A country filled with many adventures, weather, and a plethora of activities to indulge in, Turkey proudly marks itself as one of the best countries in the world for a trip. Aside from offering something for every kind of traveler, travelers will find it is one of the best countries in the world for tourism all year. Whether it’s the popularity and historical sites to visit in Istanbul in the summer, or the majestic landscapes of Cappadocia in the winter and the beach haven of Antalya in spring, you’re guaranteed you have your to-do-bucket list full for all year long in Turkey.
But before you head out for your trip to Turkey, knowing what the best time to visit Turkey month-wise is a key aspect you don’t want to miss out on. Whether you’re looking to enjoy your winter there and taking part in winter sports, or wanting to have a tan in the wonderful summer months, knowing the best time to visit is immensely important. So if you want to decide the best time to visit Turkey for a trip there, we’ve made this blog to help you pick and decide the perfect time for your vacation trip to Turkey.
The Best Time to Visit Turkey: A Detailed Travel Guide For Your Turkey Trip
If you’re looking to enjoy the warm, wonderful sun on the beaches of the Mediterranean, see the incredible flora and fauna in the spring, or walk and admire the extraordinary snow-covered landscapes in the winter, a trip to Turkey at any time will be a wonderful experience. Here is a month-by-month guide you should check out before heading out for your trip to Turkey:
January and February (Late Winter)
For people who love wintertime, traveling to Turkey during the colder months offers them a travel trip of a lifetime. Most of Turkey is covered in snow during this time, with especially the eastern parts of the country like Cappadocia, Kars, etc, being the most traveled places to visit during this time. The temperature in Turkey during January and February typically drops from 6°C (43°F) to 8°C (46°F).
Some of the top things you can do during this time include going skiing in the Uludag region of Bursa or embarking on a hot air balloon ride in the valleys of Cappadocia, which are activities made even more special during January and February. You can also enjoy the experience of a Hamam and the wonderful thermal springs in Pamukkale, making you appreciate the warmth even more.
Best Places to Visit During Winter
- Cappadocia Region
- Uludag
- İstanbul
- Pamukkale
- Eastern Anatolia (Turkey)
Check Out: Istanbul Tour (4 Days)
March and April (Spring)
Who doesn’t love the mesmerizing sceneries of spring? Well in Turkey you’re going to love it even more. In spring, the snow finally melts in Turkey and brings with it enjoyable mild weather that makes visiting the ancient sites and natural landscapes fun and comfortable. The temperature in Turkey during March and April typically runs from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F). Going on cruises such as the Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul, and visiting historic landmarks such as Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus and many more is one of the top things you can do in springtime in Turkey.
Best Places to Visit During Spring
- Troy
- Ephesus
- Peganon
- Edirne
- İstanbul
- İzmir
Check Out: Istanbul and Izmir Tour (5 Days)
May and June (Summer)
Summer arrives in Turkey with much anticipation and brings joy to both natives and travelers. The warm months are when you see Turkey’s true tourism appeal rise, with the temperatures providing an excellent opportunity for all kinds of tourists with various travel destinations throughout the country.
The temperatures stay near 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F) at times, with the highest temps being recorded near Turkey’s coastal regions such as Antalya, Istanbul, Alanya, and Bodrum. Going to beaches and enjoying the sun on your skin or embarking on summer cruises in the Mediterranean are some of the top things you can do in cities such as Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum, Fethiye, Oludeniz, etc.
Best Places to Visit During Summer
- Antalya Beach, Antalya City
- İstanbul
- İzmir
- Alanya
- Bodrum
- Oludeniz City & Beach
- Fethiye City & Beach
Check Out: Istanbul, Antalya, Konya, & Cappadocia Tour (8 Days)
July and August (Mid-Summer)
During mid and peak summer, Turkey evolves as a tourism hub, particularly around its Mediterranean and Aegean coasts and nearby cities. The temperature can go up to 28°C (82°F) to 29°C (84°F) and upwards making it a good time to visit the stunning beaches Turkey is known for. In the interior, regions the weather can be dry and hot, particularly in the central and also eastern parts of the country.
You can also go on cruises and go to beaches during this time particularly Antalya, Bodrum, Oludeniz, Alanya, etc. For an unforgettable summer vacation, we recommend you choose Antalya since it’s “the” summer destination in Turkey.
Best Places to Visit During Mid-Summer
- Antalya City & Beaches
- Bodrum
- Alanya
- Marmaris
- İzmir
- Fethiye
- Ölüdeniz
Check Out: Antalya Tour (3 Days)
September and October (Fall)
Fall in Turkey is when the heat finally subsides and transitions into a slightly cooler environment with average temperatures remaining around 24°C (75°F) and dropping to an average of 18°C (64°F). Fall during September and October is the best time to visit Turkey as a tourist with crowds running low so you have a chance to fully experience historical sites such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and other historical sites.
Best Places to Visit During Fall
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Ephesus
- Troy
- Istanbul
- Antalya
- Izmir
Check Out: Gallipoli and Troy Package (3 Days)
November and December (Winter)
The peaceful and festive time begins with November and December arriving in Turkey. Rain is more frequent with cooler temperatures remaining constant at 12°C (54°F) throughout and going down to 8°C (46°F) as December ends. With the weather being cooler, so begins Turkey’s off-season for tourists looking for cheap prices and a more subdued environment to travel and explore to thier hearts’ content.
Visiting historical sites and museums and other indoor attractions should be your go-to activities in places such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Ancient City of Ephesus, and some outdoor sites such as regions of Cappadocia.
Best Places to Visit During Winter
- Istanbul and its indoor attractions
- Ani
- Cappadocia
- Bursa
- Uludag
- Uzungol
- Rize
Check Out: Cappadocia Package (3 Nights)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Time to Visit Turkey
Q. What is the best time to visit Turkey?
A. Winter and spring are some of the best times to enjoy the serene climate and travel activities. While Summer is one of the best times to enjoy beaches, and summer cruises along Turkey’s coasts, and fall is the most preferred time for sightseeing with fewer crowds and tourists and perfect weather for outdoor activities.
Q. What is the least expensive time of the year when you can visit Turkey?
A. Winter is the cheapest time of the year in Turkey, when its off-season is at its peak with lower prices for accommodation and flights for traveling in the country.
Q. What is the peak tourist season in Turkey?
A. Summer is the peak tourist season in Turkey when crowds throng its beaches and coastal regions.
Q. What is the most expensive time and season in Turkey?
A. Peak summer is the most expensive time and season in Turkey. From crowded beaches to full restaurants, the months of June, July, and August is when everything is at its highest demand in Turkey, making it the most expensive time to visit.
Know the Best Time to Visit Turkey With Our Complete Travel Guide
The wonderful land of Turkey is a place where you’ll encounter all sorts of adventures, learn new cultures, participate in various activities, and fall in love with true travel. Whether you’re looking to visit beaches in the summer, try your hand at thrilling winter sports, see the flowers blossom in festivals in the spring, or visit ancient sites in the fall season, traveling to Turkey regardless of the season will be one of the best decisions you will make in your life.
So are you ready to embark on a wonderful journey to the Gateway to Ancient Wonders otherwise known as Turkey, where you’ll experience wonderful cultures, and rich culinary delicacies, all with pre-booked accommodations, and guided tours? iLinkTurkey offers a diverse range of guided tour packages for destinations in Turkey. Head over to our packages and book one of our featured Turkey packages now.
