Istanbul in December
Lowest crowds, lowest prices
The short answer
December is a reasonable month in Istanbul — with trade-offs.
Winter Istanbul — steam, tea, empty mosques and cheap rooms.
6.5/10 overall6–12°CLow crowds$ (Low)
Weather3/10
Crowds9/10
Prices9/10
Events5/10
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- 6–12°C
- Cool and rainy, occasional snow
- Crowds
- Low
- Lowest crowds of the year
- Prices
- $ (Low)
- Lowest rates of the year outside New Year's Eve
+Lowest crowds and lowest prices of the year.
–Cool and rainy, with occasional snow and short days.
My tip for December
Avoid the New Year's Eve week if value is the point — rates spike for a few nights only.
- Hammams
- Bazaars
- Value
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
8th of 12 overall in Istanbul, 10th for weather, 1st for space, 1st for value. The emptiest month is January; the best value is January.
See all twelve months for IstanbulNot set on December?
Even stronger months in Istanbul
Ready to book December in Istanbul?
Lowest crowds and lowest prices of the year.
Find hotels in IstanbulAffiliate link