The greatest thing about Turkey is that it has many things to do, regardless of the season. Choose the best time to visit Turkey, depending on your needs.
Shoulder seasons: April-May, September-October
These months are suitable for discovering historic sites and nature. The weather, warm enough for swimming, and the abundance of cultural events make this the perfect time to travel.
Peak season: June - August
In these months, the temperature starts rising, and you might experience the hottest time of the year. Summer is the best time for those who want to relax by the sea. If you plan to travel, it’s best to choose more chilly weather with less sun.
Low season: November - March
Almost nobody is traveling this time of year, and you can savor the free space around you. The local weather between the end of autumn and the beginning of spring is usually wet and cold. If you prefer to spend time outdoors, you might enjoy some seasonal sports, but this climate is not comfortable for everyone.
January
January here is rainy and chilly. The average temperature this time of the year is +3°C (day) and -5°C (night). Antalya and Adana have the warmest temperatures (6–15 degrees Celsius). Most items in the country are underpriced in January because almost no tourists arrive. You can start by seeing more than 40 attractions with a skip pass. Local weather is +3°C–9°C, which lies within the limits of an average European winter.
February
It can snow in certain regions of the country, but you can expect rain for half of the month. However, February is a drier month than January. The average daily temperature is +5°C (day) and -4°C (night). Antalya and Bodrum are the warmest cities (6–14 °C). February is perfect for visiting local sights and diving into local history. Visit the Grand Bazaar and Eminonu Square, the famous Turkish markets. On our tour, you will learn a lot and do some shopping.
March
This month signifies the middle between winter and spring. It is raining a lot in the Black Sea region, but the weather is getting better. In March, it's usually 11°C during the day and -2°C at night. Adana and Antalya are the warmest cities (8°C – 20°C).
If you travel to the largest city in Turkey, try to avoid the rain. However, you can entertain yourself by learning to prepare traditional Turkish food in March. Six different recipes will give you an understanding of Turkish cuisine.
April
April is the driest month of spring, with almost no rain occurring. Istanbul is the dampest city in Turkey, where it rains for half a month. It usually gets to 16°C during the day and +3°C at night. The warmest regions to visit are Izmir and Manisa (10°C–22°C).
In April, air-balloon flights start launching in Cappadocia. This is the best time and place in the world to try air ballooning.
May
Turkey at the end of spring is something between warm and hot. It rains for half the month, and the average daily temperature is 20°C (and +6°C at night). The warmest regions are Antalya and Hatay (14/16°C–26/28°C).
Travel to the Sea of Marmara on a relaxing cruise to the highly demanded archipelago. You will enjoy the Princes' Islands, the best tourist destination in Turkey. In this silent place, no automobiles are allowed, and you can escape the city noise.
June
June is hot in almost every region in Turkey. It usually rains for 1/3 of the month. The daily temperature in Turkey in June is 25°C, and at night it can reach 9°C. You can expect the hottest weather in Diyarbakir and Adana (17/20°C–32/34°C).
One of the best things to do at the beginning of the summer is the Bosphorus cruise. Spend a perfect evening on the water with a stunning view of the Bosphorus.
July
July is the hottest month of the year in Turkey. The average daily temperature in July is 28°C, and at night it reduces to 12°C. Maras is the warmest place in July (22°C–36°C).
If you are an extreme lover, stick with ATV biking in the Belgrad forest. ATV biking is one opportunity to escape from the heat—you’ll go with the fresh breeze on the poor adrenaline. Our instructors will teach you all the basics of driving the quad bike.
On July 3–7, 2022, the Cappadocia Balloon Festival will take place. On the festival, more than 50 air balloons will be floating in the sky on this festival, each shaped uniquely.
August
August is the best month of summer, having a peak of warmth. Most tourists are stocking up on beaches, and cultural sites are becoming more accessible to travelers.
The average daily temperature in Turkey is 28 °C during the day and 12 °C at night, and the climate is dry. The warmest city is Maras, where the temperature stays the same as in July.
We recommend trying sea kayaking in Kas. Here, enjoy doing sports, seeing the Crusader Castle, Simena Sarcophagus, et cetera.
