Istanbul in September 2024: Top 10 Things to Do & See, Festivals

Visiting Istanbul in September can feel overwhelming as the city transitions from summer to autumn, leaving many tourists wondering what to expect in terms of weather, crowds, and activities. If you’re unsure whether it’s the right time to visit, the answer is yes! September offers ideal temperatures, fewer tourists, and exciting events like the Istanbul Biennial and the Coffee Festival. This guide will help you make the most of your visit during one of Istanbul’s best months for travel.

Key Takeaways

• Mild Weather: September in Istanbul offers pleasant temperatures between 25°C to 19°C, with warm days and cooler evenings, ideal for outdoor activities.
• Fewer Crowds: The tourist season slows down, allowing for a more relaxed experience when visiting top landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
• Cultural Festivals: Major events like the Istanbul Biennial, Coffee Festival, and Fringe Festival make September culturally rich.
• Swimming: Beaches like Kilyos and Şile are perfect for a final swim, with water temperatures ranging from 23°C to 21°C.
• Packing Tips: Bring light clothing for daytime and layers for cooler evenings, plus sunscreen for the daytime sun.

Weather in Istanbul in September

September is the start of Autumn in Istanbul, a superb month after a very hot summer season, and with an average temperature of 25°C and precipitation 64 mm. The early September can still be hot and muggy, but it starts to cool down after the first week and it becomes very ideal for strolling and exploring the city on foot.

September is a great time to visit Istanbul, as the city experiences mild, comfortable weather. Temperatures typically range from 25°C (77°F) to 19°C (66°F), offering warm days and cooler evenings.

Early in the month, you can still enjoy beach weather, while later in September, the climate becomes milder, making it perfect for exploring Istanbul’s outdoor attractions.

• Daytime: Warm and pleasant, great for sightseeing.
• Evenings: Cooler, requiring a light jacket or sweater.
• Rain: Expect only 2-3 rainy days, so outdoor activities remain mostly unaffected.

The weather can become unpredictable that while one week is sunny, it can be rainy with thunderstorms.

The city is less crowded with locals due the school fervor of the parents. We recommend you to bring shorts, dresses, t-shirts for warm afternoons, long pants for cooler nights and light coat and portable umbrella in case of rainfalls.

The days are more shorter than in August, the sun set around 19:25.

For visitors, packing light clothing for the daytime and layers for the cooler evenings is ideal. Sunscreen is still necessary, especially for those planning to spend extended time outdoors.

Top September Events and Festivals in Istanbul

Istanbul’s great cultural scene comes alive in September, with several major events that are not to be missed:

• Istanbul Biennial: Starting in mid-September, this prestigious art exhibition attracts artists and art lovers from around the world. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience contemporary art within the context of this historic city.
• Istanbul Coffee Festival: Held in mid to late September, this festival celebrates Turkish coffee culture and brings together coffee enthusiasts for tastings, workshops, and live music.
• Fringe Festival: Throughout the month, the Istanbul Fringe Festival showcases a diverse range of performances, including theater, dance, and art, across various locations in the city.

Top Venues to Follow

You can follow the calendar of exhibitions and events of our pick of top Istanbul venues from below.

• Istanbul Museum of Modern Art in Beyoglu (art, exhibition, film)
• Pera Museum in Taksim (art, exhibition, film)
• Sakip Sabanci Museum in Emirgan (art, exhibition, film)
• Salon IKSV in Beyoglu (concert)
• Bomontiada in Sisli (concert, theater)
• Akbank Sanat in Taksim (art, exhibition, film, concert)
• Zorlu PSM in Besiktas (concert, musical)

Beaches and Swimming in Istanbul in September

For beach lovers, September is your last chance to enjoy Istanbul’s nearby beaches before the cooler autumn weather sets in. The water temperature remains comfortable, ranging from 23°C to 21°C, making it perfect for a swim.

• Kilyos: Located on the Black Sea coast, Kilyos is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It’s ideal for swimming and relaxing on the sandy shores.
• Şile: For a quieter option, head to Şile, a scenic coastal town offering beautiful beaches and fewer crowds compared to Kilyos.

Both beaches are easily accessible from the city, and the warm water ensures that you can still enjoy a refreshing dip during the first half of the month.

Top 10 Things to Do in Istanbul in September

Things to do in Istanbul are endless and it is not possible to mention all the best attractions in Istanbul. We just put together below the most fascinating ones that best suit for September.

