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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Civic Insight weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
What is Istanbul’s climate like?
Istanbul has a humid subtropical climate, straddling Europe and Asia. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cool and damp with occasional frost. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions, with moderate temperatures and lower rainfall.
How does the weather change through the year?
Summer highs average 29°C, often feeling hotter due to humidity. Winter lows drop to around 5°C, with occasional snowfall. For those planning ahead, istanbul weather february is cold and rainy, while istanbul weather december is similarly grey. Checking istanbul weather in january helps prepare for chilly, wet days. For shorter trips, weather in istanbul 10 days and istanbul weather 14 days provide reliable trends, though weather istanbul 30 days is a broad guide only. A istanbul weather 15 days outlook can highlight shifts. All temperatures are given in istanbul weather celsius. If you’re comparing with British conditions, visit our UK weather hub or see our 10 day weather forecast UK page.
Does it snow in Istanbul?
Yes, though snow is not heavy or frequent. Most winters see one or two days of light snow, usually in January or February. The city’s coastal location means snow rarely settles for long, except in higher suburbs.
When is the rainy season?
Rain is common from November through March, with December and January being the wettest months. Summer rainfall is infrequent but can come as sharp afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and autumn are drier and more stable.
What is the sea temperature in summer?
The Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara warm to about 24°C in August, making swimming pleasant. In July and September the water is around 22–23°C. Winter sea temperatures drop to 8–10°C.
Sources
- Met Office – Istanbul climate
- BBC Weather – Istanbul
- <a href="https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey