When should you visit Istanbul?

+One of the strongest months for fewer crowds, lower demand and better value.

–Genuinely cold — outdoor sightseeing is less comfortable.

+Crowds stay lower than spring, summer and the holiday season.

–Still cold, and not a month for warm-weather plans.

+The city becomes increasingly active and outdoor sightseeing gets more comfortable.

–Weather can be unpredictable and cold days are still possible.

+Beautiful month with tulips in bloom and comfortable temperatures.

–Crowds and prices start to rise.

+Warm, dry and one of the most pleasant months to be outside all day.

–Noticeably busier and pricier than March.

+Long daylight hours and a lively rooftop scene, with the Istanbul Jazz Festival on.

–Hot, crowded and expensive as peak season begins.

+Reliable heat, long evenings and the rooftop scene at full volume.

–Peak crowds and the highest prices of the year.

+Full summer energy with the longest, liveliest rooftop nights.

–The busiest and hottest month of the year.

+Warm and dry, perfect for rooftop nights, with crowds thinning after August.

–Still not a budget month — rates ease but don't collapse.

+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.

+Crowds drop away and prices fall with them.

–Cooler and wetter — rooftop evenings become hit and miss.

+Lowest crowds and lowest prices of the year.

–Cool and rainy, with occasional snow and short days.