Best Time to Visit Turkey

Located at the crossroads between Asia and Europe, Turkey is an extremely diverse country with rich culture, history, and natural wonders. The best time to see all these things is during summer, when the conditions are warm and dry throughout the country. Summer in Turkey runs from June to September, the time of year when the country draws a large number of visitors. From coastal cities of Marmaris and Izmir, to the ancient historical sites like Ephesus and Cappadocia, Turkey in summer is brimming with beauty and some of the best sightseeing opportunities. This is also a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and camping in Yedigoller National Park and Mount Gulluk-Termessos National Park, as well as trying out water sports in Alacati and Akcapinar. And the fun does not stop there. Summer is also the time when Turkey tours feature various festivals and events, offering a chance to mingle with locals and learn more about their culture and lifestyle.

As winter transitions into spring, the weather in Turkey can get unpredictable at the beginning of March. But from mid-March onwards, spring is clearly in the air and temperatures start warming up. Explore the splendid Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, get lost among the geological wonders of Cappadocia, or go see the beautiful Duden waterfalls and Ottoman-style houses of Antalya. There are many attractions and hidden gems to discover if you visit Turkey in March.

July falls in the middle of the Turkish summer and is part of the high tourist season. This is an excellent month to explore the country’s rich history, culture and architecture. Sleep in a cave hotel in Göreme in the extraordinary Cappadocia region; explore Istanbul’s sumptuous Topkapi Palace and its colorful Grand Bazaar; visit the Unesco World Heritage site of Ephesus, home to spectacular ancient ruins; and laze on the lovely beaches of Antalya. There is no shortage of places to visit and activities to enjoy if you visit Turkey in July.

With spring in full swing, Turkey sees pleasant weather conditions during April. The air is fresh, leaves have turned green and days are neither too hot nor too cold. There are tons of things to do on your trip to Turkey in April, thanks to the weather along with the fact that the busy season is yet to start. This month is a time of rejuvenation in the country as the dreary winter weather comes to an end and nature unleashes its beauty. It is also a time of celebrations, including Ramadan, which usually falls during this month and is the holiest time in the Islamic calendar.

An abundance of cultural festivals and warm weather make the early summer month of May in Turkey an ideal time to visit. Explore fabulous natural landmarks like the Fairy Chimneys or the Blue Lagoon and check out ancient wonders (think the Hagia Sophia) before throngs of crowds set in for the peak summer months. Read on to find out what you can expect on your holiday to Turkey in May.

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.

September is still considered part of a high season in Turkey. This is because even though holidaymakers start returning to work and school as the month progresses, both crowds and prices are still pretty high across popular destinations. Temperatures remain warm throughout this month, although they are not as high as those during the peak summer. This makes it an ideal month to explore Turkey, check out its highlights, get active or snag a beach holiday at a more affordable rate. Whether you want to dive into Turkey’s vibrant culture and history or are planning to head to the coast and explore the great outdoors, there is something for everyone during a trip to Turkey in September.

Looking to explore Turkey when the weather is just right and resort crowds are thinning out? Then visiting Turkey in October might be right up your street. With low rainfall and pleasantly warming temperatures, it is a great time to explore all that Turkey has to offer without the oppressive heat that often accompanies the summer season. If you are looking to visit Turkey for outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, biking or trekking, October offers the perfect conditions for this along with lower rates, thanks to it being the fall season. Also, if you are looking for cultural highlights and festivals, this month is jam-packed with exciting things to see and do.

Want to see a different side of Turkey? Well, touring Turkey in November means that you get to catch the start of the ski season in mountainous places like Uludağ and Palandöken. This is also a great time to head inland to destinations like Cappadocia, where the conditions are cooler for activities such as hiking and hot air balloon rides. If you want to stick to the popular cities like Istanbul in November, expect cooler temperatures and rain showers. But on the plus side, you will find fewer tourist crowds and lower rates. On the coast, near Antalya and Bodrum, the resorts are mostly closed for the season as the number of tourists drop with the temperature.

Do Mediterranean beaches, long sunny days and mesmerizing sunsets sound like your kind of getaway? If yes, then you can expect all this and more during your trip to Turkey this time of year. This also means that this month is the height of Turkey’s tourist season, with lively markets, eclectic shows and numerous performances on offer. Read on to find out more about why you should book your holiday to Turkey in August.

June marks the start of the high tourist season in Turkey, a time when the weather is just starting to get warmer and tourist crowds are building up. Most visitors head for coastal regions during this time to enjoy cool sea breezes from the Mediterranean and the Aegean. If you can handle the heat, there are fewer tourists and local crowds in cities like Istanbul and Ankara. This means a lot of cultural and historic monuments are relatively quiet, thereby allowing you to marvel at the history and culture of Turkey more intimately. So what else can you expect from a trip to Turkey in June? Let us find out.

December is the mildest winter month in Turkey and there are tons of spots around the country to still catch some sun or even take a dip in warm coastal waters. Much of the country is, however, covered in a cloud of gray as the rainy season makes its arrival. However, this also means that the ski season is here to stay, and this highly underrated destination still offers fantastic traveling opportunities during this time of year. Read on to find out why you should go on a trip to Turkey in December.