When is the best time to visit Turkey?

Although typically seen as a summer destination, you can visit Turkey all year round depending on where your interests lie. April, May, September and October are pleasantly warm so are typically the best times to visit Turkey's grand array of ancient sites.

The summer months from June through to September are very hot, with temperatures reaching the mid-30°Cs on the south coast. This is perfect for lounging by the sea or a pool, although visiting the sites can be quite uncomfortable.

The weather begins to cool off from late October. November through to March can get quite cold, especially in the interior such as Cappadocia. Here, the temperature can drop below 0°C, although the snowy landscape is lovely to behold from the comfort of an armchair in front of your hotel's fireplace. Many hotels in coastal areas close during these months. However, despite the cool temperatures these winter months can be the best time to explore the sites, as they're far less busy during this time.

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My favourite time to visit Turkey is May, when it is warm but not too hot. This is perfect for exploring sites such as Aphrodisias, Ephesus and Termessos, which involve quite a lot of walking and don’t have much shade. Flowers are in full bloom across the landscape and in the parks and gardens of Istanbul, and it is cool enough to do some hiking. It is also an excellent month for fresh fruit and vegetables; although Turkey's climate provides multiple harvests throughout the year.

John, Russia, Central Asia, & The Silk Route Specialist

Turkey Climate Guide

Destination	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Ankara	4°C 42mm	7°C 36mm	12°C 36mm	17°C 42mm	22°C 52mm	26°C 33mm	30°C 14mm	30°C 11mm	26°C 18mm	20°C 26mm	13°C 30mm	7°C 47mm
Antalya	14°C 216mm	14°C 156mm	17°C 101mm	21°C 46mm	25°C 29mm	30°C 9mm	33°C 3mm	33°C 5mm	30°C 11mm	25°C 73mm	20°C 130mm	15°C 246mm
Bodrum	14°C 168mm	14°C 117mm	16°C 79mm	20°C 38mm	25°C 23mm	30°C 11mm	33°C 3mm	32°C 7mm	29°C 18mm	24°C 53mm	19°C 94mm	15°C 165mm
Cappadocia	3°C 40mm	6°C 34mm	10°C 40mm	16°C 53mm	20°C 54mm	24°C 35mm	28°C 9mm	28°C 5mm	24°C 13mm	18°C 28mm	12°C 35mm	6°C 44mm
Istanbul	9°C 102mm	9°C 70mm	11°C 69mm	16°C 50mm	21°C 33mm	25°C 30mm	28°C 23mm	28°C 32mm	24°C 46mm	20°C 73mm	15°C 91mm	11°C 123mm
Pamukkale	10°C 97mm	12°C 80mm	15°C 62mm	20°C 47mm	25°C 36mm	30°C 20mm	33°C 14mm	33°C 9mm	29°C 17mm	23°C 40mm	17°C 62mm	12°C 105mm

Month-by-month guide to travelling in Turkey

January - March Jan - Mar
April - May Apr - May
June - August Jun - Aug
September - October Sep - Oct
November - December Nov - Dec

Visiting Turkey in January - March

January, February and March are fairly cold months in Turkey, although temperatures do warm up by March. Snow is not uncommon in January and even February, especially in the interior around Cappadocia. Because of the low temperatures this is a quiet time to visit Turkey, so you are likely to have the sites more or less to yourself.

Visiting Turkey in April - May

The temperatures in these spring months are moderate, making this an ideal time to visit the many ancient ruined sites dotted around the country. April is also peak tulip season, and the parks and gardens of Istanbul are bursting with colour; although it can be rainy during April too. As this is such an ideal time to visit Turkey it is also the most expensive for hotels in places such as Istanbul and Cappadocia. However, many of the hotels along the Turquoise Coast are still closed.

Events & Festivals

Hidrellez Festival (5th to 6th May): Celebrating the start of spring, this festival includes street performances by traditional gypsy bands.
The International Istanbul Film Festival (April): Takes place every year with the aim of promoting excellent cinematic theatre in Turkey. Read more »

Visiting Turkey in June - August

The summer months, from mid-June through to mid-September are very hot, perfect for relaxing on the beautiful Turquoise Coast and swimming in the Mediterranean. However, these high temperatures make exploring Turkey's ancient heritage quite uncomfortable, as there tends to be little or no shade at the plethora of ancient sites. This is also peak season for cruise ships, making coastal resorts and the more popular ancient sites such as Ephesus very busy. Cappadocia, by contrast, tends to be quieter over the summer months, and beautifully carpeted with wild flowers throughout, making this a great time for hiking.

Events & Festivals

Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival (June and July): Set within the spectacular Aspendos Roman theatre, the festival hosts numerous performances by international ballet and opera companies.

Visiting Turkey in September - October

Early September is still hot, but from the middle of the month onwards temperatures begin to cool, although sea and land temperatures are still warm, creating similar conditions to the spring months but with shorter days. Again, this is an excellent time to explore the cities and ancient sites, as well as to visit the Turquoise Coast as prices are lower and crowds are fewer. Prices tend to be high for the boutique hotels in Istanbul and Cappadocia, although hotels along the Mediterranean typically close by mid-October.

Events & Festivals

International Wine Festival (end of October): Annually held in Cappadocia, with wine tasting events from local vineyards. Read more »
Republic Day (29th October): Celebrated across the country, but most vibrantly in Istanbul, with various art events and firework displays.

Visiting Turkey in November - December

In November and December it's quite chilly throughout most of the country, with the exception of the southeast (around Antalya) which remains fairly warm. Temperatures in Konya and Cappadocia can be quite cold and snow is not uncommon, creating fantastic panoramas. Istanbul is much quieter than at other times of the year, making this a great time to visit if you don't mind the cooler temperatures and occasional rain or snow.

Events & Festivals

Mevlana and Whirling Dervish Festival (December): The annual ten day event is held in Konya and commemorates Rumi, with various events and ceremonies taking place in open-air locations around the city. Read more »