The ultimate guide to visiting Istanbul in January

Istanbul in January transforms into a cozier version of itself, as this incredibly cosmopolitan city feels much more intimate than in summer. Your first time in Istanbul might actually be better in winter, when you can warm up in a traditional Turkish hammam, sip on warming salep while exploring the sleepy streets, and visit the city’s iconic landmarks without the crowds.

In January, you can witness one of Istanbul’s most unique traditions, the Epiphany cross-diving ceremony. While in the evening, you’ll find plenty of indoor activities, like watching a Whirling Dervishes ceremony or dining at cozy restaurants with the locals.

Why go to Istanbul in January?

January prices are some of the lowest all year

Hotel prices in Istanbul in January drop by about a third compared to peak season, putting many luxury options within your budget. This can help you book accommodations that are more conveniently located in central neighborhoods like Karaköy or Cihangir to really make the most of your trip.

You might see snow on the mosques in January

There’s something magical about seeing Istanbul’s iconic minarets dusted in snow. If you’re lucky, January brings the rare chance to see the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Suleymaniye Mosque with a light cover of snow, which most tourists never get the chance to experience.

Museums stay comfortably heated and uncrowded

If the winter chill gets too much, there’s no shortage of indoor attractions in Istanbul to enjoy, from wandering through the opulent chambers of Topkapı Palace to exploring the fascinating collections of the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. Plus, without the big summer crowds, you can stand as long as you want in front of the Alexander Sarcophagus or Ottoman jewels without anyone ushering you on or blocking your view.

Istanbul becomes a city of locals again during January

What is Istanbul like in January? With visitor numbers hitting their annual low, you’ll get a rare glimpse of authentic daily life in Istanbul. You can linger in cozy cafes, chat with shopkeepers who aren’t overwhelmed by tourists, and dine in neighborhood spots where you're likely the only visitor.

You’ll score easy restaurant reservations at top spots

Being the low season, restaurants that are usually fully packed or require bookings weeks in advance will welcome you with open arms in January. Even famous fish restaurants along the Bosphorus Strait generally have plenty of window tables available on January evenings.

What’s the weather like in Istanbul in January?

Istanbul weather in January is cold and humid with occasional snowfall, strong Bosphorus winds, and shorter daylight hours. You'll need warm layers, waterproof boots, an umbrella, and a coat for outdoor sightseeing.

• Average day temperature: 45 F (7 C)
• Average night temperature: 37 F (3 C)
• Average days of rain: 17 days
• Average days of sun: 10 days

Top things to do in Istanbul in January

1. Watch the Epiphany cross-diving ceremony in Fener

The icy waters of the Golden Horn don't deter the brave swimmers who dive after a wooden cross as part of this ancient Turkish Orthodox tradition. Held annually on January 6th, the Epiphany ceremony draws crowds to Fener's waterfront as the Ecumenical Patriarch blesses the waters before tossing in the cross. You can join the other spectators huddled together with hot drinks as you observe hundreds of brave divers join in.

Standing among locals watching this traditional ritual is one of the most culturally rich things to do in Istanbul in January. You'll want to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, and maybe consider booking a guided tour that explains the ceremony's religious significance and historical context.

Address

Yavuz Sultan Selim, 34083 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Opening hours

The dive happens at around 12:30 PM on January 6th

2. Warm up in a Turkish bath

On a cold winter's day in Istanbul, there’s no better way to warm up than with a traditional Turkish hammam (bathhouse) experience. The bathing ritual begins in a hot steam room where you lie on a göbek taşı (heated marble platform) and have an attendant give you a thorough scrub with a kese (rough mitt) that removes layers of dead skin. Afterward, you're rinsed with water from copper bowls and pampered with a soapy massage that will leave your skin glowing.

The 16th-century Çemberlitaş Hamamı is one of the city’s most famous and popular spas, designed by the legendary Ottoman architect Sinan. The bathhouse’s 500-year-old domed ceiling with star-shaped skylights is mesmerizing to see as you indulge in the traditional treatments.

Address

Molla Fenari, Vezirhan Cd. No:8, 34440 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Opening hours

Çemberlitaş Hamamı open daily, 6:00 AM–midnight

3. Enjoy warming salep from a street vendor

Salep is a thick, creamy traditional Ottoman hot drink and a popular winter warmer, with comforting notes of cinnamon and a unique, earthy sweetness from ground orchid root. This historic drink was once exported to Europe as a luxury before coffee became widespread. Made with milk, sugar, and spices, salep is best enjoyed from street vendors while out exploring Istanbul in January’s chill.

Look for vendors with brass tanks strapped to their backs near popular tourist areas like the Sultanahmet District or the central shopping street of İstiklal Avenue. As well as salep, street vendors serve a variety of delicious Turkish delicacies, such as roasted chestnuts, grilled corn, and simit (sesame bread rings).

4. Visit Hagia Sophia with fewer crowds

The massive 1,500-year-old dome of Hagia Sophia is even more impressive when you can appreciate it without being shoved by thousands of other eager tourists. Visiting in January means you'll have the time to appreciate the Viking inscriptions carved into marble railings and study the intricate Byzantine mosaics without feeling rushed.

This architectural masterpiece has been a cathedral and mosque throughout its long history, and you can spot signs of each tradition throughout the building. Look up at the dome where Christian angels neighbor Islamic calligraphy to get a powerful reminder of Istanbul's complex religious heritage.

Address

Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Opening hours

Open daily, 9:00 AM–7:30 PM

Closed to tourists during Friday Islamic prayer hours, usually 12:30 PM–2:30 PM

5. Watch a Whirling Dervishes ceremony

Escape the rainy January evenings with a Whirling Dervishes show in Istanbul. This unique Sufi ritual dates back 800 years and began as a powerful form of meditation and spiritual expression, where performers spin in a trance-like dance, symbolizing the journey of the soul towards God.

In recent years, the ceremony has also become a performance art and a popular Turkish tourist attraction, with nightly shows held at venues across the city like Galata Mevlevihanesi or Hodjapasha Cultural Center. Book a show that includes transfers so you don’t have to spend too long outside in the cold. Some evening shows in Istanbul also include dinner.