What's the Weather like in Istanbul in July
Temperature
July is mid-summer in Istanbul. This is peak season for tourism and the days are long, hot and dry. There are 10 sunshine hours on average each day and the average temperature is 24C, with highs of 28C. Overnight, temperatures fall to a low of around 17C, which shouldn't feel too cold. The hottest temperature ever recorded in the area at this time is 42C. Istanbul is quite humid all year round (around 65% humidity in July, (compared to 70% in August) which is still quite high, but the lowest point of humidity in the year), so it really will feel very hot indeed.
Average Sea Temperature
It's likely to be even hotter in the south of the country, with average temperatures of 28C in Alanya and 26C in Dalaman, with significant average highs of 31C. High temperatures and long hours of sunshine mean that sea temperatures are also at their height at this time (reaching a very temperate 21C). In Dalaman, on the south coast of Turkey, sea temperatures often exceed 25C. It's perfect beach weather.
Rain
Turkey sees some rain year round and has never experienced drought conditions. However, precipitation levels are at their lowest in the summer months with just 30mm of rainfall over three days in Istanbul in July. It will be wetter in the northernmost parts of Istanbul province, where rainfall averages are higher year round and drier further south in the country. Alanya, for example, on the south-east coast of Turkey, sees only 3mm of rainfall over four days on average in July.
Fog
Any showers are likely to be light and short lived, and are often accompanied by thunderstorms. Istanbul is also known for foggy, overcast mornings and while skies are generally clear at this time, and any fog should clear by mid-morning, July is no exception and there are four foggy days on average in the month.
Istanbul Hotels in July
Tomtom Suites
Tomtom Suites is a small hotel located in an historic building, once the home of French nuns and well-to-do Levantine families. The restaurant serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, with spectacular views out over the Old City.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski
The five star Ciragan Palace Kempinski offers a range of luxury facilities, including an infinity pool, spa, fitness centre, shopping arcade and salon. It's situated on the European shores of the Bosphorus, in a very convenient location between the districts of Besiktas and Ortakoy, only 10 minutes' drive from Taksim.
Istanbul Beach for July
Golden Beach
Golden Beach, in the Marmarcik Cove at Rumeli Feneri, where the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea meet, is just 15km from Istanbul. A little more exclusive than some of the other beaches, an entrance fee is charged for day guests. Luckily it's worth the money. The beach is perfect, and surrounded by beautiful lush green, forested hills for those who like nature walks and hiking. The beach stays open late if you fancy a night swim, and there are plenty of activities available if you decide to forgo sunbathing for a while.
The Beach Club offers volleyball, paddle-boating, mini golf, rock climbing, diving and surfing. The Camping and Kir Kahvesi Resturants and Snack Bar serve a range of seafood and international dishes, and sipping a cocktail at the Beach Bar as the sun sets over the sand is a must. You can even extend your stay overnight in one of the beach front bungalows or at the boutique hotel nearby.
Solar Beach
More than 1km long, Solar Beach is one of Turkey's largest and most popular private beaches. It has several concert and performance stages and hosts great parties on the sand in the summer. The Beach Club bars and BBQ corner serve a range of international cuisine, and there are enough loungers for up to 3000 guests (as you might imagine, it can get pretty crowded at peak times). There are activities on offer for the whole family, with a kids' club to keep the little ones busy and a range of watersports for the adults. There are even showers and dressing rooms. It's a private beach, so there is an entrance fee, but it's well worth the money.
Things to do in Istanbul in July
Galata Tower
Galata Tower, located in Beyolu, feels like something out of a fairy tale. There is something magical about the architecture, with its pointed, cylindrical roof. The views from the outer balcony are breath-taking.
Hodjapasha Dance Theatre
Turkey is famous for its belly dancing shows. Visit the Hodjapasha Dance Theatre to see a performance and prepare to be whisked back into the stories of the Arabian Nights.
Cats
Hundreds of stray cats roam the streets of Istanbul. They're are well taken care of by locals who leave out food, water, and even pillows for these cats to sleep on. The people of Istanbul regard the cats as everyone's pet, and while no-one homes them, they are everyone's responsibility. No trip would be complete without feeding or petting one of these animals.
