Home › Destinations › Istanbul
Weather in Istanbul
Where two continents meet across the Bosphorus
—
Loading live weather...
About Istanbul
Istanbul is the only city that spans two continents. The Hagia Sophia built in 537 AD is the most extraordinary building you may ever enter. The Grand Bazaar has 4,000 shops and has been trading since 1461.
Best months to visit
June, July, August, September
Things to do in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar
Bosphorus cruise
Topkapi Palace
Turkish hammam
Spice Bazaar
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
9C
Cold, with some rainy days.
February
10C
Cool, with some rainy days.
March
12C
Cool, with some rainy days.
April
16C
Cool, with occasional showers.
May
21C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Recommended
June
25C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
July
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
August
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
September
25C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
October
20C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
November
16C
Cool, with occasional showers.
December
11C
Cool, with some rainy days.
Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents and it wears this peculiarity with magnificent ease — Byzantine mosaics shimmer inside Ottoman mosques, ferries cross the Bosphorus carrying commuters between Europe and Asia, and the Grand Bazaar sells everything from spices to carpets in a covered warren that has barely changed in five centuries. The food scene alone — from köfte to baklava to the world's greatest mezes — makes Istanbul essential.
Best areas to stay in Istanbul
Sultanahmet
The historic heart of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul — home to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and the Basilica Cistern.
Beyoğlu & Galata
The atmospheric 19th-century European quarter across the Golden Horn, centred on İstiklal Avenue and the iconic Galata Tower.
Kapalıçarşı (Grand Bazaar)
One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets — 60 streets, 4,000 shops, and an irresistible atmosphere of negotiation and discovery.
Kadıköy
Istanbul's Asian side — a vibrant, youthful neighbourhood with outstanding street food, independent bookshops, and a wonderful weekly market.
Getting to Istanbul
✈
Flights
Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) are served by Turkish Airlines, British Airways, easyJet, and Pegasus from London and most UK regional airports.
⏱
From London
~3.5 hours direct from London
🚕
Getting around
The Istanbul Card (Istanbulkart) covers metro, trams, ferries, and buses — essential for getting around efficiently. Uber operates in the city; taxis should have meters running.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
April to June and September to November offer the most pleasant weather for sightseeing — mild temperatures and manageable crowds. July and August are hot and busy; January and February can be cold but offer an atmospheric, uncrowded experience.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Turkey?
Yes — UK passport holders require an e-Visa for Turkey, obtainable online before travel for around £30. Apply at least a few days before departure at the official evisa.gov.tr website.
Is Istanbul safe to visit?
Istanbul is generally safe for tourists, though remain aware in crowded areas like the Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet where pickpocketing can occur. Check the FCDO travel advice for current guidance before travelling.
How do I cross between European and Asian Istanbul?
Ferries (vapur) from Eminönü and Karaköy to Kadıköy and Üsküdar are the most scenic and enjoyable way to cross the Bosphorus — cheap, frequent, and atmospheric. The Marmaray train is faster but less romantic.
What should I eat in Istanbul?
Start with a proper Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı), explore the Kapalıçarşı for lokum and spices, eat balık ekmek (fish sandwiches) by the Galata Bridge, and finish with künefe (cheese pastry soaked in syrup) in the evening.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Istanbul is endlessly fascinating — we spent two full days just in Sultanahmet and still didn't see everything. The Hagia Sophia is genuinely awe-inspiring and the Turkish breakfast spread at our hotel was something I'm still dreaming about.
Leyla A. · May 2024
★★★★★
Taking the ferry to the Asian side for lunch in Kadıköy was one of the best decisions of the trip — fantastic food, real neighbourhood atmosphere, and none of the tourist crowds from Sultanahmet. Highly recommended.
Robert C. · October 2023
★★★★☆
Wonderful city with incredible history — the Topkapı Palace collection alone could fill a whole day. April was a great time to visit and the tulip festival in the parks was a beautiful surprise we hadn't expected.
Helen S. · April 2024
Ready to visit Istanbul?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
