Most travellers think of Istanbul as a spring or autumn city, yet winter is when it shows its most intimate side. Museum queues shrink, ferries glide through mist and seagulls on the Bosphorus, and the streets smell of roasted chestnuts and hot salep. Istanbul in December is a strong choice for a city break away from the crowds, a New Year somewhere different, or a culture trip at a quieter time of year. This guide covers the weather, what to pack, the best things to do and which neighbourhood to stay in.
What is the weather like in Istanbul in December?
Daytime temperatures in December usually sit between 8 and 13°C, and nights can drop to between 3 and 6°C. Istanbul is a humid city, so it feels colder than the thermometer suggests, especially on the Bosphorus shore when the north wind blows. Rainy days are common, but the rain rarely lasts all day; a shower is often followed by clear skies. Snow is unusual in December and far more likely in January and February. Days are short and the sun sets around five in the afternoon, so plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and keep museums and indoor sights for the afternoon.
For visitors from the UK the climate will feel familiar: a little milder than London on most days, with the same mix of grey mornings and bright spells. The difference is the light. Low winter sun over the Golden Horn and the domes of the old city makes December one of the most rewarding months for photography.
What to pack for December
Layers are the answer. A waterproof coat or rain jacket, a jumper or fleece underneath, and comfortable waterproof walking shoes are the essentials. Istanbul is a city of hills, and the cobbled lanes of Galata, Cihangir and Balat get slippery in the rain, so good soles matter. A scarf, hat and gloves are welcome on the ferries and on evening walks by the water. For mosque visits, women need a headscarf and everyone should cover their knees and shoulders, which is easy in winter clothing anyway.
Things to do in Istanbul in December
See the historic peninsula without the queues
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace are famous for long summer queues. In December you can visit them at a far more relaxed pace. Explore the courtyards of Topkapı and the Harem early in the morning, then spend the afternoon in indoor museums. The Istanbul Archaeology Museums, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts and the Chora with its Byzantine mosaics are perfect refuges on a cold day.
The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar
The most enjoyable way to spend a rainy day is to get lost in the vaulted lanes of the Grand Bazaar. Beyond the carpet, ceramic, copper and leather shops, look for the small tea stalls hidden inside the old caravanserais. In the Spice Bazaar pick up Turkish delight, spices and dried fruit, then finish with a fish sandwich in Eminönü or lunch at one of the historic restaurants nearby.
A winter Bosphorus cruise
You do not need to wait for summer to see the Bosphorus. Public ferries with heated indoor saloons and tour boats run all winter, and watching Rumeli Fortress, the waterside mansions and the bridges slide past with a glass of tea in hand is a distinctly winter pleasure. For guided options, see our Istanbul tours page, which lists Bosphorus cruises, half-day city tours and museum-focused trips.
Hammams and winter food
After a cold day, a scrub and foam massage in a historic hammam warms you through. On the streets you will find roasted chestnuts, in the evenings salep and boza, and in the mornings warm simit with tea. December is also the height of the fish season, when bluefish, bonito and anchovies dominate the menus of meyhanes and fish restaurants.
New Year in Istanbul
In the last week of December the city is lit up. İstiklal Avenue, Nişantaşı and Bağdat Avenue are decorated, and small festive markets appear in shopping centres and some neighbourhoods. On New Year’s Eve restaurants, hotels and boats along the Bosphorus host special evenings; they fill early, so book a few weeks ahead. Fireworks can usually be watched from both shores and around the bridges. Visitors who want to celebrate Christmas will find services at historic churches such as St Anthony of Padua on İstiklal Avenue.
New Year week is one of the busiest periods for hotels. Rooms with Bosphorus views and hotels around Taksim go quickly, so fixing your dates and booking early gives you more choice of hotel and room type.
Where to stay in December
In winter, being close to public transport and being able to walk home in the evening matter more than in summer. First-time visitors often choose Sultanahmet, which puts the museums within walking distance but is quiet at night. Taksim, Galata and Karaköy are close to restaurants and nightlife, with trams and the funicular linking them to the historic peninsula. Nişantaşı and Harbiye suit shoppers and lovers of smart restaurants, and are near the metro. We compare the districts in detail in our guide to where to stay in Istanbul. To see every option for your dates, search the Istanbul hotels page.
If you want to arrange flights, hotel and transfer in one go, have a look at the Istanbul packages on our Campaigns page, where accommodation, flights and the airport transfer are combined.
Getting from the airport to the city
Istanbul has two major airports: Istanbul Airport on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side. Traffic builds up on winter evenings and journeys take longer in the rain. Rather than changing metro lines with suitcases, a pre-booked transfer is the most comfortable option after a long flight. The Istanbul Airport transfer and Sabiha Gökçen transfer pages show vehicle types and journey times.
Practical tips
- The Istanbulkart works on the metro, trams, ferries and buses; you can buy one from machines at the airport and at major stops.
- Plan museum and palace visits early in the week and check opening hours before you go, as some museums close on certain days.
- Keep a rainy-day plan: covered bazaars, museums, hammams and cafés are the saviours of a wet winter day.
- On New Year’s Eve traffic and public transport are extremely busy; a hotel within walking distance of where you plan to celebrate makes life much easier.
- Early and mid-December are much calmer than New Year week and usually better value for accommodation.
Conclusion
December is an ideal time to discover Istanbul without the crowds, with a glass of tea in hand and the sounds of the city in winter around you. Stay in the right neighbourhood close to public transport, plan your days around the weather, and you will enjoy a full and memorable break despite the cold. Choose your dates, find the hotel that suits you and explore winter Istanbul at your own pace.
