Weather, what to see, what to do in August in Istanbul ?

Although it can get very hot during the day, Istanbul in August offers a vibrant and lively experience, ideal for those looking to explore the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage under the radiant sun. Here are some reasons to choose Istanbul in August:

The pleasant climate: despite the heat, the climate is perfect for Bosphorus cruises, where the refreshing sea breeze compensates for the high temperatures. The evenings are often cooler, ideal for enjoying terraces and open spaces. See our article for a Bosphorus tour and the city’s most beautiful terraces.

Festivals and events: August is marked by various festivals, outdoor concerts, and artistic events. It’s a time when the city comes alive with music, arts, and diverse performances.

Less crowded tourist areas: Although August is a high season month, major sites like Topkapi, the Blue Mosque, and other major monuments are often less crowded than in spring. See all our guided tours to visit Istanbul with us!

Lively nights: Istanbul’s nightlife in August is particularly dynamic. Rooftop bars, clubs, and restaurants along the Bosphorus offer unforgettable nocturnal experiences with breathtaking views of the illuminated silhouettes of minarets and bridges. See our article on Istanbul’s most beautiful bars.

August is therefore a great month to experience Istanbul amid traditions and modernity while enjoying the summer pleasures the city has to offer.

WEATHER

In August, Istanbul’s weather is mostly good. The weather is sunny and temperatures generally vary between 20 (at night) and 32 degrees during the day. Some clouds may dot the sky, but beware, the UV index is still high. Remember to protect yourself from the sun’s rays, or you risk getting sunburned. However, the weather can sometimes deteriorate and give way to rain, which is generally heavy and can lead to flooding.

In the rest of Turkey, the south and southwest of the country are generally very hot but less humid (temperatures can reach 36-38 degrees) due to its Mediterranean climate but are more windy because the sea is close.
In the north of the country, on the shores of the Black Sea, the temperatures are quite good (23-27 degrees) because the landscape is made of forests and small streams, but the weather is much more humid.

The cities in the center of Turkey, which have a continental climate, are hot but temperatures can drop at night (from 27 degrees during the day to 10 at night). Although the sky is mostly clear and sunny, occasional showers can refresh the atmosphere. It is advisable to carry sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for optimal protection against the blazing sun, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

NEWS

Reopening of Yıldız Palace: the Yıldız Palace, perched on a hill in a magnificent park overlooking the Bosphorus has just reopened. Built and expanded in the 19th century during the reigns of Sultan Selim III and Sultan Abdulhamid II, this palace was the seat of Ottoman power and a vital center of governance. Its rich architecture and opulent gardens reflect the peak of Ottoman influence and the importance given to art and culture in the empire. The variety of pavilions and architectural styles within the complex illustrates the adaptability and cosmopolitan reach of the Ottoman Empire, making Yıldız Palace a living testimony of its era. Its recent reopening after years of restoration offers a window into the imperial past, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of the sultans and discover the splendors of this bygone era.

Night visits to Topkapi Palace: for the first time since its transformation into a museum in 1924, Topkapi Palace has opened its doors for night visits. This initiative allows visitors to discover the splendors of the palace under night lights every Saturday between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Walking alone through the historical corridors of the harem and palace, in the silence and darkness of the night, offers a sensation of traveling back in time 500 years. Points of interest include the concubine corridor, the sultan’s apartment, and the kitchens, recently opened to visitors where the sultans dined on special occasions. The nighttime view of Istanbul from the many balconies and garden offers a unique visual experience. Visiting Topkapi Palace at night is a magical experience away from the usual crowds, with a number of visitors not exceeding 300 people per group. The only downside is that tickets for these night visits cost 5,000 Turkish Liras (140 euros). They are available at the Palace ticket office.

CONCERTS:

August 3 – Argy at the Life Park: The Greek DJ and producer, known for his dynamic style blending house and techno, will electrify Life Park Istanbul. Known for his ability to merge compelling rhythms with sophisticated melodies, he promises an electric evening!

August 3 – Motive at the Nefes Sahne: Motive is an emerging artist on the music scene, known for his vibrant performances that blend various genres. His ability to captivate the audience with his stage presence.

August 3 – Yacht party on the Bosphorus: Experience a unique event with a party on a yacht cruising the majestic Bosphorus. This exceptional setting offers an evening of dance and music with guest DJs, creating a festive and memorable atmosphere. Click here for more info!

August 9 – Büyük Ev Ablukada at the Maximum Uniq Açıkhava: Büyük Ev Ablukada, a Turkish band known for its unique approach to alternative rock, will perform outdoors at Maximum Uniq Açıkhava. Their contagious energy and inventive music guarantee an unforgettable evening.

