Best Time to Visit Turkey

Spring and autumn win almost everywhere

If you only remember one thing, remember this: April to May and October are good nearly everywhere in Turkey. Days are warm, not scorching. Sights like Ephesus near Izmir, Istanbul's Topkapı Palace and Cappadocia's valleys are far more pleasant to walk around.

The coast stays swimmable longer than you'd think. Antalya, Izmir and Bodrum are all at their best in October and November, when the sea still holds summer heat and the beach clubs are quieter.

How the regions differ

Summer splits the country. August hits Antalya at 38°C, and Diyarbakir and Gaziantep in the southeast reach 41°C and 38°C in July. That's tough for walking around old bazaars or the Zeugma mosaics in Gaziantep. Go in April, May or October instead.

Istanbul is the easy one. Its best window runs from May to July, then September to October, because sea breezes keep August at 30°C. Ankara, Konya and Kayseri on the central plateau suit April to June and September to October. Winter there is cold and can be snowy, though that's good for Cappadocia's quiet, cosy feel.

Winter is the wet season on the coasts. January is the wettest month in Antalya, Bodrum and Izmir. Ankara is the odd one out, with June its wettest month, so pack a rain jacket for a late-spring visit.

Holidays and crowds

High season on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts runs roughly June to early September, when Turkish families and European visitors fill Bodrum and Antalya. Expect full beaches and higher hotel rates. Low season, roughly November to March, means many beach resorts shut down, though cities stay open.

Two religious holidays shift each year because they follow the lunar calendar: Ramazan Bayramı (marking the end of Ramadan) and Kurban Bayramı (the Feast of Sacrifice). Buses, flights and coastal hotels sell out as locals head home or on holiday. Shops may close for a few days.

During Ramadan itself, Istanbul and the coast carry on as normal. In smaller central and eastern towns, some restaurants close during daylight. Check the dates before you book.

National days matter too. On 29 October, Republic Day, expect parades and flags in Ankara and Istanbul, plus busy transport.