Istanbul, Turkey: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]

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Traveling to Istanbul, Turkey? If you're planning to go to Istanbul, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

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.


When to go to Istanbul, Turkey

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

Important essentials for Istanbul, Turkey

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

COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022


  • Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage

    Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance


  • Kids' KN95 masks

    N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).


  • Touchless thermometer

    A touchless thermometer is important to have.


  • A vaccine card protector

    Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.

  • (U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.

    U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more


  • Hand sanitizer

    This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.


  • N95 masks

    These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.


  • Travel disinfecting wipes

    Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.

General health necessities


  • Emergency water purifier

    Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to take an emergency water purifier like this one.


  • Travel first aid kit

    This one is a great value.


  • Emergency motion sickness relief

Don't forget these

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

Already know when you're traveling?

January

In January, Istanbul can be brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Istanbul, with several of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

February

Traveling to Istanbul in February, you will notice that it can be brisk. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

March

March in Istanbul is pretty cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

April

April in Istanbul is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

May

Traveling to Istanbul in May, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

June

If you vacation in Istanbul during June, you will probably see that it is warm. 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:

July

If you vacation in Istanbul during July, you may see that it is pretty consistently 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 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

August

August in this region is hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

September

September in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

October

October here is mild. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

November

November is cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

December

If you visit Istanbul during December, you will probably notice that it is brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

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