Istanbul in June 2023 – is it worth visiting? Weather, sea temperature, prices in hotels and on excursions. What to do in Istanbul in early June and closer to July, where to go: in the vicinity and beyond – in a detailed review by good Time for Trip.
June is a summer month. Its name alone clearly provokes citizens, yearning for warmth and sun, for a trip to the seashore. Why not choose Istanbul? Since the largest and most interesting metropolis in Turkey meets all three necessary conditions?
Therefore, although no one in a dream will call this city a beach destination, at the dawn of summer people come here with pleasure. Despite the fact that it’s hardly worth swimming in Istanbul in June, this city beckons. Good weather, little rain, maximum daylight hours – all this is enough to attract increased attention.
On the one hand, it’s a pity to miss valuable summer time – in the same Antalya in June you can swim and sunbathe! On the other hand, beach resorts will not go anywhere for those 3-4 days that you spend on sightseeing in Istanbul?!
Organizing such a composite trip with subsequent departure to the beach, of course, isn’t very simple. But no special difficulties are foreseen for those who risk to do it.
After all, all you need is to develop a route, buy airline tickets, book a hotel and rent a car. The latter, of course, is optional – not everyone wants to drive a car on vacation.
Too many items? Don’t hesitate – you will succeed! Moreover, below you’ll find practical information that should help you do this.
Weather in Istanbul in June
It is unlikely that in 2023 it will be very different from its usual version. Therefore, you should prepare yourself for temperatures from +25 to +30 °C (77-86 °F), the sun shining day long and a low probability of precipitation.
At first it will be colder at night – up to + 17-18 °C (62,6-66,4 °F). But towards the end of June, Istanbul will feel completely ready for the high season and raise the night bar to + 22-24 °C (71,6-75,2 °F).
In 2022, the weather in Istanbul in early June and later behaved in a similar way. Unless after sunset it was little cooler – no higher than + 20-21 °C (68-69,8 °F).
It rains a maximum of 2-4 times a first month of summer. And according to statistics, total volume of a precipitation is small – up to 30-35 mm.
Of course, you’d be better off developing an alternative plan to proactively deal with unexpected weather events. And wait out a little rain in one of the main of Istanbul attractions. Perhaps in Topkapi Palace or in any of the local museums.
By the way, the Istanbul Welcome Card will allow you to do this for free for 7 days!
It’s quite possible to wait out the bad weather in some restaurant. While tasting some original Turkish foods.
The winds from the Bosphorus in Istanbul in June aren’t too strong. And therefore – pleasant.
After all, they completely forget about their spring desire to penetrate. On the contrary – sea breezes in the summer gently blow over the skin heated by the sun. And only in the evenings their impulses can make you nervous, forcing to button your jacket or blouse.
- 5-Day Weather forecast – mgm.gov.tr/eng/forecast-cities.aspx?m=ISTANBUL
Sea Temperature
Is it worth swimming in Istanbul in early June?
With this it’s better to wait a little! After all, you may well do this pleasant and even useful thing at the second stage of the journey to Turkey.
Having gone, for example, to the resort town of Sharkoy on the European coast of the Marmara Sea. Or by planning a vacation in its more famous Asian “colleagues”: Mudanya or Erdek.
The latter is well suited for families with small children. Because it attracts mostly calm and balanced holiday-goers. Aspiring to relax, and not jump from evening to morning in discos.
However, in June, the Marmara Sea rarely warms up above +21-23 °C (69,8-73,4 °F). Quite another thing is the popular resort of Kusadasi. As well as the world-famous Bodrum and Marmaris, which are located slightly to the south.
There at this time, the swimming season isn’t only open, but has also gained good momentum. Although the majority of tourists are still just going to go on the seaside vacation.
Yes, to get from Istanbul to the resorts on the Aegean Seashore by car, you will have to cover a decent distance. About 550 km – if you are going to Kusadasi, and 700 km – if you decide to relax in Bodrum. But any such trip on Turkish roads will easily fit into daylight.
Even if you aren’t too confident in your driving skills, intend to drive according to the rules and in general – not in a hurry!
By the way, the distance between Istanbul and Antalya is relatively not too big – you will have to drive 700 km along the highway laid in the central regions of the country. This is about 9-10 hours on the way.
Note that there is also a place to go on a beach holiday north of Istanbul – there are good resorts on the Black Sea coast.
