There’s so much more to Turkey than cheap dentistry and kebabs! As this continent-crossing country has become more and more popular as a holiday destination, you might be wondering when is the best month to travel to Turkey. Luckily, we’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know to help you plan your trip.
First of all, it’s worth keeping in mind that Turkey is a big country! The climate is very varied, so there’s no single perfect month for the entire nation. For example, the interior of the country experiences heavy snowfall in winter, while coastal regions like Anatolia are still sunny and mild. Be sure to double-check, depending on where you’re going. That being said, here’s a general overall for the kind of weather you can expect from the Turkish climate.
The temperature in Turkey in January
Turkey in winter is a land of dramatic snowscapes, particularly if you’re heading inland. This is the ski season, so if you love to hit the slopes, you’re in luck! Wherever you’re heading, do your research first. In many parts of the country, the tourist industry effectively shuts down during the cold winter months, so you might find yourself staring at some closed restaurants.
The temperature in Turkey in February
February is the coldest month of the year in Turkey, so wrap up warm! It’s still a great month to go skiing. February also offers the best chance of seeing snow in Istanbul, although that’s never guaranteed — the metropolis tends to see about seven days of snow each year. If you do get lucky with the white stuff, make sure you’ve got your camera handy. Sights like the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia coated in snow are absolutely amazing!
Weather in Turkey in March
Winter is over, so does that make March the best time to visit Turkey? Well, don’t get too excited! It’s still pretty chilly during this month, as the cold hasn’t moved on yet. Early in the month, you can expect very cold mornings. By mid-March, things are a lot more pleasant, and the flowers start to bloom.
The climate in Turkey in April
Turkey’s mild temperatures make April the perfect month for outdoor activities like hiking or cycling, which will be impossible later on due to the summer heat. April is also one of the best months for dolphin watching in the Black Sea.
Weather in Turkey in May
Turkey in Spring is truly breathtaking. This is the tulip season, so watch out for fields full of these gorgeous, colourful flowers. May also has the advantage of falling in the shoulder season for tourists. That means you’ll enjoy lovely mild weather without the crowds.
The temperature in Turkey in June
Summer is coming! June is a good choice if you want the summer heat without the massive crowds that start to appear on the country’s beaches in July. This is a particularly good time to visit the Mediterranean coast. Keep in mind that the sea is swimmable from mid-June onwards.
The climate in Turkey in July
Cities hiking trails are pretty quiet in Turkey in summer, but there’s a good reason for that! Temperatures in July can reach a scorching 48°C, with the highest heat hitting inland regions. As such, if you’re going to visit Turkey in July, we strongly recommend staying as close to the sea as you can. Keep in mind, though, that those seaside resorts are likely to be pretty crowded.
Weather in Turkey in August
August marks peak season for Turkey’s beach resorts, so you’ll have to get up early if you want to nab a sun lounger. The weather is much the same as in July — very, very hot, particularly in the interior.
The climate in Turkey in September
September might just be the best time to visit Turkey. It’s still very hot at the start of the month, but things start to cool down by mid-September, and the country’s interior begins to display gorgeous autumn foliage. The sea is still swimmable until the middle of the month.
The temperature in Turkey in October
We love Turkey in autumn. There are very few crowds, the air is crisp, and the mild weather is ideal for exploring. Be sure to bring a jacket, as it will get pretty chilly once the sun goes down.
The climate in Turkey in November
November in Turkey feels like playing roulette with the weather. This is the most unpredictable month, so you’ll need to be ready for anything: bring a coat, an umbrella and some sunscreen! Showers are quite common, and many hotels and restaurants start to close down for the year. On the plus side, you’ll be pretty much alone in all the tourist attractions.
Weather in Turkey in December
As winter returns, people start hitting the slopes for the annual skiing and snowboarding season once again. Turkey in December weather is very cold, particularly in the interior. Keep in mind that Turkey is not a Christian country, so Christmas here is not a big deal, but New Year’s Eve does involve some lively celebrations, especially in Istanbul.
The best time to visit Turkey by destination
Of course, it’s hard to choose the perfect month to visit Turkey because it all depends on what you plan to do! If you want a city break in Istanbul, then the sizzling heat of July and August won’t be great for sightseeing. However, if you want to hit the beach, it’s perfect. Similarly, taking a ski holiday in January makes sense, but you’ll freeze your toes off if you try to take a dip at that time of year! Here’s when you should visit some of our favourite destinations in Turkey.
