What's the Weather like in Istanbul in Februaryย
Temperatureย
February is still mid-winter inย Istanbul, so it's cold and wet. Theย average temperatureย is just 6C, withย highsย of 8C and overnight lows of 3C. Those parts of the province furthest from the sea experience more considerable continental influences, and the drop in temperature overnight will therefore be much more pronounced. It's not uncommon for temperatures to fall below freezing at this time, and there might even be a few inches ofย snowย (on average, February sees around 4 or 5 snow days each year). Lake-effect snow from the Black Sea is common, although difficult to forecast, and is often quite heavy. It will also almost certainly be foggy and overcast on several days of the month, and most mornings. The coldest temperature ever recorded in February is -8C.
Conditions are similar acrossย Turkey. Inย Alanyaย andย Dalaman, in the south of the country, it's marginally warmer but the average temperature is still just 10C or 11C, with highs of 16C or 17C and overnight lows of less than 7C. Correspondingly, sea temperatures are also at their lowest at this time; just 13C.
Rainย
Whether or not it snows,ย rainfall averagesย are still high and it's likely to be quite wet. February sees around 70mm of rainfall over 12 days in Istanbul. The northernmost parts of the province are generally wetter, and see higher rainfall averages all year round (in February, expecting an average of 100mm). There are even higher rainfall averages in the south of the country; around 100mm higher in Alanya and Dalaman. The wet, foggy, overcast conditions also mean higher levels ofย humidity, rising to around 80% during the winter months (which is very humid indeed).
Sunshine Hoursย
It's not all bad news. As spring approaches, the days begin to get longer and warmer and by the end of February there are around 7 dailyย sunshine hours, compared to only 3 in the month of January!
Istanbul Hotels in Februaryย
The Four Seasons Hotel
Theย Four Seasons Hotel at Bosphorusย is a great choice for luxury accommodation. A chic city retreat on Istanbul's lovely seafront, this converted Ottoman palace is surrounded by blue waters and green mountaintops. The facilities are excellent, with plenty to keep guests both pampered and occupied even on rainy days.
Hotel Amira
Alternatively,ย Hotel Amiraย is a luxury, boutique hotel in the heart of the historic Old City, just minutes from some of the city's top attractions. The rooms are decorated in a comfortable, modern style and the wellness centre includes a gym, jacuzzi, sauna and massage services.
Bars and Restaurantsย
Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir
If you fancy something sweet, definitely check out the authentic "lokum" at the original Turkish Delight shop,ย Ali Muhiddin Haci Bekir, near Taksim. Turkish delight was first developed by chefs at the Ottoman Palace, before being introduced to the masses in small shops just like this one. The Turkish delight we know today was created by Hacฤฑ Bekir Effendi in the 19th century. This delightful little shop sells all the traditional flavours (like rose, hazelnut, pistachio, and almond), as well as a few you wouldn't expect (like sour cherry, ginger and "pistachio with pomegranate aroma").
Cafes
The atmospheric row of nargile cafes behind the Nusretiye Mosque is a firm local favourite. Follow your nose to find it; the smell of apple tobacco is incredibly enticing. The VIP package is quite cheap and consists of tea, one nargile, and some sharing snacks.
Things to do in Istanbul in February
Grand Bazaar
Theย Grand Bazaarย is one of Istanbul's main attractions, and a great place to practise your haggling skills! The souk has become a symbol of the city and it's not to be missed. You'll definitely need a map, as the sprawling marketplace is split into separate areas for different goods and crafts. Even so, expect to get lost at least once! From there, if your wallet isn't completely empty, head to the Pera district to browse the boutiques around Tรผnel.
Asian Shore
No trip would be complete without crossing the Bosphorus to visit the Asian shore. Take a ferry to explore peaceful skรผdar, and the legend-ladenย Maiden's Tower, or discover the 16th-century mosques near theย Selimiye Barracksย (the site of Florence Nightingale's Crimean war hospital).
