There's hardly a dull moment in vibrant Istanbul. The city's historic attractions can be appreciated any time of year, but its atmosphere does change dramatically with the seasons, and accommodation prices vary accordingly. Here are our picks for the best times to enjoy Turkey's largest city.
June to August is best for outdoor dining and concerts in Istanbul. Summer is peak tourism season in Istanbul. Costs for accommodations can be high and lines long at major attractions. The weather is hot and humid, but the sun sparkling off the Bosphorus is glorious, and the outdoor seating at cafes, restaurants and bars makes for a lively urban scene. Concerts, festivals and other events are staged in the open air too.
The shoulder season is best for sightseeing and cultural events. The long, mostly pleasant spring and fall seasons are ideal for seeing the sights and wandering the neighborhoods of Istanbul, a city that rewards exploration by foot. There's a drop off in tourist crowds, and local urban life is in full swing, including a busy calendar of arts and cultural events.
Istanbul in December? Winter is ideal for travel on a budget. The gray, rainy and chilly winter months aren't the most appealing time to visit Istanbul, though they do lend the city a certain romantically sad mood. On the plus side, it won't be difficult or expensive to find accommodations, and Istanbul's many museums, mosques and other sights provide plenty of indoor activities.
