WEATHER, WHAT TO SEE, WHAT TO DO IN SEPTEMBER 2024 IN ISTANBUL?

As summer slowly gives way to autumn, September is a great month to visit Istanbul. The city, still bathed in warmth, offers a more tranquil atmosphere, ideal for exploring its rich cultural and historical heritage under a generally clear and sunny sky. Here are a few reasons to choose Istanbul in September:

Pleasant climate: the summer heat softens, making the days ideal for outdoor activities. The weather is perfect for walking, strolling, and taking a cruise on the Bosphorus. The evenings can be mild, perfect for enjoying the city’s many cafes and terraces. Check out our recommendations for the best cruises and terraces in Istanbul.

Festivals and events: In September, Istanbul comes alive with numerous festivals, concerts, and exhibitions. It’s one of the great times of the year when the city pulses to the rhythm of artistic events and international meetings.

Less crowded: With the end of the peak tourist season, iconic sites like Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia are less crowded. Take advantage of our guided tours for an enriching experience.

Vibrant nights: Istanbul’s nightlife is dynamic with bars, rooftops, clubs, and restaurants that continue to offer memorable evenings. Check out our articles on the coolest bars in Istanbul.

Weather

In September, the weather in Istanbul is generally mild, marking a pleasant transition to autumn. The days remain sunny with temperatures fluctuating between 18 degrees at night and 27 degrees during the day, offering an ideal climate to explore the city without the burden of summer heat. Although the sky is mainly clear, sporadic showers may occur, bringing a welcome coolness after the hot summer months. It is wise to keep an umbrella handy for these occasions. The Mediterranean climate of Istanbul in September is less humid than in the south of the country, and the cooler evenings are perfect for enjoying terraces and nighttime walks along the Bosphorus.

Concerts

September 3 – Evgeny Grinko
World-renowned pianist Evgeny Grinko will captivate Istanbul with melodies full of melancholy and tenderness. Known for unforgettable pieces like “Valse”, “Field” and “Morning In The Garden”, his music will be enhanced by a string ensemble for a truly unique evening at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre.

September 3 – Marilyn Manson
The rock legend returns to Istanbul as part of his “One Assassination Under God Tour”. With spectacular shows, classics like “The Beautiful People”, “Tainted Love” and “Rock is Dead”, along with tracks from his upcoming album (November 2024), Manson promises an explosive and unforgettable night.

September 5 – No Land at Blind
This Istanbul-based music collective brings together musicians from diverse cultures to create timeless music, blending guitars, drums, violin, cello, and trumpet, with deeply poetic lyrics.

September 6 – Adriatique at Ataköy Marina Open-Air Stage
The duo presents their show “X” at Ataköy Marina, offering an immersive experience of music, art, and technology in a spectacular setting.

September 6 – Manifest Day
Celebrate the release of the Manifest album at KüçükÇiftlik Park with a grand show and special guests. Entertainment and activities begin at 4 PM. Concert for ages 18+.

September 6 – Ceren Özdemir at Jolly Joker Vadistanbul
DJ, producer, and versatile percussionist Ceren Özdemir blends electronic rhythms with percussions, delivering sets full of dance energy and ethnic touches for a unique musical experience.

September 13 – Franz Ferdinand at Jolly Joker Ataşehir
Franz Ferdinand will set the JJ Arena Ataşehir on fire with their indie rock hits, preceded by The Flabbies, who will bring a dream pop and shoegaze vibe. Get ready to dance under the open sky!

September 13 – Gaye Su Akyol at Dorock XL Kadıköy
With her futuristic approach, she fuses traditional Anatolian music, psychedelia, surf rock, and post-punk to deliver an unforgettable night.

September 14 – The Godfather Live in Istanbul!
CineConcerts invites you to relive the cinematic masterpiece with the original licensed score of The Godfather. Accompanied by a 65-piece symphony orchestra, experience the rise and struggles of the Corleone family on the big screen, enhanced by Nino Rota’s Oscar-winning compositions, at the open-air Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Theatre.

September 14 – Emel Mathlouthi
Catch her live at BtcTurk Vadi for an exceptional musical evening.

