Quick Answer
Is Antalya or Istanbul more humid?
Antalya is consistently less humid than Istanbul throughout the year. Istanbul averages 70% relative humidity; Antalya averages 56%. Both peak in winter, but Antalya's summers are notably drier (45% vs 60% in July). Istanbul's Bosphorus location and maritime weather patterns cause year-round high humidity.
Month-by-Month Humidity Comparison
| Month | Istanbul Humidity | Istanbul Temp | Antalya Humidity | Antalya Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 78% | 6°C | 65% | 12°C |
| February | 75% | 7°C | 62% | 13°C |
| March | 72% | 10°C | 58% | 16°C |
| April | 68% | 15°C | 55% | 20°C |
| May | 65% | 20°C | 52% | 25°C |
| June | 62% | 25°C | 48% | 30°C |
| July | 60% | 27°C | 45% | 34°C |
| August | 62% | 28°C | 46% | 34°C |
| September | 65% | 23°C | 50% | 29°C |
| October | 72% | 18°C | 55% | 23°C |
| November | 76% | 13°C | 63% | 17°C |
| December | 79% | 8°C | 67% | 13°C |
Key Differences at a Glance
| Factor | Istanbul | Antalya | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual average humidity | ~70% | ~56% | Antalya |
| Summer humidity (Jul) | 60% | 45% | Antalya |
| Winter humidity (Jan) | 78% | 65% | Antalya |
| Foggy days/year | 30–40 days | 5–10 days | Antalya |
| Annual sunshine hours | ~2,000h | ~3,000h | Antalya |
| Summer "feels like" temperature | 28–32°C | 33–38°C | Istanbul |
Who Should Choose Which City
Year-round comfort
Antalya winsLower humidity year-round, more sunshine, milder winters
Hot summer tolerance
Istanbul winsHot in summer but lower absolute temperature; sea breeze from Bosphorus
Winter liveability
Antalya winsWarmer and less damp — 12°C vs 6°C, significantly lower humidity
Spring/Autumn
Antalya winsExceptional shoulder season; Istanbul also pleasant but more overcast
Urban lifestyle
Istanbul winsClimate less important — city amenities and culture are the draw