October in Istanbul is a month of hiking, the first autumn coolness, cruises on the Bosphorus, strong Turkish coffee and yellow-purple colors. It marks the end of the so-called velvet season, beach holidays and is characterized by tranquility and a decrease in tourist flow.
The weather in Istanbul in October is still warm and most comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. At this time, we advise you to go for a day to the mountain thermal resort of Yalova. Also in autumn, hammams are again popular. In order not to lose time, you can book a session in the famous historical bathhouse in the city center online.
- Why Visit Istanbul in October?
- Weather in Istanbul in October
- What to Wear in October in Istanbul
- Crowds & Prices in October: What to Expect
- Holidays in Istanbul in October
- What to do in October in Istanbul?
- Where else to go in Istanbul in October
- October Food in Istanbul: What’s in Season?
- Day Trips from Istanbul in October
- Best Photography Spots in October
- Insider Tips for Visiting Istanbul in October
Why Visit Istanbul in October?
Ever thought of seeing Istanbul wrapped in shades of gold and amber, minus the summer heat and winter chills? October is the sweet spot – like catching a city mid-sigh between two seasons. The energy? Balanced. The weather? Breezy and kind. The crowds? Thinned just enough to make you feel like a local without missing out on the buzz.
Visiting Istanbul in October gives you the best of both worlds: warm enough for walking tours and outdoor markets, but cool enough to actually enjoy that steaming glass of Turkish tea.
Weather in Istanbul in October
October weather in Istanbul is like nature playing Jenga – unpredictable but still in control. Early October can feel like late summer, especially during the day (21–24°C or 70–75°F). You’ll still catch sunrays bouncing off the Bosphorus and locals soaking in vitamin D at seaside cafés.
As the month rolls on, expect things to cool down a bit (mid-October averages 17–20°C / 63–68°F), especially in the evenings. Light jackets become your new best friends. By the final week, a crispness enters the air – think long sleeves and occasional rain showers.
Sea Temperature & Swimming Possibilities
Yes, believe it or not, people still swim in early October—especially in places like Kilyos or the Marmara Sea side (like Caddebostan). The water hovers around 20°C (68°F), which isn’t Caribbean-level warm, but if you’re brave, it’s doable!
The air temperature day/night: 20°C/13°C
Average rainy days: 4
Sea water temperature: +19°C
Rainfall: 50-60 mm
Maximum wind speed: 11-20 m/s, with gusts up to 35 m/s
What’s the weather like in Istanbul in October? The average monthly air temperature in October days is 20°C during the day and 14°C at night. The water temperature in the sea is 18-19 degrees.
At the beginning of the month, it is still very warm during the day, up to 24°C. And by the end it gets colder and the thermometers do not rise above 15-17. On average, it rains 4 days a month – mostly in the second half of October.
In the entire history of meteorological observations, on record hot days, the maximum temperature in October in Istanbul reached 33 degrees. The minimum was recorded at night temperature +3°C.
What to Wear in October in Istanbul
Pack like you’re preparing for two seasons at once – because you are.
Women: Maxi skirts, breathable tops, light cardigans. A pashmina scarf is golden—for mosque visits and sudden breezes.
Men: Chinos, polos or cotton shirts, a denim or bomber jacket. Keep a foldable umbrella handy.
Packing Essentials for This Transitional Month
- Light waterproof jacket
- Closed shoes (ideally waterproof sneakers or boots)
- Layers, layers, layers
- Small umbrella
- Power bank (you’re gonna use your camera a lot)
Crowds & Prices in October: What to Expect
Let’s be real: timing matters, especially in a city this popular.
Hotels in October usually drop prices 15–25% compared to summer highs. Boutique stays in Karaköy or Sultanahmet become more accessible—without sacrificing charm.
October strikes the perfect balance. Tours still run daily, but you’re less likely to be stuck in a 40-person group. It’s easier to book last-minute, and you might even score discounts.
Say goodbye to sweltering lines under the sun. Waiting times at Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Dolmabahçe Palace shrink dramatically. Go early and feel like the place is yours.
Holidays in Istanbul in October
The main public holiday of autumn is Republic Day – October 29th. Its date is fixed and celebrated annually. On this day, the entire Istiklal Avenue is buried in red flags and balloons, and celebrations are expected in Taksim and other central squares.
What to do in October in Istanbul?
In October, in Istanbul, be sure to admire the exhibition of yachts, drop by the Bosphorus Film Festival, listen to the jazz of street musicians.
Sit in Gülhane Central Park on Sultanahmet, and then relax in the historic Hürrem Sultan Hammam with a traditional Turkish foam massage.
Check out meat restaurants for kebabs in the many fragrant neighborhoods near Istiklal.
In the evening, go to a view bar in the Taksim or Galata area. Both the pretentious Panorama 350 on Istiklal and simpler bars on the numerous roofs along the perimeter of the central pedestrian street of Istanbul will do. Often the entrance to the view bars on the rooftops is inconspicuous and looks like a normal entrance to a residential building; you have to take the elevators. Go to the sounds of the music you like, you will not lose.
Istanbul in October is just made for walking in the parks. The leaves on the trees turn bright yellow-red colors, it’s not so hot anymore, but still not cold. October is the best time for walks in the city!
For experienced travelers and lovers of observation platforms and everything unusual, we recommend climbing the Teleferik cable car to Pierre Loti hill on the banks of the Golden Horn. It offers a stunning panorama of the strait.
Also on the hill is an old Ottoman cemetery and several unpretentious cafeterias. The cable car can be reached from the center by bus or taxi.
Bosphorus Cruises in Autumn Colors
You haven’t really seen Istanbul until you’ve floated between two continents on a Bosphorus ferry. In October, the shoreline glows with autumn tones. The air? Just brisk enough for that second cup of çay.
