Best Time to Visit Turkey 2024: Cheapest Month, Best Weather, & More

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TURKEY?

Need to know the best time to visit Turkey so you can start planning your dream trip?  With unique historical sites, flavorful cuisines, beautiful terrains, and an abundance of natural reserves, Turkey is the perfect family holiday.

But before booking that dream trip overseas, it’s important to understand what season will have the best weather – after all no one wants to spend their time away shivering in a winter storm! Thankfully, this guide can help you decide when is the best time to travel to Turkey so that you can make sure you to plan the perfect trip.

Best Time to Visit Turkey & Climate

The overall best time to visit Turkey is between the months of May and October. This period offers warmer temperatures, pleasant humidity levels, clear skies, and plenty of sunshine – perfect for sightseeing!

June through August tend to be the hottest months, with July being the warmest and August usually having slightly cooler temperatures. Turkey does have all four seasons, with something to enjoy in each of them.

✅ Spring in Turkey

For those who don’t mind a bit of chill in the air, spring can be the best time to visit Turkey. Starting from early March until late May, temperatures are generally mild and pleasant – perfect for enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking or sightseeing.

The days tend to be rather dry, with occasional periods of rain. Plus, it’s the best time to catch a glimpse of beautiful flowers blooming throughout the country!

Spring Temperatures: Mild with some Spring showers.

✅ Fall in Turkey

Autumn (September, October, and November) is another great time to travel in Turkey, with temperatures beginning to cool down from September onwards. The days are usually mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as exploring historical sites, hiking, or visiting national parks.

We recommend a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia in the fall. If you’re visiting the Turkish coast, you can still enjoy plentiful sunshine and swim in the sea. Other areas, such as Istanbul may have rain late fall leading into the winter months.

Fall Temperatures: Warm but mild with rain starting in the late fall in some regions.

✅ Summer in Turkey

The summer months in Turkey (June, July, and August) tend to be very hot, especially on the Mediterranean coast. Temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius on average, making it quite uncomfortable for outdoor activities unless you are in the water.

Additionally, humidity levels tend to be high, and the days are often quite dry with an occasional popup shower. However, if you don’t mind the heat, summer can be a great time to visit Turkey as there are usually plenty of festivals and events taking place throughout the country.

Plus, it’s the perfect time to go to your favorite beach and swim on the Turkish coastline.

Summer Temperatures: Hot with high humidity in the coastal regions

✅ Winter in Turkey

Winter in Turkey (December, January, and February) are typically cold with rain and snow depending on what region of Turkey you are visiting.  There may be rain and snow in Istanbul, while it is the rainy season on the Mediterranean coast.

There are still plenty of sunny days during the winter, but it may not be the best time to visit Turkey because the weather is unpredictable.

Winter Temperatures: Cold with rain and possible snow Next, we’ll look at the travel seasons in Turkey and what to expect during each period.

Travel Seasons in Turkey by Month

When you’re trying to decide the best time to visit Turkey, there are general travel seasons to review for trip planning. Each season brings its own pros and cons for your travel in Turkey. Following are details on the travel seasons in Turkey by month to get you started.

High Season – June to August

High season is June through August with the largest number of travelers visiting Turkey.  It can be more expensive to travel during this time. Accommodation and flight prices tend to be higher due to increased demand, and you may find that some attractions are quite crowded, especially in larger cities.

Be sure to book your flights and hotels as soon as possible if you plan to visit Turkey in the high season so you have the best options to choose from.

Shoulder Season – April & May | September & October

The shoulder season are the months leading up to and after the high season in Turkey. April & May or September & October are considered ideal times to visit Turkey because the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.

You’ll see prices slightly lower during the shoulder season with many of the travel activities and experiences in full swing. We highly recommend this time to travel to Turkey.

Low Season – November to March

Low season November through mid-to-late March with few travelers visiting Turkey. The costs are typically lower for flights and accommodations. You’ll find the major sites open throughout Turkey, but there may be many restaurants and cafes with fewer hours or closed during the low season.

Also, there will be fewer direct in-country flight options. Traveling to Turkey in the low season will save money although you may have temperamental weather. Now that you know about the travel seasons in Turkey, we’ll share the best month to travel to Turkey during the year.

What is the Best Month to Visit Turkey

The best month to visit Turkey in our opinion is September and October. The weather is still warm but not hot. You can easily enjoy any destination around the country including time on the Turkish coast.

Also, there are fewer travelers which means lower costs and opportunities to explore without the mass tourists that are in Turkey in the high season.

The second best month to visit Turkey is in April and May. The weather is beginning to warm up making it perfect for being outside an ideal time to explore. Visiting Istanbul in the spring promises millions of tulips in bloom making it one of the most beautiful times of the year to travel in Turkey. 

If you want to swim in the Mediterranean Sea, mid to late May is your best bet although the water may still me a little cold. Next, we’ll look at the best time to visit Turkey to save money.

Cheapest Time to Visit Turkey        

The overall best time to visit Turkey to save on travel costs is typically from November to the end of April. During this time, temperatures are cooler and hotel accommodations tend to be less expensive.

Additionally, many attractions across the country offer discounts for visitors during this time. If you’re looking to save some money on your trip, planning a trip to Turkey during the winter or spring will be your best bet.

✔️ Cost to Visit Turkey in Winter

Traveling to Turkey in the winter can be a great way to save money without sacrificing on experience. Winter is generally considered the off-season for tourists, so you’ll often find lower prices on accommodations and flights.

