10 Awesome Reasons to Spend Winter in Istanbul (2024)
Last updated December 2023
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Winter, winter, winter.
Those who know me will know, it is my least favourite season. I rage against rain; feel queasy at the thought of slushy snow; wear 50 layers when the temperature drops below 10 degrees; and hate wet socks with the sort of passion that I only otherwise reserve for food.
During winter, I am at my happiest safely ensconced at home, warming my backside against a radiator, a cup of tea in my hand, watching the bleak weather outside.
So why on earth am I suggesting spending winter in Istanbul? Well, over the years I’ve discovered that travelling to certain places in winter is not only magical but you can have unique experiences that you wouldn’t get at any other time of year. And in my opinion, Istanbul is a gorgeous place to visit even when the mercury drops.
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We had incredible experiences travelling around Eastern Turkey in winter and after spending four years living in this city (we actually moved to Istanbul during the winter!) I can honestly tell you that when winter comes around and you’re thinking of places to go, Istanbul should be at the top of your list.
Are you planning to spend winter in Turkey or wondering about the best time to visit Istanbul? Here’s why in winter, Istanbul is one of the best places you can visit, plus what you need to know about winter travel in this awesome city.
Istanbul Winter Weather - What to Expect
Snow during winter in Istanbul, 2021
A lot of people begin planning their winter trips by looking at the weather forecast for a particular month, but I am gonna give it to you straight: forecasts for Istanbul in the winter can be wildly inaccurate and are constantly changing. (There are even whole memes dedicated to this).
Do not even try to plan your Istanbul trip by just looking at the long-term forecast because I can almost guarantee that the weather will be different.
The weather in Istanbul in winter basically varies wildly - it can be crisp with bright sunshine one minute and then windy and rainy the next. On average, Istanbul’s winter months are pretty mild and characterised by frequent rain, fog and cold winds with average temperatures ranging from around +4°C to +10°C (39F to 50F).
The weather can also change dramatically depending on where you are in the city - I’ve experienced a light snow shower where I live in Şişli on the European side but on the Asian side in Kadıköy my friend told me it was warm and sunny!
Temperatures in January and February can drop below 0, though this is rare. If a winter trip means snow to you, then the good news is that it does usually snow in Istanbul for around 7 days each year. This generally happens in January and whilst it doesn’t often stay around for long, seeing Istanbul under a wintery blanket of snow is simply amazing.
Locals have told me that there used to be heavy snow every winter, but as the years go by this has become rarer. Climate change anyone?
It actually snowed heavily in January and February 2021 (enough for people to build snowmen!) and I was able to take a few pictures of Çihangir and Taksim Square surrounded by snow.
In Turkey, winter really is a magical season!
Planning to visit other places in Turkey? Then check out our Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days. The most detailed guide on the internet to make planning a trip to Turkey stress-free!
Istanbul Weather in December
The area of Balat in December - that day it was dry but very cold.
Funnily enough, the weather in Istanbul in December reminds me a little bit of England in the summer! By which I mean it rains a lot, there will be some dry days and most of the time it will be fairly grey and cloudy. (Yep, I know I am not selling English ‘summer’ to you, but let me be honest, it is non-existent lately).
Typically, the Istanbul temperature in December during the daytime ranges from +7°C to +11°C (45F to 52F) and whilst that is still fairly mild for winter, the proximity of the city to the sea brings with it winds that make everywhere feel much colder. Add in the frequent rain and you’ve got yourself them reaaaal winter feels.
If you love rainy weather Istanbul in December is for you!
December weather in Istanbul is also characterised by a lot of fog - bear in mind that when this happens, ferries across to the Asian side of Istanbul or to the Princess Islands will be cancelled.
Despite what sounds like a gloomy forecast, December in Istanbul is beautiful and the atmosphere in the city during this month is fun and festive, especially in the run-up to Christmas and New Year. On average there are also around 12 days of sunshine in this month.
If you are hoping for a White Christmas and have been busy googling “does it snow in Istanbul in December?” then I am sorry to disappoint you - although snow can be a characteristic of the weather of Istanbul in December, you are much more likely to see this in January.
Also, remember what I said about the weather in Istanbul changing all the time? If you’re concerned about rainy weather in Istanbul, December last year was unseasonably warm, with temperatures as high as 17°C (63F) towards the end of the month.
