Bounce To: Finest Time To Go to Istanbul | Month-By-Month | FAQs
It’s essential to know one of the best time to go to Istanbul to get essentially the most out of your time, however, the very fact you’re even excited about visiting this vibrant metropolis is thrilling—I imply, I’m excited for you; that is one in all my favourite locations on earth. Istanbul is filled with historical past and modern-day enjoyable on the similar time; you gained’t be bored for a single second.
I can’t rely the variety of occasions I’ve been to Istanbul and have typically 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 one in all my favourite occasions of the 12 months.
As such, I’ve turn into fairly the skilled on when to go to Istanbul, what to see and do, and, in fact, 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 the event you’re into historical past, you’re certain to be blown away. However sufficient pleasure for a second, let’s get all the way down to the small print.
Total Finest Time To Go to Istanbul
Istanbul is an all-year-round metropolis, and you may argue that there’s no good or unhealthy time to go. I significantly prefer to go when it’s colder, just because the crowds are intense, (the visitors is on one other stage), and while 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 may argue it’s extra nice to stroll round within the sunshine.
Should you’re trying to save a bit of money, November to February is an efficient 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 usually busier due to the college holidays.
To discover a piece of center floor, (and to keep away from the coldest temperatures), the shoulder months are one of the best occasions to go to Istanbul. I’m speaking about September and October and between March and Might. It’d nonetheless rain, and you may get the odd chilly day, however total it’s gentle, and you may wander round and discover every thing there’s to supply—which is quite a bit.
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 while you go, and not less than when the solar is shining you possibly can stroll round and not using a coat and benefit from the climate.
Resort 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 evening maybe. The plus level is that many occasions are occurring, 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 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 will not be perfect 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 continues to be gentle, and there’s the possibility of rain (as there all the time is), however you possibly can transfer round a little bit extra freely and comfortably. This can be a nice time to don your comfy footwear and take a full tour of town’s important 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. The most effective month to go to Istanbul for heat temperatures and decrease rainfall is Might. Though 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 couple of weeks of April. That is all the time a well-liked occasion, and also you’ll get some superb pictures 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 suppose it judging by the crowds. I believe that is one of the best time of 12 months to go to Istanbul as a result of winter simply appears to go well with town so nicely. And in the event you’re fortunate sufficient to go to when it snows, you’ll be shocked at simply how lovely it turns into.
You may discover lodge costs are a little bit cheaper at the moment of 12 months, except the tip of December. January is commonly an excellent time to seize some lodge bargains, as I’ve discovered this month tends to supply barely decrease costs. For instance, you possibly can typically 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 superb metropolis.
Many occasions are happening round New Yr, and town is extraordinarily busy. You may as well try the Istanbul Worldwide Ebook Truthful in November, together with the ever-popular Istanbul Marathon in the identical month. After all, you possibly can nonetheless see all the key sights in Istanbul throughout this so-called quieter time, together with the superb Dolmabahce Palace.
When to Go to Istanbul For Seashores
Istanbul is house to some nice seashores and in the event you’re on the lookout for one of the best time to go to Istanbul for swimming, July and August are your greatest bets. Caddebostan Plajı is the closest seaside to town, which is close to Kadıköy on the Asian aspect. Alternatively, you may make a journey to the Princes Islands, which supply a unbelievable break from the hustle and bustle of town.
You’ll discover the closest seashores to town are very busy in July and August particularly, so it’s a good suggestion to get there as early as you possibly can. These months provide the most well liked temperatures and fewer likelihood of rain, though do not forget that rain can come at any time of 12 months on this metropolis; be certain to verify the forecast earlier than you go.
When to Go to Istanbul For Festivals
There are various festivals occurring throughout Istanbul all by means of the 12 months, so it actually relies upon upon the kind of competition you need to attend. Throughout the summer season months, you’ll discover extra out of doors festivals occurring, with vacationers and locals gathering to rejoice and see one thing new.
Summer time sees the Istanbul Music Competition, Istanbul Festivali, Istanbul Worldwide Jazz Competition, and the Istanbul Procuring Competition. Nevertheless, throughout December you’ll discover numerous occasions happening throughout the entire metropolis as everybody seems to be ahead to the New Yr. This can be a large celebration, identified domestically as Yılbaşı, and also you’ll discover that lodge costs improve for a couple of days.
When to Go to Istanbul For Historic Websites
The most effective time to journey to Istanbul to see historic websites is any time! It primarily is determined by which climate you favor, however I get pleasure from 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 less complicated.
For gentle temperatures and barely decrease crowd ranges, Might and October are good decisions. Throughout this time, you possibly can take a Bosphorus cruise tour or completely different strolling excursions, such because the Fener & Balat Tour. After all, 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 possibly can’t really feel your fingers.
