What December feels like in Istanbul
For Istanbul, December is early winter on the calendar. The daytime air has a chill to it, though it is rarely bitter. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cold, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Istanbul in December
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Wet days average about 7.7 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. The yearly figure is similar, around 7 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Istanbul gets 9 h 15 min of daylight, from sunrise near 8:22 am to sunset near 5:37 pm. Days are getting shorter: 41 min less daylight than in mid-November. About 59% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year in Istanbul. Compared with November, afternoons are 4.4°C (7.9°F) cooler, with 22 mm more rain. January is cooler again. By January, typical highs are 8.9°C (48°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting Istanbul in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Istanbul in December?
Expect around 11.1°C (52°F) in the afternoon and 6.4°C (43.5°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Istanbul in December?
It does: about 12 rainy days bring roughly 92 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Istanbul in December?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Istanbul?
On our 12-month climate ranking, December comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12). January is cooler and has more rainy days.