It felt more like late summer than winter (and much more like southwestern Turkey in December) and proves that with Istanbul, you can’t be sure what kind of weather you will get!
If you are thinking about visiting Istanbul in December, make sure you pack layers, a scarf to ward off the cold wind, sunglasses and an umbrella, so that you are basically prepared for anything.
Wondering where to stay in Istanbul? Check out our Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul, the most detailed guide to Istanbul neighbourhoods and areas on the internet!
Istanbul Weather in January
It might be cold, but the light in January is beautiful.
Brrrrrr! Istanbul weather in January is most definitely cold. As in December, it rains frequently and there is a higher chance of snow as well.
The Istanbul temperature in January ranges between +4°C to +8°C (39F to 47F) during the day. Although it mostly stays around 4°C at night, the evening and nighttime temperatures can drop to between 0°C to -4 (32F to 25F).
Istanbul in January is very wet - on average it rains for 16 days out of the month and you can expect to see mostly cloudy grey skies. It can also be super windy, so you can also experience rain being blown into your face under your umbrella. Lovely. If you visit Istanbul in January, make sure to pack a decent umbrella as you never really know when the rain might start.
Do bear in mind though that there are plenty of things to do in Istanbul in January that don’t actually involve you being outside at all.
Whilst I wouldn’t describe Istanbul January weather as being pleasant (especially for a rain hater like me), I didn’t think it was too bad since we spent a lot of our time inside, wandering around museums and galleries and then warming ourselves up with steaming bowls of Turkish lentil çorba.
Most of the time you could find me sitting in cafes with a good book, drinking mulled wine or Turkish coffee. Which is kind of perfect for winter, don’t you think?
Istanbul Weather in February
Weather in Istanbul in February is kind of a mixed bag - sometimes it can seem like you experience all four seasons in one day.
We actually spent February in Istanbul house hunting. During this time it snowed heavily which was a total surprise.
Some of the roads became extremely icy and since we were living in an area with lots of steep roads (welcome to Istanbul!), we had to be careful when we were walking around so we didn’t end up on our backsides. There was so much snow that it took several days to melt!
The average temperature in Istanbul in February is +6°C to +10°C (43F to 50F) and it usually rains for about 14 days over the month. Like the rest of winter in Istanbul, you can expect grey skies, clouds, cold winds and relatively high humidity. There are around 10 days of sunshine in February.
Istanbul in February is still cold, although the rain starts to taper off towards the end of the month. We found that there were random hot days followed by a big drop in temperature so layered clothing was a must.
As in January, you’ll probably want to spend most of your time indoors and arm yourself with an umbrella and cosy winter clothing when you head outside.
Prefer to visit Istanbul when it’s warmer? Then read this next: Visit the Istanbul Tulip Festival in Spring!
And now...The Reasons Why We Think You Should Spend Winter in Istanbul
1) To Save Ca$h Monies: Istanbul is Much Cheaper in Winter
Winter is considered to be the off-season in Istanbul and with the cold temperatures come the lovely low prices.
The cost of accommodation in Istanbul drops dramatically once most tourists leave around the end of October and you can easily find discounted hotels and apartments especially in January and February.
And it’s not just accommodation that’s cheaper - flights to Istanbul are much more affordable too and you’ll find that some excursions and activities in Istanbul will also be heavily discounted.
If Istanbul is the jump-off point for your Turkey winter holiday, then good news - accommodation at popular tourist attractions across the country like Cappadocia will also be super affordable. Result!
If you’re looking at moving to Istanbul, winter is the best time to start searching for a long stay apartment. We rented an inexpensive apartment on Airbnb in the area of Çihangir for a month while we searched for a long-term place to live. Click here to browse and book accommodation in Istanbul.
This is much easier to do in winter because with fewer visitors there are plenty of empty flats. Conversely, from spring to autumn, the majority of nice and affordable short stay apartments are booked way in advance and so the whole house hunting process can be more difficult and expensive.
Remember: We also noticed that some places were offering 40%-60% discounts on their accommodation during the low season.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate discounts in winter - this is Turkey after all, negotiating is part of the lifestyle! Most places would rather have guests staying for a reduced fee over winter.
Our short stay Airbnb apartment in Istanbul that we rented for a month in winter.
Looking for a Christmas and New Year break that doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet? Then definitely consider Istanbul! Christmas isn’t widely celebrated in Turkey and December 25th isn’t a public holiday, so accommodation in Istanbul will still be much cheaper than in popular Christmas destinations in the rest of Europe.
