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 probably the most out of your time, however, the very fact you’re even interested by visiting this vibrant metropolis is thrilling—I imply, I’m excited for you; that is one among 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 rely 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 usually go within the winter months to see them and discover. It’s one among 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 finally; it’s intoxicating on each single stage, and when you’re into historical past, you’re certain to be blown away. However sufficient pleasure for a second, let’s get right down to the small print.
General Finest Time To Go to Istanbul
Istanbul is an all-year-round metropolis, and you could possibly 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 could possibly argue it’s extra nice to stroll round within the sunshine.
If you happen to’re trying to save a bit of money, November to February is an efficient time to go to, however keep away from New 12 months as costs skyrocket. Nonetheless, I’ve to confess that New 12 months 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 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 could possibly get the odd chilly day, however total it’s gentle, and you’ll wander round and discover every part there’s to supply—which is rather a lot.
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 will probably be crowds at the moment, however in all honesty, there are crowds irrespective of while you go, and at the least when the solar is shining you’ll be able to 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 you might 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 right for taking a tour, such because the Istanbul Meals Tour, as a result of every part 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 splendid in that state of affairs. Click on right here for tour data.
Shoulder Season in Istanbul
(September-October & March-Might)
The spring and fall months are great occasions to go to Istanbul. The climate remains to be gentle, and there’s the possibility of rain (as there at all times is), however you’ll be able to transfer round just a little extra freely and comfortably. This can be a nice time to don your comfy sneakers and take a full tour of town’s principal 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 faculties have returned. The very best 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 few weeks of April. That is at all times 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 feel 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 nicely. And when you’re fortunate sufficient to go to when it snows, you’ll be shocked at simply how lovely it turns into.
You would possibly discover lodge costs are just a little cheaper at the moment of 12 months, except the top 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’ll be able to usually get an evening’s keep in a mid-range lodge for round $45. Simply seize a heat coat, and a few comfy sneakers and discover; it’s my high factor to do on this superb metropolis.
Many occasions are happening round New 12 months, and town is extraordinarily busy. You too can try the Istanbul Worldwide Guide Honest in November, together with the ever-popular Istanbul Marathon in the identical month. In fact, you’ll be able to nonetheless see all the foremost sights in Istanbul throughout this so-called quieter time, together with the superb Dolmabahce Palace.
When to Go to Istanbul For Seashores
Istanbul is residence to some nice seashores and when 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 seaside to town, which is close to Kadıköy on the Asian facet. Alternatively, you could possibly make a journey to the Princes Islands, which provide a implausible 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’ll be able to. These months supply 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 that to test the forecast earlier than you go.
When to Go to Istanbul For Festivals
There are a lot of festivals occurring throughout Istanbul all by the 12 months, so it actually relies upon upon the kind of pageant you wish to attend. In the course of the summer season months, you’ll discover extra outside festivals occurring, with vacationers and locals gathering to rejoice and see one thing new.
Summer season sees the Istanbul Music Competition, Istanbul Festivali, Istanbul Worldwide Jazz Competition, and the Istanbul Purchasing Competition. Nonetheless, throughout December you’ll discover numerous occasions happening throughout the entire metropolis as everybody appears to be like ahead to the New 12 months. This can be a enormous celebration, identified domestically as Yılbaşı, and also you’ll discover that lodge costs enhance for a number of days.
When to Go to Istanbul For Historic Websites
The very best 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. Nonetheless, 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 selections. Throughout this time, you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to’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 seen that is the most affordable 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 12 months, persons are recovering from excesses, and January holds a excessive likelihood of snow.
Nonetheless, 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 ft 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 is perhaps shocked to be taught that there are a number of nice mountain climbing 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 attractive Topkapı Palace.
The very best occasions to go to Istanbul for mountain climbing 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 very fashionable 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 wish to cover till sunset; what I’m making an attempt to say is that all of us have our personal likes and dislikes in relation to 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’ll be able to resolve when is greatest for you.
Istanbul in January
January is the quietest and most cost-effective month to go to Istanbul, so when you’re searching for decrease costs, that is the time for you. Nonetheless, January can be Istanbul’s coldest month, with daytime averages of round 8°C/46°F and a excessive likelihood of rain and probably snow. Having mentioned that, Istanbul in January remains to be a implausible expertise and fewer folks means you’ll be able to 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, nonetheless, the chance 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 numerous occasions occurring round Valentine’s Day—bear 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
If you happen to go to Istanbul in March, you’ll discover that spring is slowly beginning to present itself, particularly towards the top 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. Benefit from these hotter evenings by heading to a Whirling Dervish present and persevering with to discover town on foot as a lot as you’ll be able to.
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. Keep in mind to take a look at the Istanbul Tulip Competition towards the top of the month, however that is additionally a good time to benefit from 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 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 right time of 12 months to discover, and also you’ll solely want a light-weight jacket and an umbrella in your bag. I took the guided road meals tour final Might, and it was such an awesome time out; I definitely didn’t want any dinner within the night. Click on right here for extra data.
Istanbul in June
If you happen to go to Istanbul in June you’ll discover that it’s just a little extra crowded than the previous few months, however not but as busy as it’ll 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, corresponding to Dolmabahçe Palace, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, or Hagia Sofia, now’s 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 in addition the warmest (26°C/79°F). Nonetheless, it’s additionally the busiest. I’d keep away from Istiklal Avenue in Taksim at the moment as will get so busy you’ll be able to barely stroll; as an alternative, head to the Basilica Cistern which sits underground and provides 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 remains to be very busy as a result of the Turkish faculties are nonetheless on trip, however towards the top of the month, it’ll 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 thought for households as there’s leisure on board, corresponding to stomach dancing and music. Click on right here for data.
Istanbul in September
I really 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 just a little, however as at all times, simply journey ready. If you happen to 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
If you happen to’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. If you happen to’re touring with kids, it is a good time to go 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 may get some actually heat days. Evenings will be chilly, so simply bear 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
If you happen to head to Istanbul in December you’ll want a coat (common 9°C/48°C), and it could snow. That is one among my favourite occasions to go to town because it’s superbly adorned and prepared for New 12 months – the ambiance is magical and there’s that winter wonderland really feel round.
If you happen to’re visiting for New 12 months, bear 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 12 months Cruise is a good selection. Click on right here to e book.
FAQs About When To Go to Istanbul
Istanbul is a large metropolis, and while you first begin to analysis it, the sheer quantity of knowledge will 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 state of affairs that’s best for you. Personally, I’d 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 can help you 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 part, however I’d advocate at the least 4 days to see the primary highlights. Nonetheless, for a deeper dive, at the least per week is required to discover town and its hidden gems.
I really like December in Istanbul; town comes alive with twinkling lights because it gears up for New 12 months, and the frosty really feel within the air provides to the ambiance. In fact, it could actually rain in December, and it’d even snow, however getting all wrapped up, grabbing a takeaway espresso or sizzling chocolate, and exploring town on foot is one among 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, nonetheless, the height months between June and August could have barely larger prices, thanks to high school 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 state of affairs within the north, together with every part in between.
Istanbul is situated within the northwest of the nation, and by way of the wet season, you could possibly say it’s between November and April. Nonetheless, 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 resolve when to go. There’s no significantly unhealthy time to go right here; I’d go any time of 12 months and nonetheless get pleasure from each final second. It’s simply a type 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 by way of temperatures and rain, so select a month with the perfect climate circumstances for you and go; severely, don’t even give it some thought for one more second. I really 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 when you go for 2 days and it rains continuous, you’ll nonetheless wish to return.
