Top cities in Turkey
Turkey's largest city, between Asia and Europe: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Bosphorus and the bazaars.
The green north on the Black Sea: mountains, forests and Uzungöl lake, the most popular summer escape.
A historic city near Istanbul, with Mount Uludağ's cable car and winter snow.
A quiet lake between Istanbul and Bursa, ideal for families.
Mediterranean beaches and resorts in the south.
Weather in Istanbul by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 9° | 10° | 12° | 17° | 22° | 27° | 30° | 30° | 26° | 21° | 16° | 11° |
| Low | 4° | 4° | 5° | 9° | 13° | 18° | 21° | 21° | 17° | 14° | 9° | 6° |
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9° | 4° |
| Feb | 10° | 4° |
| Mar | 12° | 5° |
| Apr | 17° | 9° |
| May | 22° | 13° |
| Jun | 27° | 18° |
| Jul | 30° | 21° |
| Aug | 30° | 21° |
| Sep | 26° | 17° |
| Oct | 21° | 14° |
| Nov | 16° | 9° |
| Dec | 11° | 6° |
Source: Florya station, 1991–2020 normals, in degrees Celsius.
Best time to visit Turkey
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) are best for Istanbul: mild days of 17° to 27°.
Summer (July and August) is the season for the green north around Trabzon and Uzungöl, and the busiest time for travellers from Saudi Arabia, so book early.
Winter is cold and rainy in Istanbul (about 9° by day) and brings snow to Uludağ.
Before you travel
- Check your passport validity and the latest entry rules before you travel.
- Low-cost airlines sell baggage separately, so compare the total family fare before booking.
- Istanbul has two airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side; pick the one nearer your hotel.
Flights to Turkey
Frequently asked questions
Do Saudis need a visa for Turkey?
No. Ordinary Saudi passport holders can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
How long is the flight from Riyadh to Turkey?
Direct flights to Istanbul take about 4 to 4.5 hours.
When is the best time to visit Turkey?
April to June and September–October for Istanbul; July and August for the green north around Trabzon.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; entry requirements and flight schedules change. Please check the official requirements before travel. The binding price is the one in your booking confirmation.