Opt for a short 2-hour sunset cruise or take a full-day journey to Anadolu Kavağı for castle views and fresh fish lunches.
Sunset from Galata Tower or Çamlıca Hill
Golden hour hits different in October – less haze, more glow. Galata Tower gives you that romantic cityscape. Çamlıca Hill? A panoramic sweep of the entire Bosphorus under a fire-colored sky.
Exploring Mosques & Palaces without the Summer Crowds
Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque – all those spots you’ve seen in guidebooks? Now’s the time. Shorter lines, cooler halls, and easier breathing room for those epic photos.
Where else to go in Istanbul in October
Photo exhibition 212 Photography. Famous artists from all over the world and Turkey take part in it. The event took place in different locations beginning of October. Interesting events are held within the framework of the exhibition. For example, master classes with trips to different parts of Istanbul. Departing from the Tekfur Palace-Museum, visitors go to the Anemas dungeons, the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Church of Ayia Dimitri, the Greek Church of Balata.
Bosphorus Film Festival – International Bosphorus Film Festival. The date of the Istanbul International Film Festival falls on the end of October. It is also a national competition for feature films, short films and documentaries. Screenings are held in the central cinemas of Kadikoy, Beyoglu and Atlas. Official website: bogazicifilmfestivali.com.
Park of miniatures Miniaturk. Get to know all of Turkey in miniature – check out the main sights of the whole country in the open-air park on the banks of the Golden Horn in the central Fatih district. Miniaturk contains accurate models of the wonders of Turkey and Istanbul, from fantastic rock monasteries to the baths of Pamukkale. Of course, the famous mosques, palaces and other architectural beauties are also represented here.
Istanbul Biennale. Have time to look at the exhibition of contemporary art, held in Istanbul every two years. It is included in the TOP-10 of the most authoritative biennials in the world. In 2021, it was canceled due to covid and postponed to September-November 2022. Biennale official website: bienal.iksv.org. Entrance to many events is free.
And for visiting museums, the Hagia Sophia mosque and palaces, be sure to buy a Museum Pass Istanbul museum card. It allows you to save on entrance tickets and allows you to enter the sights of Istanbul without queues.
October Food in Istanbul: What’s in Season?
Let’s talk about one of Istanbul’s biggest fall attractions – the food. In October, the city’s markets overflow with fresh, fragrant produce, and the street food gets a seasonal upgrade.
Autumn Fruits You Shouldn’t Miss
- Ayva (Quince): Shaped like a golden apple, it’s tart raw but divine when poached with cinnamon. You’ll see it in Turkish desserts and breakfast jams.
- Nar (Pomegranate): Locals love drinking fresh nar suyu (pomegranate juice). Tangy, bright, and loaded with antioxidants – what’s not to love?
- İncir (Figs): Still lingering from late summer, figs in October are soft, sugary, and perfect as a sweet snack or with cheese.
Warm Street Foods for Chilly Days
- Kestane Kebap (Roasted Chestnuts): The smoky scent of roasted chestnuts fills every main square—like edible campfires in a paper cone.
- Mısır (Grilled or Boiled Corn): A street snack staple, especially in parks and near ferry ports.
- Boza: A thick, fermented millet drink served with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas. Sounds weird? Try it once – you might love the creamy-spicy contrast.
Cosy Cafés & Rooftop Dining
October is prime time for outdoor seating wrapped in blankets. Rooftops in Galata and Karaköy offer heaters and views. Try:
- Mavra Café (Balat) – quirky, colorful, cozy.
- Pera Roof – city views and solid cocktails.
- Cafe Privato – rustic breakfast with Bosphorus peeks.
Day Trips from Istanbul in October
Feeling like you want to breathe outside the city for a day? October is ideal for low-crowd, high-beauty excursions.
Princes’ Islands – Buy a ferry token, leave the honking cars behind, and arrive in a world of bicycles, horse carriages, and old wooden mansions. Büyükada is the most popular, but Heybeliada is more peaceful in October.
Şile & Ağva – Just a couple of hours away on the Black Sea coast, these towns offer forest hikes, riverside cafés, and fresh seafood. The sea might be too chilly to swim, but it’s perfect for reflection (and Instagram).
Bursa or Edirne – Bursa: Birthplace of Ottoman architecture, cozy silk bazaars, and thermal spas. Edirne: Former Ottoman capital with gorgeous mosques, markets, and a more “untouched” vibe.
Best Photography Spots in October
Calling all shutterbugs – this month’s lighting and atmosphere are a gift.
Golden Hour in Sultanahmet – Capture the Blue Mosque glowing in soft orange light, or catch the Hagia Sophia’s reflection in puddles after a quick rain.
Fall Leaves in City Parks – Gülhane and Yıldız Parks shine this time of year. Snap a mix of Ottoman architecture, fallen leaves, and moody skies.
Misty Morning Bosphorus – Early October mornings often come with a thin layer of mist over the water. It makes for magical ferry rides and romantic, fog-draped skyline shots.
Insider Tips for Visiting Istanbul in October
You don’t want to just visit. You want to visit smart.
Book in Advance or Be Spontaneous?
For hotels and popular events (like Filmekimi), book ahead. For restaurants and daily tours, spontaneity works fine. Locals tend to walk in—and so can you.
Indoor Alternatives on Rainy Days
Rain is rare but not impossible. If skies turn gray:
- Visit Istanbul Modern or Sakıp Sabancı Museum
- Relax in a historical hammam (Kılıç Ali Paşa or Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan)
- Explore Grand Bazaar’s hidden corners
Apps You’ll Find Handy
- Trafi or Moovit: for getting around
- BiTaksi: like Uber, but local
- Yemeksepeti: food delivery
Museum Pass Istanbul: skip-the-line access to major sites
