Turkey in February: Weather and Travel Tips
Ski up a storm on the Turkish slopes, dine on doner and kebabs, and explore Istanbul or Cappadoccia without throngs of tourists. Although likely too chilly for the beach, February in Turkey still has its perks, especially for those on a budget. Visiting Turkey in February offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, enjoying hot springs and participating in local festivals.
- Ricardo Ramirez
- From USA
Turkey Weather in February
As it’s the end of winter, the temperatures in Turkey in February are pretty low with a daily average of 5°C and dropping to -4°C at night. On the coast with the warmer sea breeze, Antalya has daily average temperatures of up to 14°C.
If you’re heading down to places like Gallipoli, you can also expect warmer temperatures of between 10—13°C, whereas the Koroglu Mountains, will likely see lows of -9°C, so it’s all about your itinerary. When it comes to the level of rain in February, you can expect an average of 40mm throughout the entire month.
Not sure when to book your holiday? Our seasonal overview offers useful insight into the best time to visit Turkey.
Weather in Turkey in February - 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 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 3 | 5 | 11 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -5 | -4 | -2 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 38 | 41 | 52 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 23 | 25 | 29 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 40 | 30 |
Why Visit Turkey in February
There are plenty of reasons to head to Turkey during the winter. Let’s find out more!
- Better rates: Given that many of the resorts and hotels are closed for the winter season, those that are still open have some really reasonable rates, especially on trips to cities like Ankara and Istanbul.
- Fewer crowds: There are much fewer crowds around the whole of the country in February, even at super popular spots like Cappadocia and Ephesus. That means you have a unique opportunity to experience these ancient wonders without being shoulder to shoulder with strangers.
- 216 Street Fest: From the 11th to the 13th of February, Ataşehir transforms into a vibrant, amazing food and music festival that spills throughout the streets of Asian Istanbul. This laidback event is a great opportunity to experience the culture and traditional flavors. Check out our cultural tours to Turkey here.
Where to go and what to do
One of the best places to visit in Turkey in February is the Köroğlu Mountains. These majestic mountains are home to some of the best ski resorts in Turkey, and with the low temperatures in February, it’s a great time to get a good deal on a ski pass. Although the lower rainfall might feel like there is less fresh powder than in December or January, there’s still plenty to love about having an end-of-winter ski holiday in Turkey.
If you’re looking for a way to warm up after a long day of walking around the tourist spots in the chilly February weather in Turkey, why not head to Pamukkale? These world-famous hot springs attract visitors from around the world, and there’s something magical about feeling toasty and warm when you’re surrounded by snow.
Are you into your modern history? February is an excellent time to visit the battlefields of Gallipoli. Home to a prominent First World War battle, it’s a name that’s known around the world. As the coast is often up to 10 degrees warmer than the inland cities in February, a trip to Gallipoli during this month not only offers fewer crowds but gives you a warmer excursion that may be welcome after a few days wrapped up in the chilly city. Take a look at our history tours in Turkey.
Want to escape the cold in the city? Head to Istanbul Modern. As the first contemporary art gallery in Istanbul, it’s home to some truly beautiful and inspiring pieces, as well as a series of rotating temporary exhibits. These tend to revolve around local artists, so you might see some names and pieces that you’ve never experienced before. You never know, you might come back with a new favorite artist! Here are our museum tours in Turkey.
What to bring
Since it's winter in Turkey at this time of year, bring a windbreaker and heavy coat to keep you warm. And as rainfall is not uncommon in February, make sure you bring boots that can handle the slippery conditions. On another note, Turkish power sockets have two pins so bring along your adaptor to charge your devices.
All in all, there is something really special about a Turkish holiday in February, from the colder temperatures to the reduced crowds, it’s a great time to experience this country in a completely different way.
We know that it can be difficult to plan your dream trip to Turkey - there’s so, how can you fit it all in? Well, with our customizable trips to Turkey, all you need to do is add in a few details and our amazing travel experts will create the perfect Turkish itinerary.
Check out our tours to Turkey in February for more ideas.
