Turkey has ancient attractions, fascinating traditions, and exceptional beaches. This landscape is so diverse that the best time to visit Turkey varies greatly depending on what you want from the trip. In 2023, nearly 50 million international visitors visited the country, a testament to its enduring appeal. While many travellers make a beeline for the serene shores of Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, there’s something for everyone among the cities, wildernesses and coastlines.
When is the best time to visit Turkey?
While summer is a popular time for tourists to visit Turkey, the best time to visit Turkey is spring, which lasts from March to May. The temperature ranges between a pleasant 10°C-25°C, and average precipitation is low, so the conditions to explore Turkey's beautiful cities and towns on foot are ideal. This, along with summer, is typically the peak tourist season in Turkey. Cappadocia, home to the iconic natural rock formations known as Fairy Chimneys, turns a beautiful bright green during this time. Hot air balloon rides over the region allow for stunning views at sunrise and sunset.
Spring is also a great time to dip in Pamukkale's thermal pools in the Büyük Menderes Valley. Pleasant temperatures mean you can spend time outdoors comfortably, and the pools also tend to be less crowded in spring than in summer.
Autumn is also a great time to visit to experience the temperature changing from warm to cool and watch the leaves change colour. In Cappadocia, the views change from green to yellow and red in this season, and they are great to take in as you fly above the rocks in the soft sunlight. Head to Artvin in northeastern Turkey for views of tall mountains bathed in fiery red and their glowing reflections in beautiful alpine lakes. Alternatively, camp out at Yedigöller National Park amidst fir, oak, maple and hazelnut trees.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
Istanbul is a popular tourist destination year-round, but visiting during the shoulder seasons (avoiding the hottest months of July and August) makes sightseeing in the city much more bearable. Some of Istanbul's grandest attractions require spending some time outside, while one of the best things to do in Istanbul is to wander aimlessly through historic neighbourhoods, so April, May, June, September, and October are best to soak up the sun without feeling too uncomfortable. The Istanbul Tulip Festival typically takes place through April, so head to Emirgan Park (which overlooks the Bosphorus), Gulhane Park or Camlica Hill to enjoy swathes of bright red, purple, yellow, white and pink tulips in bloom.
Temperatures in Turkey throughout the year
March to May: 10°C-25°C
June to August: 24°C-48°C
September to November: 12°C-28°C
December to February: 3°C-16°C
When is the low season in Turkey?
Winter (December to February) brings icy cold temperatures and snowfall to some parts of Turkey. Accommodation rates drop in these cold months when far fewer tourists fly in. Hot air balloon rides are far less frequent in Cappadocia during this time, but the region is a different kind of beautiful blanketed in pristine white snow. For those who enjoy winter adventures, this is a great time to ski in Turkey. Most travellers don’t think of Turkey as a skiing destination. Still, several ski resorts are in its high-elevation regions, including Mount Erciyes, the Ilgaz Ski Center in northern Anatolia, Davraz Ski Center in Isparta and the Sarikamiş Ski Center in Kars. Pamukkale is also covered in snow in these months, but if you can brave the cold, the natural heat of the springs is a rewarding winter experience with breathtaking views. Best of all, visiting during the low and shoulder seasons means discounted rates at some of the best hotels in Turkey.
When is the rainy season in Turkey?
Turkey does not have a “rainy season” – at least not in the tropical sense, as it is applied to destinations such as Thailand and Indonesia. However, after months of almost guaranteed sunshine between May and September, the drizzle begins at the end of the summer season, lasting between November and March through much of the country. December is officially the wettest month, and it snows in some areas of northern Turkey and Istanbul around this time.
How many days are enough for a trip to Turkey?
Give yourself seven to ten days to explore the region in Turkey. A shorter four-to-five-day trip should suffice if you plan to visit Istanbul, but if you plan to visit Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale and more, you will need at least ten days to two weeks.
- Wellness & SpasHow to relax on holiday
Do Brits need a visa for Turkey?
British citizens travelling to Turkey on a British passport do not need a visa for holidays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A visa is only required for visits exceeding 90 days within a 90-day period or for non-tourism-focused visits, i.e., for work or study in the country.
A version of this article was first published on Condé Nast Traveler India.