Turkey
The best time to visit
When to go to Turkey
Go in spring, April to May, or autumn, September to October, for warm, comfortable days and lighter crowds. Summer is hot and busy on the coast, and winter is cool, with skiing inland.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Istanbul. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around May.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
The quietest, cheapest stretch of the year.
In short
The year at a glance
Turkey bridges Europe and Asia and its climate varies just as much. The month ratings track Istanbul, where spring and autumn bring the most pleasant weather, summer is hot and humid and winter is cool and wet, with the odd snowfall.
The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts run hotter and stay warm later into autumn, while the high interior, including Cappadocia, has cold winters and warm summers. The shoulder seasons suit almost everywhere at once.
Month by month
Turkey month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Istanbul.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 105 mm | Good 47 | Cold with a little rain. |
| February | 9°C / 48°F | 3°C / 37°F | 80 mm | Good 49 | Cold with a little rain. |
| March | 11°C / 52°F | 4°C / 39°F | 70 mm | Great 61 | Cool with a little rain. |
| April | 16°C / 61°F | 8°C / 46°F | 45 mm | Ideal 83 | Cool and dry. |
| May | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 54°F | 35 mm | Ideal 100 | Mild and dry. Istanbul hotels in May |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 16°C / 61°F | 35 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Istanbul hotels in June |
| July | 28°C / 82°F | 19°C / 66°F | 35 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Istanbul hotels in July |
| August | 28°C / 82°F | 19°C / 66°F | 40 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 61°F | 60 mm | Ideal 94 | Warm with a little rain. |
| October | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 54°F | 90 mm | Ideal 82 | Mild with a little rain. |
| November | 15°C / 59°F | 8°C / 46°F | 100 mm | Great 73 | Cool with a little rain. |
| December | 11°C / 52°F | 5°C / 41°F | 120 mm | Good 56 | Cool and wet. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Istanbul and the northwest
Best in spring and autumn for the mosques, bazaars and Bosphorus. Summers are hot, winters cool and grey.
The Aegean and Mediterranean coast
Long, hot summers and a warm shoulder into October for the beaches and ancient ruins around Bodrum and Antalya.
Cappadocia and the interior
Spring and autumn for balloon flights and mild walking weather. Summers are hot and dry, winters cold and snowy.
Go for
Best time to visit Turkey for
Istanbul and culture
April to May and September to October for comfortable sightseeing and the Bosphorus at its best.
Cappadocia and balloons
Spring and autumn for the calmest, clearest mornings for hot-air ballooning over the valleys.
Beaches and ruins
June to September on the Turquoise Coast, or the warm shoulder months to dodge the peak heat.
Fewer crowds
November and the early spring bring cooler weather, quiet sites and better value.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Tulip season, April
Istanbul's parks fill with millions of tulips, the flower's historic home.
Coast season, June to Sep
The Aegean and Mediterranean shores are warm, sunny and made for swimming.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Turkey
Compare hotels and rentals around Istanbul, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Turkey?
When is the best time for Cappadocia?
Is the Turkish coast good in summer?
Where else, and when
Every country on one map, or jump straight to another guide.