Istanbul Weather in December
Turkey · Mediterranean climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
December in Istanbul sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 7.4°C (45.3°F) to a high of 12.7°C (54.9°F), with a mean of 9.8°C (49.6°F). Compared to the annual average of 15.3°C (59.5°F), this month is 5.5°C cooler than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 80.4mm, making it approximately 17.0mm wetter than the monthly average of 64.0mm. The city receives an average of 5.4 hours of sunshine per day during December, with relative humidity averaging 80.9%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 21.3 km/h. Snowfall averages 0.1cm during December, which can affect travel plans and outdoor activities. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Istanbul, with wetter-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
Istanbul is a city where you can wake up sweating and need a jacket by sunset. I packed for August heat once and froze on a Bosphorus ferry at 9pm. Layers are essential — even summer evenings dip to 19°C with wind off the water. Pack a scarf (useful for mosques anyway). My favorite window is late September to October: 22°C, low humidity, fewer tourists at the Hagia Sophia. Skip February — cold rain, grey skies, many outdoor cafés shuttered. April brings tulip season and the city reawakens.
December vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 12.8°C (55.0°F) | 9.8°C (49.6°F) | 7.1°C (44.8°F) |
| Rainfall | 94.5mm | 80.4mm | 97.7mm |
| Sunshine | 7.0 hrs | 5.4 hrs | 5.6 hrs |
| Humidity | 77.2% | 80.9% | 78.5% |
| Wind | 22.7 km/h | 21.3 km/h | 24.0 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 13.8 | 15.6 | 15.8 |
| Snowfall | 0.3 cm | 0.1 cm | 5.9 cm |
Seasonal Context
December falls in Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is the coolest season with the shortest daylight hours. For travelers visiting Istanbul in December, the data indicates mixed conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Istanbul in December?
The average temperature in Istanbul during December ranges from 7.4°C (45.3°F) to 12.7°C (54.9°F), with a mean of 9.8°C (49.6°F).
How much does it rain in Istanbul in December?
Istanbul receives an average of 80.4mm of precipitation in December, spread across approximately 15.6 rainy days.
What should I pack for Istanbul in December?
Based on December weather data, pack warm layers, a medium jacket, and waterproof outerwear.
Is December a good time to visit Istanbul?
December is a cooler month, suitable for travelers who prefer mild weather and fewer crowds. Pack warm layers and enjoy indoor attractions.
Other Months for Istanbul
Cities with Similar December Climate (Mediterranean)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: 41.01°, 28.98°. Timezone: Europe/Istanbul. Last updated: 2026-07-30.