Turkey in April: Weather, Tips & Festivities
With spring in full swing, Turkey sees pleasant weather conditions during April. The air is fresh, leaves have turned green and days are neither too hot nor too cold. There are tons of things to do on your trip to Turkey in April, thanks to the weather along with the fact that the busy season is yet to start.
This month is a time of rejuvenation in the country as the dreary winter weather comes to an end and nature unleashes its beauty. It is also a time of celebrations, including Ramadan, which usually falls during this month and is the holiest time in the Islamic calendar.
- Ricardo Ramirez
- From USA
Turkey Weather in April
With winter rain in coastal regions coming to an end, you can expect many pleasant, sunny days in Turkey in April. The weather in southern Turkey is very comfortable during this month, with many sunny days and little to no wind. Popular destinations like Istanbul, Ankara and Konya see daytime temperatures of around 18°C. However, the minimum can hover anywhere between 4°C and 8°C. The weather is mostly mild in Antalya during this month, fluctuating between 11°C and 22°C.
Please keep in mind that it can occasionally get rainy in Istanbul in April, with the chances of showers in the city standing at 21 percent on any given day of the month. Overall, the weather in Turkey in April is mild with a countrywide average minimum of 3°C and highs of 16°C. The maximum temperature reaches closer to 20°C during the second half of the month.
Have a look at our article on the best time to visit Turkey to see what the rest of the year holds in store.
Weather in Turkey in April - 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) | 38 | 41 | 52 | 61 | 68 | 77 | 83 | 83 | 77 | 65 | 52 | 41 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 23 | 25 | 29 | 38 | 43 | 49 | 54 | 54 | 47 | 38 | 31 | 27 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 40 | 30 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 60 |
| Mar | Apr | May | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 11 | 16 | 20 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -2 | 3 | 6 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 52 | 61 | 68 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 29 | 38 | 43 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 30 | 60 | 50 |
Why Visit Turkey in April
Visiting Turkey in April is an excellent idea as the weather takes a turn for the better and a slew of cultural events start taking place. We have listed a few reasons why you should head to the country this month.
- Festivities: Numerous festivals and events kick off in Turkey in April, the most notable of which are Ramadan and the Istanbul Tulip Festival.
- Perfect outdoor weather: Exploring ancient ruins around the country is best done in April when the weather is pleasant.
- Less footfall: As the high tourist season has not started yet, you can still take advantage of emptier attractions all over the country.
Where to go and what to do
The arrival of spring is highly anticipated in Turkey. Head to Istanbul, as tulips start blooming, the city celebrates its annual tulip festival with brilliant displays in green spaces around the city. In addition to this, Ramadan falls in April during most years and is observed by the Islamic community of Turkey. Many restaurants might close their shutters throughout the day during this festival. However, on a positive note, this is an occasion when travelers can experience the customs and traditions of the country and celebrate with locals.
Another highlight in the city’s April calendar is the Istanbul International Film Festival, where Turkish cinema is celebrated. The public can buy tickets to various events and film premieres held over the course of two weeks during the festival. The city also offers a lucky few the chance to catch glimpses of dolphins migrating toward the Black Sea during this time of year.
The Lycian Way, one of the country’s most famous hiking trails, is also considered to be one of the most spectacular in the world. Embarking on a multi-day journey through this iconic route is best done in April as the weather is not too hot and the chances of rain are low.
The capital city of Ankara celebrates music for most of the month with the International Ankara Music Festival. This event promotes polyphonic music with grand orchestras traveling from across the globe to entertain the masses.
A trip to Cappadocia is at its most beautiful during April. Hike through its jagged sandstone peaks in search of peculiar wildflowers and birdlife. More than 450 species of birds follow migratory paths between Europe and Africa during this time and many of them have their pit stops in Turkey. Some of the most sought-after species to spot are long-legged buzzards and alpine swifts.
The southwestern coast is one of the best places to visit in Turkey in April. Here, resorts start opening up during this month and you can still enjoy quieter beaches in usually bustling places like Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman. Mediterranean cruises also kick off in April. So do not be surprised if you come across a cruise liner or two in the harbor.
Not sure how many days to spend in Turkey in April? Check out our itineraries for more ideas on all that you can pack during a trip to the country.
April is arguably one of the best times to visit Turkey. This is when nature wakes up from its winter slumber, leaving you with magnificent scenery to enjoy. Pack a sweater and sunglasses and you are ready to discover the country that straddles two continents.
Speak to our travel experts to book a customized tour and make the most of your stay in the country.
Check out our trips to Turkey in April for more ideas.
Related articles:
Turkey in March
Turkey in May
