Istanbul in August

In August, Istanbul averages 29°C (84°F) during the day and 20°C (68°F) at night, with only about 4 rainy days.

Peak season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

August is a great month to visit Istanbul: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

29°C
Avg high
20°C
Avg low
4
Rain days
40 mm
Rainfall

How August compares to the rest of the year in Istanbul

2nd
warmest month of the 12
11th
wettest month of the 12
5%
of yearly rainfall falls in August
13 h 50 min
daylight on the 15th

August is one of the warmest months in Istanbul (2nd of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 10°C above the annual average (19°C). August runs roughly the same as July (29°C) and cools 4°C in September (25°C).

August sunrise & sunset in Istanbul

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:13 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:03 PM
Day length
13 h 50 min

Times shown for Istanbul local time (Europe/Istanbul), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Istanbul — August

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Istanbul's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:13 AM – 5:53 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:53 AM – 6:53 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:23 PM – 8:23 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:23 PM – 9:03 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Istanbul.

📅 When to book — Istanbul in August

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (Peak season) and Istanbul's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
4-6 months
Flight prices are near their annual peak. Watch fare-alert tools, book directly when you see a fare under the typical range for this city.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
5-7 months
Boutique hotels and tourist-zone properties fill 6 months out. If you're looking at a specific named hotel or rental, book it the moment you can.

Crowds & pricing — August in Istanbul

Peak season

Istanbul is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Northern Hemisphere summer holidays

Sun & mosquito risk — August in Istanbul

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.1
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Istanbul — August

24.9°C (77°F)
warm
comfortable for extended swimming

Across the year Istanbul's sea swings from 8.8°C (February) to 24.9°C (August) — August sits at 24.9°C.

Istanbul in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 9°C / 48°F 3°C / 37°F 110 mm 13
February 10°C / 50°F 3°C / 37°F 85 mm 11
March 12°C / 54°F 4°C / 39°F 70 mm 9
April 17°C / 63°F 8°C / 46°F 45 mm 8
May 22°C / 72°F 12°C / 54°F 35 mm 6
June 27°C / 81°F 17°C / 63°F 35 mm 4
July 29°C / 84°F 20°C / 68°F 30 mm 3
August 29°C / 84°F 20°C / 68°F 40 mm 4
September 25°C / 77°F 17°C / 63°F 55 mm 5
October 20°C / 68°F 13°C / 55°F 85 mm 9
November 15°C / 59°F 9°C / 48°F 105 mm 11
December 11°C / 52°F 5°C / 41°F 130 mm 13

Other cities with similar August weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Istanbul in August →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Istanbul in August?

In August, Istanbul averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 20°C (68°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Istanbul in August?

August is generally dry in Istanbul, with about 4 rainy days on average.

Is August a good time to visit Istanbul?

August is warm and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Istanbul in August?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full August packing list for Istanbul for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Istanbul on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.