Month guide · Istanbul · Turkey
Istanbul in December
What December is really like in Istanbul: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
December is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 11°C (52°F), lows of 6°C (43°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 9.2 hours of daylight. Grey and rainy, but cosy meyhane evenings and festive lights on Istiklal and in Nişantaşı for New Year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 11°C (52°F) / 6°C (43°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 9.2 hours
- Sea temperature
- 12°C (54°F)
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in December
December is the 10th-warmest month in Istanbul: days average 11°C (52°F) against a yearly average high of 19°C (66°F), and nights fall to about 6°C (43°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with November (15°C (59°F)), December is cooler; by January highs drop to around 9°C (48°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 08:22
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:37
- Daylight
- About 9.2 hours
- Sea
- 12°C (54°F)
Winter (December–February). Cold, wet and windy with occasional snow, but quiet monuments, low prices and cosy evenings in meyhanes and hammams.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 2 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in June). That makes December one of the better-value months to book.
Events in December
- New Year's Eve celebrations at Taksim and along the Bosphorus (31 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
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Market · Kadıköy
Kadıköy market streets
The pedestrian streets just up from Kadıköy pier are the Asian side's food market: fishmongers on Güneşlibahçe Sokak, delis selling cheese, olives and pastırma, pickle shops, bakeries and simple restaurants.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Free
- Shopping
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Landmark · Üsküdar
Maiden's Tower
Sit in one of the waterside tea gardens at Salacak at sunset and watch the Old City skyline turn gold behind the tower.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Couples
- Kids
- History
Religious site · Eminönü
Rüstem Pasha Mosque
Raised above a row of shops near the Spice Bazaar, this small mosque by Mimar Sinan is covered inside and out with some of the finest 16th-century İznik tiles in the city, in tulip, carnation and geometric designs.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Off the beaten path
- Architecture
Park · Sultanahmet
Gülhane Park
Walk through it after Topkapı to Seraglio Point and the tea terraces overlooking the Bosphorus.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 11°C, lows near 6°C and 12 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Istanbul?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, April–June and September–October are better overall. Compare every month.
Istanbul in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Istanbul?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Grey and rainy, but cosy meyhane evenings and festive lights on Istiklal and in Nişantaşı for New Year.
+How warm is Istanbul in December?
Average highs are around 11°C (52°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Istanbul in December?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.