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

Located in Kadıköy, often referred to as the pearl of Istanbul, the historic Moda Pier is an important site both culturally and socially. Originally built in 1917, this pier played a key role in Istanbul’s maritime transportation from the final years of the Ottoman Empire to the early days of the Republic.

In recent years, thanks to the restoration efforts undertaken by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the historic Moda Pier has been revitalized, becoming much more than just a transportation point. It now welcomes the public with its library, café, and cultural spaces.

The library is open every day of the week from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and boasts a large collection of around 15,000 books covering various fields such as literature, history, art, philosophy, and science, as well as special collections dedicated to Istanbul’s local history. It can accommodate up to 120 people at a time and offers spacious reading areas where visitors can spend their time comfortably.

In this respect, the Moda Library in Kadıköy has become one of Istanbul’s must-visit cultural landmarks.

Night Visits to Topkapı Palace:
For the first time since its transformation into a museum in 1924, Topkapı Palace has opened its doors for night visits. This initiative allows visitors to discover the palace’s splendors under the night lights every Saturday between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Walking alone through the historic corridors of the harem and the palace, in the silence and darkness of the night, offers a feeling of traveling back in time by 500 years. Points of interest include the concubines’ corridor, the sultana’s apartment, and the kitchens—where the sultans dined on special occasions—which are now open to visitors.

The nighttime view of Istanbul from the palace’s many balconies and gardens provides a unique visual experience. Visiting Topkapı Palace at night is a magical experience, far from the usual crowds, with a visitor limit of no more than 300 people per group. Tickets are available at the Palace ticket office.

CONCERTS:

August 1 – Can Gox at IF Beşiktaş
Under the stage name Can Gox, formerly known as Haydar Waits, he will take the stage at IF Beşiktaş!
He will present his musical style, which he describes as Anatolian blues.

August 1 – Kenan Doğulu at Maximum Uniq Open-Air:
Kenan Doğulu’s concerts, closely followed by his fans and experienced as true festivals, are eagerly awaited every year. A talented artist who works tirelessly and continues to produce music, Kenan Doğulu will take the stage on August 1 at Maximum Uniq.

August 1 – Bob Moses:
Bob Moses is an electronic duo. They combine guitar melodies with deep electronic structures, appealing to club music enthusiasts.

August 2 – Peggy Gou at Bonus Parkorman:
DJ and musician Peggy Gou will reunite with her fans on August 2 at Bonus Parkorman.

August 5 – Jennifer Lopez at Yenikapı:
The world-renowned Latin American star Jennifer Lopez is coming to Turkey! As part of her “JLO Live In 2025” tour, the concert promises to be an exceptional event.

August 8 – Duman at Yenikapı:
Duman, one of the most famous rock bands in Turkey, will meet their audience on August 8 at Yenikapı.

August 17 – Limp Bizkit at Ataköy Marina:
The legendary American rock band Limp Bizkit is coming to Istanbul for one night only! Get ready to experience live the energy, chaos, and iconic songs that have marked an entire generation with their unique style.

August 22 – Apocalyptica at Küçükçiftlik Park:
Apocalyptica has always been recognized as a band that created its own style, proving that rock is not just about instruments but also about attitude. Since the release of their 1996 album Plays Metallica By Four Cellos, Apocalyptica has developed a style that is both innovative and classical, blending the worlds of classical music and hard rock with conservatory-trained cellists passionate about metal.

August 22 – Avi Kaplan at Lütfi Kırdar:
The famous vocalist Avi Kaplan will perform for the first time in Turkey. A founding member of the group Pentatonix, Kaplan will present in this exceptional concert in Istanbul both his new solo works and classics performed with Pentatonix, such as “Run to You” and “Hallelujah.”

This special concert, organized by Vokal Akademi, will take place at one of Turkey’s most prestigious venues, the Lütfi Kırdar Anadolu Auditorium. Kaplan will be accompanied on stage by Chromas, the Pop & Jazz Choir of Vokal Akademi, the Festival Choir, and Duygu Soylu with her powerful interpretatio

August 23 – Charlotte de Witte at KüçükÇiftlik Park:
Charlotte de Witte and Enrico Sangiuliano will take the stage at KüçükÇiftlik Park on August 23 for an open-air performance!

August 23 – James Arthur at Life Park:
With his voice that has conquered millions of hearts, deep lyrics, and a stage presence that is both subtle and captivating, James Arthur holds a unique place in the music world. He will reunite with his fans on Saturday, August 23, at Life Park Istanbul.

August 25 – Yaşar at Harbiye Open-Air:
One of the biggest names in Turkish pop music, Yaşar, will take the stage at Harbiye with his unforgettable songs and a performance full of surprises. With iconic hits like “Kumralım,” “Aldanırım,” and “Divane,” Yaşar promises the audience a memorable night this summer!

