Weather

Weather

The best times to visit İstanbul are around spring and autumn, roughly from April to May and from September to October, when the climate is perfect. During July and August it is hot and steamy; a lot of İstanbullus head for the west and south coasts over these months. Chill winter winds and snow are common in winter.

When to go

The best times to visit İstanbul are around spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when the climate is perfect. During July and August it is hot and steamy; a lot of İstanbullus head for the west and south coasts over these months. Biting winter winds and snow are common in winter.

Be aware that during the five-day Kurban Bayramı banks shut and ATMs can run out of money. During Ramazan (Rama­dan) business hours can be erratic.

Hotel rooms skyrocket in price and are often overbooked during the Formula 1 Grand Prix in May.