Istanbul weather

Our guide to the weather in Istanbul during October

20

Average high

4

UV Index

92mm

Monthly rainfall

19

Sea temperature

Istanbul is a vibrant city where East meets West. It's best known for its stunning historical sites, bustling bazaars, and delicious cuisine. We've looked at the most up-to-date weather data for Istanbul, covering the last 12 years up to 2024, plus we've asked our team of travel bloggers for their first-hand experiences in order to answer the most frequently asked questions about Istanbul weather in October.

What's the temperature like in Istanbul during October?

The temperature is extremely stable in October with average highs of 20℃ and lows just 4℃ lower at 16℃. The UV index will be moderate at this time of year, so not something to worry about for the average person. However, if you're going to be outside for long periods it's worth wearing a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses. Remember that bright surfaces, such as water and sand increase UV exposure.

Does it rain in Istanbul during October?

On average, there will be 4 rainy days during the month, amounting to 91.9mm in total. That's a significant amount of rain. For comparison, the wettest months in the UK typically sees between 80mm and 100mm, depending on where you are. There's a small chance that you'll catch a thunderstorm during your trip.

Is it windy in Istanbul during October?

You're unlikely to experience any strong winds. Expect a gentle breeze that increases to moderate at times during October. With warm air temperatures and high humidity, any breeze will feel warm but refreshing.

How warm is the sea in Istanbul during October?

The water around Istanbul is around 19℃ during October. It will feel a little on the cool when first entering, but you'll warm up quickly. Most kids will have no problem with this temperature, but those who feel the cold are unlikely to want to swim.

Holidays in Istanbul

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Books inspired by Istanbul

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Istanbul Blog posts

From the UK's most popular travel bloggers

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Cheapest places to holiday in October

12th February 2021 by Andy

October is off-season in many of the world’s top destinations, which means fantastic news for your travel budget! You’ll find great package deals to beach destinations where the sun is still shining, cheaper hotels in big cities and savings on long-haul flights.Check out our top picks for October holidays and be sure to stay up-to-date with our weekly deals, to catch some great bargains.Beach HolidaysDon’t despair about autumn weather in October, as it’s still warm enough for a sunny...

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32 BEST Cafes in Istanbul! Cool, Quirky, Great Coffee in Istanbul Cafes

22nd August 2023 by The Wandering Quinn

Istanbul is home to a plethora of fantastic cafes that are worth checking out. Having lived there and kept up with friends who frequently visit, a comprehensive list of the best cafes in Istanbul has been compiled. These cafes are not only cool and quirky, but they also serve great coffee. So, if you're planning a trip to Istanbul in 2023, make sure to visit these top-notch cafes!...

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Istanbul in Winter: Your ultimate travel guide

10th October 2022 by Inside the Travel Lab

If you’re looking for a new travel destination to explore in winter, look no further than Istanbul! While most of Europe suffers from cold and bleak winters, the winters in Istanbul are mild, thanks to its location in the Mediterranean Basin. Though it does occasionally snow in Istanbul, visitors can still enjoy the city’s best attractions, whether that is the interesting history, rich culture, or mouth-watering food. ...

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36 BEST things to do in Istanbul with insider tips

3rd October 2022 by The Wandering Quinn

Looking for the best things to do in Istanbul to fill your trip? The best neighbourhoods to check out, the best mosques to see, how to see Asia and Europe in one day in Istanbul and some really cool cafes!? I’ve got you covered in this complete list of Istanbul attractions and some more local places to go!...

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12 best boutique hotels in Istanbul

15th August 2022 by PommieTravels

Once the capital of both the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul has a very rich and interesting history and is filled with interesting sights to explore. Mosques, bazaars, palaces, gardens, hammams, Turkish coffee…there’s so much to experience in this vibrant city. While Istanbul may not be Turkey’s capital today (that would be Ankara), Istanbul is still the country’s economic, historic and cultural capital. It’s a cosmopolitan city with a trendy vibe, boasting lots...

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2 days in Istanbul: Perfect Istanbul itinerary (with places to eat!)

11th August 2022 by PommieTravels

I initially planned to spend three days in Istanbul but due to time constraints I needed to cut my trip short to two days. Most people seem to say you need three days or more to see Istanbul but if you’re willing to get up early in the morning then you can totally see the most popular parts of Istanbul in two days. I’ve done this exact itinerary myself so I know it’s entirely possible. ...

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The best alternative European city breaks

18th May 2022 by Twins that Travel

What do you do when you’ve exhausted Europe’s traditional hit list of city breaks? When you’ve seen the glittering lights of Paris, ridden your bike through Amsterdam’s winding lanes and explored Berlin’s hipster neighbourhoods? Which alternative European city breaks should you plan next? Over the years, we’ve explored as much as Europe as possible; working our way through the usual suspects, before embarking on some more alternative European weekend breaks....

Weather in Istanbul

Our month-by-month guide to the weather and climate in Istanbul

8.8

Istanbul weather in

January
9.9

Istanbul weather in

February
11.8

Istanbul weather in

March
15.9

Istanbul weather in

April
21.5

Istanbul weather in

May
26.1

Istanbul weather in

June
28.6

Istanbul weather in

July
28.6

Istanbul weather in

August
25.1

Istanbul weather in

September
20.0

Istanbul weather in

October
16.1

Istanbul weather in

November
11.4

Istanbul weather in

December