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The Acropolis and Odeon of Herodes Atticus lit up at duskIstanbul at sunset over the Bosphorus, minaret and domes in silhouette

Athens vs Istanbul in October

Athens edges it in October. Athens averages 16–24°C with moderate crowds; Istanbul 14–20°C with moderate crowds.

By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026

Athens and Istanbul

The verdict for October

  • WeatherAthens has the better weather9/10 vs 8/10
  • CrowdsIstanbul is quieterModerate vs Moderate
  • PricesIstanbul is cheaper€€€ vs €€
  • OverallAthens comes out ahead10/10 vs 8.5/10
The Acropolis and Odeon of Herodes Atticus lit up at dusk

Athens in October

One of Athens’ best all-round months: warm afternoons, comfortable sightseeing temperatures, outdoor dining and significantly less oppressive heat than summer.

Temperature
16–24°C
Crowds
Moderate
Prices
€€€

+One of Athens’ best all-round months: warm afternoons, comfortable sightseeing temperatures, outdoor dining and significantly less oppressive heat than summer.

–Rain becomes more likely than in summer and the second half of the month can be noticeably cooler, especially at night.

One of Athens’ best all-round months: warm afternoons, comfortable sightseeing temperatures, outdoor dining and significantly less oppressive heat than summer. Rain becomes more likely than in summer and the second half of the month can be noticeably cooler, especially at night.

Athens in October
Istanbul at sunset over the Bosphorus, minaret and domes in silhouette

Istanbul in October

Mild, dry and full of atmosphere

Temperature
14–20°C
Crowds
Moderate
Prices
€€

+Mild, dry days with crowds well down from summer, plus Republic Day celebrations.

–Evenings cool off and rain becomes more likely late in the month.

Republic Day (Oct 29) brings parades and fireworks across the city.

Istanbul in October

Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.

Another month