December weather forecastIstanbul, Turkey
December
Weather in December
December in Istanbul ushers in winter, becoming the coolest month of the year with temperatures dropping to an average low of 7.7°C (45.9°F). A rebound in the number of rainy days and a resurgence of snowfall decorate the city with a festive, wintry appeal. Despite the cold weather, the city’s breathtaking beauty does not diminish, with fairy lights decorating the city’s streets and markets. As the year ends, locals and tourists wrap up warm to explore the festive city, their breath misting up in the cold air. The daylight hours are the shortest, creating enchantingly long dusks and dawns, bringing a mystical close to the year in Istanbul.Temperature
A mild drop in Istanbul's average high-temperature is observed in December, transitioning from a mild 15.4°C (59.7°F) in November to a fresh 10.7°C (51.3°F). Nighttime readings during December register a minimal drop from daytime highs, averaging at a frosty 7.7°C (45.9°F).Humidity
The average relative humidity in December in Istanbul is 74%.Rainfall
December is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 13.6 days and accumulates 52mm (2.05") of precipitation.Snowfall
Months with snowfall in Istanbul are January through March and December. December is the first month it typically snows. Throughout December, in the average 0.9 snowfall days, it receives 7mm (0.28") of snow. In Istanbul, during the entire year, snow falls for 7.1 days and aggregates up to 49mm (1.93") of snow.Sea temperature
In December, the average sea temperature is 10.7°C (51.3°F).Note: Swimming in 10.7°C (51.3°F) can be lethal. Merely spending a few minutes in 13°C (55.4°F) waters feels harsh, and venturing below 10°C (50°F) might disrupt breathing control and bring about cold shock, contingent on individual resilience.
Daylight
The month with the shortest days in Istanbul is December, with an average of 9h and 18min of daylight.On the first day of December in Istanbul, sunrise is at 08:09 and sunset at 17:36. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 08:28 and sunset at 17:45 +03.
Sunshine
The month with the least sunshine in Istanbul is December, with an average of 4.8h of sunshine.UV index
January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a minimal health vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for the ordinary person.Note: An average UV index of 2 in December transforms into this advice:
Long-term sun exposure is typically not a concern for most. However, those with sensitive skin, infants, and children must always have protection. When the Sun's UV radiation is most intense during midday, it's best to find shade and limit exposure. Tightly woven clothing, when worn loosely, shields effectively against the Sun. Consider carefully! The reflective quality of snow can almost double the intensity of the Sun's UV radiation.
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Average temperature in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average high temperature in December: 10.7°C
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).
- Average low temperature in December: 7.7°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 in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- 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 in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- 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 in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average humidity in December: 74%
The month with the highest relative humidity is February (78%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are June and July (67%).
Average rainfall in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average rainfall in December: 52mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (52mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is August (11mm).
Average rainfall days in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- 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 in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average snowfall in December: 7mm
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 snowfall days in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average snowfall days in December: 0.9 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (3.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 days).
Average sea temperature in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average sea temperature in December: 10.7°C
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 in December /
Average sunshine in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average daylight in December: 9h and 18min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 18min).
- 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 in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- 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 in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average UV index in December: 2
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 in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average cloud cover in December: 50
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 in December
Istanbul, Turkey
- Average visibility in December: 10km
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).