1. Historic Day Out in Sultanahmet

For the ones who are a true enthusiast of history and want to see the city’s historic sites, we highly recommend you to visit and see Sultanahmet neighborhood. It is the best way to get the most out of the city’s sights, sounds, and scents.

Sultanahmet hosts about all of the most visited historical and tourist sites in Istanbul, such as the Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome), Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Istanbul Archaeology Museums and Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts are situated here and all can be explored by walking.

Explore Hagia Sophia

Located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, Hagia Sophia is a former church and museum, now a mosque. It is one of the world’s greatest architectural works and accepted as the 8th wonder of the world, experience the history in the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.

It’s like stepping into the holy world of Christianity and Islam, merged on the shell-like apse and under an impressive dome, in a mysterious and mystical ambiance, and a wide range of architectural and art works coming from thousands of years. Such as the golden Christian mosaics and colorful frescoes from the Byzantine era.

Tips:

• Visit early in the morning to avoid long queues.
• Dress modestly and be respectful of the mosque’s customs.

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

Wanna learn more about Hagia Sophia?

Take a walk along the Historic Sultanahmet Square

Sultanahmet Square is the heart of Istanbul’s historic district, home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Stroll through the square to witness the majesty of the Blue Mosque, the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia, and the captivating allure of the Hippodrome.

Visit Topkapi Palace Museum

Topkapi Palace is a magnificent oriental palace and one of world’s richest museums that is situated on a triangular promontory dominating the Bosphorus & Golden Horn.

This is a magnificent oriental palace and one of the world’s greatest architectural works. Once a residence of the Ottoman Sultans, it is also one of world’s richest museums.

It was the residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 15th century to mid-19th century. It has four courtyards, terraces with astonishing views, as well as precious collections, one of the top tourist attractions in the city.

It houses the finest samples of seal, book binding, jewelry and box craftsmanship as well as inscriptions, as well as the finest collection of Chinese porcelain in the world.

Tips:

• Allow several hours for your visit to fully appreciate the palace.
• Don’t miss the breathtaking views from the palace terraces.

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

Wanna learn more about Topkapi Palace?

Explore the famous Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern Museum is one of the most impressive and mystical buildings in the city. The two Medusa Heads, which are used as supports under the two columns at the northwest edge of the cistern, take the most interest and attracts the visitors.

The cistern is a very quiet and peaceful place conveyed by the columns through impressive arches.

Tips:

• Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
• Capture the atmospheric reflections on the water’s surface.

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

Wanna learn more about Basilica Cistern?

We highly recommend you to visit and see all these three museums at once. It would take about 3 hours total. And you should get Skip-the-line-tickets to save yourself from the long queues.

2. Tour city on Double Decker Tourist Bus

Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is a cheap way to discover and explore the popular zones of Istanbul which you just couldn’t walk to and see in one day. The sightseeing bus runs every 30/60 minutes and lets you see the most popular popular sights along the interesting and different districts and neighborhoods of the city. And what is great that you can all do it in a couple of hours.

The city sightseeing bus runs every 30/60 minutes and lets you see the most popular popular sights along the interesting and different districts and neighborhoods of the city. And what is great that you can all do it in a couple of hours.

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

Wanna learn more about Istanbul Hop-on Hop-off Bus?

3. Enjoy the Top Festivals & Events

Istanbul Biennial (September-November)

The Istanbul International Biennial is about 2 months long international contemporary art biennial, organized by IKSV every two years. It is one of the best ones in the world together with the ones in Venice, Sao Paolo and Sydney.

Why Attend? Art enthusiasts will love the opportunity to experience thought-provoking contemporary works in some of Istanbul’s most iconic locations, such as Istanbul Modern and Pera Museum.

Admission to the biennial is FREE of charge. You will enjoy the most popular showcases of the contemporary art exhibition in more than 30 venues throughout the city.

• More information on bienal.iksv.org/en

Enjoy the Coffee Festival, September

A must for coffee lovers, the Istanbul Coffee Festival brings together specialty coffee roasters, workshops, and live music for an unforgettable experience. Held in locations like KüçükÇiftlik Park, the festival lets you sample the finest brews while learning more about coffee culture.

Why Attend? This festival offers a sensory journey for anyone passionate about coffee. With workshops and tastings available, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the art of coffee-making.

• More information on coffeefestival.com

4. Explore the city’s popular sights on bike

Being outdoors and touring the popular tourist spots on bike is definitely a great attraction. Wind through the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sultanahmet. Explore the Golden Horn, the hub of culture and entertainment in the Beyoglu district. Navigate the maze of vendors selling Turkish rugs, spices and lamps in the Grand Bazaar. Marvel at the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia.

