Month guide · Istanbul · Turkey
Istanbul in September
What September 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
September is one of the best months to visit Istanbul. Expect average highs of 25°C (77°F), lows of 18°C (64°F), about 5 rainy days and roughly 12.4 hours of daylight. Warm, settled weather and a warm sea, with fewer crowds after the summer holidays — one of the best months to visit.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 25°C (77°F) / 18°C (64°F)
- Rainy days
- About 5
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Sea temperature
- 23°C (73°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in September
September is the 4th-warmest month in Istanbul: days average 25°C (77°F) against a yearly average high of 19°C (66°F), and nights fall to about 18°C (64°F). Rain falls on roughly 5 of its 30 days. Compared with August (29°C (84°F)), September is cooler; by October highs drop to around 20°C (68°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 06:44
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 19:14
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Sea
- 23°C (73°F)
Autumn (September–November). Warm seas and settled weather in September and October, turning cooler and wetter in November when crowds thin and prices drop.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, September rates 4 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in June). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
September has no major recurring festival in Istanbul, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in September
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Palace · Sultanahmet
Topkapı Palace
Head straight to the Harem and the Treasury on arrival, before tour groups reach them, then finish on the fourth-courtyard terraces.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Views
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Religious site · Süleymaniye
Süleymaniye Mosque
Mimar Sinan built this mosque for Süleyman the Magnificent in the 1550s on the third of the city's seven hills.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Views
Viewpoint · Galata
Galata Tower
The queue is longest at sunset; go at opening time instead, or simply admire the tower from the surrounding lanes, which are free.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Iconic
- History
- Couples
- Photo spot
Experience · Eminönü
Bosphorus by ferry
The best way to see the Bosphorus is from the water.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
- Photo spot
The sea averages 23°C (73°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Istanbul.
What to pack
For highs near 25°C, lows near 18°C and 5 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit Istanbul?
One of the best months to visit Istanbul. The other best months are April–June and October. Compare every month.
Istanbul in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit Istanbul?
It is one of the best months to visit Istanbul. Warm, settled weather and a warm sea, with fewer crowds after the summer holidays — one of the best months to visit.
+How warm is Istanbul in September?
Average highs are around 25°C (77°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Istanbul in September?
Expect rain on about 5 days of the month.