Istanbul in February holds the city’s coldest record, −9.0°C (16°F), yet the average day is a mild 10.2°C (50°F) with a 4.2°C (40°F) night. Rain falls on about 14 days, fewer than in January. In 2027 the month also carries a calendar twist, because Ramadan is expected to begin on 8 February.
Last checked: 10 November 2026. Weather averages (1950–2025) come from the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM). Visitor figures come from the February 2026 report of the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism. Ramadan dates follow Turkish reports on the Diyanet calendar. Sunrise and sunset times are our own calculation for 2027.
Istanbul in February: weather at a glance
February is slightly drier and a touch brighter than January. The sun still sets early, but the days grow by more than an hour during the month.
| Long-term average | February |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | 10.2°C (50°F) |
| Night low | 4.2°C (40°F) |
| Rainy days | 13.9 |
| Monthly rain | 70.7 mm |
| Warmest day on record | 23.4°C (74°F) |
| Coldest day on record | −9.0°C (16°F) |
| Daylight in 2027 | 10h04m on 1 Feb, 10h36m on 15 Feb |
On 1 February 2027 the sun rises around 08:15 and sets around 18:19. By the 15th it rises near 07:59 and sets near 18:37. That is about an hour more light than in mid-January.
Ramadan starts on 8 February 2027
Turkish reports on the Diyanet calendar expect Ramadan to begin on Monday 8 February 2027 and last 29 days. Many visitors still enjoy Istanbul during Ramadan, because mosques, museums and most tourist restaurants stay open. Expect evening crowds near iftar, when families gather to break the fast. Our Ramadan in Istanbul guide explains the dates, the iftar rush and the Eid holiday in March.
How many visitors come in February?
Istanbul received 1,233,088 foreign visitors in February 2026, which is 1.78% fewer than in February 2025. The month is shorter, so the daily figure matters. February averaged about 44,000 arrivals a day, close to January’s 43,900. Winter demand is therefore steady, not collapsing.
| Top nationalities, February 2026 | Share of arrivals |
|---|---|
| Russia | 10.28% |
| Germany | 8.05% |
| United Kingdom | 4.02% |
| France | 3.87% |
| Iran | 3.81% |
| China | 3.77% |
| United States | 3.76% |
Daylight through February 2027
| 2027 | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Feb | 08:15 | 18:19 | 10h04m |
| 15 Feb | 08:00 | 18:37 | 10h37m |
| 28 Feb | 07:42 | 18:53 | 11h11m |
Between 1 and 28 February the day lengthens by about 1 hour 7 minutes, a faster gain than in January. The sun still sets before 19:00, so keep dinner plans flexible.
How February compares with January
The record shows February as a small step up. Rainy days fall from 16.3 to 13.9, and monthly rain drops from 88.8 mm to 70.7 mm, which is about 20% less. Highs rise only 0.6°C, so you still need a winter coat. The change you will notice most is the extra evening light.
The Ramadan and Eid calendar for early 2027
Ramadan straddles two months, so the dates matter for trip planning. The table below follows the Diyanet religious calendar as reported by the Turkish press. Moon sighting can shift a date by a day, so confirm closer to travel.
| Date (2027) | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday 8 February | First day of Ramadan |
| Friday 5 March | Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power |
| Monday 8 March | Arefe, the eve of the holiday |
| 9 to 11 March | Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) |
If you travel in February, you will be in the fasting month for most of your stay. Read our Ramadan in Istanbul guide for what changes in restaurants and at iftar time, and our Istanbul in March guide for Eid week.
A three-block February plan
Mix three kinds of days so one bad forecast does not ruin the trip. Spend one day on indoor sights, for which the museum pass comparison helps. Spend another on food, using the Kadıköy food market guide. Keep the third for a ferry or a walk, and choose it on the morning when the wind drops. Our ferry alternatives guide lists what to do if sailings stop.
What to do in Istanbul in February
Choose indoor sights and short outdoor walks. Our museum pass comparison helps you decide if a pass pays off. Our first hammam guide suits a cold afternoon. Use Istanbulkart or contactless payment on trams and ferries, as in our fare comparison.
What to pack for Istanbul in February
- A warm waterproof jacket and a scarf.
- Thermal layers for the coldest mornings.
- Waterproof shoes with a good sole.
- A compact umbrella for rain without wind.
Is February a good time to visit Istanbul?
It suits travellers who want lower crowds and do not need warm weather. The cold is real, but it is rarely extreme. The extra daylight and the start of Ramadan make it a more interesting month than January. If you want milder temperatures, see our guide to Istanbul in March.
Istanbul in February: quick answers
Does it snow in Istanbul in February?
It can. February has the coldest record of the year, but snow does not stay long. See our snow guide for details.
Is Ramadan in February 2027?
Turkish reports on the Diyanet calendar say it starts on 8 February 2027. Check the date nearer the time.
