Your complete guide to Istanbul's weather from February 8–14, 2026 — daily forecasts, what to pack, and the best things to do in the city where East meets West.
Istanbul in February is a city transformed. The summer crowds that pack Sultanahmet Square and queue for hours at the Hagia Sophia have melted away, leaving behind a moody, atmospheric metropolis where the call to prayer echoes across misty rooftops and the Bosphorus shimmers under pewter skies. It's colder, yes. It rains more, certainly. But Istanbul in winter rewards the traveler who comes prepared with something the summer visitor never experiences: intimacy with one of the world's greatest cities.
This week in mid-February 2026, Istanbul is living up to its winter reputation with cool temperatures of 8–13°C (46–55°F) and a mixed pattern of rain and dry spells. The Bosphorus strait, which divides the city between Europe and Asia, brings significant moisture that can shift from sunshine to showers within an hour. Here's your complete day-by-day guide to navigating Istanbul's weather this week and making the most of every moment.
Istanbul Weather Overview: February 8–14, 2026
Istanbul's climate sits at the intersection of Mediterranean and oceanic influences, creating a winter that is mild by continental European standards but noticeably wetter and windier than cities further south like Athens or Antalya. February is statistically Istanbul's coldest month, though snow is relatively uncommon in the city center — it occurs on average just 4–5 days per winter, typically melting quickly at lower elevations.
This particular week shows a classic Istanbul winter pattern: wet and cool bookending the week (Sunday and Thursday), with a brief drier, colder spell mid-week as continental air sweeps in from the Black Sea. The temperature dip on Tuesday to just 8°C (47°F) reflects this colder air mass before milder, wetter conditions return. Expect about 9.5 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:15 AM and sunset at approximately 5:50 PM.
| Day | High | Low (est.) | Rain % | Conditions |
|---|
| Sun, Feb 8 | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 75% | Light rain |
| Mon, Feb 9 | 12°C / 54°F | 5°C / 41°F | 25% | Partly cloudy |
| Tue, Feb 10 | 8°C / 47°F | 3°C / 37°F | 45% | Cold, chance of rain |
| Wed, Feb 11 | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 10% | Dry & clear |
| Thu, Feb 12 | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 75% | Rain returning |
Day-by-Day Forecast
🌧️ Sunday, February 8 — Rainy Opening
High: 13°C (55°F) · Low: 7°C (45°F)
Precipitation chance: 75% · Humidity: ~80% · Wind: Moderate southwesterly
Sunday begins the week on a wet note, with persistent light rain expected throughout much of the day. While 13°C is relatively mild, the high humidity and rain make it feel cooler. This is the perfect day for Istanbul's magnificent indoor attractions. Begin at the Hagia Sophia — the interior is jaw-dropping on rainy days when the diffused light streaming through the upper windows creates an almost mystical atmosphere. Move on to the adjacent Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and then dive underground into the Basilica Cistern, where 336 marble columns rise from subterranean water. Rain actually enhances this experience — the sound of water dripping into the ancient reservoir is mesmerizing.
⛅ Monday, February 9 — Clearing Skies, Best Morning
High: 12°C (54°F) · Low: 5°C (41°F)
Precipitation chance: 25% · Humidity: ~70% · Wind: Light northerly
Monday shows significant improvement, with the rain system moving east and skies gradually clearing. The 25% rain chance means you might catch a stray shower, but most of the day should be dry. This is your window for the Grand Bazaar — one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets with over 4,000 shops spread across 60 streets. In February, the bazaar operates at a more relaxed pace: shopkeepers are friendlier, haggling is more genuine, and you can actually stop to admire the architecture without being swept along by summer crowds. Follow up with lunch in the Beyoğlu district, then walk across the Galata Bridge at sunset — the view of the old city's skyline with its mosques and minarets is unforgettable, and a fisherman on the bridge might offer you a fresh balık ekmek (fish sandwich).
