Istanbul in Winter — Weather & What to Expect
Winter in Istanbul (December, January, February) averages daytime highs of 11.0°C and lows of 5.7°C, with around 245.4mm of rain across the season (32 rainy days in total). It includes some of the best months of the year to visit (December, January, February).
In the northern hemisphere, winter in Istanbul covers December, January, February.
Winter in Istanbul month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 12.9°C | 7.9°C | 68.6mm | 10 | 10/10 |
| January | 10.0°C | 4.8°C | 94.4mm | 12 | 10/10 |
| February | 10.2°C | 4.3°C | 82.4mm | 10 | 10/10 |
What to pack for Istanbul in winter
- Warm layers
- Light jacket or fleece
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light waterproof layer
- Warm winter coat
- Thermal underlayers
- Gloves, hat and scarf
- Waterproof boots
Frequently Asked Questions
Is winter a good time to visit Istanbul?
Winter in Istanbul rates around 10/10 — excellent time to visit. Average highs are 11.0°C with 245.4mm of rain across the season.
How hot is Istanbul in winter?
Daytime highs average 11.0°C (51.8°F) across December, January, February, with nights around 5.7°C.
What months are winter in Istanbul?
Istanbul is in the northern hemisphere, so winter covers December, January, February.
See also: best time to visit Istanbul · Istanbul annual climate · Istanbul in spring · Istanbul in summer · Istanbul in autumn
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Once you know what winter in Istanbul looks like, find out exactly what to pack for Istanbul at 247PackingList. For currency, language and country facts, see the Turkey guide at 247CountryInfo.
Winter in Istanbul — what to pack
Travel clothing layers
Pack layers — temperatures can vary significantly between day and night.
Check Price →Check clothing sizes in Turkey at 247Sizing before you shop.
More winter travel essentials
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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.