Whilst you might not hear All I Want For Christmas is You blaring out for the thousandth time, Istanbul does still have a festive atmosphere during Christmas.
You’ll see plenty of decorations and street lights, especially around Istiklal Caddesi; Christmas trees and even some animatronic Santa Clauses (the last one can be pretty disturbing). Whatever the weather in December, Istanbul is a magical place to countdown your advent calendar and drink hot wine, as you prepare for a visit from Baba Nöel.
READ NEXT: Christmas in Istanbul - All You Need to Know for a Magical Christmas
New Year is also an amazing time to visit Istanbul and although prices do rise slightly over this period, overall it will still be cheaper than many other places. If you are after unique things to do in Istanbul in December, get yourself down to one of the many epic street parties held in the city on New Year’s Eve.
2) In Winter You Can Avoid the Crowds
If there’s one complaint that locals and foreigners have about Istanbul, it is that it’s too crowded. But what do you expect for a city with over 17 million people? (And that doesn’t include the tourists who arrive in droves during the late spring and early summer in Istanbul.)
The result is that when you’re thinking about what to do in Istanbul, you have to factor in queuing times.
Interested in visiting the Hagia Sophia mosque? Factor in a couple of hours queuing in the hot sun. What about the Blue Mosque? Cue another few hours of jostling and sweating in a long, slowly moving line. Hungry? Well, even popular restaurants (especially those with amazing views) require advance reservations during the summer.
A gorgeous sunset in Istanbul, December.
In winter, you don’t have to deal with any of this. With fewer tourists in the city, there are simply shorter lines or usually no queues at all, even during the weekends!
You end up with much more sightseeing time and importantly you can tick off your list of what to see in Istanbul slowly, without feeling like you have to rush from one attraction to the next because you’ve wasted time queuing.
Hotels are less crowded too. In our post-COVID world, packed-out accommodation is an understandable concern for many people and in this case, a winter trip to Istanbul is your best bet as during the low season most hotels are only about 50% full.
READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Breakfast in Istanbul
3) You Can Try Special Winter Foods
If you are a foodie, let me tell you that winter food adventures in Istanbul are simply the best!
Trying different kinds of food is one of the fun things to do in Turkey at any time of year (especially when it comes to breakfast), but in winter you get to try unique food and drinks, some of which only make an appearance when a chill is in the air.
First off there’s salep, a traditional winter beverage that is perfect for when it’s cold outside. Turkish salep is made from the salep orchid root, which is ground down into flour and mixed with hot milk, sugar and cinnamon.
The resulting drink tastes sweet and creamy and is extremely filling - I once made the mistake of trying salep before dinner and I was so full I could barely eat anything! Salep is also believed to have a number of medicinal benefits from healing respiratory problems like bronchitis to curing diarrhoea.
The other traditional winter drink of Istanbul is boza. Boza is one of the oldest Turkish drinks and is made from fermented grains such as durum wheat or millet. Unlike salep, boza is served cold, with a sprinkling of cinnamon and roasted chickpeas on top.
Boza has a lot of different vitamins and minerals and also leaves you feeling very full. If you want to try boza, drink it at Vefa Bozacısı in the Vefa district of Fatih. This historic shop is the best place to visit in Istanbul for boza and is where the locals go when they want to try the best boza in the city.
If you are really feeling the cold, then take yourself off for a traditional mezze lunch or dinner and make sure to accompany your meal with the Turkish national drink of rakı. This milky-coloured alcoholic beverage made from distilled grapes and aniseed is pretty strong and sure to warm you up from head to toe!
🥗 Learn more about Turkish cuisine on a guided walking tour of the best food on both sides of Istanbul!
Roasted chestnuts will keep you warm during winter.
A more familiar winter food on the streets of Istanbul is kestane or roasted chestnuts. These hot treats are the perfect thing to ward off the winter chill.
You don’t have to look far for kestane: Istanbul has these chestnut sellers everywhere and for around 15TL (£1/$1.20) you can get a kestane kebab, which is basically a bag of hot roasted chestnuts.
Now who doesn’t like hot nuts?!
Hungry? Make sure you read this post on the Best Street Food in Istanbul! Alternatively, if you want to explore the food scene in Istanbul with a guide, check out this article on the Best Food Tours in Istanbul.
