When to go: the short version
For most visitors, April and May or September and October work best. On average the days are milder than in July and August, and rainfall is lower than in December. May is drier than October, so the autumn months are not all equally dry.
"Best" is a matter of taste. If you want to see the old city on foot, mild weather matters more than anything else. If you want a hot-weather trip or have fixed travel dates, other months can work too. Whatever the month, Istanbul old city tours and a Turkish bath in Istanbul give you options for hot or wet days.
Istanbul weather by month
Long-term averages for 1950 to 2025: mean daily highs and lows, and mean monthly rainfall. They are not forecasts.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.6 | 4.2 | 88.8 |
| February | 10.2 | 4.2 | 70.7 |
| March | 12.4 | 5.5 | 62.3 |
| April | 17.4 | 9.2 | 47.8 |
| May | 22.3 | 13.6 | 32.9 |
| June | 27.1 | 18.0 | 27.6 |
| July | 29.7 | 20.5 | 22.1 |
| August | 29.7 | 20.8 | 23.9 |
| September | 25.9 | 17.6 | 39.7 |
| October | 20.6 | 13.7 | 66.3 |
| November | 16.1 | 9.9 | 78.1 |
| December | 11.8 | 6.5 | 99.2 |
For most visitors, May is the best single month on these figures: highs of 22.3 °C and only 32.9 mm of rain. Pick September if you prefer warmer days; October is wetter than May. The figures describe the whole city, not the courtyard of the mosque.
Istanbul tours for any season
Old city walks, boat trips and indoor experiences in Istanbul, with live prices and availability.
The seasons in Istanbul
What each part of the year means for a visit.
Spring, April and May
Highs rise from 17.4 to 22.3 °C and rain falls from 47.8 to 32.9 mm. A good time for long walks around Sultanahmet and the Hippodrome.
Summer, June to August
July and August reach average highs close to 30 °C. Plan sightseeing for the morning and use the afternoon for a boat trip or a bath. For trips on the water, see Bosphorus cruises.
Autumn, September and October
September is still warm at 25.9 °C. By October the average high is 20.6 °C and rain is back at 66.3 mm.
What to pack
Shoes come off at the mosque carpet, and shoulders and knees stay covered in every season. Light layers and shoes that are easy to take off suit all year.
Winter, December to February
December is the wettest month at 99.2 mm, with highs around 12 °C. Bring a waterproof layer. The mosque's visiting window also runs shorter, from 1 October to 31 March, 08:30–17:00.
The climate says nothing about how long the queue will be. For crowds, see the entry and queue guide.
Visiting windows through the year
The mosque's visiting hours follow the season.
1 April to 30 September
Visits run from 08:30 to 19:00. The last entry is 30 minutes before the end.
1 October to 31 March
Visits run from 08:30 to 17:00. The last entry is again 30 minutes before the end.
All year
The mosque closes to tourists around the prayers, and on Fridays visits begin at 14:30. Our visiting hours guide explains the rule.
Ramadan and holidays in 2027
Turkey follows the Diyanet calendar. In 2027, Ramadan begins on 8 February. The last day of fasting is 8 March, and the Ramadan Festival (Eid al-Fitr) runs from 9 to 11 March. The Feast of the Sacrifice (Kurban Bayramı) falls on 16 to 19 May, with the eve on 15 May.
A holiday calendar does not tell you the mosque's visiting times or shop hours on those days. The Grand Bazaar is normally closed on Sundays and on religious holidays, so check the Grand Bazaar guide and the visiting hours before you plan a day around them.
Plan the rest of your trip
More guides from this site.
Best time to visit Istanbul: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Istanbul?
For most visitors, May or the months around it. April, May, September and October are milder than July and August and drier than December.
Is Istanbul too hot in summer?
July and August average highs close to 30 °C. It is manageable if you plan outdoor sights for the morning.
When is Ramadan in 2027?
It begins on 8 February 2027. The last day of fasting is 8 March, and the festival follows from 9 to 11 March.
When is the Feast of the Sacrifice in 2027?
16 to 19 May 2027, with the eve on 15 May.
Is winter a good time to visit?
December is the wettest month and the days are cool, around 10 to 12 °C. The weather is the main trade-off. Pack for rain.
Is this the official site of the mosque?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the mosque, the weather service or any authority.