Tips · Türkiye
Istanbul Judas Tree Trip: What Should You Prepare Now?
Spring (April-May) is Istanbul's best season for walking, and a ferry tour to see the Judas trees in bloom sometimes runs. Weather, a plan and what to book.
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The short answer
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most pleasant times for walking in Istanbul, and in spring the city ferry company sometimes runs seasonal tours to see the Judas trees in bloom. Bloom timing varies by year, so check the official information before you go.
The exact timing changes every year, so check the official bloom and festival information and the city ferry company's official information before you book and again before you go. Spring is a good season to travel, so it pays to book your accommodation and transport early.
What blooms, where and when
The spring flower to look for is the Judas tree. In spring the city ferry company sometimes runs seasonal tours to see the Judas trees in bloom. That does not mean it runs every year, so check the tour name, route, price and viewing spots in the official information before you go.
The exact bloom time changes every year. April-May is the pleasant season for walking, not a bloom date. Check the official bloom and festival information before you book your accommodation and transport and again just before you leave, and check the city ferry company's official information on whether and when the seasonal tour runs.
Even without a seasonal tour, ferries fit a spring trip well. The city ferries link Eminönü, Karaköy and Beşiktaş with Kadıköy and Üsküdar on the Asian side, so the ride doubles as a strait cruise.
April-May weather and what to wear
Below are 1991–2020 normals for Istanbul Florya station from the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM) submission · WMO normals collection (NOAA NCEI): average high / average low / monthly rainfall.
April has highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C, so mornings and evenings are cool. May reaches 22°C by day and 13°C in the morning. Monthly rainfall is 47 mm in April and 33 mm in May.
Bring a warm jacket in April and a light layer for mornings and evenings in May. In mosques you need to cover your shoulders and knees, and women cover their hair, so pack a scarf and long trousers or a long skirt.
- April: 17°C / 9°C / 47 mm
- May: 22°C / 13°C / 33 mm
A short spring itinerary
Plan on 4 to 5 days in Istanbul. The 4-day plan includes ferry rides on two days, so if a seasonal tour runs in spring it is easy to fit in. Plan the order around closing days and prayer times.
Daily budgets per person: about TRY 2,500-3,500 (hostel, street food, public transport), about TRY 7,000-10,000 (mid-range hotel, restaurants, one or two paid sights) and about TRY 20,000+ (upscale hotel, guided tours, taxis). Prices and exchange rates change quickly, so double-check fares locally.
- Day 1: Metro or airport bus into the city and check in, stroll around Sultanahmet Square, then a fish sandwich on the Eminönü waterfront
- Day 2: Hagia Sophia in the morning (no visits during Friday prayers, 12-14h), the Blue Mosque, then Topkapı Palace and the Harem in the afternoon (closed Tuesdays)
- Day 3: Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, a Bosphorus ferry tour from Eminönü, then cross to Karaköy for sunset views from Galata Tower
- Day 4: Dolmabahçe Palace (closed Mondays), kumpir in Ortaköy, then a ferry to Kadıköy's market on the Asian side before heading to the airport
What to book early and how to get around
Spring is a good season to travel, so book your accommodation and transport early. The guide's areas help you choose. For a first visit, Sultanahmet puts Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace within walking distance, and Karaköy & Galata is close to tram stops and ferry piers. Beyoğlu (Taksim & İstiklal) can be noisy late into the night, and Kadıköy on the Asian side has a local feel.
There are two airports. From Istanbul Airport (IST), take the M11 Metro or a Havaist bus; from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, take the M4 Metro (about 52 minutes to Kadıköy) or a Havabus (about 1 hour 30 minutes to Taksim, depending on traffic). Check fares in the official information.
In the city, one Istanbulkart covers the metro, tram, bus and ferry. The T1 tram is the most useful line for the old city, but watch for pickpockets when it is crowded. Opening hours can change during Ramadan and the Bayram holidays, and entry conditions and passport validity requirements can change too, so check official information before you travel.
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FAQ
When do the Judas trees bloom in Istanbul?
The trees bloom in spring, and April-May is the pleasant spring season for walking. The exact timing changes every year, so check the official bloom and festival information before you book and before you go.
Is there always a ferry tour to see the blossoms?
In spring the city ferry company sometimes runs seasonal tours to see the Judas trees in bloom. It may not run every year, so check official information on whether and when it runs.
What is Istanbul's weather like in April?
Normals for Istanbul Florya station (1991–2020) give April an average high of 17°C, an average low of 9°C and 47 mm of rain. Bring a jacket for mornings and evenings.
What should I book first?
Book your accommodation and transport early. The exact bloom time changes every year, so set your dates while checking the official bloom and festival information.
Related reading
ⓘ Photo credits
- Istanbul Airport (IST) terminal · Andrey Filippov 安德烈 / CC BY 2.0
- Koko-en Garden · Drivephotographer / CC0