Due to its diverse geography, Turkey – which is now officially called Türkiye – experiences significant weather changes between seasons and places. So the best time to visit Turkey (Türkiye) depends on what you wish to see and do. Spring and fall are two of the best seasons to visit Türkiye with pleasant temperatures, low rainfall, and relatively fewer crowds. From April to June, the country is awash in the colors of spring. In September and October, weather conditions are perfect for beach trips, hiking adventures, and city explorations. The summer months are great if you want to explore Türkiye’s coastline, such as Cesme or Bodrum, but be prepared to deal with the holiday crowds. The winter months can be cold, but opportunities for skiing, magical snow-covered mountainscapes, and crowd-free explorations have their own undeniable appeal.
Best Time To Visit
Most Ideal
Low Season
overview
Though it is winter throughout the country, there are significant temperature variations. In Cappadocia, temperatures are in the mid-30s to 40s, and skiing season is in full swing. In the coastal city of Bodrum, readings are in the 50s. It is a quiet time to visit the country.
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Spend time admiring the art and architecture of the Topkapi Palace
Discover the snow-kissed panoramas of Cappadocia
overview
Cold weather conditions persist across most of the country. Temperatures start to warm up by the end of the month, and the first signs of spring appear in southern cities such as Datca, which hosts an annual almond blossom festival. Expect few visitors at this time.
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Descend down to the ancient Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir built in the 6th century
Warm yourself in a traditional Turkish hammam
overview
Temperatures soar into the 50s and even the 60s in some cities. The second half of the month is a good yet quiet time to visit Turkey. Cool temperatures and clear, sunny skies make city sightseeing and visiting coastal towns a pleasant affair. The country celebrates the arrival of spring with the Newroz festival.
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Marvel at a fascinating collection of ancient Turkish, Greek, and Roman artifacts at the Archeology Museum in Istanbul
Tour the ruins of the Myndos gate in Bodrum
overview
It’s starting to look and feel like spring! Comfortable temperatures in the 60s and the sight of blooming tulips make this one of the best times to visit Turkey. It is an excellent time for outdoor activities and city tours. Travel starts to pick up, but it is still far from the peak season.
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Delight in a riot of colors at the Istanbul Tulip Festival
overview
Daytime highs are mostly in the 70s, and rainfall levels drop further during the month. The countryside is bursting with colors. The number of travelers increases. In short, it’s a great month to travel to Turkey.
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Fly high above the magical chimneys and rock formations of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon
Learn about the local way of life on village visits near Bodrum
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It’s the start of summer in the country. In the south, temperatures soar into the high 80s. Locals and visitors head towards Turkey’s beautiful coastal cities for respite from the heat. The beach towns are bustling, but further inland, things are not quite as busy.
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Cool off in the sparkling blue waters of the Cesme Peninsula
Lose yourself in a maze of shops and cafes at the Kemeralti Market in Izmir
overview
Temperatures in most parts of the country are in the 80s, and rainfall levels are at a minimum. It’s a busy time in Turkey’s coastal towns and cities like Cappadocia, which provide locals and travelers an escape from the sweltering heat.
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Hike in Cappadocia’s wildflower-filled landscape
Unwind and build up a tan at the beautiful beaches of Çesme
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Along with the other summer months, August is one of the best times to visit Turkey’s stunning Riviera. Predictably, it is also one of the busiest times of the year in Turkey’s beach towns. Cities further inland are quieter as high daytime temperatures make sightseeing uncomfortable.
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Explore the beautiful town of Alacati, known for its charming restored Greek homes, cafes and boutiques
Go island hopping around Bodrum Bay
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The action shifts from the coast to Istanbul and cities inland as schools reopen and temperatures start to cool down. Pleasant weather and fewer crowds make the month one of the best times to visit Turkey, especially its vibrant cities and ancient archeological sites.
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Enjoy a leisurely wine-tasting session in Sirince
Spend time at Konak Square in Izmir and try out Turkish street food
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Temperatures are generally in the mid-60s to 70s during this month. Great weather conditions and leaner crowds make October another great month to visit Turkey, be it for beach fun or to explore ancient ruins and cities. Some beach resorts close down in the second half of the month.
