Istanbul in winter – is it worth going? Weather and reviews, air temperature, how to dress, prices 2025/2026 for air tickets and hotels? What to see in winter Istanbul, where to go and what to do, travel in the surrounding area – says Eurotraveler.
In the very recent past, Istanbul was a seasonal destination. People willingly traveled here, to the shores of the Bosphorus, in the mature spring and bright autumn.
Naturally, they came in the summer. Despite the promises of 35-degree heat and the presence of many other worthy destinations in Turkey, including seaside ones.
Was winter Istanbul popular? Alas, during the coldest time of the year it was not visited at all. few tourists.
For the majority for the New Year holidays and in general during the period from December to February chose warm tropical countries, to which Türkiye, with all its advantages, cannot be classified. And the minority, which, by the way, was not much inferior in number to the majority, went on a trip somewhere in Europe.
But time goes by and priorities change. So, unexpectedly, Istanbul became very popular tourist destination.
And for the first time, travelers who “discovered” it at such an inopportune time were surprised to discover that the city on the border of East and West has everything to become a real diamond of the low season.
Because it is large, beautiful, multifaceted – the interesting places and attractions of Istanbul are so numerous that it could well be competition from any of the European capitals. And in terms of weather and prices, it will even give you a head start.
Again, Istanbul is literally at the crossroads of all Turkish roads!
I want to stunning natural landscapesduring the winter months simply basking in silence and silence? Then you can easily travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia!
You reach for warmth when it’s cold – this is understandable, right? Then the route is adjusted in a minute and you go straight from the shores of the Bosphorus by car or plane to Antalya. Or even to Alanya. Where not only people wait out the cooler times, but also some migratory birds who are too lazy to fly to Africa.
What you need to know
Before moving on to a detailed review of the weather, let’s give answers to the most pressing questions. Those that interest a potential traveler in the first place. For example:
- What is winter like in Istanbul? In fact, it is not very cold, positive air temperatures prevail in the range from +3 to even +12-15 degrees Celsius, frosts are rare. At the same time, the period from December to February is on the banks of the Bosphorus the stormiest of the year. Due to frequent precipitation, humidity is constantly in the range of 80-90%.
- What month is the coldest in Istanbul? This is usually January – air temperatures during this period drop to +4-8 °C during the day, frosts down to -5-7 degrees are possible at night
- Does it snow in Istanbul? In winter – definitely. In January and February there are heavy snowfalls. Although, due to predominantly above-zero temperatures, the fallen snow melts quickly
Well, now let’s tell you in more detail!
What is the weather like in Istanbul in winter
She is distinguished by her impetuous – in the most literal sense of the word – character. After all, sharp winds from the Bosphorus often spoil the whole picture, statistically quite optimistic.
For example, the air temperature in Istanbul at the beginning of December, and sometimes even at the end, can reach an impressive +15-17 degrees Celsius. But you are the citizens walking in light raincoats and jackets you won’t meet – all of them were wearing thick jackets with hoods, others were wearing down jackets with scarves around their necks.
And do you know why? Because it doesn’t matter damp and very humidand the winds are strong!
Yes, we agree on some things, at +10-15 a down jacket is too much! But the fact is that when going to the main Turkish metropolis in the middle of winter, you need to take with you more warm clothes There is still no doubt!
Moreover, usually air temperatures in Istanbul in the first month of winter tend to more moderate values of the order +8-12 °C. And at night the atmosphere cools down to +4-8 °C.
There is a lot of rain – according to long-term data, December in Istanbul is a stormy and chilly time
It absolutely requires special care when choosing clothes.
Not only if you decide to sit like an idol on the edge of the Bosphorus or go to the Princes’ Islands. But even during ordinary walks along Istiklal Street in the center – after all, it seems to be blowing at this time literally everywhere!
However, the chance of capturing a radiant landscape in your memory or on your smartphone camera is not microscopic. Since clear days do happen – weather forecasters even claim that there are at least 6-8 of them per month.
January
To be brief, the weather is tightening the screws. Mainly, however, in terms of temperatures. They predominantly move into the interval +6-8 degrees Celsius.
At the same time, the weather clearly reserves the right to unexpected collisions. And is capable of stunning everyone sudden heat up to +12-14 °C. So suddenly plunge into extreme pessimism, forcing the readings of street thermometers to press towards zero.
