Best time to visit

Istanbul has been a world empire for over 15 centuries and to date is still the only metropolis that spans two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by The Bosphorus Strait. Istanbul has been influenced by both the Byzantine Christian Empire as well as The Ottoman Islamic Empire and retained influences from both eras. Currently where biblical Babylon was located, and also known as Constantinople it is the largest city in Turkey and among the 24 largest rural areas in the world. Let’s take a look a when is the best time to visit Istanbul.

Photo: Ferry boats

Best weather

There are four seasons in Istanbul, winter is bitterly cold but it seldom ever snows, summer is hot and dry and spring and fall are pleasantly warm. This type of weather results from a cross between Mediterranean and Black sea climates. Summers are long and hot and winters are rainy, although, it is not unusual to get caught in a rain storm during summer or experience sunny, warm weather in February. The best time to visit Istanbul is spring, early summer and autumn. As previously mentioned, winters are dreadfully cold even when it doesn’t snow as there still a lot of rain fall during the winter season. April marks the beginning of spring when the city starts to warm up again and nature awakens in all it’s majestic beauty. By May through to the end of June, the weather is inviting and comfortable, until November, when it starts to get cold again.

Try not to miss

Generally, the best time to visit Istanbul is spring time, then autumn, summer and winter being the least attractive of the four seasons. Something useful to know about Istanbul and Istanbul holidays is that Turkey and Istanbul by extension, are an Islamic community, therefore their holidays are mostly religious and because they are based on the Islamic calendar, they fall 11 days earlier every year so that one has to confirm these dates if trying to plan your visit to coincide with one such holiday. Special events include; football finals, Formula 1 Grand Prix and film festivals. These events attract a lot of tourists yearly and short of booking early, it may be impossible to attend. There are, however, other attractions which reflect the culture of the city such as cafes, restaurants,  Grand Bazaar, excursions, tour and much more.

Longest queues

The month of April, being the start of spring sees massive crowds of visitors arriving in Istanbul, making this the busiest time of the year and the peak of their tourism season. When one considers that Istanbul is predominantly an Islamic nation it is not a mystery to figure out that Holidays and special events will attract masses of devoted followers, curious tourists and visitors. Long queues are a reality and for the most part patrons, local and foreign alike, appear undaunted by them. In all fairness to the city, however, there is much to do and short of foot ball finals, racing and other festivals, there are still countless ways to enjoy your visit. While events of a national and religious nature are heavily attended and crowded, other activities, designed for visitors are well organized and beautifully executed, much to the delight of tourists.

Cheapest months

For the most part, Istanbul is generally expensive, and costs of tourist activities are even more costly, some say by as much as 35% as compared with other destinations. During the peak season, which starts in April, prices in Istanbul are astronomical…Alcohol is extremely expensive as it is sold but not consumed by natives so that it is considered to be a tourist item and treated as such. While it still may not be cheap, it costs less to visit Istanbul during winter as the business will be welcomed and patrons are treated with appreciation from vendors and businesses alike.
Visitors to Istanbul should be aware of the culture and customs and women in particular should try to observe proper public conduct at all times, especially in reference to dress code.



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44 Responses to “Best time to visit”

  1. I am travelling to Istanbul on 23 November 2011 – what type of weather can i expect for the 3 days that I am there?

     

    Budre

    October 12th, 2011 at 10:06 ampermalink

  2. Hi Budre, end of November is a bit tricky. You can get lucky and get days where it’s 20 degrees celsius and the sun is shining, but you can also get the occassional day where it’s 11-12 degrees and windy. Bring a nice sweater.

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    October 12th, 2011 at 12:29 pmpermalink

  3. I am travelling to Istanbul on 1. November 2011 – what type of weather can i expect for the 7 days that I am there? And I dont know if this is good place to ask but can u tell me if some flea markets or garage sales are opened in november?except grand bazar.
    thanks

     

    Goran

    October 26th, 2011 at 11:10 ampermalink

  4. Hi Charlie

    I am thinking of visiting Istanbul in early January and
    would like to know if it rains and snows that time of the year

    thank you

     

    razia

    November 8th, 2011 at 9:53 ampermalink

  5. Hi Razia,

    It is very unlikely that you will encounter snow. You should take a photograph if it happens!

