December weather: cold and rainy
| Istanbul average | December |
|---|---|
| Mean maximum temperature | 11.8 °C |
| Mean minimum temperature | 6.5 °C |
| Mean temperature | 9.0 °C |
| Rainy days | about 15 |
| Precipitation | about 99 mm |
Source: Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM), Istanbul station, averages for 1950-2025 consulted in October 2026. The north wind makes the air colder on the Bosphorus, and snow, possible some winters, cannot be predicted. The solstice falls on Monday 21 December: the sun sets before 5 pm, so start outdoor visits early. For the whole season, see Istanbul in winter.
Crowds and prices in December
Outside the last week of the year, December is one of the cheapest months to sleep in Istanbul: accommodation prices drop noticeably from November to March. Rates rise around New Year, especially in Beyoğlu and Sultanahmet, and the set-menu restaurants on 31 December cost far more than an ordinary dinner. Book early for 31 December and compare neighbourhoods in where to stay in Istanbul.
December 2026 highlights
Istanbul Theatre Festival: until 3 December
The 30th Istanbul Theatre Festival (İKSV) ends on Thursday 3 December 2026; tickets are paid.
Konya and the dervishes: 7 to 17 December
Every year, from 7 to 17 December, the city of Konya celebrates Rumi's "wedding night" with sema ceremonies every evening. It is about 650 km from Istanbul: see whirling dervishes in Istanbul for the ceremony in the city and the two-day excursion.
Christmas, 24 and 25 December
25 December is not a public holiday in Turkey, and shops stay open. The historic churches of Beyoğlu hold Christmas services, see Christmas and New Year in Istanbul for churches and tips.
New Year's Eve on Thursday 31 December and Friday 1 January
On Thursday 31 December, the streets of Taksim and Sultanahmet fill up at midnight, and restaurants and cruises offer evenings by reservation. Friday 1 January 2027 is a public holiday: banks and offices close, and several sites have special hours. Details are in Christmas and New Year in Istanbul and public holidays and bayrams in Istanbul. The rest of winter is in what to do in Istanbul in January.
What to wear in December
- A warm coat and several layers, a hat and gloves for the Bosphorus.
- Waterproof shoes: the cobbled streets of Balat and Sultanahmet are slippery.
- A sturdy umbrella, or better, a hooded jacket: the wind is strong on the quays.
- Thick socks for mosques, see visiting a mosque in Istanbul.
The best things to do in December
- Monuments without the crowds: Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern, at opening time. Winter hours are often shorter.
- Museums: the Pera Museum, Istanbul Modern and the Archaeological Museum. More ideas in what to do in Istanbul when it rains.
- The hammam: the Cağaloğlu Hammam and the other addresses in the best hammams.
- A dervish show: see whirling dervishes in Istanbul.
- Tea rooms and pastry shops: cafés and tea rooms and baklava and pastries.
- With children: indoor visits in Istanbul with children.
December 2026 at a glance
| Date | Event | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Until 3 December | Istanbul Theatre Festival (30th edition) | Paid tickets, İKSV |
| 7 to 17 December | Rumi ceremonies in Konya | About 650 km from Istanbul |
| Friday 25 December | Christmas | Not a holiday; services in churches |
| Thursday 31 December | New Year's Eve | Reservations, crowds in Taksim and Sultanahmet |
| Friday 1 January 2027 | New Year's Day | Public holiday |
| All month | 11.8 °C in the afternoon, about 15 rainy days | Cheap hotels outside New Year |
Going further
December follows what to do in Istanbul in November. To compare all seasons, read the best time to visit Istanbul and, for trip ideas, Istanbul in 3 days.
