Contents
- The climate of Istanbul
- The best time to visit Istanbul
- The worst time to visit Istanbul
- Weather hazards
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
Ships along the coast of the city port of Istanbul, Turkey
The climate of Istanbul
Istanbul exhibits different types of microclimates, such as the Mediterranean (Köppen climate classification Csa), humid subtropical (Cfa), and oceanic (Cfb) within its various zones. Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, is a transcontinental city between Europe and Asia that spans the Bosporus Strait between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. The large water bodies near the city have a significant influence on its climate.
Istanbul's landscape features seven hills, while the Golden Horn, a natural harbor, further divides the city. The average elevation is approximately 39 meters above sea level, and the topography consists of rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and marshlands. The varied topography, size, and two different water bodies to the north and south give rise to different microclimates. Earthquakes and tsunamis pose a threat to Istanbul as it lies near the North Anatolian fault.
Summers are mostly hot and sunny in Istanbul with a high degree of humidity. The average high temperature at the peak of the summer is 26.7°C (80.1°F) in August. Winter is cold, and the temperatures occasionally drop below freezing, but the average low temperatures remain between 2.8°C (37°F) and 5.6°C (42.1°F). Spring and autumn tend to be warm and pleasant, but it is cold during early spring and late autumn.
Annual precipitation of 813mm (32.01") occurs throughout the year, while the rainiest months are from November to January. Istanbul receives annual sunshine of approximately 2432 hours, and the sunniest period is between June and August. Light snowfall and frost usually occur during the winter, but the city rarely accumulates large amounts of snow.
The humidity touches 80% in the mornings, and the dense fog in the northern part of Istanbul during late autumn and winter often disrupts the transportation through the sea. The sea temperatures are warm during the summer, and usually between 21.1°C (70°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F).
The highest recorded temperature in Istanbul is 41.5°C (106.7°F), while the lowest temperature on record is -16.1°C (3°F).
Istanbul's landscape features seven hills, while the Golden Horn, a natural harbor, further divides the city. The average elevation is approximately 39 meters above sea level, and the topography consists of rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and marshlands. The varied topography, size, and two different water bodies to the north and south give rise to different microclimates. Earthquakes and tsunamis pose a threat to Istanbul as it lies near the North Anatolian fault.
Summers are mostly hot and sunny in Istanbul with a high degree of humidity. The average high temperature at the peak of the summer is 26.7°C (80.1°F) in August. Winter is cold, and the temperatures occasionally drop below freezing, but the average low temperatures remain between 2.8°C (37°F) and 5.6°C (42.1°F). Spring and autumn tend to be warm and pleasant, but it is cold during early spring and late autumn.
Annual precipitation of 813mm (32.01") occurs throughout the year, while the rainiest months are from November to January. Istanbul receives annual sunshine of approximately 2432 hours, and the sunniest period is between June and August. Light snowfall and frost usually occur during the winter, but the city rarely accumulates large amounts of snow.
The humidity touches 80% in the mornings, and the dense fog in the northern part of Istanbul during late autumn and winter often disrupts the transportation through the sea. The sea temperatures are warm during the summer, and usually between 21.1°C (70°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F).
The highest recorded temperature in Istanbul is 41.5°C (106.7°F), while the lowest temperature on record is -16.1°C (3°F).
The best time to visit Istanbul
The best times to visit Istanbul are in late spring to early summer from May to June and September to October during the autumn. The latter half of spring is pleasant with temperatures in the 11.7°C (53.1°F) to 21.1°C (70°F) range and a decrease in the rainfall. The early part of autumn has comfortable temperatures in the 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 23.9°C (75°F) range but the wetness increases by October. June is warm, but the summer tends to be hot throughout July and August, with an increase in humidity.
The worst time to visit Istanbul
Winter is cold and wet, and December to February is usually the worst time to visit Istanbul. The low temperatures sporadically drop below the freezing mark during the winter. Snowfall is light, but the average snowy days are at least 13 during the year, while frost and fog are regular. Winter is also the rainiest season with the shortest days in December, and the sunshine reduces to merely 3 hours a day due to the cloudy skies.
Weather hazards
Istanbul is vulnerable to thunderstorms, fog, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Severe thunderstorms, along with lightning and rain, are common during the summer. Dense fog is regularly present in the mornings and lasts up to afternoons during the winter. The city experiences many minor earthquakes due to its proximity to the North Anatolian Fault. A major earthquake shook Istanbul's suburbs in 1999, and there is a risk of a major earthquake in the future, according to seismologists.
