advice you can trust
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Istanbul -
The best and worst
times to visit
Insights you need to know
Best times
September and October
Except for early September, you will enjoy pleasant temperatures. Most days will be sunny. And summer tourist crowds have dwindled.
Second best: April and May
It's spring time. Except for early April, temperatures are comfortable. and rainfall is modest. It can be a little nippy in early April, but it's Tulip Time.
Least desirable times
November to March
The cold weather, frequent rains, and short daylight sightseeing hours will hamper your outdoor activities and photographs. January and February are the two most undesirable months.
Second worst: July to August
Although these months have the least rain, their high heat and humidity will curb your outdoor sightseeing enjoyment.
Myth buster
Tulip Time
Holland is not the birthplace of tulips, as many people believe. They were brought from Turkey (where they were already popular) to the Netherlands in the early 1600s. Today, Istanbul celebrates Tulip Tme in the spring just as fervently as do the Dutch.
Click More best and least desirable times
In Istanbul
Basilica Cistern
Blue Mosque
Dolmabahce Palace
Grand Bazaar
Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace
In other Turkey areas
Antalya
Bodrum
Cappadocia
Divrigi
Ephesus Ruins
Hierapolis
Mount Ararat
Nemrut Dagi
Pamukkale
Pergamon Acropolis
Ruins of Troy
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Istanbul photo by Np & Djjewell - CC BY 2.0
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