The best time to visit Istanbul
A panoramic view of Istanbul at sunset
We reckon spring and autumn are just perfect for visiting this world-famous city. Top attractions like the Grand Bazaar, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque won’t be as crowded, and you won’t wilt in the insane summer heat!
Istanbul is a huge city that hosts festivals and events throughout the year. Some particularly interesting ones include the Istanbul Gastronomy Festival in February, the Cherry Festival in June, and the Tulip Festival in April and May.
For an unforgettable experience, try visiting Istanbul on the last Sunday in September. This is the annual marathon, but less serious runners can sign up for the fun run. Even if you’re not very athletic, the event gives you a unique chance to run across the Bosphorus Bridge, crossing from Asia to Europe on your own two feet. The other 364 days of the year, the bridge is closed to pedestrians.
The best time to visit Cappadocia
Many people will tell you that spring and autumn are the best times to visit Turkey — and that’s certainly true in the case of Cappadocia. The temperatures are too hot or too cold at other times of the year, and summer sees big crowds for popular activities like hot air balloon rides. The landscapes of Cappadocia are beautiful at any time of year, but spring brings a riotous blanket of colourful flowers, while autumn sees brilliant, blazing foliage.
Hot air balloons soaring above the unique rock formations and valleys of Cappadocia
You might be particularly interested to hear that the Cappadocia International Wine Festival takes place in October, featuring vintages from around the world. It would be rude not to join in, right?
If you’re visiting in the spring or autumn, make sure to bring a jumper with you. The days are mild and pleasant, but the nights are chilly. If you don’t have a few layers you can slip into, you’ll be shivering after the sun goes down.
The best time to visit Antalya
Antalya is the jewel of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and a popular choice for a sunshine holiday. It’s no surprise that the best time to go there is between May and September, but there are a few things you’ll want to take into account.
Before booking your holiday, think about why you’re heading to Antalya. If you want to see the ancient ruins, go early or late in the season — in July and August, it’s far too hot to hike around archaeological sites. On the other hand, if your main objective is swimming in the sea, you’ll be able to visit from mid-June onwards. Only the bravest souls will take a dip in May!
A stunning view of the expansive Konyaaltı Beach in Antalya
Remember, too, that July and August are the peak season for coastal areas. Sun worshippers reckon that the summer months are the best time to visit Turkey. That means you can expect large crowds on the beaches, and prices may go up accordingly. Try June or September if you want the nice summer temperatures without the hordes.
The best time to go to Bodrum
Bodrum is perched on Turkey’s Aegean coast, and its location means that the city has its very own microclimate. The area experiences constant winds, which keep things a little cooler than other locations, so it’s not quite as sizzling hot as places like Antalya.
This also means that the sea is cooler here, even at the height of summer. It’s still very swimmable in July and August, but you might feel uncomfortable taking a dip in June. Of course, everyone has their own tolerance level when it comes to water temperatures, and cool for Turkey is still warmer than northern Europe!
Take a sunshine holiday in Bodrum from June to September, but remember that it will be at its busiest in July and August.
The traditional wooden sailboat “Caicco” – Bodrum
Religious events in Turkey
Turkey is a Muslim country, which means that religious events follow the lunar calendar. This means that the dates of religious holidays can change quite significantly each year. The most important dates to look out for are those of Ramadan. During this holy month, many restaurants will be closed during the day, so it’s harder to pick up a snack. Although travellers aren’t expected to join in the observation, it’s considered polite to avoid eating in front of people who are fasting. Remember that the Ramadan fast is very strict, with devout Muslims not even drinking a drop of water from sunrise to sunset! That makes less of a difference in winter than it does in the scorching summer months.
There are some religious minority groups around the country. Visit Istanbul around Lent or Easter, for example, and you may see processions from the city’s small Orthodox Christian community. However, these minor events don’t have much of an impact on choosing the best time to visit Turkey.
Whenever you’re ready to head to Turkey, we’ll be right there with you! Our five-day trip to Cappadocia is ideal for the traveller in search of a sophisticated break, while our tour of Istanbul and Cappadocia offers you a great chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. See you there!
