Weather in Istanbul Throughout the Year

The weather in Turkey varies significantly from one region to another, owing to its cultural diversity and the presence of diverse tourist attractions scattered throughout. 

Typically, Turkey enjoys warm, sunny, and humid weather in the summer season, while the winter season is long, cold, and occasionally cloudy.

Weather in Turkey in General

Generally, the weather in Turkey is relatively cool most of the time, with some areas not facing the sea having slight humidity in the atmosphere.

Weather in Turkey in Coastal Regions

Coastal regions or those featuring diverse landscapes such as mountains or plateaus tend to be cooler, with occasional snowfall.

Unlike the cold winter, Istanbul boasts a Mediterranean climate, which means it’s rainy in the fall and winter, and hot and sunny in the summer. Now, let’s delve a little deeper into the weather of each of the four seasons in Istanbul.

Winter Weather in Istanbul

Winter in Istanbul starts from December and lasts until March. It varies between extreme cold and mild temperatures at times, with an average temperature of about 6.5 degrees Celsius in January. Occasionally, it can drop to freezing temperatures even during the day, often accompanied by rain and snowfall.

Snowfall is frequent and can occur numerous times throughout the year, accompanied by frost. It is usually light and non-disruptive, especially in March, which is considered a pure winter month. The largest snowfall in recent years was in 1987.

The cold weather is attributed to its proximity to the Balkan Peninsula, which experiences a significant drop in temperature during winter. So, it’s best to visit Istanbul in spring or summer if you’re not a fan of extreme cold. We recommend bringing heavy clothing if your study program in Turkey falls in the winter season.

Summer Weather in Istanbul

Summer in Istanbul starts in June and ends in August. The city experiences hot and sunny weather, with a slight cool breeze coming from the sea.

The average temperature in Istanbul in August is 24.5 degrees Celsius, making it one of the warmest months. Temperatures in July, August, and June can reach up to 37 degrees Celsius, along with clear skies.

Weather in Istanbul in Autumn:

Autumn in Istanbul spans from September to November. It begins with sunny and warm days, especially in the early weeks of September. However, as the season progresses, Istanbul experiences more Atlantic-influenced weather. Rainfall increases, averaging about 5 days per week in the last week of September through November.

Weather in Istanbul in Spring:

Spring in Istanbul starts in April and ends in May. Sunny days become more frequent as rainfall decreases. 

However, April may still have occasional cold spells with temperature fluctuations in the early part of the month. 

This is a beautiful time to explore Turkey, as the country is adorned with blossoming flowers and stunning natural landscapes.

 Take advantage of this period to enjoy outdoor activities with your family and friends.

Climate in Bursa, Turkey:

Bursa is an ideal place for skiing due to its cooler climate. If you’re studying in Turkey, consider visiting Bursa to indulge in winter sports.

Bursa’s Summer Climate:

Bursa enjoys a hot summer season, characterized by its lush greenery. Pine forests, olive, and fig trees cover the mountains and hills, contributing to a semi-tropical climate with hot and humid summers.

Bursa’s Winter Climate:

Winters in Bursa are cold and wet, occasionally experiencing sub-zero temperatures. Snowfall is not uncommon, with snow typically lasting for a few days.

Bursa’s Spring Climate:

Spring gradually brings drier conditions, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 20 degrees Celsius in April. 

Rainy days become less frequent, dropping to around 10 days per month, accompanied by a decrease in humidity to about 70%.

Bursa’s Autumn Climate:

The number of rainy days increases gradually in the fall, but late September and October can still be relatively warm.

Weather in Antalya, Turkey:

Antalya is situated within the Mediterranean climate zone, featuring mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.

Best Times to Visit Antalya:

May, October, and November are ideal months to visit Antalya due to pleasant weather and moderate temperatures. The Taurus Mountains shield Antalya from cold northern winds.

Hot Summers in Antalya:

Antalya experiences relatively hot summer weather, with temperatures sometimes reaching 35 degrees Celsius in June and August. High humidity levels can make the heat more intense.

Antalya’s Autumn Season:

Autumn in Antalya lasts from mid-September to November. 

The weather is initially warm and sunny, with October being particularly pleasant in the early part of the month.

Winter in Antalya:

Antalya has a mild winter, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. Snow and rain are occasional occurrences during this season.

Antalya’s Spring Weather:

Spring in Antalya brings a European touch with blooming flowers and moderate temperatures. While March may be unsettled, the weather gradually becomes sunnier, with temperatures reaching up to 18 degrees Celsius and dropping to 10 degrees at night.

Weather in Izmir, Turkey:

Izmir features a Mediterranean climate with long, hot, dry summers and mild, somewhat rainy winters.

Izmir’s Summer Climate:

Izmir experiences relatively hot summers, with temperatures occasionally soaring to 35 degrees Celsius in June and August. High humidity can intensify the heat.

Autumn in Izmir:

Autumn in Izmir spans from mid-September to November. The weather is initially warm and sunny, with October being particularly enjoyable in the early part of the month.

Izmir’s Winter Weather:

Izmir’s winter is generally mild, with temperatures rarely falling below freezing. Snow and rain can occur occasionally during this season.

Springtime in Izmir:

Spring in Izmir offers a distinctly European feel, with blossoming flowers and pleasant temperatures.

 While March may see some instability, the weather gradually becomes sunnier, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 18 degrees Celsius and dropping to 10 degrees at night.

Weather in Ankara, Turkey:

Ankara features a continental climate, with a notable distance from the sea leading to significant temperature variations.

Ankara’s Winter Climate:

Ankara’s winter is quite moderate; it rarely sees temperatures dip below freezing. December and January are the coldest months, with occasional snowfall.

Spring in Ankara:

In spring, Ankara takes on a European character with the blossoming of flowers and a gradual increase in temperatures.

 March may still be unstable, but as April arrives, sunny days become more common, with temperatures reaching up to 18 degrees Celsius and dropping to 12 degrees at night.

Summer and Autumn in Ankara:

Summer in Ankara can be hot and dry, while autumn brings milder conditions with cooler evenings.