    It will be a wet month with average daytime temperatures of around 8-10 degrees celsius. Expect 8-10 days of rain during the month of January.

    Bring an umbrella and enjoy your visit.

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    November 8th, 2011 at 12:40 pmpermalink

  6. We are going to Istanbul in late August / early September. Is the weather typically cooler, compared to summer by that time? Or should we plan on drinking lots of iced coffee to cool down?

     

    Namaka

    November 20th, 2011 at 6:03 pmpermalink

  7. Hi Namaka!

    Slightly better than July and early August, but…

    Visiting in late August will mean that you should encounter temperatures of 25-30 degrees celsius. It will cool down slightly in early September, but expect 23-28 degrees in that period as well.

    Bring plenty of t-shirts as you will probably have to change several times each day.

    Yes, Ice coffee is a great idea!

    Have a nice trip.

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    November 21st, 2011 at 3:30 pmpermalink

  8. hi, i and my wife will be going to istanbul on 12th jan,2012 for 5 days…. where are the best places that i can visit and enjoy the most of my time…do you recomend any other city that i can visit and enjoy during that time??

     

    abbas

    November 24th, 2011 at 12:02 pmpermalink

  9. Hi Abbas,

    I think you will find plenty of things to do in Istanbul during a 5 day stay. There will not be necessary to plan to see another city as well. For attractions and sights, it depends on what you prefer to do while on vacation. Let me know and I can give some specific tips.

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    November 24th, 2011 at 12:16 pmpermalink

  10. Hi Cheapo,

    well i was in istanbul last year, and i actually visited almost all the historical sights, excep for the grand bazar, spice market and other that i plan to visit now. but i will ned more places cuz i want to make full use of my time, retaurants, shisha cafe’s, and places to enjoy during the winter…..

     

    abbas

    November 24th, 2011 at 3:35 pmpermalink

  11. ????

     

    abbas

    November 24th, 2011 at 5:06 pmpermalink

  12. dears, i ma planning to visit istanbul early february, is it receommended, i mean is the waether suitable?

    thanks alot in advance

     

    Husam

    December 5th, 2011 at 4:35 ampermalink

  13. Hi Husam. February is fine, but there may be chilly and occassionally there is even snow. Read more about the weather here: http://www.dirtcheapistanbul.com/weather/

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    December 5th, 2011 at 10:52 ampermalink

  14. hi, i and my boyfriend will be going to istanbul on 12th jan,2012 for 7 days…We want to see the snow for the first 2 days; which is the best ski resort to go??
    And we want to spend the other 5 days in Istanbul. We want to have fun and do exciting romantic things.
    Please suggest me what kind of places we could go to?
    We are not interested in seeing any historic places etc.
    What is the expected weather and what should be the necessary things/clothes we shud bring from home?

     

    SAhmad

    December 7th, 2011 at 5:14 ampermalink

  15. Hello Sahmed,

    If you want to go see the snow, head for Bursa mountains, a day trip from Istanbul.

    Romantic things? Wandering around in the Sultanahmet district is quite romantic I can imagine.

    Weather will be cold, somewhere between 4-10 degrees celcius. Bring a warm jacket.

    Have a nice trip!

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    December 7th, 2011 at 8:37 ampermalink

  16. Hello,
    Our plan is to visit Istanbul by 25/12 to Jan 5, of course we would like to see the snow and to enjoy the winter for our 10 days trip, we have children with us, i think 10 days is too much in Istanbul where do you suggest me to take my family if we plan to visit another city, is Bursa has hotels to stay for one or two nights then to return to Istanbul, or perhaps there are other closer places than Bursa .
    Thank you

     

    Abdu

    December 7th, 2011 at 8:50 pmpermalink

  17. Hi Abdu,

    10 days in Istanbul may be a bit excessive if you have children who easily bore.