August 11 – Jazzy Sundaze at the SwissOtel Bosphorus: This monthly event is dedicated to jazz lovers, offering live performances on August 11th from Ercument Orkut Quartet, Nena, and Temmuz Ağdere. Perfect for a relaxing evening set to smooth melodies.

August 13 & 14 – %100 Metal Presents: Opeth at theZorlu PSM : Opeth, the Swedish progressive metal band, is known for its complex music and deep themes. Their live performances are an exploration of rich sounds and technical virtuosity.

August 16 – Miss Monique at the Küçükçiflik Park: Known for her progressive sets blending trance and techno, Miss Monique is a rising Ukrainian DJ on the international scene. Her presence in Istanbul promises a night of hypnotic beats and captivating melodies.

August 17 – Selda Bağcan at the Maximum Uniq Açıkhava: Selda Bağcan, an icon of Turkish folk music and the voice of Turkish left, continues to inspire with her committed songs. Her performance is an emotional journey through decades of Turkish music.

August 18 – Full Moon Beats at SwissOtel Bosphorus: Celebrate the full moon in the beautiful garden of SwissOtel with an evening of electronic music featuring local and international DJs outdoors.

August 24 – KAS:ST at Maximum Uniq Açıkhava: The French duo KAS:ST is known for their innovative approach to techno, mixing elements of atmospheric and rhythmic music. Their performance is an immersion in a rich and enveloping sound universe.

August 25 – An Epic Symphony & Ahmet Kaya at the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu: This concert combines the talents of the late music star Ahmet Kaya with the An Epic Symphony orchestra, offering an evening of grand compositions and majestic orchestral arrangements.

August 23 & 24 – Fuerza Bruta Wayra at the Volkswagen Arena: Fuerza Bruta presents Wayra, a breathtaking show that blends aerial acrobatics, dance, and visual effects in a dynamic and immersive performance at the Volkswagen Arena.

August 25 – Tyga at Life Park Istanbul: The famous American rapper, known for his catchy hits and energetic performances. His concert in Istanbul promises to be an explosion of hip-hop rhythms and sharp lyrics.

August 26 – Die Antwoord at Maximum Uniq Açıkhava: The South African group Die Antwoord is known for their unique style, mixing hip-hop, electronic music, and elements of Zef culture. Their performance is always an extraordinary visual and auditory experience. At Maximum Uniq Açıkhava.

FESTIVALS:

From August 2 to 17 – Istanbul Festival: The Istanbul Festival transforms the city into an artistic and cultural showcase for two weeks. Focusing on a fusion of traditional Turkish music with international influences, the festival attracts artists from around the world. Performances ranging from classical music to modern experiments are scheduled in various iconic locations in Istanbul, providing spectators with a rich and diverse cultural experience. Among the many artists, you will find Tiesto, Mabel Matiz, Kenan Doğulu, Jason Derulo, and many others. For the full program, click here!

August 10 – Garage Sale at Küçükçiflik Park: The Garage Sale is a unique community event that combines a flea market atmosphere with a festive vibe. On this day, Istanbul locals and visitors can rummage for hidden treasures, vintage clothing, art objects, and collectibles. It’s a perfect day for bargain hunters and those looking for unique items, all in a friendly atmosphere with music and well-known musicians like Kid Francescoli, Jakuzi, and numerous food stalls.

August 10 and 11 – Soundscape Festival at Life Park in Istanbul: The Soundscape Festival is a must-attend event for lovers of electronic and alternative music. Over two days, the festival offers a rich lineup with DJs and international artists on the emerging scene. Located in a natural setting near Istanbul, it provides a great escape where festival-goers can dance under the stars and connect with music in a natural environment.

August 31 – Zamna Istanbul at Parkorman: Zamna Istanbul is the extension of a famous electronic music festival originally from Tulum, Mexico. For the first time in Istanbul, this festival promises to bring its mystical and captivating ambiance with impressive stage design and a lineup of world-renowned DJs like Redcondite, Massano, Gordo, and many others… Located in an iconic venue in the city, Zamna Istanbul is set to offer a magical night to its participants, blending electronic rhythms and decors inspired by ancient civilizations.

EXHIBITIONS:

Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum

The Hagia Sophia, a historic architectural marvel, continues to impress with its scale and history. Located in the building of the Defter-i Hakani Nezareti (General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre), the Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum offers a deep dive into 1700 years of history of this iconic monument.

The museum provides a complete audiovisual experience spread over the last two floors of the building. On the third floor, you will discover the Roman Empire period, while the second floor is dedicated to the Ottoman period. On the first floor, an exhibition of artifacts, many of which are presented for the first time, is organized into four thematic sections: the Cathedral, the Mosque, the Museum, and the Mosque again. These artifacts tell the various phases of the building’s life, reflecting the eras and cultures that have succeeded one another.

