Istanbul in December
December in Istanbul brings highs around 51°F (11°C), lows near 42°F and about 18 rainy days. The sun sets around 5:37 pm. It's off season for sightseeing: wet and quieter.
Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 3.0
What December is good for in Istanbul
Each activity rated for December's weather.
December next to November and January
| Month | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | 59°F (15°C) | 51°F (11°C) | 48°F (9°C) |
| Low | 49°F (9°C) | 42°F (6°C) | 38°F (4°C) |
| Rainy days | 14 | 18 | 17 |
| Sunset | 5:46 pm | 5:37 pm | 6:00 pm |
| Daylight | 9 h 55 min | 9 h 15 min | 9 h 33 min |
Averages for Kireçburnu, 1991–2020; sunrise and sunset on the 15th.
Tours in Istanbul
Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul TourFrom $90View 
Istanbul Shore Excursion : Best Seller Private Istanbul TourFrom $78View 
WONDERS of ISTANBUL : Full Day Private Guided City TourFrom $75View 
ISTANBUL BEST: Iconic Landmarks Full Day PRIVATE Guided City TourFrom $85View 
Private Guided Istanbul Day TourFrom $95View 
Private Istanbul Day TourFrom $95View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
Questions
Is December a good time to visit Istanbul?
It's off season for sightseeing: wet and quieter. The most comfortable months overall are May, June, July, August and September.
How hot is Istanbul in December?
Average highs are about 51°F (11°C) and lows about 42°F (6°C).
Does it rain much in Istanbul in December?
December averages 18 rainy days, against 18 in the wettest month.