Like Kumkoi, which Istanbul residents consider something like a country beach. A little less are known Shile and Agva. Located, however, also at a short distance: 75 and 100 km.
What to Wear in Istanbul in June
It is clear that the restrictions imposed by airlines on the volume and weight of luggage make you carefully approach the collection of a suitcase. But in this case, you’ll do it without serious problems.
Because the jacket or hoodie that you will wear when going on a trip will be enough in the June Istanbul in most possible situations. Especially if your clothes can protect you in case of a little rain.
Sneakers or moccasins should be duplicated with lighter shoes. You should not be shy about sending a large number of shorts and T-shirts, skirts, sundresses and tops to the suitcase.
There should be two pairs of swimsuits – this is the standard amount that you need to take to the sea. Some even take three if they suspect that the humidity will be high!
Equally useful are wide-brimmed panama hats and at least one cotton or linen shirt with long sleeves.
What for? You’ll know when you get a sunburn. Oh yes: sunscreen and ointment stimulating the regeneration of damaged tissues should also be present in the luggage of the vacationer. Well, a first aid kit – without it, it’s better not to leave the house even for a short long-distance trip today.
Prices 2023
It’s best to stay in Istanbul closer to the historical center – you’ll be able to see more sights in fewer days. Moreover, it’s better not to neglect such amenities as air conditioning and a personal shower in June.
All hotels where a room costs less than 70-80 € per night are an excellent offer for two travelers. Up to 100 € is tolerable if everything else has already been snapped up or you are reaching for more fashionable.
Pay attention, for example, to the promotional offer of the Sokullu Pasa Hotel. Spacious rooms (from 21 m2) are cleaned here every day, top Istanbul attractions are nearby.
The rooms are equipped with new furniture and quite high-quality plumbing. And the breakfast included in the price is a great help for a traveler who is used to taking care of every minute.
The Florenta Hotel is also worthy of the closest study on the subject of check-in. Somewhat more expensive, but also praised by travelers. Moreover, it’s deployed even more successfully in the heart of the Sultanhamet district! That is, only 600 meters from the Hagia Sophia.
A tour of the main sights of Istanbul like the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque costs about 50-80 € per person. You can go on a sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus with an amount of 30-35 €.
What to Do
There are plenty of places of sincere tourist interest in the former Constantinople. We talked about the most popular attractions earlier. And even connected them with convenient daily routes.
But something, of course, still remained behind the scenes. Or at least it was mentioned in passing.
This is normal: it is important for those traveling for the first time to see the main thing. And those who are lucky enough to fall in love with a city on the border of the West and the East, each new arrival is able to find something new and unexplored in its depths.
We will definitely advise you to still climb the Galata Tower – even if you have to stand in line for it. Yes, what’s there, just to see it firsthand is like being in a fairy tale.
In the depths of the bustling Beyoglu district, the Catholic Church of Anthony of Padua also lurks. Surprisingly European, even, perhaps, Venetian.
This church isn’t old, but it’s so soulful, soothing and … cool – once you find yourself in Istanbul in June, you will understand how important it is.
Be sure to get to the Chora Church with early Christian frescoes. It’s located in the Fatih district, but away from the central historical quarter of Sultanhamet.
A completely logical and even expected step at the beginning of summer is a boat trip along the Bosphorus. After all, on a hot June day, it’s equally refreshing and saturates with vivid impressions. And in the evenings, when the setting sun gives the last rays of the ancient city, it becomes immensely romantic at all…
Where to Go
Is it worth getting the beach vacation on the Prince Islands ? We aren’t sure that you should waste your time on this! Especially if you plan to go to “real” resorts on the Aegean or Mediterranean Seas after visiting Istanbul.
But a trip to the ruins of Troy, which are still being gradually excavated and cleaned of age-old layers, will be an interesting experience. Moreover, like a visit to Ephesus, it can easily be entered into a route that provides for a long stop at the sea in Bodrum.
It is quite easy to travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Although the famous “Land of Beatyful Horses” located far from the coast. And on a June afternoon it can be very hot there.
On the cotrary, we won’t advise you to go to Pamukkale and Hierapolis in June. Because in summer it’s excessively hot and incredibly crowded there.
How you can get positive impressions after being in the scorching sun for a long time at temperatures above +35-40 °C (95-104 °F)? Not even having the opportunity to cool down a little in the local thermal baths – in summer there’s no free space in them.
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