Türkiye · 41°00′N 28°59′E

Istanbul

Two continents, bazaars, mosques and serious food.

Good for: Big city, Food, Nightlife, History & culture, Nature
Rough daily spend: around $80 per person mid-range, not counting getting there (our estimate; it varies a lot)
Mildest months: May, June, September and October

Best time to visit Istanbul

Warmest in July (around 29° by day), coolest in January (9° by day, 4° at night). August has the fewest wet days (3). For walking around in comfortable weather, aim for May, June, September and October.

Average weather by month in Istanbul
Month	High	Low	Wet days	Rain	Sun / day
Jan	9°	4°	13	106 mm	5.5 h
Feb	10°	4°	11	73 mm	6.8 h
Mar	13°	5°	11	74 mm	7.9 h
Apr	17°	9°	9	53 mm	10.1 h
May	21°	13°	9	60 mm	11.7 h
Jun	27°	18°	8	48 mm	13 h
Jul	29°	21°	5	30 mm	13.5 h
Aug	29°	21°	3	20 mm	12.6 h
Sep	26°	18°	7	43 mm	10.9 h
Oct	20°	13°	7	58 mm	8.5 h
Nov	16°	10°	9	85 mm	7 h
Dec	12°	6°	13	96 mm	5.4 h

Averages for 2016–2025 from the Open-Meteo historical weather archive (CC BY 4.0), for the point at 41°00′N 28°59′E. Wet day = 1 mm or more. Highlighted months are mild (18–27° highs) and fairly dry.

What to pack for Istanbul

For four nights, based on the weather above. Every trip also needs the basics: documents, chargers, toiletries and any medication.

July

4 × T-shirts or vests
2 × shorts or skirts
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sunscreen

January

4 × tops
2 × trousers or jeans
Warm jumper or fleece
Insulated coat
Hat, gloves and scarf
Thermal base layer
Waterproof jacket
Compact umbrella

Either way

5 × underwear
5 × socks
Something to sleep in
Comfortable walking shoes
Small cross-body bag
Transit card or app set up

Going with a group? The planner builds a shared list where each person ticks their own things and claims the shared ones.

Going with friends?

One link for the group: find the days you’re all free, vote on what to do, get a day-by-day route and a shared packing list. No sign-up.

Plan Istanbul