Frosts, meanwhile, rare even at night. Although snow falls and does not always melt vigorously in the first few hours.
In terms of precipitation, January in Istanbul can give a head start to December: it rains and snows, perhaps even more often. But for some reason the sun appears in the sky more often. Either because of the lengthening daylight hours, or the calendar itself encourages a positive attitude – spring is ahead.
February
More positive and clear. And the atmosphere usually warms up to slightly higher values.
Sometimes, however, February in Istanbul does not start out very well – the air does not want to warm up above +8-10 degrees even during the day. But in other years and in the first half of the month it may bake like spring. And by noon, street thermometers show an optimistic +14-15 °C!
There is no reason to believe that this will always happen. After all, winter Istanbul weather loves changes and unexpected moves
It rains less often, but this is “on paper”. In other years, the weather in Istanbul in February suits travelers who firmly believe in the forecasts of meteorologists. cold shower. And this is not a figure of speech – relevant reviews can be found on the Internet if desired.
What is beyond doubt is the sharpness of the windy “blade”. So even if you like to dress lightly, in T-shirts and light pullovers, it’s still better to throw on top quilted jacket.
The reviews strongly recommend don’t experiment with clothes. Especially during cruises along the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn
It is also worth taking scarves and even gloves with you – especially if you are planning to travel to Istanbul with a child. We won’t insist on hats – many today for some reason take care of their hair more than their head itself – but at least stock up jacket with hood?!
- Weather forecast in Istanbul – worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=47
Prices 2025/2026
In this material we will not touch upon the brief, but special periodcalled New Year holidays in Istanbul. Because during this time interval, local hoteliers, restaurateurs, guides desperately trying to make money. And they do it in a proven way – by raising prices.
Outside of New Year’s dates, you can fly to Istanbul and back from Moscow for ~350-450 €. A similar trip starting in London would cost almost half the price!
A room in a good hotel, located within a 5-10-minute walk from the main Istanbul attractions, can be booked for ~60 € for two people in the winter months. And we will advise you not to split hairs by choosing “better” options, but to stay at Ada Hotel Istanbul.
Remarkably located relative to everything really worthwhile (inspection) and at the same time not too expensive. We also liked the panorama of the winter Bosphorus from the window, and the delicious breakfasts on the closed view terrace.
The Grand Peninsula Hotel in the same central area of Sultanahmet is very good and almost always inexpensive. Also featuring a panoramic terrace upstairs.
Cruises along the famous strait in the company of an audio guide will cost a modest 12-15 €. Or 25-30 € – if you decide that you want to be treated to lunch on board the ship.
But excursions with a live guide to mosques, the Topkapi palace complex, and other famous locations have recently become very a costly event. So in general, you should prepare yourself to part with a 50-euro note.
Things to do
Let’s be honest – we have no specific recommendations on the topic of what exactly you can see in Istanbul during the coldest time of the year. But where do they come from – the Bosphorus doesn’t freeze, there are no ski slopes here, and in general snow activities are somehow not popular?!
Assess the volume of the cathedral, that is, today the Hagia Sophia mosque. Take a walk around parks and halls of Topkapi Palacelook into Sultanhamet.
Enjoy the view of Istanbul’s rooftops and the Bosphorus from the famous panoramic platform near Suleymaniye
Visit one or more local tanks, that is, underground reservoirs. Get to Chora Monastery and personally find out whether Dolmabahce Palace deserves the praises that are “sung” to it in reviews?
And also another elegant residence – Beylerbeyi? Which, due to its location on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, often falls out of the focus of tourists.
We will also advise you to evaluate how good view from the embankment near the Ortakoy Mosque. And, probably, go up to the observation deck of the Galata Tower. After all, in summer and even spring, this can only be done in a dense crowd, and in winter you will hardly notice the queue!
Where to go
Among the suburban attractions we especially recommend (hot) thermal baths in the resort of Yalova. Moreover, inexpensive one-day excursions take you there, and you don’t have to work out the route yourself.
Fans of long-distance road trips should remember the opportunity to independently travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia
We assure you that on this trip even in winter there will be no nothing particularly complicated.
Fairy fireplaces, snow-covered valleys and amazing cave churches in Cappadocia in December and January look no worse than in summer. Or maybe even better – everything is shrouded in magic, even a little fabulous aura!
Silence, tranquility, freedom… The same one that you can’t feel today in ordinary life.
© Eurotraveler
