Best Time to Visit Turkey

Turkey is a treat for those who travel to explore different cultures and architectural marvels. The country’s coastal resorts, beautiful mountains, and ski slopes also offer enough adventure for intrepid travelers. The trick is going to the right places at the right time.

Spring in Turkey — April to May

As one of the best times to visit Turkey, spring is when a lot of flowers are coming alive and things are starting to warm up. Towards the end of the season, the sun-soaked coastal resorts of Izmir and Kusadasi will be open, so avoid the summer crowds and grab a bargain. Get your fill of arts and entertainment at the International Istanbul Film Festival in April.

Avg. temperature	6°C (43°F) – 20°C (68°F)
Avg. rainfall	55 mm
Is Spring a good time to go to Turkey?	Yes. The weather is pleasantly warm.

Highlights:

• Enjoy the dry and cool visibility on an iconic hot air balloon ride during your trip to Cappadocia.
• Participate in various tulip festivals held in different cities across Turkey.
• Explore Turkey's rich history by visiting ancient ruins and archaeological sites like Ephesus, Troy, and Hierapolis, with fewer crowds compared to peak tourist seasons.
• Spring is described as one of the best times to visit Istanbul and take in the sights such as Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace.
  

Tips:

• If you are going to the coastal regions at the start of April, check the individual town to see if the shops and restaurants will be open for the season.
• If you are not into football, it is best to avoid locations like Besiktas, as it is the climax of the football season in Turkey.
• Even though it is still relatively cool in Turkey during spring, remember to bring plenty of sunscreen. The UV can be very strong in the central Turkish region such as Cappadocia.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Turkey in April
Turkey in May

Summer in Turkey — June to August

Honestly, the summer season in Turkey is best spent inside with the refreshing safety of air conditioning. Much of Turkey is highly humid and hot, so head to the coastlines of the Mediterranean and Aegean for those sweet, sweet coastal breezes. Also, check out the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival in June and July.

Avg. temperature	11°C (52°F) – 27°C (81°F)
Avg. rainfall	23 mm
Is Summer a good time to go to Turkey?	Yes. It is the international summer holiday season, but prices will be high.

Highlights:

• You can go on a cruise tour in Bodrum or relax at the beach by the sea in a coastal resort.
• Engage in a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing at Fethiye.
• This is one of the best times to take a trip to Cappadocia, as the tourist crowds are lower during the summer months.
  

Tips:

• Summer is not one of the best times to travel to Turkey, but if you do, head to the coastal areas to avoid the blazing heat. Places like Izmir, Bodrum, and Kusadasi benefit from the cooler coastal breeze, so the heat won’t feel as oppressive as in the cities or inland.
• If you are coming to the cities, check out indoor attractions like the Grand Bazaar or the Hagia Sophia.
• Carry a water bottle everywhere because the humidity in Turkey in summer is super high.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Turkey in June
Turkey in July
Turkey in August

Fall in Turkey — September to October

If you are thinking about hiking or heading inland to explore Turkey, fall is the perfect season. The temperatures are cooler, and the crowds are lower. This is the ideal time for hiking the Lycian Way or heading inland to explore the heartland of Turkey. Fan of mountain biking? Fall is the perfect season to cycle, jump, and hop through the trails of Cappadocia around the famous fairy chimneys.

Avg. temperature	6°C (43°F) – 21°C (70°F)
Avg. rainfall	25 mm
Is Fall a good time to go to Turkey?	Yes. There is very limited rain during this period, making it perfect for outdoor explorations.

Highlights:

• This is a great time for you to explore the cultural heritage of Turkey, especially along the Silk Route.
• Visit Turkey's ancient wonders, such as the ruins of Troy, Pergamon and Hierapolis.
• If you are a fan of a decent glass of wine, participate in the International Wine Festival in October.
  

Tips:

• Expect more crowds during the fall season. Despite being outside of the school holidays, it is one of the busiest times to visit Turkey.
• Book your hiking hostels in advance. As this is the peak season for hiking the Lycian Way, accommodations are hard to come by without early booking.
• Bring clothes you can layer for colder evenings. As lovely as the temperatures are in the fall in Turkey, it drops dramatically after sundown.

In-depth month-wise guides:
Turkey in September
Turkey in October

Winter in Turkey — November to March

As the cheapest months to visit Turkey, unless you are checking out the ski resorts, the winter season is best spent in the cities like Ankara or Istanbul, where attractions and resorts are still open. The period between November and March is cold in Turkey, with temperatures averaging around 2–6°C (36–43 °F). If you are visiting Turkey in winter, be sure to attend the iconic Whirling Dervish Festival in Konya.

Avg. temperature	-3°C (27°F) – 7°C (45°F)
Avg. rainfall	46 mm
Is Fall a good time to go to Turkey?	Yes, if you are traveling for the ski season.

Highlights:

• Winter is the best time to visit Turkey for skiing, especially in Erzurum or Kartepe.
• Istanbul is also much quieter during this season, so if you do not mind the cold, this would be a great time to explore the city.
• Travel to Pamukkale and explore its terraces and thermal waters amidst a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
• Experience unique winter festivals like the Kars Winter Festival, showcasing snow artistry and cultural celebrations.
  

Tips:

• Book yourself an affordable European ski holiday by staying in Erzurum or Kartepe. It is a lot cheaper than the Alps and has excellent ski conditions.
• Warm yourself up with a hot mug of Salep, Turkey’s favorite winter drink made of milk and cinnamon.
• Avoid the Mediterranean and Aegean coastal towns during winter. Most of the resorts, shops, and restaurants will be closed for the season.

Weather in Turkey- Rainfall and Temperatures

	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
Avg Daily (°C)	3	5	11	16	20	25	28	28	25	18	11	5
Avg Nightly (°C)	-5	-4	-2	3	6	9	12	12	8	3	-1	-3
Avg Daily (°F)	37	41	52	61	68	77	82	82	77	64	52	41
Avg Nightly (°F)	23	25	28	37	43	48	54	54	46	37	30	27
Avg Rainfall (mm)	60	40	30	60	50	40	20	10	20	30	40	60

In-depth month-wise guides:
Turkey in November
Turkey in December
Turkey in January
Turkey in February
Turkey in March

Turkey is a collection of many civilizations that have walked on earth, and its rich atmosphere and warm people are proof of that. It is a country that will definitely overwhelm your senses but in the best of ways. All you have to do is find the best time to go to Turkey, and you are good to go. Contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Turkey.