Weather in Istanbul in January
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Compare car hire prices → Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to youJanuary in Istanbul is cold, with average highs of 10.0°C and lows of 4.8°C. It is fairly wet (12 rainy days on average), with roughly 5.7 hours of sunshine a day. This is peak season for good reason — conditions are close to ideal. For the complete picture, see the best time to visit Istanbul — every month compared. Once you know when to go, find your Istanbul packing list at 247PackingList.
Get ready for Istanbul in January
Search flights to Istanbul
Compare 100+ airlines for January — one search, best price.
Search Flights →Travel clothing layers
Pack layers — temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
Check Price →What to pack for Istanbul in January
- Warm winter coat
- Thermal underlayers
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- Waterproof boots
- Light waterproof layer
Compare all months in Istanbul
| Month | High | Rain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10.0°C | 94.4mm | 10/10 |
| February | 10.2°C | 82.4mm | 10/10 |
| March | 11.0°C | 82.1mm | 10/10 |
| April | 15.5°C | 78.5mm | 10/10 |
| May | 21.0°C | 55.5mm | 10/10 |
| June | 25.1°C | 58.4mm | 10/10 |
| July | 29.4°C | 20.1mm | 10/10 |
| August | 30.0°C | 16.1mm | 10/10 |
| September | 25.9°C | 40.8mm | 10/10 |
| October | 20.9°C | 47.5mm | 10/10 |
| November | 16.6°C | 103.4mm | 9/10 |
| December | 12.9°C | 68.6mm | 10/10 |
Full month-by-month guide: best time to visit Istanbul →
For facts about Turkey — currency, language and dialling code — see our Turkey country guide at 247CountryInfo. Travellers also find it useful to keep a Istanbul travel guide to hand. Check clothing sizes in Turkey before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is January a good time to visit Istanbul?
January rates 10/10 for visiting Istanbul — excellent time to visit. Expect average highs of 10.0°C, 94.4mm of rain across the month and about 5.7 hours of daily sunshine.
What is the temperature in Istanbul in January?
In January, Istanbul has average highs of 10.0°C (50.0°F) and average lows of 4.8°C (40.6°F).
Does it rain in Istanbul in January?
Some rain is likely. Istanbul averages 94.4mm across about 12 rainy days in January, so a light waterproof layer is worth packing.
What should I wear in Istanbul in January?
For Istanbul in January (10.0°C highs / 4.8°C lows), pack warm winter coat plus thermal underlayers, gloves, hat and scarf, waterproof boots.
More essentials for Istanbul in January
Packing cubes
Keep the bag organised whatever the weather — compression cubes for every size.
Check Price →Travel first aid kit
Compact TSA-friendly kit for peace of mind wherever you travel.
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Climate data sourced from Open-Meteo (open source, open data licence). Monthly averages calculated from 2020–2023 historical data. Weather can be unpredictable — always check a live forecast before travelling.