Best Time to Visit Ankara

Spring and autumn: the sweet spots

April to June and September to October are the months to aim for. In April you can walk up to the Citadel in Ulus (the old quarter) in a light jacket. Days are mild, and nights still turn cool. May and June are warmer and greener, but they're also the wettest of the milder months, with rain on 11 days each. Showers tend to be short, so keep a plan B like the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is brilliant for a wet afternoon.

September and October are drier. September is still warm at 28°C, and October cools to a comfortable 21°C. If you want to wander Kızılay and Çankaya's cafés and the Anıtkabir (Atatürk's mausoleum) without sweating, this is your window.

Summer and winter: hot, dry and cold

July and August are hot and dry, with sun for 12 to 13 hours a day. August is the warmest month. Afternoons on the open Citadel walls can feel harsh, so save outdoor sights for the evening and spend midday in museums. Many locals leave for the coast in summer, so the city feels calmer. Hotels are rarely packed here, as Ankara is more a business and government town than a resort.

Winter is the real low season. January is the coldest month, with lows of -4°C, grey skies and little sun. Snow is possible, and the air feels damp. February and December are a bit easier, but not by much. The upside is empty museums and warm tea houses. Try a bowl of Ankara tava (a baked lamb and rice dish) on a freezing evening. Travelling on a budget? This is when you'll have the city to yourself.

Events and picking your trip

Two national dates shape the calendar. On 23 April, Children's Day and National Sovereignty Day, you'll see parades and school events in the capital. On 29 October, Republic Day, flags cover the city and crowds head to Anıtkabir. Both fall in lovely weather, but expect busier streets and some closures.

For a city-break with lots of walking, pick April, May or September. For a short museum trip, March or November works well and costs less in effort and crowds. Skip January unless you love cold, quiet cities.