Weather in January
January, like December, is another chilly winter month in Istanbul, Turkey, with an average temperature varying between 8.5°C (47.3°F) and 5.3°C (41.5°F). January is the coldest month, with an average high-temperature of 8.5°C (47.3°F) and an average low-temperature of 5.3°C (41.5°F). Weather in January »
Weather in February
February, the last month of the winter in Istanbul, is also a frosty month, with an average temperature varying between 6°C (42.8°F) and 9.7°C (49.5°F). In Istanbul, Turkey, the average high-temperature in February is relatively the same as in January - a still chilly 9.7°C (49.5°F). Weather in February »
Weather in March
March, the first month of the spring in Istanbul, is a fresh month, with an average temperature ranging between max 11.8°C (53.2°F) and min 7.4°C (45.3°F). In March, the average high-temperature is relatively the same as in February - a fresh 11.8°C (53.2°F). Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a moderate spring month in Istanbul, Turkey, with an average temperature varying between 15.3°C (59.5°F) and 9.9°C (49.8°F). In Istanbul, the average high-temperature in April slightly increases from a cool 11.8°C (53.2°F) in March to a mild 15.3°C (59.5°F). Weather in April »
Weather in May
The last month of the spring, May, is an agreeable month in Istanbul, Turkey, with temperature in the range of an average low of 15.1°C (59.2°F) and an average high of 20.9°C (69.6°F). In Istanbul, the average high-temperature in May increases from a moderate 15.3°C (59.5°F) in April to an agreeable 20.9°C (69.6°F). Weather in May »
Weather in June
The first month of the summer, June, is a warm month in Istanbul, Turkey, with temperature in the range of an average low of 20°C (68°F) and an average high of 25.4°C (77.7°F). In June, the average high-temperature marginally rises from a pleasant 20.9°C (69.6°F) in May to a moderately hot 25.4°C (77.7°F). Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, like June, in Istanbul, Turkey, is another warm summer month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 27.9°C (82.2°F) and 22.3°C (72.1°F). The warmest month is July, with an average high-temperature of 27.9°C (82.2°F) and an average low-temperature of 22.3°C (72.1°F). In July, the average heat index is appraised at a tropical 30°C (86°F). Weather in July »
Weather in August
August, the last month of the summer in Istanbul, is another warm month, with an average temperature varying between 27.8°C (82°F) and 23.3°C (73.9°F). In Istanbul, the average high-temperature in August is practically the same as in July - a still moderately hot 27.8°C (82°F). Weather in August »
Weather in September
The first month of the autumn, September, is also a moderately hot month in Istanbul, Turkey, with an average temperature varying between 20.4°C (68.7°F) and 24.3°C (75.7°F). In Istanbul, the average high-temperature in September slightly decreases from a warm 27.8°C (82°F) in August to a still moderately hot 24.3°C (75.7°F). Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, the same as September, is another comfortable autumn month in Istanbul, Turkey, with an average temperature ranging between min 15.5°C (59.9°F) and max 19.4°C (66.9°F). In Istanbul, the average high-temperature in October slightly decreases from a warm 24.3°C (75.7°F) in September to an enjoyable 19.4°C (66.9°F). Weather in October »
Weather in November
The last month of the autumn, November, is also a moderate month in Istanbul, Turkey, with an average temperature varying between 15.4°C (59.7°F) and 12.5°C (54.5°F). In Istanbul, the average high-temperature in November marginally drops from an enjoyable 19.4°C (66.9°F) in October to a mild 15.4°C (59.7°F). Weather in November »
Weather in December
The first month of the winter, December, is still a cool month in Istanbul, Turkey, with an average temperature fluctuating between 7.7°C (45.9°F) and 10.7°C (51.3°F). In Istanbul, Turkey, the average high-temperature in December marginally drops from a mild 15.4°C (59.7°F) in November to a cool 10.7°C (51.3°F). Weather in December »
[Resources]FAQ
What is the coldest month in Istanbul?
With an average high-temperature of 8.5°C (47.3°F) and an average low-temperature of 5.3°C (41.5°F), January is the coldest month in Istanbul, Turkey.
How much does it rain in Istanbul?
Throughout the year, in Istanbul, Turkey, there are 130.7 rainfall days, and 400mm (15.75") of precipitation is accumulated.
When does it snow in Istanbul?
January through March and December are months with snowfall.
What is the snowiest month in Istanbul?
The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 3.7 days and typically aggregates up to 24mm (0.94") of snow.
How many days does it snow in Istanbul?
In Istanbul, during the entire year, snow falls for 7.1 days and aggregates up to 49mm (1.93") of snow.
