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
- When to go to Istanbul
- Important essentials for Istanbul
- Activities for Istanbul
- Istanbul in January: weather and what to pack
- Istanbul in February: weather and what to pack
- Istanbul in March: weather and what to pack
- Istanbul in April: weather and what to pack
- Istanbul in May: weather and what to pack
- Istanbul in June: weather and what to pack
- Istanbul in July: weather and what to pack
- Istanbul in August: weather and what to pack
- Istanbul in September: weather and what to pack
- Istanbul in October: weather and what to pack
- Istanbul in November: weather and what to pack
- Istanbul in December: weather and what to pack

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
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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).
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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(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
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Airplane or car necessities
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one is sufficent for most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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For families with young children
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Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Istanbul. 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.
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:
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Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
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Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
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Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
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Warm pants or jeans
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Standard footwear
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A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
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Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
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:
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
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:
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
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:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
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:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
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:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
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:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
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Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. Even the finest suitcases can let water in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
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:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
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:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
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:
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
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:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
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:
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
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