Best Months to Visit Istanbul

Istanbul is a city where east meets west, blending cultures from the Mediterranean, Central Asia and Middle East. Its geographic location certainly reflects in its cuisine, architectural heritage and modern life. Istanbul city has pleasant weather throughout the year, yet the best time to visit Istanbul is spring (April- May) and autumn (September – November).

Turkey’s climate in general varies dramatically; your travel dates can influence everything from the temperature, the level of crowd and events that you can attend. Though tourists enjoy visiting Turkey throughout the year. We’ll help you guide the travel months you should consider so that you can enjoy the way you want. To make it more convenient, it is suggested to book a tour package for Istanbul which has everything that you want.

Spring Season (March – May)

• Mild temperature, longer days, and lively tulip blooms
• Fewer crowd, ideal for outdoor activities
• Enjoy the “Istanbul Tulip Festival”

Spring tends to be the most vibrant and the most picturesque experience. The city gets filled with colourful displays, thereby making these the best months to visit Istanbul. It is also the time-frame for the Istanbul Film Festival which attracts enthusiasts from all over the world.

From early morning to late evening, you can see tourists and even locals having a stroll through the blooming gardens of Emirgan Park, Gulhane Park. Just along the sea shore, you can find an escape from the bustling city and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Princes Islands known for their car-free streets.

The temperature ranges from 18°C to 20°C throughout the day and is ideal for your daily wanderlust in Istanbul.

Lively Summer (June- August)

• A range of cultural events and music festivals
• Visit the underground water reservoir, “Basilica Cistern”
• You can enjoy all the major outdoor activities during summer

In the summer season, Istanbul offers a vibrant mix of historical sights, cultural experiences and outdoor adventure. Here are our top recommendations that you can visit and explore throughout the year, yet in summer these places are most lively.

• Topkapi Palace: Explore the former home of Ottoman sultans and discover its stunning courtyard, treasury and harem.
• Galata Tower: Ascend to this iconic tower and take in the panoramic city view of Istanbul. You can also witness street performers, flash mobs and musicians in the surrounding area.
• Grand Bazar: this vast historic covered market offers a wide array of goods, including jewellery, carpets, textiles and souvenirs. Just parallel to it lies another popular market called the Spice bazar and also known as “Egyptian bazar”. This one is more focused on spices, herbs, and Turkish delights.
• Dolmabahçe Palace: visit this grand palace where the last Ottoman sultans used to reside, it is primarily known for its rococo interior and ottoman era sculptures.

Winters in Istanbul (December to March)

• Fewer tourists and better pricing for amenities
• Festive vibe (Christmas, New Year)
• Ideal for indoor activities

Everything slows down in the winter season in Istanbul. The city has a calmer aura and offers a unique charm with festive lighting, live music at multiple locations. Major attractions include Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazar with the most surreal experience you can ever imagine.  While snowfall isn’t a guaranteed occurrence, expect the majority of the city to be covered with snow. Here are some relaxing things to do in Istanbul at this time.

• Turkish bath (Hamam) – enjoy a traditional steam bath experience for a rejuvenating winter escape, it is among our top recommendations.
• Bosphorous Cruise – take a boat/ferry ride along the Bosphorous Strait for the scenic view of the city.
• Blue Mosque – admire the intricate blue tile work and stunning architecture of this iconic mosque.

Nightlife in Istanbul

Istanbul offers a vibrant nightlife experience, with options of lively music bars, nightclubs and jazz clubs and traditional Turkish Taverns. Here are the key areas and options.

• Beyoğlu: It is the heart of Istanbul’s nightlife with an extremely high concentration of bars, restaurants and pubs, the area is dominated by young tourists and locals.
• Sultanahmet: A perfect place to witness a blend of modern nightlife and traditional Turkish nightlife, it is a calm and composed place ideal for tourists looking for peace.
• Besiktas: This is considered a rich neighbourhood in Istanbul and offers diverse nightlife ranging from upscale bars, lounges to traditional Turkish meyhanes.
• Taksim Square: This is a major tourist leisure district and a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a unique nightlife experience.

Culinary Guide

Season plays a great role in this region of West Asia, reflecting the availability of ingredients. Winter is characterised by stews, roasted meats and soup-based dishes; while summer brings along abundance of fresh fruits and often features egg-based dishes. Light summer means melons and potatoes served with tomato sauce or yoghurt.

Istanbul offers a diverse and delicious culinary scene. Here’s a detailed look at some of the top dishes.

• Kofte: Turkish meatballs are renowned globally; it’s not a dish you can afford to miss! It is often made with lamb and beef and is served with rice, salad and vegetables.
• Döner Kebab: This iconic dish needs no introduction; the Doner kebab is a classic Turkish dish featuring thin slices of meat served with bread, sauces and vegetables.
• Kumpir: A large baked potato topped with various fillings like vegetables, sauces and cheese.
• Cacik:A yoghurt and cucumber dip, often served as a side dish.

Istanbul's food scene is a vibrant blend of Turkish and Ottoman influences, offering a wide range of culinary delights. You can book your tour package to Istanbul in any month you wish, and be sure to be surprised by the hidden culinary gems that Istanbul has on offer.