The best time to visit Istanbul and Nişantaşı (Nisantasi) is April to early June and September to October, with mild days and long hours of light. January and the summer sales from late June are best for shopping; November to March, outside New Year and the Eid holidays, has the lowest hotel prices; July and August are hot, often around 30 °C.
Istanbul is a year-round city, and Nişantaşı, with its shops, cafés and restaurants, works in any season. Still, the weather changes the trip. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking and sightseeing; summer is hot and busy; winter is grey and quiet, but good for shopping and long lunches.
The short answer
- Best overall: April to early June, and September to October. Mild days, cool evenings and long hours of light for walks down to the Bosphorus.
- For shopping: January and the summer sales, which usually start in late June or July.
- For the lowest hotel prices: November to March, outside Christmas, New Year and the Islamic holidays.
- For the sea and long evenings: July and August, if you can handle the heat.
Month by month
Temperatures are typical daytime highs and night-time lows. Every year is different, so check the forecast before you pack.
| Month | Weather | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| January | About 9 °C by day, 3 °C at night; rainy, sometimes snow | Winter sales in the shops; quiet sights |
| February | About 9 °C / 3 °C; the coldest, greyest month | Among the cheapest months for hotels |
| March | About 12 °C / 5 °C; changeable | Spring arrives late in the month |
| April | About 17 °C / 8 °C; fresh, some showers | Tulips in the city’s parks; spring arts festivals |
| May | About 22 °C / 13 °C; warm and bright | One of the best months; busy at weekends |
| June | About 26 °C / 18 °C; summer begins | Long evenings on the Bosphorus; music festivals |
| July | About 29 °C / 21 °C; hot and humid | Peak season; summer sales; plan walks for morning and evening |
| August | About 29 °C / 21 °C; the hottest month | Many locals leave the city; Gulf visitors arrive |
| September | About 25 °C / 18 °C; warm, the sea is still warm | Excellent month; the art season starts |
| October | About 20 °C / 13 °C; mild, the first rains | Republic Day on 29 October, with flags and fireworks |
| November | About 15 °C / 9 °C; rainier, shorter days | Quieter and cheaper; good for museums |
| December | About 11 °C / 6 °C; cool and wet | Festive lights in Nişantaşı; busy around New Year |
Seasons in more detail
Spring (March to May)
The city wakes up. Parks fill with tulips in April, café terraces in Nişantaşı reopen and the walk through Maçka Park down to the water is at its best. Bring a light jacket and an umbrella: showers come and go quickly.
Summer (June to August)
Hot, humid and lively. Sightseeing is easier early in the morning and after five in the afternoon; the middle of the day is for long lunches, air-conditioned shops and museums. The Bosphorus is the place to be in the evening, on a ferry or a cruise.
Autumn (September to November)
September is still summery and the sea stays warm, without the July crowds. October brings mild, golden days. By November the rain returns, but hotel prices drop.
Winter (December to February)
Cool and often wet, with the odd snowfall that turns the mosques white. Fewer visitors, shorter queues and good hotel deals. Nişantaşı is at its cosiest, with steaming tea, bakeries and the winter sales.
Holidays and busy periods
- Ramadan and the two Eid holidays move about 11 days earlier each year. Hotels fill up and prices rise during Eid. See our Ramadan and Eid guide for this year’s dates.
- Summer school holidays in the Gulf and Europe make July and August the busiest months in Nişantaşı’s hotels.
- New Year and big trade fairs also push up hotel prices. Book early if your dates are fixed. See New Year in Nişantaşı.
What to pack
- Comfortable shoes in every season: Nişantaşı and the old city are hilly and some pavements are uneven.
- A scarf for visiting mosques, and clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
- Spring and autumn: layers and a light waterproof jacket.
- Summer: light, breathable clothes, a hat and sun cream.
- Winter: a warm coat, an umbrella and shoes that cope with rain.
More practical details are in our practical tips.
If it rains during your stay, see a rainy day in Istanbul.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rainiest time of year?
November to February. Rain usually comes in spells rather than all day, so there are dry hours for walking most days.
Is it too hot to visit in August?
It is hot and humid, often around 30 °C, but very manageable if you sightsee in the morning and evening and rest in the middle of the day. Hotels with air conditioning are standard.
Does it snow in Istanbul?
Sometimes, a few days most winters, usually in January or February. Snow rarely lasts long in the city centre.
When are the shopping sales?
The main sales are in January and in summer, usually from late June or July. Many shops also run discounts around Black Friday in November.