4) Istanbul in Winter Isn't As Cold as You Think
And that’s coming from someone who really feels the cold. Honestly, when you compare the average Istanbul winter temperature to other parts of Europe, you can see that this city experiences a fairly mild (if rather wet) winter.
Grey skies - typical Istanbul in December weather.
Sure it can snow, but this doesn’t happen often and it definitely isn’t cold enough for the snow to stay on the ground for weeks.
The weather is actually so unpredictable that some winter days can feel like early spring (with temperatures at +12°C/53F or higher) and then you get a cold snap where the temperature drops dramatically into single digits.
Generally, winter in Istanbul is rainy, cold and windy with the thermometer hovering somewhere between +4°C to +10°C (39F to 50F). And when it rains, it’s not the thunderous downpours that you might experience in Asia for example, but more like a steady drizzle (something our UK readers should be used to).
Snow in the Çihangir area of Istanbul in February.
If you are visiting for the first time and are concerned about winter weather, Istanbul in December might be for you as you are likely to get a few sunny days and it isn’t as cold.
If however, you want a colder winter holiday and are keen to photograph Istanbul under a blanket of snow, then plan your visit for January or February (though remember, this is Istanbul and snow isn’t guaranteed).
And really, if you dress warmly, and have a decent umbrella and some water-resistant shoes, you shouldn’t have any problems with the Istanbul winter.
5) Many of Istanbul's Tourist Attractions Are Indoors
If you’re thinking “Urgh, she said it rains a lot in winter and I hate walking around in the rain, waterproof shoes or not”, then I totally understand. But before you drop this city from your list of possible winter destinations, it’s important to know that most Istanbul points of interest are indoors.
Istanbul has so many museums, galleries and other indoor attractions that you can easily plan your activities around the weather.
Moreover, because it’s low season, there won’t be any crowds or queues to enter the museums and most of the time (especially during the week) you are likely to have the place to yourself. The only real challenge is deciding which museum you want to visit as there are over 80 in Istanbul!
Visiting the beautiful Ortaköy mosque will also keep you out of the cold.
Not a huge fan of museums? Don’t worry because there’s also a staggering number of beautiful mosques, palaces, underground water cisterns, churches, synagogues and more.
Honestly, there are so many things to see and do in Istanbul that it’s pretty impossible to cover it all, especially on a short trip. We’ve spent almost two years here and we still haven’t seen everything!
🔥 Hot tip:
🎟️ Use this museum pass to visit all the major attractions and save money on entry tickets
Here are some of the most famous indoor attractions:
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Topkapi Palace Museum
Sultanahmet Mosque (the Blue Mosque)
Basilica Cistern
The Grand Bazaar
The Spice Bazaar
Dolmabaçhe Palace
Suleymaniye Mosque
Istanbul Archaeological Museums
Istanbul Museum of Modern Art
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Whirling Dervishes show
Pera Museum
Ortaköy Mosque
Chora Church/Kariyer Mosque
When you are tired of sightseeing, you can head to a Turkish bath or hamam for a hot steam bath with a thorough scrub down and massage - the perfect antidote to the cold weather outside!
The beautiful Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamami is the perfect place to relax.
When you are thinking about where to go in Istanbul during the winter, remember that the major tourist sites are just a small part of what you can do in this vibrant city.
To really experience Istanbul, you definitely need to get a flavour of its nightlife, and unsurprisingly, this city of 17 million people has quite the evening scene.
From trivia nights, live music and concerts to stand-up comedy, spoken word evenings and theatre shows, there is so much happening in Istanbul that you can still feel like you are exploring the city even when it’s pouring with rain outside.
6) You Can Explore Istanbul's Culinary Scene on a Winter Food Tour
Winter is the best time to explore Istanbul’s food scene, including fitting in as many Turkish breakfasts as possible.
If you love food, why not delve even further into Istanbul’s incredible food scene with a guide? From Turkish cooking classes to sharing a traditional Turkish breakfastwith a local host, these experiences are guaranteed to show you a side of Istanbul that you probably wouldn’t experience by yourself.
We have actually written a whole article about the Best Food Tours in Istanbul. It includes tours of various lengths and also experiences that accommodate different dietary requirements. So give it a read!
Food tours that we love and recommend:
Istanbul: Taste of Two Continents Food Tour by Yummy Istanbul
- this 6-7 hour daytime tour is ideal for foodies and includes 10 different eateries, multiple food tastings and covers the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. Click here to book this tour on Get Your Guide .