    Your idea of a 2-3 day trip to Bursa is very good. It’s easy to find hotels who are affordable. Feel free to use my link to Booking.com: http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?city=-740501;aid=342176

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    December 7th, 2011 at 10:07 pmpermalink

  18. Can you please also telll me about places to see in Istanbul? boat rides? Clubs?

    And which malls are good for shopping ?

     

    SAhmad

    December 7th, 2011 at 10:42 pmpermalink

  19. Hi again,

    Haggle hard when you decide to go for a boat trip.

    You’ll find some advice about shopping malls here: http://www.dirtcheapistanbul.com/shopping/shopping-malls/

    Wow, this page is on fire, lots of questions. Feel free to ask about anything.

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    December 8th, 2011 at 1:01 ampermalink

  20. Thank you for the advice!
    Then what would be the easiest and fastest way to reach Bursa as you said it takes one full day to travel.

    Thank you

     

    Abdu

    December 8th, 2011 at 6:05 ampermalink

  21. When is best time to see the best tulips in Istanbul as well be able to go down to Mediterranean or Aegean seaside?

     

    Al

    December 14th, 2011 at 4:26 ampermalink

  22. Al, I am sorry, but I am not an expert on flowers. I can barely manage to give away a bunch of roses to the woman I want to imprss.

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    December 14th, 2011 at 11:55 ampermalink

  23. Hi me and my mum are planning to visit Istanbul at 27 January, is this a sale time? Or it is a little bit late? And how will the weather be like?

     

    Sara

    December 20th, 2011 at 10:43 pmpermalink

  24. Hi Sara!

    Welcome to Istanbul. In the end of January there will still be sales going on, but the best goods may already have been bought. Good luck!

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    December 21st, 2011 at 2:02 ampermalink

  25. hi, im planning to visit istanbul in first of jan or feb, when is the best time for shopping and sale.

    thank you in advance

     

    neda

    December 25th, 2011 at 7:54 pmpermalink

  26. The best time for the sale is in beginning of January. Shopping is great all year long.

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    December 26th, 2011 at 11:47 ampermalink

  27. Hi dear cheapo
    When is the sales season in winter in istanbul

     

    Ali

    December 26th, 2011 at 6:56 pmpermalink

  28. Ali: Some shops have started the sales already, other will follow in the beginning of January.

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    December 27th, 2011 at 1:08 pmpermalink

  29. hello :D
    me & my family are planing to go to istanbul from january 18th to 28th
    we don’t have any kids, many suggested to go to bursa for winter activities i just wanted to ask how far is it & can we go to it & come back at the same day? cause we don’t want to change hotels
    & is there any unique activities to do?
    -thank you.

     

    najey

    January 11th, 2012 at 4:47 pmpermalink

  30. Najey, it would be advisable to stay at a hotel in Bursa, I do not think you can travel bakck and forth on the same day and still have time to do anything in Bursa.

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    January 11th, 2012 at 5:01 pmpermalink

  31. hey there :)
    um going to visit Turkey on 31 January for 8 days along…..and it’s the very first time for me and my father ,actually ! really um so excited but um a little bit worried about our transportation there as the agency didn’t plane any programs for us so we have to visit every where on our own……My hotel where i’ll stay in during this visit is GRAND ONS……i wanna know how can i go to those places>>>> 1-TAKSIM SQUARE 2-SULTANAHMET SQUARE 3-GRAND BAZAR(transportation plz) by bus?or by taxi or tram?…….besides wanna know famous restaurants and MALLS near by……..and what kind of things or activities can i do during those 8 days :D ……
    one more question…..i want to make a great shopping with reasonable and cheap prices , so where can i go? they told me TAKSIM square is so famous of shopping in ISTANBUL…….
    that’s all and i’m so sorry for these many many questions :) :)

     

    NOURHANNE

    January 11th, 2012 at 9:57 pmpermalink

  32. Hi Nourhanne, your hotel is appx. 2 km from Taksim Square, 1 km from Sutanahmet. 500 metres from Grand Bazaar. Both bus and tram links are available in addition to the taxi. I am sure your hotel receptionist can point you to the nearest bus stop and advise you on the correct bus.

