What's the Weather like in Istanbul in June
Temperature
June is the start of summer in Istanbul. While there may be a little rainfall, as Turkey generally receives some rain year round, in general visitors can expect long, hot, dry days.
The average temperature in June in Istanbul is 22C, with highs of 26C and overnight lows of 19C. The hottest temperature ever recorded in the area at this time is 41C, and it's likely that by the end of the month temperatures will reach above 30C for several days. Turkey is quite humid year round, though humidity levels do fall slightly during the summer months (they're around 70% in June, and 65% in July), so it will feel very hot indeed.
Average Sea Temperature
It's likely to be slightly hotter in the south of Turkey. In Alanya, the average temperature is 25C, with highs of 27C. Overnight, however, the temperature drop is slightly more significant. In Dalaman, similarly, the average temperature is 23C, with highs of 29C and significant overnight lows of 17C.
Sunshine Hours
As the temperature rises, correspondingly the days gradually begin to lengthen and sunshine hours reach their height in the summer months. There are 10 sunshine hours a day in June in Istanbul and around 14 in Alanya.
Average Sea Temperatrure
With longer, hotter days, sea temperatures also begin to rise and exceed 19C by the end of the month.
Precipitation
Precipitation levels fall during the summer in Turkey. While there is some rainfall year round, generally it is hot and dry at this time and any showers are likely to be short lived. In June, visitors can expect just 30mm of rainfall over six days. Showers at this time are often accompanied by severe thunderstorms and it will be slightly wetter in the northernmost parts of Istanbul province, where rainfall averages are higher year round. In the south of the country, precipitation levels have dropped significantly. In Dalaman, for example, in June there's on average just 11mm of rainfall over four days. Due to its location, while most of the country has clear skies, Istanbul will still see a few overcast, foggy mornings.
Istanbul Hotels in June
Yasmak Sultan Hotel
The modern and recently renovated Yasmak Sultan Hotel is pure luxury. The delightful wellness centre offers relaxing spa treatments, with an indoor pool and gym, Turkish bath and sauna. While the rooftop Olive Restaurant serves gourmet, authentic Turkish cuisine with a modern twist.
Shangri-La Bosphorus
Shangri-La Bosphorus has been described as "a beacon of splendour in a city of heritage". The hotel is ideally located in the financial and entertainment district of Besiktas, with breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait. The Shang Palace restaurant offers a gourmet Cantonese menu, unlike anything else you'll find in Istanbul.
Istanbul Beach for June
Istanbul is surrounded by more than twenty beautiful beaches, which visitors can expect to be extremely crowded during the summer months. Many of these have been bought up by the big hotels and don't allow access to non-residents.
Burc Beach
Burc Beach is one of Istanbul's most famous and popular beaches. Located on a 1km stretch of Black Sea coast near Kilyos and belonging to Bogacizi University, an entry fee is charged for access and only Bogacizi University graduates or students (and their guests) are allowed. So, if you want to visit, you'll need to befriend someone with access! With its seemingly never-ending white sand shore, Beach Club with a range of exciting watersports, and party bar, it's well worth the effort to get in!
Dalia Beach
Dalia Beach is a favourite with tourists and locals alike. Located on the Demircikoy cove, near Solar, the beach is hidden from the road by a shady inlet. During the summer months, rattan lounge furniture is dragged out onto the grass and sand for guests and the very upscale Beach Club is open for business. The restaurant serves a selection of traditional Turkish fare, with an emphasis on fresh fish (as you might expect), and the Beach Club offers a range of exciting watersports if you fancy doing more than just sunbathing.
Nonstop Beach
Nonstop Beach lives up to its name and caters to the more energetic visitor. There are a wide range of activities on offer, including most water sports, beach volleyball, tennis and basketball. At night, the sand hosts some of the areas hottest beach parties and concerts. The restaurant, beach and terrace bars serve a range of snacks and meals, as well as catering to evening drinks.
Bars and Restaurants
360 Istanbul
Istanbul boasts one of the hottest nightlife scenes in the world. From pubs in the Kadıköy district, to night clubs all over the European side of city. For fabulous cocktails, check out one of the city's rooftop bars. 360 Istanbul serves a huge range of special drinks, along with the classics like martinis, mojitos and margaritas. You can even purchase a menu, if you want to learn the recipes!
Mikla
Mikla has won accolades from international reviewers for its innovative, gourmet menu. The New York Times called it "forward thinking but deeply rooted, and above all, delicious". Their gorgeous rooftop bar, with fantastic views out over the city, chic, minimalist décor, DJ and outdoor pool, serves a range of delightful martinis.
Hafiz Mustafa 1864
The Hafiz Mustafa 1864 is one of Istanbul's best, and most famous, bakeries. Stop in for a range of traditional Turkish desserts, a glass of Turkish coffee or tea.
Things to do in Istanbul in June
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is a wonderful place to learn more about the history of Islamic art, and the Turkish carpet display in the Great Hall is truly lovely.
Baakehir Aquapark
Baakehir Aquapark is a great way to cool off on those hot summer days. And the kids will love the waterslides, dolphin shows and other aquatic animals.
Hodjapasha Dance Theatre
If you're looking for some interesting and unique entertainment, you should definitely go to a whirling dervish show. Turkey is home to the Mevlevi Order of Sufi whirling dervishes who spin themselves into a trance-like state to bring them closer to God. This religious ceremony is absolutely unique, and quite something to witness. You can see the whirling dervishes at work at the Hodjapasha Dance Theatre.
