Istanbul · Turkey
December
Cold and wet — but Istanbul at Christmas is quietly atmospheric.
Strong option
#10 of 12 months
There are better months for Istanbul — see the full ranking below.
See when to go instead →Climate
High
9.4°C
Low
4.5°C
Rain
111mm
Sun
3.2hrs/day
30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5
How December scores in Istanbul
Weather
Below average
Value
Excellent
Crowds
Excellent
Events
Above average
Atmosphere
Very good
What you gain in December
- ↑Budget hotel rates — central areas affordable for longer stays
- ↑New Year's Eve on the Bosphorus is spectacular (though crowded)
- ↑Christmas lights in Istiklal Avenue and the Taksim area have a distinctly non-Christmas charm
What you sacrifice
- ↓Wettest month: 111mm, cold (4°C nights), minimal sunshine (3.2 hours daily)
- ↓New Year's Eve accommodation prices spike sharply
- ↓Limited outdoor exploration: the city is best enjoyed from inside the Grand Bazaar, museums, and tea houses
How December compares to April (best month)
| Factor | December | April ★ |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | 3 | 8 |
| Value | 8 | 7 |
| Crowds | 8 | 6 |
December in other destinations
Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Istanbul, not across destinations. Methodology →