Discover the best time to visit Turkey! Learn about ideal weather conditions, peak tourist seasons, and regional variations for your perfect Turkish adventure.
The charm of Turkey's history is ageless, and a visit during the shoulder seasons is the icing on the cake.
Istanbul: In addition to the famous landmarks, spring means the stunning Istanbul Tulip Festival, when parks and public areas erupt into a colorful riot of tulips. This provides an added visual interest to wandering through historic districts such as Sultanahmet. The weather is also ideal for strolling around the ancient city walls or a leisurely ferry ride to the Princes' Islands.
Ankara: As the capital city emerges from its winter sleep, spring is pleasant weather to visit the Anıtkabir (Mausoleum of Atatürk) with its huge grounds and the engaging Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, located in ancient Ottoman structures.
Izmir: Visit the ancient Agora of Smyrna and the Roman ruins of Ephesus (just a short drive from Izmir) under the warm spring sun. The weather is also comfortable for visiting the quaint coastal towns south of Izmir.
Istanbul: The summer crowds have dissipated, and the air is clean and cool, perfect to return to crowded places or visit off-the-beaten-path treasures such as the Chora Church and Museum featuring breathtaking Byzantine mosaics. Autumn also sees cultural activities and festivals in the city.
Ankara: The harvest season adds a unique charm to the surrounding countryside, and the city's museums and historical sites are less crowded. Consider visiting the Ethnography Museum to learn about Turkish culture and traditions.
Izmir: The Aegean coast enjoys a warm and sunny autumn, perfect for a second visit to Ephesus or exploring the ancient city of Pergamum (Bergama), known for its impressive Acropolis.
Value Addition: Pack layers in spring and autumn since evenings might become chilly. Pre-booking accommodations and major tours is also advisable, particularly during peak weeks of these shoulder seasons.
Turkish coastlines provide varied beach experiences, and summer is without a doubt the high season.
Antalya: This area, commonly referred to as the "Turkish Riviera," has many Blue Flag beaches. Aside from sunbathing, take advantage of boat excursions to secluded coves, visits to ancient Lycian coastal ruins (such as Aspendos and Perge), and nightlife in Kaş and Kalkan.
Bodrum: Famous for its vibrant nightlife and high-end resorts, Bodrum has a combination of sandy beaches and rocky coves. Visit the Bodrum Castle and underwater archaeology museum, and revel in the vibrant marina. Day excursions to nearby Greek islands such as Kos are also favored.
Marmaris: Ringed by pine-covered hills, Marmaris has beautiful natural scenery to go with its beaches. Take a boat tour along the Dalyan River to view the Lycian tombs and the İztuzu Beach, where loggerhead sea turtles nest.
Fethiye: With the world-famous Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon), Fethiye is a paragliding and water sports haven. Visit the ghost town of Kayaköy and the ancient rock tombs cut into the cliffs.
Izmir: Izmir city proper has some city beaches, but the towns just outside, Alaçatı and Çeşme, are famous for their designer resorts, windsurfing, and quaint cobblestone lanes.
Value Addition: The summer in these areas is extremely hot, so pack lightly, drink a lot of water, and apply lots of sunscreen. Book air-conditioned accommodations and take your outdoor excursions during the cooler morning and late afternoons.
The otherworldly beauty of Cappadocia is enchanting throughout the year, but some seasons make it even better.
The pleasant weather is perfect for hiking the valleys or taking an ATV ride after your hot air balloon experience. The wildflowers in bloom paint a splash of color on the distinctive rock formations. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the Derinkuyu underground city in comfortable weather.
With the fresh air and golden light, there are breathtaking photography opportunities on the ground and during a ride in a hot air balloon. Autumn also adds its own charm to the area. Wander through the Ihlara Valley with its rock-cut churches and visit the local vineyards.
Value Addition: Hot air balloon rides are considerably weather-dependent and can be scrapped even at the last minute. Reserving your flight at the start of your stay in Cappadocia provides the added flexibility in case you may need to postpone it. Reviews on Google sometimes suggest reserving a ride from reliable and well-established balloon organizations.
Cappadocia's hill country provides adventurous winter sports adventure.
Uludağ (close to Bursa): One of Turkey's most well-known ski resorts, with a variety of slopes for all skill levels.
Palandöken (close to Erzurum): Famous for its tough slopes and longer ski season.
Erciyes (close to Kayseri): Has up-to-date facilities and beautiful views of Cappadocia in the distance.
Cappadocia: It's not a big ski resort, but the snowy landscapes are perfect for snowshoeing, winter hiking, and lovely photography. Some hotels come with cozy fireplaces and a lovely winter atmosphere.
Value Addition: Monitor snow conditions and reserve accommodation and lift tickets in advance, particularly during high holiday season. Consider adding a ski trip to exploration of nearby historical or cultural sites for a balanced winter experience.
