Best Times to Visit Istanbul

Spring

Visiting Istanbul during spring is the perfect time to enjoy lighter crowds, mild weather, and plenty of activities. Temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, making it perfect to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. Plan your trip for late spring; the temperatures will be even warmer. You will also have a better chance of seeing the plentiful blooms and lush greenery on the trees.  

This is the perfect time of year to walk the quaint streets and enjoy the many outdoor cafes. The Istanbul Tulip Festival happens early in spring, during March and April. For movie buffs, the Istanbul Film Festival happens in April. Then late in spring, during May and June, is the Istanbul Music Festival.

Summer

Summertime tends to be the busiest time of year for tourism in Istanbul. This means heavy crowds and busy beaches. However, there is a reason everyone wants to visit during summer. The weather is in the mid-80s with long, sunny days.  

Summer is the season of music in Istanbul. There is the Istanbul Jazz Festival in July. If you need to escape the heat, take a lesson from the locals and head to the Princes’ Islands. You’ll enjoy plenty of shade and the cool breeze coming off the Sea of Marmara.

Fall

If you want a more relaxed vacation, consider visiting Istanbul during the fall. The weather is still warm, but most of the tourists have left. The reduction in crowds creates a more relaxing experience. Fall weather brings temperatures in the 60s at night and 70s during the day.  

You can still enjoy plenty of outdoor activities during the fall. Take a boat tour or enjoy one of the many outdoor cafes. There are also plenty of events and festivals that take place during the fall. The Istanbul International Puppet Festival happens in October. Then there is the Akbank Jazz Festival and Istanbul Theatre Festival in November.

Winter

Istanbul tends to see fewer visitors during the winter season, but this presents an opportunity. You can see some of Istanbul’s most famous places and have them almost entirely to yourself. Winter is the rainy season, but this can mean a chance of snow during your visit. This means getting to see while on vacation.  

If you visit Istanbul in winter, visit the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. If it happens to be a rainy day, this is a perfect opportunity to visit one of Istanbul’s famous coffee shops or wine bars. If you visit late in winter, there is the International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival in February. 

Istanbul is a beautiful city that is full of culture. There is plenty to do no matter what time of the year you visit. With festivals and events happening throughout the year, there is always something to do.