Best time to visit in

Turkey

Weather & Temperature

Spring into early summer with comfortable warmth. Istanbul/Marmara averages 12–25°C with moderate humidity and light spring showers; Aegean & Mediterranean coasts 18–30°C with mostly dry, sunny days and sea 18–24°C; Central Anatolia (Cappadocia) 5–25°C with cool nights; Eastern Anatolia 0–20°C, lingering snow at altitude. Air quality is crisp, pollen can be high.

What to Expect

Blooming landscapes, long daylight, and the best all‑round conditions for covering multiple regions in one trip. Crowds and prices begin to climb toward late May–June, but sightseeing remains pleasant. Balloons in Cappadocia fly frequently, though wind can still cause occasional cancellations.

Key Events & Festivals

• Istanbul Tulip Festival (April)
• Istanbul Film Festival (April)
• Hıdrellez Spring Festival (May 5–6)
• Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival (typically May–Nov)
• Ramadan and Eid al‑Fitr (dates vary by lunar calendar)

Recommended Activities

• Bosphorus cruise and old city touring in Istanbul
• Cappadocia hot‑air balloon ride and valley hikes (Red/Rose, Ihlara)
• Day trips to Ephesus, Pamukkale, Pergamon
• Lycian Way day hikes around Kaş/Kalkan
• Gulet cruising from Bodrum or Fethiye
• Paragliding in Ölüdeniz (milder conditions)

Travel Tips

• Book hot‑air balloons and gulet cruises early for May/June weekends.
• Pack layers—nights are cool in Cappadocia and inland areas; carry a light rain jacket for spring showers.
• If visiting during Ramadan/Eid, expect adjusted hours for some eateries and attractions—reserve intercity transport in advance.
• From India, nonstop flights to Istanbul typically take 6–8 hours; consider open‑jaw routing (Istanbul in, Antalya out) to reduce backtracking.
• Start outdoor visits early and use sun protection even in spring.

Weather & Temperature

Hot, dry summer. Aegean & Mediterranean coasts 28–35°C (peaks of 40°C in August) with very low rainfall; sea 24–29°C. Istanbul 25–32°C with high humidity. Central Anatolia 15–35°C with intense sun. Black Sea coast 20–28°C, humid with occasional showers. Wildfire risk can rise on the Aegean/Mediterranean in high heat and wind.

What to Expect

Beach high season with lively promenades, festivals, and the longest days. Coastal prices and crowds peak in late July–August; inland ruins can be scorching at mid‑day. Better value and cooler air are found in the Black Sea highlands and higher‑altitude plateaus.

Key Events & Festivals

• Istanbul Jazz Festival (July)
• Aspendos Opera & Ballet Festival (June–September)
• Bodrum Ballet Festival (August)
• Izmir International Fair (early September)
• Eid al‑Adha/Kurban Bayramı (dates vary by lunar calendar)

Recommended Activities

• Beach‑hopping on the Turquoise Coast (Antalya, Kaş, Kalkan, Fethiye, Bodrum)
• Sailing/blue cruise, sea kayaking and diving around Kekova
• Paragliding in Ölüdeniz
• Early‑morning tours of Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia ballooning
• Highland hikes around Rize/Trabzon (Ayder, Pokut) on the Black Sea
• White‑water rafting in Köprülü Canyon

Travel Tips

• Book coastal hotels well ahead for July–August; June and September are quieter with similar sea temps.
• Plan outdoor sightseeing at sunrise/sunset and take a mid‑day break; hydrate and use strong sun protection.
• Expect peak pricing on the coast; inland Anatolia and the Black Sea offer better summer value.
• Use domestic flights for long distances—Turkey is large and summer traffic can be heavy.
• Vegetarian and halal options are common in cities/resorts; carry snacks for remote hikes.

Weather & Temperature

Autumn shifts to winter. October is mild (coasts 15–25°C; Istanbul 12–20°C). From November to March, coasts turn cool and rainy (8–18°C) while inland gets cold: Cappadocia −5 to 10°C with snow; Eastern Anatolia can drop below −20°C. Rainfall peaks Nov–Dec on the west and south coasts; humidity rises around Istanbul. Seas cool from ~22°C in October to the mid‑teens by winter.

What to Expect

Quieter museums and ruins, soft golden light, and the best hotel deals (except New Year and major events). Some coastal resorts scale back operations Nov–Mar. Mountain areas offer reliable snow for winter sports. Shorter daylight and occasional weather‑related transport disruptions.

Key Events & Festivals

• Republic Day (October 29)
• Istanbul Marathon (November)
• Rumi Commemoration/Şeb‑i Arus in Konya (December 7–17)
• New Year celebrations (December 31)
• Camel Wrestling Festival, Selçuk (January–February)
• Nowruz/Newroz (around March 21, especially in the east)

Recommended Activities

• Istanbul’s museums, mosques, bazaars, and food tours
• Cappadocia ballooning (weather‑permitting) and valley walks on clear mornings
• Skiing/snowboarding at Uludağ, Erciyes, or Palandöken
• Exploring Ephesus, Troy, and other ruins with minimal crowds
• Soaking in Pamukkale’s thermal pools and spa escapes in Afyon/Bursa/Yalova
• Eastern Turkey journeys (Kars & Ani; Eastern Express) in winter scenery

Travel Tips

• October is excellent for sightseeing and the coasts; from November pack warm layers, waterproofs, and non‑slip footwear.
• Check seasonal schedules—some coastal hotels, ferries, and tours reduce or pause services Nov–Mar.
• Allow buffer time for possible weather‑related delays on flights/ferries and road closures in snow.
• Balloon rides are weather‑dependent—plan 2–3 nights in Cappadocia for flexibility.
• Look for off‑season city hotel promotions and museum passes for savings.
• For snow sports, the most reliable conditions are typically late December to February.