Hot air balloon rides in Istanbul
A balloon flight over Istanbul depends on calm, dry mornings. The most comfortable months are July and August, with highs around 83°F (28°C) and about 5 rainy days a month.
Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Top hot air balloon rides in Istanbul
2-Day All-Inclusive Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul & Balloon RideFrom $550View 
Cappadocia Dream: 2-Days Tour from Istanbul & Balloon Ride OptionFrom $548View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
How to pick a good hot air balloon ride
- Flights leave around sunrise, when the air is calmest. Expect a pickup one to two hours before dawn.
- Balloon flights are often cancelled for wind or rain. Book early in your trip so there's time to rebook.
- Time in the air is usually about an hour; the whole outing, with transfers, takes three to four.
- Check basket size. Smaller baskets with 8 to 12 passengers feel very different from 20-person ones.
Istanbul month by month
Averages for Kireçburnu, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 48 (9) | 49 (9) | 54 (12) | 61 (16) | 70 (21) | 78 (26) | 82 (28) | 83 (28) | 76 (25) | 68 (20) | 59 (15) | 51 (11) |
| Low °F (°C) | 38 (4) | 38 (4) | 41 (5) | 47 (8) | 55 (13) | 63 (17) | 69 (20) | 70 (21) | 63 (17) | 56 (14) | 49 (9) | 42 (6) |
| Rainy days | 17 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 18 |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:00 pm | 6:38 pm | 7:10 pm | 7:43 pm | 8:15 pm | 8:38 pm | 8:35 pm | 8:04 pm | 7:14 pm | 6:24 pm | 5:46 pm | 5:37 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for hot air balloon rides in Istanbul?
July and August. Expect highs around 83°F (28°C) and about 5 rainy days a month. The least comfortable months are January and February.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Operators cancel when wind, rain or low cloud make flying unsafe, and usually offer another date or a refund. December is the rainiest month in Istanbul, so leave spare days if you travel then.
Where can I book hot air balloon rides in Istanbul?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