FESTIVALS:

August 1–2 – Dark Sun Metal Fest:
Bringing together some of the biggest names in metal in Turkey, the Dark Sun Festival will shake up KüçükÇiftlik Park on August 1–2, 2025, with two days pushing the limits of sound power! Organized in partnership by Epifoni and URU with the support of +1, the festival will offer a wide panorama of metal, from Brazil to the Netherlands, from Denmark to Turkey. Prestigious guests of the festival will include Sepultura and Epica.

August 16 – Craft Brew Fest at Swissôtel Istanbul:
Great news for lovers of bubbly drinks! Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul will host a delightful Craft Brew Fest on August 16. A perfect event to enjoy a unique experience, live concerts, and unforgettable moments.

August 30 – Soundgarden Festival at Life Park Istanbul:
Feel Real Presents: Babylon Soundgarden arrives at Bonus Parkorman on August 30 with the very first concert in Turkey by Empire of the Sun, along with Franc Moody, Good Neighbours, and many more artists! With their captivating live performances and hit songs, Empire of the Sun — who have released four albums since 2008 and built an impressive collection of awards — will make this night truly unforgettable.

EXHIBITIONS:

Islands Museum – Yaman Alkan, “Before Bodrum and Marmaris, There Were the Islands”

Islands Museum – Yaman Alkan, “Before Bodrum and Marmaris, There Were the Islands”
Location: Islands Museum, Büyükada
Dates: Open throughout 2025

The new exhibition at the Islands Museum, titled “Before Bodrum and Marmaris, There Were the Islands”, presents a selection of photographs from Yaman Alkan’s collection, revealing the unique atmosphere of Burgazada in the mid-20th century.

Inaugurated in Büyükada’s historic ferry terminal, this impressive exhibition offers an unforgettable documentation of the holiday culture of the Islands and the years marking the beginning of Istanbul’s transformation.

Comprising 37 panels, the selection immerses visitors in the depths of the islands’ past and revives memories of lost beauty.
Open throughout 2025, this exhibition promises an emotional journey connecting the past to the present.

Arter – Franz Erhard Walther, “Attempt to Become Sculpture”
Location: Arter, Dolapdere
Dates: On view until October 5

The exhibition “Attempt to Become Sculpture”, presented at Arter, explores Franz Erhard Walther’s radical approach to the relationship between art and the body.

Bringing together works spanning from the 1960s to the present day, the exhibition highlights Walther’s idea of transforming sculpture into a process completed by the imagination and physical participation of the viewer, rather than a fixed object.

Working with “living” materials such as fabric, air, and movement, the artist challenges the notion of sculpture as a static, finished form, notably through iconic works such as his First Work Set.

“Attempt to Become Sculpture” thus invites visitors to actively explore the very nature of art.

Meeting Fahrelnissa Zeid

An exhibition to discover at Istanbul Airport:
At the iGA ART Gallery, the cultural and artistic center of Istanbul Airport, the exhibition “Solo: Meeting Fahrelnissa Zeid” revolves around an oil painting created in 1960 by Fahrelnissa Zeid, one of the greatest female artists of the 20th century, a Turkish painter and sculptor, from a private collection.

Enriched with archival photographs, exhibition posters, biographical fragments, chronological timelines, and moving images, the exhibition can be visited until August 31 at the iGA ART Gallery at Istanbul Airport.

GASTRONOMY:

August 16 – Eat Like an Italian at The Ritz-Carlton The Roof

On one of Istanbul’s most beautiful terraces, The Ritz-Carlton The Roof, celebrate Italian gastronomy and elegance at the Eat Like an Italian festival.

This full-day event brings together authentic Italian flavors, award-winning chefs, gourmet stands (pizza, pasta, burrata, truffles, cheeses, tiramisu, etc.), as well as cocktails inspired by la dolce vita (Spritz and exclusive creations).

On the program: culinary workshops, chef demonstrations, cocktail-making sessions, and food-and-drink pairing experiences — all in a convivial and inspiring atmosphere.

The day will conclude at sunset with accordion and violin melodies, followed by festive Italian rhythms to dance the night away.

Reserve your spot for this unique journey blending gastronomy, music, and the Italian art of living.

OTHERS:

Outdoor Cinema at Swissôtel The Bosphorus

All summer long, every Monday, remarkable films from past and present, catering to all tastes, will be screened.

Outdoor Cinema – The Roof at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

The Roof at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Throughout August, The Roof at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul will host cinema nights every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. Popcorn will be served during the screenings.

5 August	The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
12 August	Green Mile
19 August	Casablanca
26 August	Amelie