What are the months with the lowest UV index in Istanbul?
January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.
What is the most humid month in Istanbul?
February is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 78%.
What is the month with the coldest sea water in Istanbul?
The month with the coldest seawater is February, with an average sea temperature of 7.8°C (46°F).
When it does not snow in Istanbul?
In Istanbul, snow does not fall in April through November.
What are the least humid months in Istanbul?
June and July, with an average relative humidity of 67%, are the least humid months.
When are the longest days in Istanbul?
With an average of 15h and 5min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.
What is the warmest month in Istanbul?
July is the warmest month, with an average high-temperature of 27.9°C (82.2°F) and an average low-temperature of 22.3°C (72.1°F).
What month has the most sunshine in Istanbul?
July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 11.8h of sunshine.
What is the month with the highest UV index in Istanbul?
July is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 7.
What is the driest month in Istanbul?
The month with the least rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 3.8 days and typically collects 11mm (0.43") of precipitation.
What month is the sea warmest in Istanbul?
With an average sea temperature of 24.9°C (76.8°F), August is the month with the warmest seawater.
What is the rainiest month in Istanbul?
December is the month with the most rainfall in Istanbul, Turkey. Rain falls for 13.6 days and accumulates 52mm (2.05") of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days in Istanbul?
With an average of 9h and 17min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Istanbul?
Istanbul does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). +03 timezone is used over the entire year.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Istanbul?
With an average of 4.8h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year in Istanbul.
Average temperature
Istanbul, Turkey
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (27.9°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (8.5°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is August (23.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (5.3°C).
Average pressure
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average pressure in January:
1018.5mbar - Average pressure in February:
1017.2mbar - Average pressure in March:
1016.2mbar - Average pressure in April:
1015.1mbar - Average pressure in May:
1013.4mbar - Average pressure in June:
1012.4mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1011.7mbar - Average pressure in August:
1013mbar - Average pressure in September:
1015.1mbar - Average pressure in October:
1018.1mbar - Average pressure in November:
1019.2mbar - Average pressure in December:
1019.7mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is December (1019.7mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is July (1011.7mbar).
Average wind speed
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average wind speed in January:
19km/h - Average wind speed in February:
19km/h - Average wind speed in March:
17km/h - Average wind speed in April:
15.2km/h - Average wind speed in May:
14km/h - Average wind speed in June:
14.8km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
17.3km/h - Average wind speed in August:
20.5km/h - Average wind speed in September:
18.1km/h - Average wind speed in October:
17.8km/h - Average wind speed in November:
17.3km/h - Average wind speed in December:
18.8km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is August (20.5km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is May (14km/h).
Average humidity
Istanbul, Turkey
The month with the highest relative humidity is February (78%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are June and July (67%).
Average rainfall
Istanbul, Turkey
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (52mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is August (11mm).
Average rainfall days
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average rainfall days in January:
12.9 days - Average rainfall days in February:
12.4 days - Average rainfall days in March:
14.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
12.6 days - Average rainfall days in May:
11.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
9.5 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
6.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
3.8 days - Average rainfall days in September:
10 days - Average rainfall days in October:
12.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
11 days - Average rainfall days in December:
13.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (14.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is August (3.8 days).
Average snowfall
Istanbul, Turkey
The month with the highest snowfall is January (24mm).
The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0mm).
Average sea temperature
Istanbul, Turkey
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (24.9°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (7.8°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 37min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 39min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 58min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 19min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 29min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 5min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 47min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 46min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 28min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 7min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 55min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 17min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 5min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 17min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 0min - Average sunshine in February:
6h and 0min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 12min - Average sunshine in May:
10h and 30min - Average sunshine in June:
11h and 24min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 48min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 42min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 54min - Average sunshine in October:
7h and 42min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 54min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 48min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 4h and 48min).
Average sunshine days
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average sunshine days in January:
13.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
12.6 days - Average sunshine days in March:
14.5 days - Average sunshine days in April:
15.7 days - Average sunshine days in May:
17 days - Average sunshine days in June:
17.9 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
23.1 days - Average sunshine days in August:
25.5 days - Average sunshine days in September:
16.9 days - Average sunshine days in October:
15.1 days - Average sunshine days in November:
16.3 days - Average sunshine days in December:
14.7 days
The month with the most sunshine days is August (25.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (12.6 days).
Average UV index
Istanbul, Turkey
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 7).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Istanbul, Turkey
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 55).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 12).
Average visibility
Istanbul, Turkey
The months with the highest visibility are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and February (9km).
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