Seasonal Mezze and Rakı Dinner with Ezra
- a traditional home dining experience where you get to try a typical Turkish raki meal, with a variety of mezze, main courses and dinner. Click here to book this experience on Eat With .
Istanbul market tour and cooking class
- explore a local Turkish market, try some typical market foods such as gözleme (Turkish pancakes) and then cook three traditional Turkish recipes with a professional cook. Click here to book this experience on Eat With .
You can also check out Culinary Backstreetsfor more Istanbul food related inspiration.
We actually met one of our good friends, Yaman, on a guided tour! Yaman runs food tours around the Syrian area of Fatih in Istanbul and his tour is fantastic - providing a great insight into Syrian culture and food.
This is an area that most tourists don’t visit, so if you want an authentic experience, definitely go on this tour!
If the winter temperature in Istanbul is too rainy and cold for your liking, head inside as there’s plenty to eat, see and do!
7) Winter is the Perfect Time to Explore Istanbul's Cafes
Istanbul is famous for its many historical places to see but you really haven’t visited this city properly if you haven’t cafe-hopped until you drop.
Unlike the UK, where chains like Starbucks, Costa Coffee and Nero have almost completely taken over our towns and cities, Istanbul has a seemingly endless number of cute and unusual cafes serving everything from Turkish coffee, biscuits and desserts to main meals and cocktails.
READ NEXT: We love cafes so much we’ve written a whole guide to the Best Cafes in Istanbul.
And like Istanbul’s museums, there are cafes to cater for every taste. Part of the attraction of exploring Istanbul’s cafe scene is that they are all so unique: you’ll find cafes that have a history stretching back a hundred years; others that are famous for serving the best Turkish coffee in the city and sometimes the building itself is the main draw for visitors.
So whether you want to hang out in the hipster neighbourhood of Çihangir, with its minimalist and trendy cafe culture and where errryone has a Macbook or fancy something quirkier like a coffee shop in Balat filled with random antique knick-knacks, you’ll definitely find a place that suits you.
In the summer, many of these cafes have outdoor spaces or terraces so that everyone can stay cool, but in winter, all these places become super cosy. Most cafes and restaurants have outdoor heaters so you can be comfortably warm whilst still enjoying the crisp, fresh, winter air.
My advice? If you want some downtime from sightseeing, just grab a book, order a Turkish kahve or çay and while away some time in a cafe.
Mmmm…Turkish coffee.
Cafes are also great places to learn the very popular games of backgammon and okey, which pretty much everyone in Turkey plays!
Learning how to play these games is a sure-fire way to meet some local people and as Turkish people are very hospitable, it won’t be long before someone strikes up a conversation with you. If you smoke, be sure to try one of the numerous nargile/Turkish water pipe cafes - some of these have incredible views of the city.
My biggest difficulty in Istanbul is deciding where to go because every cafe that I pass looks so inviting!
8) Revamp Your Wardrobe By Shopping in Istanbul's Winter Sales
Many people visit Istanbul to shop - during the summer it’s common to see tourists from the Middle East flocking to the city to take advantage of the comparatively lower prices for clothes, shoes, toiletries and even electricals.
If you want to get really big discounts then you should time your visit for Istanbul’s sales seasons. These happen twice a year: in the summer, from July to mid-August and in the winter from mid-December or early January to the end of February.
However, since the summer sale happens during Istanbul’s peak tourist season, you can expect crazy crowds, and even queues to get into some of the luxury stores. It’s therefore much better to shop during the winter sales.
You will know that a shop is holding a winter sale in Istanbul when signs saying “indirim” (meaning discount) appear in the windows. The sales usually start with discounts of 30%, increasing to 50% towards the middle of the season.
Towards the end of February, you can expect to see prices cut by as much as 70% as shops try to get rid of old stock in preparation for the spring season. These discounts aren’t just for clothes - shops selling furniture, electrical appliances, cosmetics and jewellery all offer discounts during this time.
Many tourists shop on Istiklal Street, but Istanbul has so many malls and districts that shopaholics will be spoiled for choice. For high-end brands, check out the fashionable Nişantası district which has a mixture of international brands and local boutique stores.
What bargains can you expect to grab during an Istanbul winter sale? Good quality leather boots and winter coats are some of the items that will be discounted, plus handbags and designer brands.
