Turkey in October: Travel Tips, Weather & Events
Turkey in October is a traveler’s dream. You miss the heat of the summer, but can still enjoy all the sites of the different regions of Turkey without worrying too much about crazy weather. There are plenty of local events happening throughout the country, plus a bonus is anything that gets you outside.
Read on to learn more about weather, events, what to do, and travel tips for Turkey in October.
Weather in Turkey in October
If I had to give you the perfect month to be in Turkey, October would be it. While the temperatures start to cool down around the country, it’s the perfect time to plan your itinerary to be outside. If you’re visiting the coastal regions during the beginning of the month, the water is still warm enough for a swim and the sunshine is plentiful for beach days with the family.
Average Temperatures in October in Turkey
Marmara Region
Istanbul, Edirne, Canakkale, Bursa
13°C – 17° C | 55° F – 63° F
Central Turkey
Cappadocia, Ankara, Konya
11° C – 13° C | 52° F – 56° F
Mediterranean Coast
Antalya, Kas, Fethiye
17° C – 26° C | 63° F – 80° F
Aegean Coast
Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Bodrum
17° C – 21° C | 63° F – 70° F
Southeast Turkey
Gaziantep, Mardin, Mt. Nemrut
17° C – 21° C | 63° F – 70° F
Eastern Turkey
Van, Mt. Ararat, Kars
6° C – 9° C | 43°F – 50° F
Black Sea
Trabzon, Rize, Samsun
13°C – 17°C | 55°F – 65°F
Next, we’ll look at what to do in Turkey in October.
Best 3 Things to Do in Turkey in October
Basilica Cistern in Istanbul
The newly renovated Basilica Cistern is now open in Istanbul and ready for visitors. The cistern was built in the 6th century and was a water reservoir for the palace. See the Medusa Heads in the far northwest corner of the cistern.
Hiking the Mediterranean Coast
October is our favorite month to be outside on the Mediterranean Coast without the summer heat. Fewer crowds make it ideal to get out and see the sights and explore.
Hike Ihlara Valley in Cappadocia
Ihlara Valley in Cappadocia is the second longest gorge in Turkey, next to Saklikent Gorge in the Mediterranean region. Spend the day hiking and exploring the many cave churches found in the valley.
Next, we’ll look at some of the favorite events in October in Turkey.
October Events
Public Holidays
Republic Day (October 29th – National Holiday)
Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayrami) is a public holiday in Turkey, celebrating the foundation of the Republic of Turkey. You’ll see events and celebrations throughout Turkiye all day long.
Events
Garden Sale in Kadikoy
Get to know local Istanbul designers where you’ll find textiles, jewelry, vintage finds and everything in between that will be on sale. Also, the Garden Sale brings out local musicians to listen to as you shop. Pair this with the local cafes and restaurants and you have a perfect day in Kadikoy.
Akbank Jazz Festival
Akbank Jazz Festival technically kicks off at the end of September through the first week of October. Enjoy a full day of musicians showing off their talents in various venues around Istanbul.
Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival
The Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Turkey. It is held each fall in Antalya and is organized by the Antalya Foundation for Culture and Arts.
Oludeniz Air Games
The Air Games are held every year in October at Oludeniz marking the end of the summer season. Paragliders from all over the world compete in a range of activities, including hang-gliding, base jumping, sky diving, and acrobatic paragliding.
What to Pack for Turkey in October
In October in Turkey, the temperature is dropping consistently across all regions. If you’re going anywhere besides the Mediterranean coast, be sure to pack for cooler temps. We suggest layering so that you’ll be prepared for the occasional warm day or if a rainstorm pops up on you. If you go to the coast, you’ll still be able to enjoy warm beach days, so beach wear is a must.
Following are the must-have items to pack for a trip to Turkey in October:
- Tshirts & Long Sleeve Shirts for layering
- Shorts for daytime or travel to the coast
- Pants for when it gets cooler in October
- Light Jacket
- Umbrella or rain jacket for the unpredictable weather around the country
- Scarf for layering in the evenings or visiting religious sites.
- Swimsuit for beach days in the Mediterranean
Also, don’t miss our Turkey Packing Guide for everything to include on your packing list.
Final Thoughts on October in Turkey
Moving into the cooler weather in October is a nice welcome to fall in Turkey. You can still enjoy warm coastal holidays outside in October, while the rest of Turkey is getting cooler and experiencing pop-up rainstorms. It’s a great time of year to be outside and enjoy the weather before it gets cold, and the rain and snow season is upon us. You can start here for more travel planning inspiration.
See What to Do in Turkey during other months of the year:
