly 106 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: August - highs near 84°F (29°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 48°F (9°C)
- Record high: 102°F (39°C) · Record low: 20°F (-7°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: January (13 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (13.5 h sun/day)
- Climate type: Mediterranean - hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters
- Snow: about 6 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on August. Highs average 84°F (29°C) and overnight lows stay near 71°F (22°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 48°F (9°C) and lows around 39°F (4°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 102°F (39°C) and dropped as low as 20°F (-7°C).
Rain, sun and snow
January is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain over 13 days, while August is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 13.5 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 6 days in a typical year, mostly from December through March.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48° | 39° | 13 | 4.3 in | 5.5 h/day | 79% |
| February | 51° | 40° | 11 | 3.0 in | 6.8 h/day | 79% |
| March | 54° | 42° | 11 | 3.0 in | 7.8 h/day | 79% |
| April | 62° | 47° | 9 | 2.2 in | 10.2 h/day | 75% |
| May | 70° | 56° | 8 | 2.2 in | 11.7 h/day | 76% |
| June | 79° | 65° | 8 | 2.0 in | 12.9 h/day | 76% |
| July | 84° | 69° | 5 | 1.2 in | 13.5 h/day | 71% |
| August | 84° | 71° | 3 | 0.8 in | 12.6 h/day | 72% |
| September | 78° | 65° | 8 | 1.9 in | 10.9 h/day | 72% |
| October | 68° | 57° | 7 | 2.2 in | 8.4 h/day | 78% |
| November | 61° | 50° | 9 | 3.3 in | 7.1 h/day | 78% |
| December | 53° | 44° | 12 | 3.5 in | 5.5 h/day | 80% |
Istanbul month by month
Istanbul weather in January
January brings highs around 48°F (9°C), lows near 39°F (4°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days - typically the coldest month and the wettest month of the year in Istanbul.
Istanbul weather in February
February brings highs around 51°F (11°C), lows near 40°F (5°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Istanbul weather in March
March brings highs around 54°F (12°C), lows near 42°F (5°C), about 11 wet days.
Istanbul weather in April
April brings highs around 62°F (17°C), lows near 47°F (9°C), about 9 wet days.
Istanbul weather in May
May brings highs around 70°F (21°C), lows near 56°F (13°C), about 8 wet days.
Istanbul weather in June
June brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 8 wet days.
Istanbul weather in July
July brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 69°F (21°C), about 5 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Istanbul.
Istanbul weather in August
August brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 71°F (22°C), about 3 wet days - typically the hottest month and the driest month of the year in Istanbul.
Istanbul weather in September
September brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 8 wet days.
Istanbul weather in October
October brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 57°F (14°C), about 7 wet days.
Istanbul weather in November
November brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), about 9 wet days.
Istanbul weather in December
December brings highs around 53°F (12°C), lows near 44°F (6°C), about 12 wet days.
Seasons in Istanbul
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Istanbul stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 62°F (17°C) and nights around 48°F (9°C); expect showers on roughly 29 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Istanbul is hot, with daytime highs averaging 82°F (28°C) and nights around 68°F (20°C); rain falls on about 17 days over the three months.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Istanbul is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 69°F (21°C) and nights around 57°F (14°C); expect showers on roughly 24 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Istanbul is chilly, with daytime highs averaging 51°F (10°C) and nights around 41°F (5°C); expect showers on roughly 37 days across the season, plus around 5 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Istanbul?
Is Istanbul hot in summer?
Is Istanbul cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Istanbul get in a year?
Best time to visit Istanbul
The best time to visit Istanbul is generally April to July and September to October, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 74°F (23°C).
Pack for Istanbul with a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - August nights average 71°F (22°C).
Istanbul temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.