❄️ Tuesday, February 10 — Cold Snap from the Black Sea
High: 8°C (47°F) · Low: 3°C (37°F)
Precipitation chance: 45% · Humidity: ~72% · Wind: Brisk northeasterly (Poyraz wind)
Tuesday brings the week's coldest temperatures as a continental air mass from the Black Sea sweeps into Istanbul. The northeasterly wind known locally as the "Poyraz" can make 8°C feel closer to 3–4°C with wind chill, especially along the exposed Bosphorus waterfront. This is a day for the Topkapı Palace — much of the complex is indoors, and the Harem section, the Treasury with its legendary Spoonmaker's Diamond, and the collection of Prophet Muhammad's relics provide hours of warm, dry exploration. Afterward, retreat to a traditional Turkish hamam (bath house) — the Çemberlitaş Hamam, built in 1584, offers a perfectly heated marble refuge from the cold outside. There is no better antidote to a chilly Istanbul day.
☀️ Wednesday, February 11 — Best Day of the Week
High: 9°C (48°F) · Low: 3°C (37°F)
Precipitation chance: 10% · Humidity: ~65% · Wind: Light
Wednesday emerges as the week's standout day: dry, clear, and calm. While temperatures remain cool at 9°C, the absence of wind and rain makes it feel pleasant in the sunshine. This is your day for the Bosphorus. Take a morning ferry from Eminönü to Anadolu Kavağı — the 90-minute cruise up the strait passes Ottoman-era waterfront mansions (yalıs), the Rumeli Hisarı fortress, and the second suspension bridge. The Asian side at the endpoint offers fresh fish restaurants with sweeping water views. Alternatively, spend the morning exploring the trendy Karaköy and Galata neighborhoods, climbing the Galata Tower for 360-degree city views in clear conditions. The neighborhoods around İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu are buzzing with cafés, bookshops, and art galleries that feel genuinely local in February.
🌧️ Thursday, February 12 — Rain Returns
High: 13°C (55°F) · Low: 7°C (45°F)
Precipitation chance: 75% · Humidity: ~82% · Wind: Moderate southwesterly
Thursday brings a return to wet weather as another Atlantic-driven system arrives. Temperatures bounce back to 13°C, but the 75% rain probability means planning for indoor activities is wise. The Istanbul Archaeological Museums (three museums in one complex near Topkapı Palace) are outstanding and criminally undervisited — the collection includes artifacts from across the Ottoman Empire and the ancient Near East, including the famous Alexander Sarcophagus. For something different, visit the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, a transport and industrial museum housed in a converted Ottoman-era foundry on the Golden Horn. In the evening, head to Kadıköy on the Asian side for a vibrant food scene that feels worlds away from the tourist district.
What to Wear in Istanbul This Week
Istanbul's February weather demands serious layering. The temperature swings from 3°C at night to 13°C in the afternoon, combined with rain, wind, and high humidity, mean you need versatile clothing that handles everything.
Outer layer: A waterproof, windproof jacket is your most important piece of clothing this week. The Poyraz wind on Tuesday can cut right through lightweight fabrics, so choose something substantial. A knee-length coat works better than a hip-length jacket, as it protects more of your body during sideways rain.
Mid layer: A warm fleece or wool sweater is essential, particularly for Tuesday and Wednesday when temperatures dip to 8–9°C. Consider bringing two mid-layer options — a lighter one for the milder 13°C days and a warmer one for the cold snap.
Footwear: Istanbul's hilly terrain, cobblestone streets, and steep staircases (particularly around Beyoğlu and the Galata area) demand sturdy, waterproof footwear with excellent grip. The polished marble floors inside mosques become slippery in wet weather — you'll be removing shoes frequently, so opt for footwear that's easy to slip on and off.
Accessories: A warm hat, gloves, and scarf are recommended for Tuesday–Wednesday. A sturdy umbrella is non-negotiable — Istanbul's rain can be persistent, and wind can invert flimsy umbrellas. Consider a crossbody bag or money belt, as tourist areas still see opportunistic pickpocketing even in low season.
💡 Pro Tip: Women visiting mosques need to cover their heads, shoulders, and knees. Carry a lightweight scarf in your bag — most mosques provide coverings, but having your own saves time and is more hygienic. Men should wear long trousers.
Best Things to Do in Istanbul This Week
Rainy Day Experiences (Sunday, Thursday)
Turkish Bath (Hamam): Nothing says "Istanbul in February" like a traditional hamam. Beyond the Çemberlitaş Hamam, consider the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam in Tophane — beautifully restored and offering a more upscale experience. A full treatment (wash, scrub, and massage) typically takes 60–90 minutes and costs 600–1,200 TL depending on the venue.
