Istanbul in December
In December, Istanbul averages 11°C (52°F) during the day and 5°C (41°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (130 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Istanbul is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Istanbul
December is one of the coolest months in Istanbul (10th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (19°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (15°C) and cools 2°C in January (9°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Istanbul
Times shown for Istanbul local time (Europe/Istanbul), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Istanbul — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Istanbul's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Istanbul in December
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 December's tier (Shoulder) and Istanbul's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Istanbul
Istanbul is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Istanbul
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 — December
Across the year Istanbul's sea swings from 8.8°C (February) to 24.9°C (August) — December sits at 12.2°C.
Istanbul in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Istanbul in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Istanbul in December?
In December, Istanbul averages a high of 11°C (52°F) and a low of 5°C (41°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Istanbul in December?
December can be fairly wet in Istanbul, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Istanbul?
December is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Istanbul in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Istanbul for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.