Season guide · Istanbul · Turkey
Istanbul in summer
June–August: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Mark Ahsmann, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Hot, humid and the busiest season, with long evenings on rooftops and ferries, Black Sea beaches open and the highest hotel prices. Expect highs up to 29°C (84°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F), with about 9 rainy days across June–August. June is among the best months of the year to visit.
Key facts
- Months
- June–August
- Temperatures
- 18°C (64°F) to 29°C (84°F)
- Rainy days in the season
- About 9
- Sea
- 21°C (70°F) to 25°C (77°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in summer
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 4 | 15.1 h | 5/5 |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 2 | 14.8 h | 5/5 |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 21°C (70°F) | 3 | 13.8 h | 5/5 |
Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 28°C (82°F) against a yearly 19°C (66°F), and 9 of the year's roughly 86 rainy days fall in these 3 months. Crowds rate 5/5 and hotel prices 5/5 on average.
What's on in summer
Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.
- June: Istanbul Music Festival — classical concerts (usually June)
- July: Istanbul Jazz Festival (usually July)
Make the most of the weather
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
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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
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Gallery · Karaköy
Istanbul Modern
Turkey's leading modern and contemporary art museum moved in 2023 into a building by Renzo Piano on the Karaköy waterfront.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- Rainy day
- Views
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
Day trips in summer
- Bursa (About 2.5–3 hours each way) — The first Ottoman capital has the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, the multi-domed Ulu Cami, the Koza Han silk market and old thermal baths.
- Edirne (About 2.5–3 hours each way by bus) — Close to the Greek and Bulgarian borders, Edirne was an Ottoman capital before Istanbul.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
Other times of year
Questions travellers ask
+Is summer a good time to visit Istanbul?
Yes: June is among the best months. Hot, humid and the busiest season, with long evenings on rooftops and ferries, Black Sea beaches open and the highest hotel prices.
+What is the weather like in Istanbul in summer?
Highs of up to 29°C (84°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F), with about 9 rainy days over the season.