Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Turkey: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Turkey? If you're planning to go to Istanbul Atatürk Airport, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Istanbul Atatürk Airport
  2. Important essentials for Istanbul Atatürk Airport
  3. Activities for Istanbul Atatürk Airport
  4. Istanbul Atatürk Airport in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Istanbul Atatürk Airport in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Istanbul Atatürk Airport in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Istanbul Atatürk Airport in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Istanbul Atatürk Airport in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Istanbul Atatürk Airport in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Istanbul Atatürk Airport in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Istanbul Atatürk Airport in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Istanbul Atatürk Airport in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Istanbul Atatürk Airport in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Istanbul Atatürk Airport in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Istanbul Atatürk Airport in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Turkey

Based on the climate and weather in Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Turkey, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Turkey

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Istanbul Atatürk Airport, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Turkey by month

January

January for Istanbul Atatürk Airport can be brisk. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

If you visit Istanbul Atatürk Airport during February, you will probably notice that it is pretty cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you pick the right kind. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

March

In March, Istanbul Atatürk Airport can be brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Istanbul Atatürk Airport, with several of the days of the month having rain. In March, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the right kind. Many adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

April

April in Istanbul Atatürk Airport is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

May is balmy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

If you visit Istanbul Atatürk Airport during June, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you vacation in Istanbul Atatürk Airport during July, you might find that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the right type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

August

If you vacation in Istanbul Atatürk Airport during August, you will probably notice that it is hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

September in Istanbul Atatürk Airport is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the necessary kind. Many adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

October

In October, Istanbul Atatürk Airport is balmy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Istanbul Atatürk Airport, with several of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

If you vacation in Istanbul Atatürk Airport during November, you are likely to find that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

December

December in Istanbul Atatürk Airport is pretty cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the right type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

What to do in Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Turkey

Istanbul Atatürk Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world with over 70 million passengers passing through each year. It is the primary international gateway to Turkey, connecting the city to destinations across the globe. While it may seem like just another airport, there are actually several interesting tourist attractions located within the airport terminal. Here’s a list of the top attractions at Istanbul Atatürk Airport:

1. Turkish Airlines Museum – Located within the airport terminal, the Turkish Airlines Museum showcases the history of Turkish aviation. The museum displays an extensive collection of aviation artifacts, including uniforms, flight gear, photographs, and flight simulators. Visitors can learn about the history of aviation in Turkey and how it has developed over the years.

2. Turkish Delight Shops – Turkish Delight is one of Turkey’s most famous exports, and several shops at Istanbul Atatürk Airport sell this sweet treat. The shops feature a wide variety of Turkish Delight flavors, such as rose, lemon, and pistachio. Visitors can sample the different flavors and purchase boxes to take home as souvenirs.

3. Duty-Free Shops – Istanbul Atatürk Airport boasts an impressive array of duty-free shops, selling everything from luxury watches and designer clothing to electronics and perfumes. The duty-free shops offer some of the best prices on these luxury items, making it a popular destination for travelers.

4. Turkish Cuisine – There are several restaurants and cafes within the airport that offer a taste of Turkish cuisine. Visitors can sample traditional dishes such as pide (Turkish pizza), kebabs, and baklava. There are also some Western-style fast food chains for those who prefer familiar food.

5. Airport Gardens – Istanbul Atatürk Airport has several outdoor spaces that offer a break from the hustle and bustle of the terminal. The gardens are well-maintained and feature a variety of trees, flowers, and shrubs. There are also benches and seating areas for visitors to relax and take in the scenery.

In conclusion, Istanbul Atatürk Airport may seem like just another airport, but it offers interesting tourist attractions that are worth exploring. From the Turkish Airlines Museum to the duty-free shops and Turkish cuisine, there’s something for everyone. So, if you find yourself at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, take some time to explore these top tourist attractions.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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