    I wish you the very best for your trip.

    Feel free to join me on facebook as well:
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheapo-Charlie/328309293855463

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    January 11th, 2012 at 11:09 pmpermalink

  33. thank you cheapo :) :)

     

    NOURHANNE

    January 11th, 2012 at 11:28 pmpermalink

  34. hi charlie
    i wanted to ask about the sales in istanbul for the end of this week.are there any good ones still?and also where we can have the best shopping?
    Do you know any information about cartoon hotel?it’s in taqsim square i think,i wanted to know if it’s ood or not
    Thank you for your help:)

     

    sarah

    January 13th, 2012 at 11:33 ampermalink

  35. Hi Sarah,

    Welcome to Istanbul. There are still some good buys to be had in the sales.

    For shopping tips, read these pages: http://www.dirtcheapistanbul.com/shopping/ & http://www.dirtcheapistanbul.com/shopping/shopping-malls/

    The Cartoon hotel has generally some bad reviews at Tripadvisor, it’s rated as number 500 of 700 hotels. The Aziyada Hotel has some favourable reviews and is in the middle of the old town, they have some special offers going on now, appx. 45 euros a night, see if you can book it through my deals page here: http://www.dirtcheapistanbul.com/find-cheap-hotel/hotel-deals/

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    January 13th, 2012 at 1:08 pmpermalink

  36. hi charlie, my husband and i are travelling to Istanbul, Bursa and Izmir 05-20feb 2012,what exactly is the weather like at this time in the respective places? thanx.

     

    May

    January 14th, 2012 at 7:35 pmpermalink

  37. Hi,

    You may be lucky and experience some spring weather with nice sun in Izmir. In Istanbul it’s rather cold I’m afraid. Read more here: http://www.dirtcheapistanbul.com/weather/

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    January 15th, 2012 at 2:03 pmpermalink

  38. Planning to arrive in Istanbul for 2 days Feb 25 2012.
    Is the weather improved by then

     

    Dominic

    January 26th, 2012 at 5:42 pmpermalink

  39. Hi Dominic. I am afraid it will still be quite chilly in Istanbul at your visitation dates. You may get lucky, but bring a jacket anyway.

     

    Cheapo Charlie

    January 27th, 2012 at 11:45 ampermalink

  40. hello cheapoooo :D :D

    wanna ask about BOSPHORUS STRAIGHT :)
    best price to get? best time as um going to be in turkey at 31 January? and advices please about this place?

    wanna know also how can i get there? um staying in GRAND ONS hotel as i said :D …..how can i go there by public transportation ?

     

    NOURHANNE

    January 27th, 2012 at 6:50 pmpermalink

  41. ahh btw i want to know also where is METROCITY mall? how could i get there ? :D

     

    NOURHANNE

    January 27th, 2012 at 7:45 pmpermalink

  42. and what about ISTIKLAL street? it’s very important :D …..

     

    NOURHANNE

    January 27th, 2012 at 7:57 pmpermalink

  43. cheappooo why didn’t you reply me?

     

    NOURHANNE

    January 29th, 2012 at 1:17 ampermalink

  44. Hi Nourhanne,

    Sorry for late reply. Was away this weekend and did not get the email about you posting in this thread. Sorry. The Bosphorous strait is what separates Europe from Asia in Istanbul and there are plenty of ferries that will take you over it. You can take a transportation ferry like the locals do or you can jump on a “tour ferry” for tourists.

    MetroCity Mall is a new mall in the Levent-area of town. Nearest metro is Levent (50 metres from the mall).

    Istikal is one of the largest streets in the Galatasaray-part of town. A few kms from your hotel.

    Enjoy your trip!

     

    Cheapo

    January 30th, 2012 at 12:25 ampermalink

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