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Best time to visit Turkey
The best time to visit Turkey is entirely dependent on what activities you wish to participate in and what region you plan to visit. If you want a relaxing holiday spent at the beach or lounging by the pool, with consistently glorious sunshine then June to August are the best months to visit. These are the peak summer months which means tourism is at its highest and prices of accommodation and excursions are considerably more expensive compared to other times of the year. Alternatively, if you want to visit all the famous historical sites that Turkey has to offer then March to May and September to November are the best times to visit. The weather is milder during these times and prices and tourism are much lower compared to other times of the year.
Average weather in Turkey
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Weather in Turkey
Overall Turkey has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot dry summer months and milder, wetter winters. Around the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, summer temperatures often exceed 30 degrees Centigrade and the regions can become quite humid. Away from the coast, Turkey’s interior experiences a more continental climate with summer highs of over 40 degrees and winter months when temperatures can drop below freezing. In the north, on the Black Sea there is often high rainfall levels throughout the year with the summer months becoming very humid, whilst the Eastern Mountain regions have a harsh weather profile with long cold, snowy winters and only a short mild summer.
Seasonality in Turkey
Turkey has two distinct seasons; peak season and low season. Throughout peak season, Turkey is busy, and prices are higher compared to other times of the year. Alternatively, Turkey is considerably quieter and more budget-friendly during low season when a number of hotels and restaurants close.
Peak season in Turkey
Turkey’s peak season occurs between June and August, which is during the height of summer and when the weather is at its warmest. Throughout the peak season, you can expect Turkish resorts to be crowded with both tourists and locals alike. Prices of flights, excursions and accommodation are also considerably higher compared to other times of the year and often at full capacity so make sure you book your holiday to Turkey well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Low season in Turkey
Turkey's off-season runs from November to March, encompassing the winter months. With the cooler weather, there's significantly less tourism, and you'll find that flight prices, excursions, and accommodation are much more budget-friendly compared to the peak season. Keep in mind that due to the chillier temperatures, many accommodations and restaurants along the coast tend to close during this period.
Traditional Baklava Photo credit: Unsplash
The Grand BazaarPhoto credit: Unsplash
New adventuresPhoto credit: Unsplash
Historic cities Photo credit: Unsplash
Stunning landscapesPhoto credit: Unsplash
Holidays in Turkey
Holidays in Turkey offer a mix of honeycomb-hued beaches, historical ventures, and indulging in delicious kunefe desserts. It’s the European hotspot with a laid-back vibe and so much to see and do.
The best time to go to the beach and soak up the sun in Turkey is in summer, from June to September. The weather is hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. The sea is pleasantly warm, offering a refreshing respite from the sun.
Overall, diving is possible in Turkey all year round. However, the main diving season occurs from May to November. During these months, water temperatures are at their warmest, and visibility can extend up to 30 metres. Keep in mind that diving conditions might vary depending on your location in Turkey, with June to August being the best time for diving on the northern coast.
While Turkey isn't a renowned surfing destination due to inconsistent waves, surfing is possible between September and May in the Black Sea region along the north coast. It's advisable to steer clear of attempting to surf in Turkey during June to August.
Month by month guide to visiting Turkey
Turkey in January
January tends to be a lot cooler compared with the rest of the year, with average temperatures of 7°C and up to three inches of rain. It’s best to pack extra layers for the colder evenings. Holidays in January are ideal for anyone who likes to avoid scorching summer heat.
Turkey in February
Temperatures rise a notch in February, with 9°C on average. February offers a blend of sunny and cloudy days, with up to six hours of sunshine each day. Join the celebrations at the Lantern Festival – one of the most magical festivals to experience in your lifetime. It’s a majestic display of gleaming lanterns lighting up the sky, a true Walt Disney-like moment that will leave you gob-smacked.
