Istanbul in August 2026 – is it worth going? Weather and reviews, air and water temperature, how to dress and whether you can swim, prices in hotels and excursions. What to see in Istanbul during August, where to go and what to do – says Eurotraveler.
In both July and August, Istanbul is far from the most popular tourist destination. And this is understandable – who, tell me, would think of walking along the streets and sightseeing when the heat reaches its peak? And everyone is thinking about only one thing – how they can move closer to the warm sea?
If not to the Turkish Riviera: to Kemer and Antalya, Belek and Side, where in the summer, however, it is quite difficult, hot and stuffy, then at least to the well-ventilated and therefore much more pleasant beaches of Bodrum or better than Marmaris?
This is on the one hand – the one that is visible and catches the eye of any thinking person. On the other hand, the small number of tourists wandering around and the outflow of the city’s own population to seaside resorts make the last month of summer in Istanbul very interesting time.
First of all, from the point of view of walks, excursions and other tourist activities. Which at another time: in the same May or June, will require much more time standing in queues. And equally – and strength!
For example, to overcome the waves of people rolling into Sultanahmet Square and the old city. Overflowing ships going to the Princes’ Islands and even ferries connecting Europe and Asia.
In general, if you think carefully and make an action plan, a trip to Istanbul in August can be an interesting experience. At first glance, a little extreme, but at the same time promising. Especially if you have enough imagination and money to combine it with a subsequent visit to the Turkish seaside.
Weather in Istanbul in August
It is distinguished by its clear, almost never clouded and therefore sultry character. The air temperature draws an almost straight line at levels of +28-33 °C – during the daytime. And at night the atmosphere does not tend to cool down excessively – a maximum of +22-25 degrees Celsius.
Rains are rare, and in fact perceived as a benefit. The winds from the Bosphorus, fortunately, are not so lazy, and sometimes very energetically cool hot heads.
Tearing off their hats and caps. And at the same time, sending into flight all sorts of shawls with scarves, prudently covering bare areas of skin.
Boat excursions in the hot August season, as expected, go with a bang. Even during the day, but more often in the blessed evening time.
In the labyrinthine streets of the old city, you won’t have much chance to feel the pleasant breezes. And therefore there is only one salvation – in the deep and, preferably, air-conditionedshadows. It is no longer so important: a restaurant, a hotel or a museum (here – what traditional dishes to try in Turkey).
Guidebooks loudly advise you to be especially careful when planning walking tours in Istanbul in August. And for good reason – the chance of getting sunstroke or heatstroke in the square near the Sultanhamet Mosque or on a bench in Gulhane Park is not so small.
Even if you have a white Panama hat on your head and a sufficient supply of water in your backpack!
Because – walk around the city until 11 am – this is often mentioned in reviews. Or at least in the evenings, after 18-19 hours. When the sun falling behind the roofs gives hope for the onset of coolness soon.
By the way, dawn in Istanbul in the last month of summer is early: from half past six to six in the morning. And the luminary goes to rest closer to nine in the evening.
So the days will be long. This allows you to slow down and walk around the city without being in too much of a hurry.
Water temperature
If you need this for anything, we inform you that at the end of summer the water in the Bosphorus warms up to +23-24, rarely – +25 degrees Celsius. It seems to be good, but the swimmers’ heads do not flash in the water.
Perhaps because getting hit by a boat or even a cargo ship in the strait is not so difficult. But most likely it’s not the best ecology of the Bosphorus – there’s too much stuff floating in it. Yes, the same ferries scurrying back and forth clearly do not purify the water.
Because the residents of the metropolis going swimming to the Princes’ Islands — there is a place to relax on the beach. Well, or to the Black Sea coast. In the summer, the nearest resort of Kumkoy (Killos) becomes an extremely busy place/
Here is where you can go to the sea from Istanbul.
Prices 2026
At least they haven’t grown since last year, thank you! Therefore, renting a room for two in a (really) good hotel will work if you are willing to part with about €80-100 per night for two.
Of the last ones we liked, we can recommend the Costera Hotel in Fatih. Located not “around the corner” from the Blue Mosque, but at a quite acceptable walking distance from the old center. And also there cool look from the restaurant on the top floor (breakfast included in the price), comfortable bed and very nice staff!
In recent years, excursions have also become more expensive in Turkey. So even ordinary sightseeing walks around the center with a guide (however, “long-lasting” ones – about 5 hours or so) will cost €35-40.
For about the same amount, but per day, you can rent a car in Istanbul. With the help of which it is easy to get to many attractions nearby, and to go, for example, to the Aegean coast of Turkey or to Antalya, to get to Cappadocia…
About traffic rules in Turkeyfines and driving style… we will write a little later. But believe me, they are practically no different from Russian ones!
Air tickets to Istanbul from Moscow and back will cost you €400-450. But to fly to the main metropolis of Turkey from London will cost half as much: €220-230 per person.
Things to do
I think you can imagine what exactly you need to see in Istanbul if you go there in August. That is, definitely at a time that is not the most typical for an excursion tourist!
Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace and Gardens, Sultanhamet Mosque and Bosphorus water cruises are expectedly present on top any list of “must” attractions. If, of course, you have enough money, visiting many interesting places in Turkey (if it’s not a mosque, of course) costs a lot.
An active person will also add tender Suleymaniye, the creation of the great Sinan, to the list of must-see attractions. And simply knowledgeable – and the monastery of Chora with its amazingly colorful Byzantine frescoes.
The spectacular neo-baroque Ortakoy Mosque will also be on the “advanced” list. After all, it is located right next to the water, on the shores of the Bosphorus. That is, in a place that is especially pleasant to visit in the August heat.
Not everyone will like it, but duty obliges you to climb the Galata Tower – studying recent reviews convinces you that you won’t have to stand in a long line in August. But the descent into the catacombs of the Basilica Cistern looks something like a serving of ice cream.
Noticeably will cool and just one boat trip – the Princes’ Islands. A very green and fragrant place: as you probably know, cars are prohibited over the archipelago.
A few hours spent on one of the beaches there will also leave a good impression. Because yes, swimming in Istanbul in August is not only possible, but also necessary!
Istanbul residents themselves like to go to take thermal baths in the mountain resort of Yalova in the summer. You can do a similar maneuver too! And without any preparations or calculations, along with an organized excursion.
Where else to go
As for more serious distances, it all depends on preferences.
Family people may well limit themselves departure to the Sea of Marmara: to Erdek resorts or to Mudanya. The resort of Sarkoy in Trakya in the European part of Turkey is still unknown to most. Where the beaches are long and they still don’t know what it is – a massive influx of vacationers.
You can also get to Bodrum by car from Istanbul – in just 7-8 hours. A good quality road will roll under the wheels on its own, and the landscapes passing through the window will prompt you later, among your friends, to talk about what the “real”, that is, not at all tourist, Turkey looks like.
A road trip to other Turkish resorts does not look fantastic either – the distance from Istanbul to Antalya requires a maximum of 8-10 hours of travel. Again, if many people travel to Turkey by car from Russia, then why don’t you also travel a little, renting a vehicle on the spot? For not so big (remember that August is high season month) money.
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© Eurotraveler
