Istanbul in December is cool, damp and short on daylight. Travel weather sites put daytime highs at about 9 to 12°C and nights at about 4 to 7°C, with roughly four hours of sunshine a day. Prices are lower than in summer, but the last week of the month can be crowded because of New Year. Pack a waterproof coat and plan indoor stops for the wet days.
Last checked: 26 October 2026. The weather figures come from travel weather sites, because we could not retrieve the official Turkish State Meteorological Service averages. Sources disagree on rainfall.
What the weather is like in December
| Item | Typical figure | Note |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | — |
| Daytime high | About 9 to 12°C (48 to 54°F) | Falls through the month |
| Night low | About 4 to 7°C (39 to 45°F) | Colder by the water |
| Sunshine | About 4 hours a day | Travel sites agree on this |
| Rain | About 8 to 18 rainy days | Sources disagree, with monthly totals from about 80 to 126 mm |
| Daylight | A little over 9 hours | Plan outdoor sightseeing for midday |
Snow is possible but not guaranteed. When it falls, expect slippery pavements on Istanbul’s hills. Wear shoes with grip, because many streets in Sultanahmet, Galata and Beyoğlu slope.
Is December a good time to visit Istanbul?
It suits travellers who prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, and who can accept grey weather. One travel guide calls winter the slowest tourism season overall and says February is the quietest month. Another notes December can be one of the busier months because of New Year celebrations. Both can be true: early and mid December is quieter, and the week around 31 December fills up.
If you want milder weather, spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) get stronger recommendations in the guides we read.
What to do in Istanbul in December
Plan around the rain and the short days:
- Visit big indoor sights in the morning, such as the mosques and museums of Sultanahmet. See our 3 days in Istanbul itinerary.
- Try a traditional bath on a cold day. Our first hammam guide explains what to expect.
- Use covered markets such as the Grand Bazaar. Our bazaar walking route keeps you mostly under a roof.
- Keep a wet-weather backup. Our rainy day guide lists options.
Travel tips for December
- **Museum hours:** Istanbul’s culture and tourism directorate set a summer season for museum hours from 1 May to 1 October 2026. Winter hours differ, so check each museum before you go.
- **Ferries:** Bad weather can cancel ferry sailings. Our ferry cancellation guide shows alternatives.
- **New Year:** Reports from the 2025 to 2026 celebration describe large crowds around Taksim and İstiklal Avenue. We found no 2026 to 2027 plans yet, so we will cover them once the authorities announce them. If you book a hotel for 31 December, book early.
- **Clothing:** Wear layers. Indoor spaces can be warm, and the wind off the Bosphorus is cold.
Frequently asked questions
Does it snow in Istanbul in December?
Sometimes. Snow is possible in winter but not certain, and it often melts quickly in the city.
Is Istanbul cheaper in December?
Guides rate prices as low in December, apart from the New Year week. Our Istanbul costs guide gives a daily budget.
What should I pack for Istanbul in December?
A waterproof coat, warm layers, a hat and shoes with grip. An umbrella works, but wind can break a cheap one.
How we wrote this guide: we compared several travel weather sites and local news, and kept only the figures they agree on. We use AI tools to help research and draft, and an editor reviews each guide. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted an error? Use the contact page.
