Istanbul has a Mediterranean climate according to the Köppen climate classification system, although its climate becomes more oceanic toward the north.
In summer the weather in Istanbul is hot and humid, with the temperature in July and August averaging 23 °C (73 °F). Summers are relatively dry, but rainfall is significant during that season. Extreme heat, however, is uncommon, as temperatures rise above 32 °C (90 °F) just five times each year. During winter it is cold, wet and often snowy, with the temperature in January and February averaging 5 °C (41 °F). Snowfalls tend to be heavy, but the snowcover and temperatures below the freezing point rarely last more than a few days. Istanbul also tends to be a windy city, having an average wind speed of 18 km/h (11 mph).
Istanbul has an annual average precipitation of 843.9 mm (33 in) which does occur all year round.
Due to the city's huge size, topography and maritime influences, Istanbul exhibits a multitude of distinct microclimates.
The highest recorded temperature was 40.5 °C (105 °F) on 12 July 2000, and the lowest recorded temperature was ?16.1 °C (3 °F) on 9 February 1927.
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