Istanbul
Vitamin D from the sun in Istanbul
8 months of sun
In Istanbul you can synthesize vitamin D from March to October.
From November to February synthesis isn't possible — this is when a supplement can help.
Istanbul: we'll tell you the days you can make vitamin D.
Loading notifications…Today's sun in Istanbul
Today's sunrise, sunset, golden hour and day length.
Year-round profile in Istanbul
Daily hours with enough sun to synthesize vitamin D across the year.
Seasonal windows
- March: between 11:00 and 16:00, about 11 min for 1000 IU.
- June: between 10:00 and 18:00, about 6 min for 1000 IU.
- September: between 11:00 and 16:00, about 10 min for 1000 IU.
- December: synthesis isn't possible.
Estimated for Fitzpatrick type III skin, arms and face exposed, clear sky.
When to supplement in Istanbul
During the months without solar synthesis, vitamin D comes only from food or a supplement. It is usually taken as D3, often with magnesium — which the body needs to activate it — and vitamin K (as K2), which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
More about supplementsSunrise and sunset by month in Istanbul
How sunrise, sunset and day length change over the year.
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Day length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:28 | 17:59 | 9 h 32 min | |
| 08:01 | 18:36 | 10 h 34 min | |
| 07:19 | 19:08 | 11 h 49 min | |
| 06:27 | 19:42 | 13 h 15 min | |
| 05:47 | 20:14 | 14 h 27 min | |
| 05:31 | 20:37 | 15 h 06 min | |
| 05:44 | 20:35 | 14 h 50 min | |
| 06:14 | 20:02 | 13 h 48 min | |
| 06:46 | 19:11 | 12 h 24 min | |
| 07:19 | 18:20 | 11 h 01 min | |
| 07:55 | 17:44 | 9 h 49 min | |
| 08:23 | 17:37 | 9 h 14 min |
Approximate values for mid-month (the 15th).
Frequently asked questions about vitamin D in Istanbul
- Can I get vitamin D from the sun in winter in Istanbul?
- In Istanbul you can synthesize vitamin D from March to October.
- How many minutes of sun do I need in Istanbul?
- In summer, about 11 minutes with arms and face exposed is enough for 1000 IU (Fitzpatrick type III skin, clear sky).
- What time does the sun rise and set in Istanbul?
- It shifts with the seasons: in June the sun rises around 05:31 and sets around 20:37; in December it rises around 08:23 and sets around 17:37.
- What is the longest day of the year in Istanbul?
- Longest day: June, with about 15 h of daylight. Shortest day: December, with about 9 h.
- When is golden hour in Istanbul?
- It's roughly the last hour before sunset: in June it starts around 19:56 and in December around 16:53.