Thanks to its variable climate, Istanbul can be visited in all four seasons. Those who wish to learn to know the city well will not be deterred from their excursions by bad or unpleasant weather. As a general rule there are no extremes of heat or cold at any season. While the south winds moderate the winter cold, the northerly breezes temper the summer heat.
The average minimum temperature in winter is between -2° and -7° C, (approximately 28.4-19.4° F.,), but snow is not general, nor does it last long when it does fall, yet at Bursa, which is only twenty minutes by air from Istanbul, there are excellent winter sports on Uludag.
Spring in Istanbul is fleeting but very beautiful. The brilliant blue sky, the rich verdure of the ground, bedecked by all the variety of lovely flowering trees, form a wonderful picture of natural decoration. Summer follows swiftly upon the heels of spring and is a good season for travel, for the heat in the town is by no ‘means overwhelming.
The shores of the Bosphorus, exposed to the cool breezes from the Black Sea, at one moment recalling a river, at another a lake, with their green-clad hills, are always cool even in June and July, and here a whole summer season may be spent very agreably. In other districts and in some suburbs the heat is felt more. On the shores of the Marmara and on the islands the bathing season lasts into September, with sea sports and regattas. In town the mean summer temperature is between 32-35° C, which is about 89-95° F.
Autumn in Istanbul is like a mild summer and its duration immensely enhances its beauty and charm. Without doubt summer and autumn are the best time of year for a visit to Istanbul, to be able to appreciate its unrivalled natural beauties and its wealth of important historical monuments.
Best Times to Visit Istanbul,
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If you want the good weather it is more likely to be pretty warm in September – but if you visit early April, you will see all the poppies (it can still be chilly though).
There are loads of fabulous hotels – have a look at the hotel picks thread (which I think is still on the first page) – that gives details of hotels that forum users really like.
Then if you have any questions just ask – there are loads of people on here only too happy to help.
Caro
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I believe that September will be less cool than March/April. We spent the month of March in Istanbul this year. It was exceptionally cool, and we only had about 2-3 days of sunshine. We had several days of rain.
However, I would try to go in April over September because not only will the poppies be in bloom, but so will the tulips. Tulips originated in Turkey and were then exported to Holland. The gardens all over the city are beautiful. I especially enjoy walking the ground of Dolmabahce during tulip season as well as the park between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Sultanahmet is filled with quaint, little boutique hotels. Read the Hotel Pick thread. If you want more specific information on certain hotels do not hesitate to return to the forum. You are going to have an amazing experience in Istanbul!
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I think we are going to try for April in 2009. I am hoping to find warmer weather than March, but hopefully not too much above the mid-70s, and I really love to be there during the tulip season. What were the crowds like in late April?
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My last visit to IST was in late April; & I felt it the perfect time to be there. All the flowers in bloom, gorgeous. Yes, the mornings were quite chilly. But that gave way to cloudless, deep blue skies & temps in the low 70’s. Perfect for the long days walking the city.
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My experience was that it was not nearly as crowded in April as it was in July.
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I say this all of the time. Istanbul is beautiful regardless of the season. I really had no complaints about March, but the rest of my family all were miserable much of the time because they were cold. I would return again in March if it were necessary, but I would absolutely pack warmer clothing!
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My mom and i went in may and it was great beautiful sunny days. Have Fun