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Go back in time at the Ephesus ruins that date back to the 10th century BC
Tour the famous Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its striking rock formations
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Daytime temperatures start to drop, and rainfall levels begin to rise. Temperatures in Istanbul and Cappadocia are now in the 50s. It’s the start of the ski season in Uludağ and Palandöken. Pack a light jacket for chilly evenings. This is a slow time in most parts of the country.
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Indulge in some retail therapy at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul before the festive holidays
Delve into the mystical traditions of Sufism in a Whirling Dervishes show
Take a guided tour of the Anatolian or Asian side of Istanbul, visiting the Kuzguncuk neighborhood and Beylerbeyi Palace
overview
Temperatures drop further during the month, bringing along rain and snow. Daytime readings are lower than the 40s. However, there are plenty of museums to roam, and winter landscapes to admire. Istanbul takes on a festive spirit with beautiful light decorations and celebrations.
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Be amazed at the scale and beauty of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
Sample the flavors of Istanbul on a personalized food tour starting in the lively Kadikoy Market
Welcome New Year’s with fireworks, dinner, and drinks aboard a Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul
Seasons in Türkiye
Spring: Starting in April, Türkiye’s countryside becomes a carpet of green. The blooming of tulips and wildflowers lends the country an incredible palette of colors. It is the best time to visit Istanbul; the city welcomes spring with a spectacular tulip festival. With temperatures in the 60s, clear skies, and lean crowds, it is one of the best seasons to travel to Türkiye for hiking, sightseeing, and visiting the country’s ancient ruins.
Summer: Temperatures move into the 80s and even the 90s in some regions. Fabulous seaside resorts, vibrant coastal cities, and the sparkling blue waters of the Turquoise Coast and Bodrum Peninsula make it the best time to visit Türkiye’s beach towns. With schools in Europe and the US closing for summer, it is also a busy time along Türkiye’s coastline. However, high daytime temperatures make inland sightseeing and city exploration uncomfortable.
Fall: The autumn months, from September to October, are one of the best times to travel to Türkiye. Lesser crowds and ideal daytime and water temperatures make it a perfect period for sightseeing, hiking, and water activities.
Winter: Significant variations in temperatures and weather conditions exist across the country. Cities like Cappadocia see daytime temperatures drop into the 30s along with snowfall, while coastal towns are comfortable with readings in the mid-to-high 50s. Activity is mainly centered around ski resorts, but across the rest of the country, it is slow and quiet.
What to Pack for a Trip to Türkiye
Türkiye experiences significant variations from season to season and between geographical locations, so what you pack depends mainly on when you visit the country and what you plan to do.
Summers in Türkiye can get hot, so it’s best to opt for clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton and linen. Swimwear is a must if you are visiting Türkiye’s beach towns, but pack a cover-up for when you have to step into town.
If you are visiting during spring and autumn, we recommend packing layers to account for differences in day and night time temperatures and between regions. Hiking in Türkiye during these seasons can be particularly rewarding. Pack a pair of good-quality trekking shoes and clothes.
If you are planning a winter trip to Türkiye, take a few warm layers. It can get quite cold in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and other high-altitude destinations.
While Türkiye is not a conservative country, attire covering the head, shoulders, and knees is required while visiting mosques and other religious sites.
Discover Türkiye with tailor-made itineraries and advice from our travel experts!
From Istanbul to Cappadocia and the Turkish Riviera, uncover the best-loved sights of Türkiye. Through guided private tours, gain a deeper understanding of Turkish history and culture as you explore the Old Town of Istanbul, Cappadocia’s heritage sites, and the ruins of Ephesus at Sirince.
Our destination experts have put together everything you need to know for traveling to Türkiye – from practical tips about visa requirements and currency to useful information about local festivals.
Enchanting Travels can be trusted to offer a well-planned, well-executed trip to any country. They have the expertise and partner with local travel companies who provide the best experiences. Should anything go wrong, Enchanting Travels will ensure a resolution as quickly as possible.
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