Wanna learn more about Istanbul on bike and best bike tours?

5. Take a Bosphorus Cruise

Bosphorus cruise is a popular, unique and fantastic forms of entertainment and sightseeing during your Istanbul stay. It is also one of the best ways to discover and enjoy the most beautiful sights and sounds of the city over the sea.

You’ll be able to explore the city at your own pace on board of the boat, and enjoy all the famous landmarks on the Boshphorus such as Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, Maiden’s Tower and the Bosphorus Bridge.

And especially if you take the Bosphorus dinner cruise, or Sunset cruise, you will be mesmerized with the historical monuments that are lit up

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

1. Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table (the best dinner cruise, over 12.000 reviews, check them and enjoy)
2. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 1 (the best sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
3. Bosphorus on Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side (great with stopover at Kanlica, we highly recommend)
4. Sunset or Daytime Yacht Tour w/AudioGuide & Snacks (superb yacht cruise)
5. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 2 (another great sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
6. Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show (superb dinner cruise on a catamaran, don't miss!)
7. All Inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table (great dinner cruise, check it out)
8. Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht 3 (superb sunset, on yacht, don't miss)
9. Maiden's Tower Ticket w/ Transfer & Audio Guide (cheapest price, the only Maiden's Tower fast track entry online ticket)

Wanna learn more about Bosphorus Cruises?

6. A fantastic day out at the Princes’ Islands

Escape the city’s hustle and bustle with a day trip to the Princes’ Islands. These serene islands, including Büyükada and Heybeliada, offer a tranquil retreat where horse-drawn carriages replace electric vehicles, and lush landscapes invite exploration.

Once was the pleasure island of Byzantine Princes, and with its stunning pinewood scenery, the Princes’ Islands are one of the best preserved natural areas and sights in Istanbul. It is one of the best attractions and weekend breaks in Istanbul both for locals and tourists.

You can take a 1 hour cruise to the islands, have a great day out by full tour of the island on the horse-drawn carriage, rest in a cafe by the sea, a lunch at a local fish restaurant. Or you can have a romantic overnight stay in one of the pretty hotels on the island.

Tips:

• Rent a bike or take a leisurely stroll to explore the islands.
• Enjoy a seafood feast at a waterfront restaurant.

We recommend the below ticket options for the great value for money.

1. Round-Trip Ticket for Princes’ Island Ferry & Audio Guide
2. Princes’ Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer
3. Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch from Istanbul

Wanna learn more about Princes’ Islands?

7. Enjoy Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment

This is one of the best Bosphorus night cruises with dinner and entertainment. Also one of the most attended ones. Take in sights of the Bosphorus on board a Mega Lufer Yacht. Enjoy the city view with a 3-course meal while you listen to live music and watch stage performances at private tables. It has excellent number of over 11000 and 5/5 reviews on GetYourGuide.

• Yacht cruise with onboard Wi-Fi
• Dinner (9 types of mixed Turkish appetizers, hot starter, main course, dessert, and fruit)
• Unlimited soft drinks
• Live entertainment program
• Alcoholic drinks (if option selected), Turkish coffee and tea
• Private table
• Hotel pickup and drop-off is from Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Sütlüce, Kağıthane, Kabataş, Eminönü, Şişli, Aksaray, Karaköy, Levent and Beyoğlu areas.

You can easily see that this Mega Lufer Yacht sells the most and has over 10,000 five star reviews.

You can use public transport to come to the boat. The pier is located in Kabatas, about 5 minutes walking distance from Galataport and Dolmabahce Palace. If you take the F1 Funicular from Taksim, you can reach Kabatas in 5-10 minutes. You can come to Kabatas by T1 tram from Sultanahmet, Eminonu or Karakoy. Pier location Google Maps

If you choose hotel pickup, you can be picked up and dropped off from various locations, such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sirkeci, Sütlüce, Kağıthane, Kabataş, Eminönü, Şişli, Aksaray, Karaköy, Levent and Beyoğlu. You should wait in the hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. The pickup service starts between 30 to 90 minutes before the boat departure.

Free cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance

Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table by Getyourguide

Book Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table by Viator

Wanna learn more about Bosphorus Dinner Cruise?

