December · Turkey
Best time to visit Istanbul in December Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Istanbul in December
Average temperature 10°C, 90 mm of rain, about 17 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 81% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
December score
6.3/10
Ranked #11 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 10°C
- Rainfall
- 90 mm
- Humidity
- 81%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 17
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
December in Istanbul scores 6.3/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #11 of 12. Expect around 10°C, 90 mm of rain, and roughly 17 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Bosphorus ferries and storied quarters shine brightest in mild April through June.
December in Istanbul — workable with trade-offs
December averages 10°C (49°F) — jacket weather. Comfortable for walking and museums, too cool for anything water-based.
Rainfall runs 90 mm, so plan one flexible day in three; you still get about 17 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 9.3 hours of daylight.
It scores 6.3/10 here, 11th of 12 months, against 9.4/10 in the destination's best month.
Pack a mid-weight jacket, long sleeves and shoes you can walk 15 km in, a packable rain layer.
Plan for low-season pricing, with crowds are light for this destination.
Flexible dates? June scores 3.1 points higher here — enough to change the trip.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Istanbul in December?
- In December, Istanbul averages 10°C, 90 mm of rain, and about 17 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 6.3/10.
- Is December a good time to visit Istanbul?
- December earns a 6.3/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Istanbul in December?
- Expect about 90 mm of rain in December. Average humidity is 81% and there are about 17 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
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