Weather in Istanbul

Newcomers might expect a temperate climate, but the city’s high humidity makes the weather in Istanbul feel more intense than the forecast suggests. Winters (December to February) are grey and damp, with a penetrating chill that seeps through even the heaviest coats. You should also prepare for the Lodos, a fierce southwesterly wind that frequently cancels ferry services and, according to local lore, causes severe headaches. Snow is a yearly lottery; some years see none, while others bring blizzards that turn the steep hills into ice slides and shut schools down.

Spring arrives in March, but it’s often still quite wet. The city truly transforms in April, when the annual Tulip Festival fills the parks and Judas trees brush the Bosphorus shores in violet. Summer heat arrives by June, and it traps in humidity that turns the concrete city into a steam bath. Air conditioning in Istanbul is not a luxury; it is essential for a good night’s sleep. Be aware that the humidity can cause mould issues in older apartments, so check corners carefully when house hunting.

Most locals agree that autumn (September to November) is the best season. If you are lucky, late October will bring a Pastrami Summer, a golden period of warm days and crisp evenings perfect for outdoor dining before the winter gloom settles in.