Spice Bazaar & Turkish Tea: The Mısır Çarşısı (Egyptian/Spice Bazaar) is more compact and less overwhelming than the Grand Bazaar. Buy Turkish delight, dried fruits, saffron, and freshly ground coffee, then settle into one of the tea houses (çay bahçesi) along the Golden Horn with a tulip-shaped glass of Turkish tea and watch the ferries cross the water through the rain.
Istanbul Modern: The recently relocated Istanbul Modern art museum, designed by Renzo Piano, sits waterfront in Karaköy. Its collection spans Turkish contemporary art from the Republic era to today, and the building itself — with floor-to-ceiling glass walls facing the Bosphorus — is worth the visit alone.
Dry Day Adventures (Monday, Wednesday)
Bosphorus Neighborhood Hopping: On Wednesday, take the Bosphorus ferry and hop off at villages along the strait. Ortaköy (for its iconic mosque and waffle stalls), Bebek (for waterfront cafés and an upscale vibe), and Kanlıca (for legendary yogurt) each offer a distinct slice of Istanbul life away from the tourist core.
Süleymaniye Mosque at Sunset: Arguably Istanbul's most beautiful mosque, designed by the great architect Sinan in 1557. The terrace gardens offer a commanding view over the Golden Horn, and catching the sunset here on a clear Monday evening — with the light turning the city's minarets gold — is one of Istanbul's most memorable free experiences.
Istanbul Street Food in February
Winter is peak season for some of Istanbul's most beloved street foods. Look for simit (sesame-crusted bread rings) from street carts everywhere — they cost just 10–15 TL and pair perfectly with a glass of tea. Kestane (roasted chestnuts) and mısır (grilled corn) vendors set up along İstiklal Avenue and around Eminönü. For a more substantial snack, seek out kumpir (loaded baked potatoes) in Ortaköy, where massive potatoes are stuffed with your choice of toppings. And of course, the legendary balık ekmek (grilled mackerel sandwich) from the boats bobbing at the Eminönü waterfront is an essential Istanbul winter experience — the combination of fresh fish, onions, lettuce, and lemon in crispy bread at 80–100 TL is one of the world's great food bargains.
Getting Around Istanbul
The Istanbulkart (rechargeable transit card) is essential — it works on the Metro, trams, buses, ferries, and the Marmaray tunnel between the European and Asian sides. A single ride costs approximately 15 TL. The T1 tram line connects most major Sultanahmet attractions with the Beyoğlu/Taksim area. Ferries are both practical transport and sightseeing — the regular Eminönü to Kadıköy commuter ferry costs a fraction of the dedicated tourist cruise and offers nearly identical views. On rainy days, the Metro system is your best friend, though note that Istanbul's Metro network, while expanding rapidly, doesn't yet reach all neighborhoods. Taxis are abundant but ensure the meter is running. Ride-hailing app BiTaksi is more reliable for fair pricing.
📍 Check the full hourly forecast for Istanbul on WFY24.com
Live temperature, precipitation, wind, and humidity data updated every hour.
Summary: Should You Visit Istanbul This Week?
Istanbul in mid-February is not for the faint-hearted weather-wise, but it is unequivocally rewarding for those who embrace it. The rain and cold are real, but they bring out a side of the city that sunshine never reveals: steam rising from simit carts, the golden glow of çay houses in the rain, the hypnotic echo of the call to prayer bouncing off wet cobblestones. February prices are 40–50% lower than peak season, attraction queues are minimal, and the warmth of Turkish hospitality feels even more genuine when you're the only tourist in the restaurant.
Target Wednesday for your outdoor adventures, use Sunday and Thursday for the extraordinary indoor attractions, and let Tuesday's cold day push you toward the hamam experience of a lifetime. Pack waterproof everything, bring an appetite, and prepare to fall in love with a city that's even more beautiful when it's moody.
This forecast is based on current meteorological data as of February 8, 2026, and is subject to change. For the most up-to-date Istanbul weather data, visit wfy24.com/en/weather/istanbul.