If you decide to spend your winter holidays in Turkey and feel like your wardrobe needs serious updating, definitely check out the winter sales in Istanbul
Tips: If shopping for clothes during the winter sales, remember that certain items, like clothing in sizes M and L sell out quite quickly in Turkey.
Therefore, in this case, it’s better to shop early, even if the discounts are smaller. Also, remember that you can often get an extra discount by paying in cash (also known as nakit) rather than paying by card.
9) You Can Go Skiing
I am somebody who loves active holidays and it’s always a dream come true if I can fit in hiking, climbing or some other kind of activity into my trip. This can be hard to do on a city break but luckily today we’re talking about Istanbul, where pretty much anything is possible!
If you are looking for outdoor activities to do in Istanbul in winter, then you should definitely consider going skiing. Uludağ National Park is the place to go in Istanbul for snow bunnies and is located just outside the city of Bursa (and two and a half hours away from central Istanbul).
The ski slopes of Uludağ National Park.
The cable car above the snowy mountains of Uludağ National Park.
This winter wonderland is Turkey’s largest ski resort and boasts the longest cable car ride in the world. You can get down at various points along the ride to visit tea houses on the mountain or set off on one of the many hiking trails.
A ticket on the cable car is expensive. There is a different price for foreigners and locals and when we went it cost us a whopping £16 each ($20) but the snowy views more than made up for it.
Don’t want to ski? There are plenty of other activities to keep you busy including snowboarding, ice skating, sledging and snow biking. There are plenty of accommodation options - including cosy wooden ski chalets!
Visiting Uludağ National Park is one of the best things to add to your adventure in Istanbul and I would say it is a must for any Turkey winter itinerary.
10) Gorgeous Winter Scenery
If it snows during your winter visit to Istanbul then you are in for a treat. Whilst this isn’t guaranteed, when it does happen there is really nothing like the spectacular sight of seeing the mosques, minarets and rooftops of Istanbul covered in snow.
For photographers, a snowy day in Istanbul also gives you special photo opportunities that you wouldn’t have during any other season. There are, of course, plenty of photos of the Blue Mosque or the Hagia Sophia in the summer, but these iconic buildings covered in snow have a rarely seen unique beauty.
Wandering about in the snow is one of my favourite Istanbul winter activities as the city feels a little bit magical.
I watched children building snowmen; a group of guys having a snowball fight in the street and dogs snuggled up in perfect circles in the snow. With the arrival of the snow, it suddenly felt like the whole of Istanbul was celebrating something.
Wondering Where to Stay in Istanbul?
If you are wondering where to stay in Istanbul during winter, you should check out my detailed guide to the best areas to stay in Istanbul. This is the most detailed guide out there, I promise!
It covers popular Istanbul neighbourhoods and districts plus some cool under-the-radar areas. It also has tons of hotel recommendations for every budget and suggestions for things to do in the city. So check it out!
If you are in a hurry click here to browse and book hotels in Istanbul
Here are some of our favourite areas and hotels:
Beyoğlu: This is a fantastic area to stay in, close to the Galata Tower, Istiklal Caddesi and a number of good cafes and restaurants. It’s a fun and vibrant area where something is always happening! You can also easily access other areas such as Karaköy and Taksim Square from here.
Photo of Louis Appartments Galata via Booking.com
Check out Louis Appartments Galata here, my hotel choice for the Beyoglu area. It has gorgeous rooms and suites and their terrace has amazing views of Istanbul. It’s also got an elevator which made it a great place for my parents to stay when they visited me in September.
Karaköy: Super close to the Galata Tower, Karaköy has amazing bars and restaurants, street art, and boutique shops. It is also really well connected to major tourist attractions by tram, bus and metro.
Check out the NOA Apartments here, my top choice for Karaköy. My sister stayed here for three months and the bright, beautifully furnished apartments and service were lovely. They also have a decent gym in the complex.
Photo of NOA Apartments via Booking.com
Cihangir: This is the hipster neighbourhood for actors and creatives in Istanbul. Cihangir has uber-cool cafes and wine bars, great breakfast restaurants and is really vegan/vegetarian friendly. I tend to stay in apartments over hotel rooms in this area, because there are some super cute ones. This area is also really close to Taksim Square and Istiklal Caddesi.
Photo of MySuite Cihangir via Booking.com
Click here to check out MySuite Istanbul Cihangir, my pick for apartments in the Çihangir area. Their apartments are really colourful and cosy and right in the heart of Cihangir's buzzing coffee shops and restaurants.
