Athens & Istanbul in late February or August?

Coldest month of the year vs. almost hottest month of the year: For me it's a no-brainer. I'd rather put up with excessive heat than have my activities limited by the freezing cold, especially in Istanbul. I can at least strip down to a t-shirt if it's too hot. Not so if it's too cold. Cold weather tends to force you indoors more than hot weather. I guess it's just a matter of what sort of activities you expect to enjoy. I've been in Istanbul when it was freezing out and don't want to have that experience again.

I can't comment on Istanbul, but I agree with Lee about Athens. I love to be there at any time of the year but February is certainly the worst month. It tends to be both cold and wet, which isn't pleasant for wandering about. Any chance of moving your holiday to March or September? Alan

September would be the best month for both cities. We just returned from Greece, spending the last three days in Athens. Greece was unseasonably hot this September but it was not unbearable. We were in Istanbul last September and it was warm and pleasant. End of August might not be too hot, but it really depends on the year as we all know that temperature varies from year to year. I'd pick end of August if you can't make it in September.

Thanks Lee and Alan. I wanted to explore mostly historical sites and museums at my own pace and with less crowd that's why I chose February or August. I know the weather is not ideal on either months but for a budget traveller like me, it is the best time to travel to Europe with sale airfares and cheap hotel rates.
Will it be colder than Italy, Austria or Germany in February? Or extremely hotter than Spain in August?

Which extreme do you deal better with? I hate the heat, especially with high humidity. I haven't been to either place, but my guess is that both are humid in August and the Mediterranean sun is pretty brutal. I've been to Italy twice in February and I'd expect Athens and Istanbul to be similar. Some days were cold and wet, but some days (even in Venice) were warm and sunny. I was also in Rome this past February when it snowed for the first time in about 25 years. Even on the coldest days in Italy, the temperatures were only down to the 40's and usually higher - even in the high-60's. For me the down side of February is the short daylight hours.

Thank you Carol and Chani for sharing your experience/thoughts. Chani, I was in Italy too this past February for 3 weeks (Venice, Rome, Florence & Milan) and I experienced countless delays and cancellations in my itinerary due to weather including a free/forced stopover in London because of the snow. I can tolerate cold weather more than heat & humidity but the Italy experience is forcing me to reconsider February travel. I enjoyed Italy though despite the delays.

Elline I can understand that for historical sites on a budget with fewer crowds, you would choose February ... but absolutely the opposite applies for August! Do u read about Greece at all? August is height of High Season, with the MOST crowds and absolutely the highest lodging rates. I don't understand at all your pairing of Feb & August for low crowds & bargain rates. Do tell us your secret!

Thank you all for the tips and advices. I really appreciate your time.
I am on the stubborn side so I will still go for the last week of February, hope for the best and will bundle up.

Janet, Just from researching airfares & hotel rates, end of August seems to give me a better deal for high season travel versus starting my travel in September for Athens at least. Airfare from DC right now is just about $180 more than February travel on an open jaw to Athens & out of Istanbul and hotel rates about just $20 more per night. I know it will be more expensive and crowded in the summer at major attractions but I have more daylight, longer museum/site hours and can still avoid crowds by timing my visit properly as RS suggested in his guidebook. I have read somewhere too that the city is usually empty because locals & visitors go to the islands or coastal areas to escape the heat?!
I think I'm over analyzing my options. I'm so tempted to just toss a coin to be done with it.

Elline Given what you say about standing the cold better than the heat I would opt for February rather than August if those are the options. When I said February was wet and cold I meant for Greece. You are still likely to have some winter sunshine and, with space heaters common, it is possible to sit out for a drink early evening and look up at the Acropolis. One footnote: during the winter sites are free on Sundays so you can save a bit of cash. Alan

"I have read somewhere too that the city is usually empty because locals & visitors go to the islands or coastal areas to escape the heat........" This might seem logical in theory but in fact it is not at all accurate. Although many Europeans do travel in August the influx of tourists more than makes up for the slight decrease in the permanent local population. Don't be fooled. Athens will be jam-packed.

One thought to add to this, even though it sounds like you've already made your decision: There is apt to be a fair amount of haze and smoke in the air in February. In my experience there is quite a bit of wood burning in Turkish cities when the weather turns cold. It may be an issue if you're sensative lower air quality. Enjoy your trip.

How is mean temperature calculated? What does it tell you? I would want to know how hot it's likely to get in the afternoon in August and how cold in the morning in February.

Aw, James, thank you. Istanbul sounds bearable in summer, but Athens yeewwww

Thank you, Rob & James for the additional info.
I should have realistic expectations when I get there with all the infos I received.