Additionally, visitors can admire the cistern from the Eastern Roman period through the frameless windows on the ground floor, adding a unique historical dimension to the visit. The Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum offers an exceptional opportunity to comprehensively understand the rich and complex history of Hagia Sophia, making each visit a profound and educational exploration.

Until August 31, 2024 – Non-Conformist Works “Aykırı İşler“

The Bozlu Art Project Mongeri is hosting the “Aykırı İşler” (Non-Conformist Works) exhibition, which shines a light on lesser-known works of esteemed Turkish artists. Curated by Oğuz Erten, the exhibition explores unconventional and lesser-known creations of these artists, opening up to fresh and audacious interpretations. This initiative aims to provide a new perspective on established talents, highlighting aspects of their work that typically remain overshadowed, and provoking thought about what defines a piece of art.

Until November 30, 2024 – Floating Islands “Yüzen Adalar“

Istanbul Modern presents its ninth collection exhibition titled “Yüzen Adalar” (Floating Islands), gathering over 280 works by 110 artists and two artist duos. This extensive exhibition not only occupies the usual galleries of the collection and temporary exhibitions but also spreads into various areas of the museum, creating an immersive experience for visitors. “Yüzen Adalar” offers a journey through various artistic interpretations and mediums, reflecting the richness and diversity of the contemporary art scene. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to explore the depth and variety of artistic contributions that shape the cultural fabric of Istanbul.

Until December 29, 2024 – Arter /  Farz Et Ki Sen Yoksun – “Assume You Are Not There”

“Assume You Are Not There” is a captivating exhibition located at Arter, exploring the interactions between private collections and the public space. Curated by Selen Ansen, this exhibition offers an immersion into a universe where everyday objects are transformed into museum artifacts. The exhibition includes works from over 400 artists and spans several floors, providing an experience that challenges traditional museum conventions. Visitors are invited to reflect on how collected objects can transcend their everyday utility to acquire new meanings in an artistic setting. This reflection is enriched by installations that use familiar objects in unusual ways, encouraging spectators to reconsider their perception of the objects around them. The exhibition is a meditation on collecting as a creative act, raising questions about memory, identity, and permanence.

GASTRONOMY:

August 4 – “Eat Like An Italian 2″” at the Hilton Bosphorus

Food lovers, don’t miss the “Eat Like An Italian 2” event on August 4. This gathering will take place in the garden of the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, transforming the space into a corner of Italy. Chefs from Eataly will present a range of Italian dishes, from appetizers to desserts, featuring crispy pizzas, freshly prepared pastas, and refreshing salads. The atmosphere is guaranteed with live music and diverse workshops, all in a green and open setting. A perfect opportunity for gourmets to dive into the delights of Italy while enjoying the summer atmosphere of Istanbul.

August 23 – Turkish Cuisine Workshop “Çilingir Sofrası” 
Experience the art of Turkish cuisine with the “Çilingir Sofrası” workshop on August 23. This is an introduction to preparing traditional Turkish mezzes. This workshop takes place at Chef’s Table Mutfak Akademisi, where participants will learn to compose dishes such as Erikli Haydari and Babagannuş under the guidance of experienced chefs. Each participant will have the opportunity to prepare and taste their creations in a modern equipped kitchen. The experience promises not only to develop your culinary skills but also to immerse you in Turkish gastronomic culture. A perfect activity for those looking to enrich their stay in Istanbul with an educational and delicious touch.

OTHERS:

Outdoor Cinema at the Four Seasons Bosphorus

Throughout the month of August, experience a unique cinema evening at the outdoor cinema Wings of the Four Seasons Bosphorus. Sit comfortably by the Bosphorus to enjoy an outdoor film projection. A magical cinematic experience with the sound of the waves in the background. On the program: Pirates of the Caribbean on August 5, The Great Gatsby on August 12, The Grand Budapest Hotel on August 19, and Amélie Poulain on August 26. More details here.

Outdoor Cinema at The Roof, Ritz Carlton

Enjoy movie nights under the stars on the elegant terrace of the Ritz Carlton. The screenings will start on August 7 with “Snatch”, followed by “The Intern” and “A Star Is Born” on August 13 and 20, and finally “Dunkirk” on August 27. This is the perfect opportunity to experience your favorite films in an exceptional setting.

In conclusion, you will find in August in Istanbul a vibrant atmosphere, made effervescent by a host of cultural and artistic events, making this month one of the best times to visit the city and offering memorable experiences under the radiant sun of the Turkish summer.