September 15 – Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: Magic & Moonlight Tour
The cult collective that reinvents modern hits in vintage styles from the 1920s to 1970s returns to Turkey! Jazz, swing, soul, doo-wop, and stage surprises promise a unique night full of nostalgia and contemporary energy at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre.

September 22 – Alireza Ghorbani at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre
Under the stars of Istanbul!
The master of Iranian music, with his timeless voice, takes us on a musical journey blending Persian traditions and contemporary arrangements, connecting cultures and emotions in an unforgettable evening.

September 30 – Buena Vista All Stars at Harbiye Open-Air Theatre
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of Cuban rhythms and timeless melodies!
The legendary Buena Vista All Stars will perform on September 30 at Istanbul’s Harbiye Open-Air Theatre as part of the Paribu Harbiye Concerts, organized by Atlantis Yapım.
With original Buena Vista Social Club members Barbarito Torres and musical director Demetrio Muñiz, along with 11 Cuban musicians, the audience will be transported to the magical streets of Havana to the sounds of classics such as “Chan Chan”, “Dos Gardenias” and “Candela”.
Don’t miss this night where Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms meet!

Festivals

September 13-14 – Festibağ Festival at Swissotel
For its third edition, the Festibağ Festival invites you to a unique harvest experience at Swissotel The Bosphorus Sultanpark and Chalet Garden.
Two days of music, art, and gastronomy await you, featuring fine wine tastings, harvest rituals, and culinary workshops for gastronomy enthusiasts. Enjoy a peaceful natural setting, discover new flavors, and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the music for an unforgettable weekend.

September 6 – K-Pop Festival 2 – KARD & YOUNG POSSE at Lifepark
Two leading groups from the K-Pop scene are coming for an explosive show. After the huge success of the first festival last year, this edition promises even more energy with KARD’s hits such as “Hola Hola”, “Don’t Recall” and “Ring The Alarm”.

September 27 – Pulse Festival / Nouvelle Vague, Mind Enterprises, Melanie Pain – at JJ Arena Ataşehir
The Italo Disco duo making waves on Spotify and Instagram arrives at JJ Arena Ataşehir and JJ Arena Garden for a day turned into a true musical carnival. Get ready for retro rhythms, an 80’s vibe, and electrifying energy!

Theatre

September 19–21 – Fringe Festival: Istanbul International Theatre Festival 2025

Istanbul Fringe Festival 2025!
From September 19 to 27, the 7th edition of the festival will bring together dance, performance, theatre, workshops, talks, and festive evenings. Featuring 10 local and 10 international performances, the event promises a unique multidisciplinary and multicultural artistic experience in the heart of Istanbul.

Exhibitions

September 20 – 18th Istanbul Biennial
From September 20 to November 23, 2025, the Biennial, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts and supported by Koç Holding, will be curated by Christine Tohmé.
The process will continue through 2027 with exhibitions, publications, performances, talks, an academic program, and collaborations with local art initiatives.

September 25–28 – Contemporary Istanbul 2025 at Tersane
For its 19th edition, the international contemporary art fair brings together galleries, artists, collectors, and curators from around the world at Tersane Istanbul. Since 2006, it has established itself as a major platform for cultural dialogue and a symbol of “soft power” for Istanbul and Turkey on the global art scene.

Sports

Denizbank Tersane Istanbul Rowing Cup!
On September 6–7 at Tersane Istanbul, experience two days of thrilling rowing competitions:

• Corporate Races: 10:00 – 14:00
• Club Coastal Races: 14:00 – 18:00

On September 7, conclude the event in style with a special concert by Fazıl Say & Haliç Orchestra at 19:00.

EuroBasket 2025
The Turkish Men’s National Basketball Team kicks off EuroBasket 2025.
Co-hosted by Latvia, Poland, Finland, and Cyprus, the tournament will see Turkey play its Group A games in Riga.

Upcoming opponents for the 12 Giant Men:

• August 29 – Czech Republic (14:45)
• August 30 – Portugal (21:15)
• September 1 – Estonia (14:45)
• September 3 – Serbia (21:15)