When to Go to Istanbul For Low-cost Costs
Total, 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 folks 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 may be stunned to study that there are a couple of nice mountaineering trails in and round Istanbul, and the Istanbul Historic Stroll is the preferred. This 3.7km path takes you thru a number of the oldest elements of town, passing by sights such because the Grand Bazaar and the attractive Topkapı Palace.
The most effective 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, significantly if you wish to take an extended hike just like the Fener and Balat Loop or the extremely popular Prince Islands Loop.
The Finest Time to Go to Istanbul By Month
Some folks like rain, others detest it; some like sizzling climate, and others need to conceal till sunset; what I’m making an attempt to say is that all of us have our personal likes and dislikes in the case 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 possibly can determine when is greatest for you.
Istanbul in January
January is the quietest and least expensive month to go to Istanbul, so in the event you’re on the lookout 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 continues to be a unbelievable expertise and fewer folks means you possibly can discover extra freely, together with a purchasing 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 chance of rain continues to be there, with daytime averages of 9°C/48°F and really chilly evenings. After all, February is the month of affection, and also you’ll discover plenty of occasions occurring round Valentine’s Day—keep in mind to e book eating places prematurely to keep away from disappointment! This can be a nice time to take a Turkish tub and heat up after a day of sightseeing. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Istanbul in March
Should 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. Make the most of these hotter evenings by heading to a Whirling Dervish present and persevering with to discover town on foot as a lot as you possibly can.
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 reap the benefits of spring and go to the Princes’ Islands earlier than they get too busy. You may take a full-day strolling tour, which can present you the easiest of the biggest 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 through 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 ideal time out; I actually didn’t want any dinner within the night. Click on right here for extra data.
Istanbul in June
Should you go to Istanbul in June you’ll discover that it’s a little bit extra crowded than the previous few months, however not but as busy as it is going to turn into 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, comparable to 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 one of the best month to go to Istanbul and in addition the warmest (26°C/79°F). Nevertheless, it’s additionally the busiest. I’d keep away from Istiklal Road in Taksim at the moment as will get so busy you possibly can barely stroll; as a substitute, head to the Basilica Cistern which sits underground and presents refreshingly cool temperatures. Visiting Istanbul in July is unquestionably summer-like, and whereas it’s crowded, it does have a extremely enjoyable vibe at the moment of 12 months.
Istanbul in August
Istanbul in August continues 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 relax. Daytimes are nonetheless very heat at round 26°C/79°F, and it is a nice time to spend time outdoor through the night hours, maybe with a Bosphorus dinner cruise. This can be a nice concept for households as there’s leisure on board, comparable to 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 mean temperature of 23°C/74°F. The one distinction is that rainfall creeps up a little bit, however as all the time, simply journey ready. Should 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
Should 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 superb month for occasions, with the Akbank Jazz Competition in addition to the Istanbul Worldwide Puppet Competition. Should you’re touring with youngsters, it is 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 significantly chilly; averages are round 14°C/58°C, however you will get some actually heat days. Evenings could be chilly, so simply keep in mind a jacket while you’re out and about later within the day. Black Friday is a factor in Istanbul, and it is 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
Should you head to Istanbul in December you’ll want a coat (common 9°C/48°C), and it could snow. That is one in all my favourite occasions to go to town because it’s fantastically embellished and prepared for New Yr – the environment is magical and there’s that winter wonderland really feel round.
Should you’re visiting for New Yr, keep in mind to e book your lodge nicely 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 superb alternative. Click on right here to e book.
FAQs About When To Go to Istanbul
Istanbul is a big metropolis, and while you first begin to analysis it, the sheer quantity of data could be complicated. However I’m a professional now, so let me reply your frequent 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’d keep away from the most well liked months of July and August, and persist with June or October. These months have heat to gentle temperatures (so that you don’t want a coat), however mean you can discover with out the stickiness of the height summer season months.
Regardless of how lengthy you go for, you’re not going to see every thing, however I’d advocate not less than 4 days to see the primary highlights. Nevertheless, for a deeper dive, not less than every 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. After all, it will possibly 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 one in all my favourite issues to do.
By way of when to go to Istanbul, you’ll discover costs keep roughly the identical value 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 large and has completely different climatic zones, with a sizzling and dry space on the south coast, and a rainier scenario within the north, together with every thing in between.
Istanbul is positioned within the northwest of the nation, and by way of the wet season, you may say it’s between November and April. Nevertheless, it will possibly rain at any time in Istanbul, and it’s commonplace to expertise heavy downpours in the summertime.
In Conclusion
Now the low-down on one of the best time to go to Istanbul, it’s as much as you to determine when to go. There’s no significantly unhealthy time to move right here; I’d go any time of 12 months and nonetheless get pleasure from each final second. It’s simply a kind of sorts of cities, and irrespective of the climate, you gained’t be bored for a second.
After all, all of us have our preferences by way of temperatures and rain, so select a month with one of the best 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 the event you go for 2 days and it rains continuous, you’ll nonetheless need to return.