September
In September, it’s mostly dry and temperatures cool down after the peak of summer warmth. You should travel to Turkey in September if you want to avoid crowds.
The average daily temperature is 25°C, and the average night temperature is 8°C. Adana is the warmest city (20°C–33°C).
Rafting and buggy safari test people’s stamina. All participants take lessons in advance.
October
October is the best month to travel to Turkey. For two weeks, it is cool and rainy (60mm), and the other two weeks are warm and sunny.
The average temperature in October is +18°C during the day and +3°C at night. The warmest cities are Adana (16 °C–29 °C) and Hatay (15 °C–28 °C). Temperatures in Istanbul can reach 14–20 °C.
On a warm day, explore the Asian area of this city.
November
You can expect some warmth in Turkey in the beginning of November, but most of the month is rainy (139 mm of rainfall per week).
The average temperature in November is 11°C daily and -1°C nightly. The sun is the strongest in Adana and Antalya (11–21°C).
If you want to see Istanbul at night, the best option is to ride a segway through the main attractions.
December
December is the warmest winter month in Turkey. Some of the areas of Turkey remain dry; some are snowing and raining. Half of December is rainy (52mm of water).
The daily average temperature is +5 °C and the nightly temperature is -3 °C. Antalya and Izmir are the warmest cities (+17 and +8°C).
You can attend the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival in the middle of December. Their dance symbolizes resurrection from death and touches people’s hearts. On chilly days, stay indoors and try this unusual experience out. The festival happens just once a year, but the show at Hodja Pasha culture center takes place repeatedly.
How long to stay in Turkey?
It really depends on your plans.
72 hours
We would recommend staying in Turkey for longer to explore its broad culture and the famous landmarks. However, a short trip is also an option. We recommend choosing one city and trying to do as many enthralling things as possible.
Chill out on day 1
For example, take a bath at the oldest hamam in Turkey.
Travel to Istanbul on day 2
We have mentioned some of the best tours above.
Go shopping on day 3
You can either go shopping at Grand Bazaar or take our luxurious shopping tour.
Week
A week is enough to see the main sights of Turkey. The program of your vacation may be the following:
On day 1, research religion
Visit the leading mosques in the country.
On day 2, visit the Grand Bazaar and walk around the city
When it’s warm in Turkey, yacht cruises are available.
After spending 48 hours here, you can travel somewhere else. We recommend these destinations:
On day 3, head to the Princes’ Islands
The Princes’ Islands are the perfect spot to relax, travel, and take photos.
On the 4 day, explore ancient Ephesus
An unusual destination for tourists, Ephesus was an ancient Greek city in the past. You will love its architecture and history.
On the 5 day, travel to Cappadocia
Confirm that the weather on the day of the flight is good, so the air balloon flight will not be canceled. This popular local attraction is running all year long.
On the 6 day, visit Pamukkale
Here, you can either paraglide or soak in a therapeutic bath.
On day 7, do whatever you want
If you’re staying by the sea when it’s warm, you can do plenty of activities, from swimming and yachting to kayaking. If the weather is cold, visit a spa. If you want good weather, just choose a city where it’s warm all year round (Antalya, Alanya, et cetera).
Two weeks
Two weeks may be an optimal time to visit Turkey:
Days 1-3 - Istanbul
The E-Pass covers the best city attractions during the day. Night Istanbul is worth discovering: it’s especially magical after sunset.
Days 4-5 - Cappadocia
An air-balloon experience is not the only local amusement. Some other things to do are a jeep safari and horseback riding.
Day 6 - Bosphorus cruise
A vacation in Turkey seems impossible without going on a sea cruise.
Day 7 - Topkapi Palace and Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
Understanding the religion of the country might be a decisive factor in understanding its culture.
Day 8-9 - Antalya
You can visit Land of Legends, a local park of attractions, ride a cable car above the sea and learn to ride a quad bike.
Day 10-11 - Ankara
Local neighborhoods will show you the lives of locals.
Days 12-13 - Kusadasi and Ephesus
Ephesus is a beautiful ancient city, while Kusadasi, located nearby, is a worthwhile beach resort town.
Day 14 - Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a town with mineral-rich waters, a true natural miracle, and a place to relax.
To plan the perfect vacation in Turkey, choose from the experiences on our website