FAQs about Winter in Istanbul
What are the winter months in Istanbul Turkey?
The main winter months in Istanbul are December, January and February. The weather usually starts to change towards the end of November.
Does it snow in Istanbul?
Sometimes! January and February are when you are most likely to see Istanbul in snow. During February 2021 and January 2022, we had snow that stayed around the city for ages. The snowfall in 2021 was particularly heavy.
Does it snow in Istanbul in December?
Not really. I’d love to see Istanbul looking snowy during December and Christmas time but sadly we’ve never experienced this. There are lots of other reasons to spend Christmas in Istanbul though!
Hagia Sophia in the snow in January 2022.
What are typical Istanbul in winter temperatures?
Istanbul’s weather fluctuates a lot. We’ve spent seven winters in Turkey (four have been in Istanbul) and every winter in this city has been different. We’ve written in detail what to expect from the winter months in Istanbul above but here is a quick summary:
In December the average temperatures range from +7°C to +11°C/45°F to 52°F. Istanbul December weather is my least favourite as you can usually expect lots of rain and cold winds. The one anomaly was during winter in Istanbul 2022 when we had a weird and warm December with temperatures reaching 17°C!
In January, the temperature generally drops even further. During the day you can expect temperatures between +4°C to +8°C (39F to 47F). Like December there will be plenty of rain but there is also an increased chance of snow.
In February you get a little bit of everything - you can expect rain, winds and snow plus some sunny, crisp and dry days. Average temperatures range from +6°C to +10°C/43°F to 50°F.
Can I buy winter clothes in Istanbul?
Definitely! Most shops start selling jumpers and coats from mid-November. You can also take advantage of the epic winter sales.
So Should You Plan a Winter Trip to Istanbul?
A man selling corn and chestnuts from a bright red cart in the snow in January 2022.
Winter is the best time to go to Istanbul for shoestring travellers looking for a cheap city break; travellers who love wandering around cities without hordes of tourists; foodies after unique gastronomic experiences and anyone who loves visiting museums, historical buildings and architectural wonders.
Whilst this former capital of the Roman and Ottoman Empire might indeed be wet, windy and possibly snowy, the truth is that the winter temperature in Istanbul isn’t that bad as long as you are dressed properly.
A warm coat, scarf, gloves, waterproof boots and a solid umbrella are what you will need to explore this city comfortably in the winter.
This cat doesn’t need special winter clothes, but then…it has fur.
And remember, there are so many things to do in Istanbul in winter that there is no way you will be stuck inside just twiddling your thumbs.
Exploring Istanbul in winter was a dream for us and really made us fall in love with this majestic city that we are now privileged to call home.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, offbeat destination to visit this winter Istanbul should be top of your list!
Discover Our Other Articles on Türkiye
Before you go check out our other posts on winter travel:
❄️ 8 Epic Reasons to Spend Winter in China
🏔 Cappadocia in Winter: 7 Reasons to Visit + 16 Amazing Things to Do
🎄 Christmas in Istanbul: All You Need to Know for a Magical Stay
For further reading on Istanbul and Turkey/Türkiye discover:
🗓 The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days
🇹🇷 The Best Places to Visit in Turkey
🍲 The Best Istanbul Food Tours
🌟 22 Best Hotels in Istanbul With a View
🌷 Visit the Istanbul Tulip Festival
🎪 18 Best Festivals in Istanbul
🛫 How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City Centre
✈️ How to Get From SAW Airport to Istanbul City Center
🏠 Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul: Coolest Neighbourhoods & Top Hotels
🏖️ Where to Stay in Izmir: Best Izmir Districts, Top Hotels + Useful Tips
✅ 12 Things You Need To Do in Istanbul
🔎 Explore Balat Istanbul: An Insider's Guide to One of Istanbul's Most Unique Neighbourhoods
🍳 Best Breakfast in Istanbul- 16 Incredible Places to Try
🍟 Best Vegan Fast Food in Istanbul
🥦 Vegan Istanbul: The Best Under-the-Radar Restaurants
🥑 Where to Find the Best Vegan Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul
🖼️ 14 Top Things To Do in Gaziantep
🍔 Off the Eaten Track: The Best Street Food in Istanbul
Find more travel tips and useful information on Turkey here.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Click here to discover more of our favourite places around the world.
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