Istanbul experiences a transitional climate between Mediterranean and oceanic, with warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters that often surprise visitors expecting year-round mildness.

Rain falls primarily between October and May, with winter months seeing persistent drizzle that demands waterproof footwear and layered outerwear rather than mere umbrellas.

Summer temperatures regularly reach 28-30°C, while winter can drop to near freezing with occasional snow, creating a genuine four-season wardrobe challenge.

The city's position straddling two continents means constant wind off the Bosphorus, particularly the poyraz from the northeast, which makes temperatures feel considerably cooler than the thermometer suggests.

Layering is non-negotiable here—the 10-degree swing between morning fog on the Golden Horn and afternoon sun in Sultanahmet can occur within hours.