8. Visit Galata Tower and admire the stunning views

Galata Tower is an old Genoese tower overlooking the beautiful Istanbul and has a luxurious restaurant at the top. You can enjoy the excellent panoramic views of Istanbul, Golden Horn and Bosphorus.

Wanna learn more about Galata Tower?

9. Visit Pierre Loti Hill and enjoy the impressive views of Golden Horn with Turkish Coffee

Pierre Loti Hill is a great leisure and tourist area in Eyup and one of the most popular sights and places to visit and see for both locals and tourists in the Golden Horn region of Istanbul. Pierre Loti Hill offers great views for the visitors.

The hill is about 55 meters from sea level. Drinking your tea or Turkish coffee at the Pierre Loti Cafe and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Golden Horn is a great activity at the Pierre Loti Hill.

Wanna learn more about Pierre Loti Hill?

10. Catch summer sales at Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall and visit Sea Life Aquarium inside

Forum Istanbul is the largest Shopping and Residential Center in Europe. 495.000 m2, 286 domestic & international brands. In addition, the famous Sea Life Istanbul Aquarium, which house the largest shark family in Europe, and the Legoland Discovery Center in Turkey also situated in Forum Istanbul.

Sea Life Istanbul Aquarium is the 5th largest aquarium in the world. Visitors may experience and enjoy this fun place enjoy a great day out.

Wanna learn more about Aquarium Sea Life Istanbul?

What to Pack for Istanbul in September

Packing for Istanbul in September requires a mix of light and layered clothing to adjust to the city’s mild weather:

• Daytime: Lightweight clothing like T-shirts, dresses, and comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing.
• Evenings: A light jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures, especially if you plan to dine outdoors.
• Essentials: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are still needed during the day, while a small umbrella might come in handy for the occasional rain.

FAQs

What is the weather like in Istanbul in September?

September in Istanbul brings mild, comfortable temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 19°C (66°F). You can expect warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. There’s little rainfall, typically only 2-3 rainy days, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

How crowded is Istanbul in September?

September sees fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months of July and August. While popular attractions like Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace are still busy, the overall pace is more relaxed, making it a great time for visitors seeking a more peaceful experience.

What festivals are held in Istanbul in September?

September is rich in cultural events, including the Istanbul Biennial, which celebrates contemporary art, and the Istanbul Coffee Festival, focusing on Turkish coffee culture. The Fringe Festival, featuring theater, dance, and performance art, also takes place throughout the city.

Can I swim in Istanbul in September?

Yes, September is a good time to swim at beaches near Istanbul like Kilyos and Şile. The water temperature remains comfortable, ranging from 23°C to 21°C, making it one of the last months of the year for enjoyable beach days before the weather cools down.

What should I wear in Istanbul in September?

Pack light clothing such as T-shirts, dresses, and comfortable walking shoes for daytime. For cooler evenings, bring a light jacket or sweater. Sunscreen and sunglasses are still necessary during the day, as the sun can be strong.

How busy are Istanbul’s attractions in September?

While major tourist spots like the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar still attract visitors, the crowds are much thinner than in summer. September provides a great opportunity to explore these landmarks with shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Why is September a good time to visit Istanbul?

September offers mild weather, fewer crowds, and a variety of cultural events, making it one of the best times to visit Istanbul. With the summer heat subsiding, it’s an ideal month for outdoor activities and leisurely sightseeing.

Where can I find beaches near Istanbul in September?

Some popular beaches near Istanbul are Kilyos on the Black Sea coast and Şile, both of which offer pleasant swimming conditions and scenic views in September. These beaches are easily accessible by bus or car, making them great day-trip options.

What are the top attractions to visit in Istanbul in September?

September is a great time to visit iconic attractions like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Basilica Cistern. You can also enjoy outdoor experiences like a Bosphorus cruise or explore the Princes’ Islands while the weather is still pleasant.

Will September be too cold for outdoor activities in Istanbul?

No, September’s weather is perfect for outdoor activities in Istanbul. With daytime temperatures averaging around 25°C, it’s warm enough to explore the city’s parks, take boat tours on the Bosphorus, and enjoy outdoor dining at local cafes without feeling too hot or cold.

Conclusion

Visiting Istanbul in September offers the perfect blend of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant cultural events. From exploring the city’s rich historical sites to enjoying a beach day or attending one of the many festivals, September provides a unique experience for all types of travelers.

We also recommend you check out our Istanbul attractions opening hours & admissions, one day Istanbul itinerary or 3 day Istanbul itinerary to have a better idea before you plan your days in Istanbul.