Plus, there are still plenty of activities that you can enjoy during this time of year – from skiing and snowboarding in the mountains to visiting some of Turkey’s iconic historical sites. And with fewer crowds around, you’ll most of the sites to yourself when you visit.  

So, if you’re looking for an affordable vacation destination, consider booking your Turkey trip during the winter months.

✔️ Cost to Visit Turkey in Spring

Visiting Turkey in the spring can be a great way to experience the country’s culture and natural beauty without breaking the bank. With temperatures beginning to warm up from March onwards, it is an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking and visiting historical sites.

Additionally, prices tend to be lower during this time of year due to fewer tourists around – making it a great option for budget travelers! So, if you’re looking for a vacation destination that won’t compromise on experiences while still staying within your budget, consider booking your trip in spring.

✔️ Cost to Visit Turkey in the Fall

Our personal favorite time to visit Turkey is in the Fall. Fall is an off-season for tourists, so you’ll often find lower prices on accommodations and flights during this time of year.

Additionally, temperatures tend to be mild and pleasant during this period – perfect for sightseeing or exploring historical sites, plus the coastal regions are still warm enough to swim!

✔️ Cost to Visit Turkey in the Summer

Summer is the peak season for tourism in Turkey, so it can be a bit more expensive to travel during this time. Ideally, summer is not the best time to visit Turkey if you’re trying to stick to a tight budget.

Accommodation and flight prices tend to be higher due to increased demand, and you may find that some attractions are also more crowded. However, if you plan and take advantage of discounts or special offers on flights and hotels, it’s still possible to save money while enjoying your trip.

Additionally, there are plenty of festivals and events taking place throughout the country during the summer months – perfect for those looking for an exciting cultural experience.

Following, we’ll share all the details on some of the major festivals and public holidays in Turkey.

Best Time to Visit Turkey FAQs

Get all your burning questions answered about when the best time to visit Turkey. See below for all the details.

When is the Worst Time to Visit Turkey?

The worst time to visit Turkey is in the winter when the weather is unpredictable and cold.  The winter is the rainy season and depending on where you travel, you may have snow as well.

When is the Rainy Season in Turkey?

The rainy season in Turkey is from November to February. If you’re traveling in Turkey during the rainy season, be sure to bring your rain gear such as a rain jacket, umbrella, and waterproof shoes.

Top Festivals & Events in Turkey

There are many popular festivals and events to attend during your trip. Below is our guide to the most popular events so you can decide the best time to visit Turkey.

International Istanbul Film Festival

The festival starts on the last Saturday of March and lasts for 2 weeks. For schedules and tickets, check the website at www.iksv.org.

Istanbul Tulip Festival

The Tulip Festival is annual celebration in Istanbul at Gulhane Park. The tulips are typically in bloom in April.

International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival

See live performances at the largest open amphitheater built in Asia Minor in Antalya in June and July. Visit the Antalya State Opera and Ballet website for performance details. www.antdob.gov.tr

International Istanbul Music Festival

The music festival features classical, opera, and ballet from Mid-June to mid-July. Visit the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts to get all the details. www.iksv.org

Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Championship

The national sport of oil wrestling is held around the country in late June and July. Visit www.kirkpinar.com for details.

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival

The hot air balloon festival takes place in Goreme over the summer with amazing balloons from around the world. There are 2 morning sessions and 1 evening sessions to see hundreds of balloons in the air.

See our top picks for the best Cappadocia tours.

International Mountain Biking Stage Race and Festival

At the end of June each year, the towns of Goreme and Urgup hold the mountain biking festival to explore the fairy chimneys & volcanic rock pathways.

Izmir World Fair

The Izmiri World Fair is a week-long annual tradeshow that is over 90 years old. A mix of culture and food with concerts, movies, street performances and delicious food.

Istanbul Jazz Festival

Jazz performances are held throughout the city. See the website for details. www.iksv.org

Grape Harvest Festival

Visit the island of Bozcaada to attend the annual grape festival for 2 days of fun. Plan ahead for this one at the end of July.

Official National Holidays in Turkey

If you’re traveling in Turkey during public holidays, your trip will not be affected much unless you are visiting smaller villages or off-the-beaten-path locations.  It’s best to be aware of the national holidays so that you can plan the best time for you to visit.

• January 1 – New Year’s Day
• April 23 – National Sovereignty & Children’s Day
• May 1 – Labor & Solidarity Day
• May 19 – Youth & Sports Day
• July 15 –  Democracy & National Unity Day
• August 30 – Victory Day
• October 29 – Republic Day
• Ramazan Bayrami – Ramadan Feast: 3 day religious holiday after the end of  Ramadan. (dates vary each year)
• Kurban Bayrami – Sacrifice Feast: 4 day religious holiday (dates vary each year)

So, When is the Best Time to Visit Turkey?

The best time to visit Turkey depends on where you want to go and what type of weather you enjoy when you travel. Turkey is a truly wonderful destination that has something to offer for everyone regardless of when you visit Turkey.

Whether you’re looking for historic sites and cultural exploration, stunning natural sights, or exciting nightlife scenes, Turkey has it all. With its unique blend of ancient history and modern culture, there’s no better time than now to plan your trip to this incredible country.

From the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia to the hot springs of Pamukkale, from Ephesus’ archaeological ruins to the Turkish Riviera—you’ll be sure to find an unforgettable experience waiting for you in Turkey.