What's the Weather like in Istanbul in August
Temperature
August is the height of summer in Istanbul. By September, temperatures start to drop again as autumn approaches. But for now, it is hot, dry, and sunny. This is peak season for tourism, and Istanbul sees thousands of visitors in August each year.
The average temperature in Istanbul in August is 24C, with highs of 28C. The hottest temperature ever recorded in the region at this time is 40C. With overnight lows of 19C, the temperature never really drops very low at this time of year. Correspondingly, sunshine hours are at their peak at this time, with around 10 hours of sunshine expected each day, and sea temperatures a very warm 19C.
Sunshine Hours
It's a similar story across Turkey, with high temperatures and long hours of sunshine. If anything, the south of the country is likely to be even hotter. Alanya sees average temperatures of 28C, with highs of 31C, and Dalaman, similarly, average temperatures of 26C and highs of 31C. Both also enjoy around 13 hours of sunshine each day and sea temperatures of between 26C and 28C.
Humidity
Turkey sees relatively high humidity all year round, but at this time the summer temperatures do feel even hotter thanks to humidity of around 70% (relatively low for Istanbul, which is quite humid all year round).
Rain
Turkey has never experienced drought conditions as it generally receives some rainfall year round. However, precipitation levels are at their lowest at this time across the country. In Istanbul, there's likely to be only 20mm of rainfall over four days (the least of any time throughout the year). Northern regions of Istanbul province experience higher rainfall levels all year, so it will be slightly wetter. In the south, there will be far less. Alanya, for example, sees only 5mm of rainfall on average over four days in August. Any showers are likely to be light and short lived, and are often accompanied by thunderstorms.
There are around four days of fog in Istanbul, though this is mainly confined to the northern regions of the province and skies should clear by midday.
Istanbul Hotels in August
Sirkeci Mansion
Sirkeci Mansion is located in the heart of the Old City, with many of Istanbul's most famous landmarks just minutes away. The hotel boasts a terrace restaurant, with panoramic views over the city, and an indoor restaurant (for those colder days). Both serve a range of delicious Turkish and international cuisine.
DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town
DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul-Old Town is located in the heart of the Old City, just minutes from its many historic attractions. Guests are greeted with the signature DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie (free cookies being as good a reason as any for choosing a hotel), and, being a Hilton property, expect first class amenities.
Istanbul Beach for August
Uzunya Beach
Uzunya Beach, once an unspoiled fishing cove, has been renovated in the last few years and rapidly become one of Istanbul's most popular sunbathing spots. However, it's lost none of its charm.
The stretch of beautiful, natural, white sand is dotted with wicker umbrellas during the summer, and people come from all over Istanbul to lie out in the sun. There are few watersports or amenities, but the restaurant serves fresh, local seafood dishes and the cafeteria a range of both international and Turkish dishes, which should keep you happily fed and watered during the day.
Wattabe Beach
Wattabe was Turkey's first natural sports centre. The beach is 55km from the city, built on a huge estate right next to the river. Nature lovers will love sprawling out on the grass, or in the shade of one of the trees (or there's sand if you prefer).
Not to mention, there are some great activities available at Wattabe that you won't find at any other beach: mountain biking, ATV-ing, canoeing, and even paintball. As well as a few of the more traditional watersports, like surfing. They welcome campers, and there are always plenty of tents overnight. The restaurant serves breakfast for these hardy souls, as well as a range of Turkish and international dishes to keep you fed and watered during the day.
Bars and Restaurants
Istiklal Avenue
You can pick up tasty sesame seed pretzels at any bakery in town, but they're especially fantastic eaten on the go from one of the little red stands along Istiklal Avenue.
Rumeli Cafe
Baklava is a real treat. Made with layers of phyllo pastry, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey, it's a wonderful dessert and sold all over the city at restaurants and out of food carts. Head to Rumeli Cafe, in the Sultanahmet area of the city, to try some of the very best.
Things to do in Istanbul in August
Beylerbeyi Palace
Beylerbeyi Palace, whose name means Lord of Lords, is situated on the Asian side of Istanbul. The palace was built along the banks of the Bosphorus and used as a summer residence by the Ottomans.
Miniaturk
Miniatürk is a great place for families with young children, who will love the miniature recreations of famous structures from Istanbul, Anatolia, and other Ottoman territories (many of which today lie outside of Turkey's borders). It's a unique experience.
The Princes' Islands
The Princes' Islands are a cluster of nine islands off the coast of Istanbul. They got their name thanks to the princes exiled here, during the Byzantine and early Ottoman period, when they fell out of favour at court. Today it is a popular place for locals to visit on the weekends, and tourists all year round. There are no motorised vehicles allowed on the islands, so the only form of transportation is horse and cart. Only four are open to the public, which are regularly served by ferries throughout the summer.