| Month | Istanbul | Cappadocia | Antalya | Bodrum/Izmir | Ankara |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold (4-8°C), rainy, possible snow; less crowded. | Cold (-5-0°C), snowy; good views for winter. | Mild (8-15°C), rainy; quiet period. | Mild (6-12°C), rainy; quiet period. | Cold (-3-3°C), snowy; less crowded. |
| February | Cold (4-9°C), rainy, possible snow; less crowded. | Cold (-4-1°C), snowy; excellent for winter vistas. | Mild (8-16°C), rainy; quiet period. | Mild (6-13°C), rainy; quiet period. | Cold (-2-4°C), snowy; less crowded. |
| March | Mild (6-12°C), increasing sunshine; fewer crowds early month. | Cool (1-8°C), increasing sunshine; wildflowers start to appear. | Mild (10-18°C), increasing sunshine; pleasant for sightseeing. | Mild (8-15°C), increasing sunshine; pleasant for sightseeing. | Cool (1-9°C), increasing sunshine; pleasant for sightseeing. |
| April | Mild (9-17°C), sunny, Istanbul Tulip Festival; popular. | Pleasant (5-15°C), sunny; ideal for ballooning and exploring. | Warm (13-21°C), sunny; great for beaches and outdoor activities. | Warm (11-19°C), sunny; great for beaches and outdoor activities. | Pleasant (5-16°C), sunny; ideal for sightseeing. |
| May | Warm (13-22°C), sunny; very popular. | Warm (10-20°C), sunny; good for ballooning and sightseeing. | Hot (17-25°C), sunny; beach season at its peak. | Hot (15-23°C), sunny; beach season at its peak. | Warm (10-21°C), sunny; popular. |
| June | Warm (17-26°C), sunny; peak season. | Hot (15-25°C), dry; good for sightseeing early morning/late afternoon. | Hot (21-30°C), sunny; beach season at its peak. | Hot (19-27°C), sunny; beach season at its peak. | Warm (14-25°C), sunny; popular. |
| July | Hot (20-29°C), sunny; peak season. | Hot (18-28°C), dry; very hot in midday. | Hot (24-34°C), sunny; peak beach season. | Hot (22-31°C), sunny; peak beach season. | Hot (17-29°C), dry; very hot. |
| August | Hot (20-29°C), sunny; peak season. | Hot (18-28°C), dry; very hot in midday. | Hot (24-34°C), sunny; peak beach season. | Hot (22-31°C), sunny; peak beach season. | Hot (17-29°C), dry; very hot. |
| September | Warm (17-25°C), sunny; harvest time in Cappadocia; popular. | Pleasant (13-23°C), sunny, harvest time; good for ballooning. | Warm (21-30°C), sunny; sea is still warm. | Warm (20-28°C), sunny; sea is still warm. | Pleasant (13-24°C), sunny, harvest time; nice for sightseeing. |
| October | Mild (13-20°C), sunny; autumn colors in some places; popular. | Pleasant (8-18°C), sunny, autumn colors; good for ballooning. | Mild (17-25°C), sunny; nice for sightseeing. | Mild (16-24°C), sunny; nice for sightseeing. | Mild (8-19°C), sunny, autumn colors; nice for sightseeing. |
| November | Mild (9-15°C), rainy; fewer tourists. | Cool (3-11°C), occasional snowfall possible; fewer tourists. | Mild (13-21°C), rainy; fewer tourists. | Mild (12-20°C), rainy; fewer tourists. | Cool (3-12°C), occasional snowfall possible; fewer tourists. |
| December | Cold (6-11°C), rainy, possible snow; holiday decorations. | Cold (-2-5°C), snowy; holiday decorations. | Mild (10-18°C), rainy; holiday decorations. | Mild (9-17°C), rainy; holiday decorations. | Cold (-1-6°C), snowy; holiday decorations. |
Day 1: Arrive at Istanbul's airport IST. Transfer to your hotel in the Sultanahmet district. Start your discovery with the Hagia Sophia, awed by its architecture. Next, visit the adjacent Blue Mosque with its beautiful tile work. In the evening, have a traditional Turkish night meal in the Sultanahmet district.
Day 2: Get immersed in the luxurious Topkapi Palace, once the home of Ottoman sultans. Walk through its courtyards, treasury, and harem. In the afternoon, lose yourself in the lively scene of the Grand Bazaar, honing your bargaining skills. End the day with a soothing Turkish bath (Hamam) treatment.
Day 3: Explore the scented Spice Market (Misir Çarşısı), a sensory treat. Embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise to see the city skyline from a new angle, gliding past historic waterfront mansions and fortresses. In the evening, optionally, watch a Whirling Dervishes show.
Day 4: Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri Airport (ASR) and transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia (Göreme or Ürgüp). If time allows, enjoy a late afternoon walk through one of the valleys such as Pigeon Valley to appreciate the fairy chimneys.
Day 5: Rise early for a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon experience above the stunning Cappadocian scenery at dawn. Later, visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock-cut churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes. In the afternoon, explore one of the interesting underground cities such as Derinkuyu or Kaymakli.
Day 6: Explore other interesting valleys such as Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) with its fantastically shaped rock formations and Pasabag (Monk's Valley) with mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. A visit to a local pottery workshop in Avanos or a wine tasting at a Cappadocia winery may be an interesting option.
Day 7: Fly from Kayseri to Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) and check into your hotel. See Anıtkabir, the grand mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the modern founder of Turkey. Tour the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which contains an impressive collection of artifacts dating from the Paleolithic period to the Ottoman era. Have a farewell Turkish dinner in Ankara before your departure.
Ephesus, just west of the city of Selçuk, south of Izmir, was an active ancient Greek city and prominent Roman port. Due to its strategic location, it was an important commercial, religious, and cultural center for centuries.
The Library of Celsus: Perhaps the most recognizable building, its grand facade has been painstakingly rebuilt. It stored thousands of scrolls and was among the largest libraries in the ancient world.
The Great Theatre: A large amphitheater with a capacity for up to 25,000 spectators, it was utilized for performances and gladiatorial games.
The Temple of Artemis: Once among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, today it exists only in the form of foundations and a few columns but still conveys its former glory.
The House of the Virgin Mary: A place believed by both Christians and Muslims to be the resting place of the Virgin Mary.
The Terrace Houses: Providing a glimpse of the lives of affluent Ephesians, these Roman houses were well-preserved and featured stunning mosaics and frescoes.
Value Addition: Engage a local guide at the entrance for a better understanding of the history and importance of the site. Put on comfortable footwear since you will be walking a lot over uneven ground. Spring and autumn provide the most favorable weather conditions for visiting Ephesus without the searing heat of summer.