Turkey in March
March in Turkey brings a pleasant climate, with average temperatures hovering at around 13°C. As March stays relatively dry with only two inches of rain, it's the best time to get stuck into vibrant festivals. Istanbul Dance Festival reflects Turkish history through live dance performances, workshops and delicious food. The Camel Wrestling Festival starts in January and ends in March: it is a national, annual event held in Selcuk near the ancient remains of Ephesus. As the name suggests, camels wrestle to become crowned the winner
Turkey in April
Joyful April brings more sunshine to Turkey, with up to 13 hours of daylight per day. The warm weather can reach up to 16°C on average, and the sea temperatures create the perfect environment for a gentle paddle in the glistening ocean. For film and production enthusiasts, the Istanbul International Film Festival won’t disappoint: after all, movie premiers during the time when dolphins are migrating to the Black Sea is an incredible experience.
Turkey in May
May marks the start of the European summer and is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of summer crowds. The temperatures hover at 23 °C. on average, boasting a hot climate with a comfortable breeze to keep you cool. Evenings tend to get cooler, but it’s the perfect climate for sightseeing excursions in historical settlements such as Ephesus or Pamukkale.
Turkey in June
Blistering sunshine continues through to June, kicking off the peak season with hot and dry weather, averaging highs of 28°C. The rain spells vanish, and you can take advantage of balmy beach days by the turquoise sea with a cocktail in hand. Antalya, nestled on the South Coast, is one of Turkey’s most renowned spots, teeming with boundless beauty and lavish resorts. The sea can reach bathtub temperatures of 25 degrees, and the verdant highlands offer striking scenery for hiking. If you wish to pay a captivating tribute to the ancient legend of Troy, head to the annual festival at the Çanakkale archaeological site.
Turkey in July
July hits the peak of summertime, bringing humidity and up to 13 hours of daily sunshine. Evenings get warmer, and the Mediterranean Sea can reach up to 27 °C, resembling a mild hot tub. July is the best time for swimming, paddleboarding and snorkelling, as the waters remain soothingly calm with little to no breeze.
Turkey in August
If serious heat motivates you, August in Turkey is perfect, with temperatures sizzling at 31°C on average. The pearl-soft beaches are occupied by bronzed 'beach bums' and 'surf dudes,' and the climate stays dry with a sprinkle of rain possible. Humidity levels get quite high, and plenty of thatched umbrellas and natural foliage provide shade.
Turkey in September
September in Turkey remains hot and dry, making it a dazzling time to visit with an inch of average rainfall. The month offers long hours of sunshine, up to 11 hours per day. Soak up the sun by the pool or let the warm waters entice you to try out any number of watersports.
Turkey in October
As we get into autumn, October in Turkey is the shoulder season with temperatures sitting comfortably in the early twenties. Turks celebrate Republic Day, or Cumhuriyet Bayrami, which commemorates the creation of the Turkish Republic by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1923. The country comes alive on 29th October with parades, concerts, vibrant fireworks and traditional performances.
Turkey in November
November boasts mild temperatures with an average of 15°C, ideal for holidaymakers to explore Turkish history and culture. Rain showers slightly increase to two inches per month, yet November still offers five hours of sunshine daily. For the highest temperatures, Antalya and Fethiye regions are the best choices.
Turkey in December
December marks one of the coldest months of the year in Turkey with cooler temperatures of 9°C on average. Nevertheless, it's a wonderful time to visit. Discover the Whirling Dervishes Festival, also known as the Mevlana Festival, celebrated to remember the great Sufi poet and philosopher who introduced the Mevlevi order. The event combines music, poetry and graceful movements to appreciate the traditional culture of Sufi.
Best time to visit Turkey frequently asked questions
The best time to enjoygood weather and warm sunshine is between June and August, which coincides with the high season. April and May, in spring, offer perfect conditions with pleasant temperatures.
The dry season in Turkey extends over the high season, between June and August. During this period, the climate is hot and dry and rainfall is very low.
The rainy season runs in conjunction with the low season, which starts in November and ends at the beginning of March.
The quietest time in Turkey occurs during the low season from November to March.
The peak season in Turkey lasts from June to August, during the summer months. At that time, the weather is hot and sultry, perfect for making the most of your Turkish seascape.
The low season in Turkey coincides with the rainy season during the winter months, running from November to March.