Best Time of the Year to Visit Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey. Photo by Anna Berdnik on Unsplash

Istanbul, Turkey, is one of those destinations that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. But while you are almost guaranteed to have a great time regardless of the time of the year you visit, it is best to select dates that correspond to your budget, interests, and things you want to do.

For Best Experience: March Through May

You are likely to have the best experience in Istanbul if you go between March and May. This is when the weather is almost perfect, being sunny enough that you can wear light clothes but not too hot that you will have to look for a breather under the shade. There is also an abundance of exciting events happening in the city, like the Istanbul Tulip Festival.

For Lowest Prices: December Through February

Starting in December, the tourist crowds in Istanbul start to shrink. This is because the weather isn’t perfect, and there can be occasional showers throughout the day. But if you don’t mind this, you can score some great deals on accommodation and flights as hotels and service providers start offering lower prices due to lesser demand.

For Most Eventful Time: June Through August

If you want to experience Istanbul at its liveliest and have the most eventful time, go between June and August. Sure, the weather can get hot, and the prices of accommodation get up, but you will be in the middle of the buzz. There is always something happening in Istanbul during the summer, from events and festivals to impromptu street performances.