Best Time to Visit Turkey

Best Time to Visit Turkey

Certain destinations can only be enjoyed at certain times of the year. When it comes to visiting Turkey, the peak season for tourists is in summer and early autumn. However, you might also consider visiting the country during a different time of year to get a completely different experience. The best time to visit Turkey will depend on what sort of experience you’re looking for from your vacation, but we’ll cover all the pros and cons of traveling there at various times of the year so you can make an informed decision about when exactly is the best time to visit Turkey.

Spring in Turkey

If you hope to find the perfect weather conditions for budding flowers and romance, spring might be the best time to visit Turkey. While other seasons in Turkey can be pleasantly warm, springtime is relatively calm, offering perfect temperatures for sightseeing, exploring, and outdoor activities without being too chilly. While temperatures in spring can fluctuate, on average, they hover around the low 70s Fahrenheit during the day and in the 50s at night. The spring months in Turkey also typically see a lot of rain, so don’t forget to pack your umbrella. If you hope to take advantage of the blooming flowers, spring is a great time to visit Turkey. Tulips, for instance, typically burst into bloom in March, while the cherry blossoms start in April. The tulip festival takes place in mid-March in Istanbul, and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the first half of April in the city of Sakarya. The rose festival takes place in the city of Gaziantep in late June.

Summer in Turkey

Most people head to Turkey in summer, with average temperatures hovering around the mid-80s during the day and low 70s at night. If you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, summer is probably not the best time to visit Turkey. You’ll probably end up sharing the experience with a lot of tourists. If you’re hoping to escape the crowds, the best time to visit Turkey is perhaps somewhere other than in summer. In the summer, you’ll find the weather in Turkey hot and humid. You’ll need to drink plenty of water, take advantage of the many beachside cafes and restaurants offering iced drinks, and wear loose, breathable clothing to stay calm.

Fall in Turkey

Fall is a fantastic time to visit Turkey. The weather is warm, but not too hot, and you’ll enjoy mild temperatures and many sunny days. You can find mild temperatures anywhere in Turkey, but autumn is incredibly soft in the country's southern parts, where you escape much of the hot weather of other parts of the year. Many places in the south part of the country are also only mildly humid in the fall, so you can enjoy warm, sunny weather without sweating too much. You’ll probably find fewer crowds in the country's southern parts in the fall, though you might also find fewer attractions. You can also expect to see fantastic fall foliage in some of the country. In Istanbul, for instance, you can expect to see the trees change colors between mid-October and early November.

Winter in Turkey

If you’re someone who likes the cold weather and likes to ski, winter is probably the best time to visit Turkey. The winter months in Turkey are mild, with average temperatures hovering around the 40s at night and 50s during the day. That’s much warmer than the rest of the world at this time of year, so you get the warmth of the Mediterranean without the crowds. Many tourist attractions in the country may be closed or operating at reduced hours during winter. In Istanbul, for instance, many museums and attractions close by November. You might also find that some flights are less frequent as they are less busy, so you’ll want to plan.

The off-season: When not to visit Turkey

If you’re hoping for a true escape from the crowds, you should probably visit Turkey during the off-season. The best time to visit Turkey in the off-season is perhaps October or November, which is when you’ll find the weather to be warm but not too hot, the crowds will have thinned out, and you’ll get to enjoy all the fantastic sights of the country without having to wait in long lines. If you’re hoping for warm weather and sunny skies, you might find the weather in Turkey in the off-season too cold. While it might be warm enough to enjoy the sights outside, you may want to pack some extra warm clothing if you find yourself in a chilly indoor attraction.

Tips for Traveling Anytime In Turkey

Keep an eye on the forecast: If you’re visiting in the fall, winter, or spring and the weather forecast looks like it might turn nasty, you may want to reschedule your trip. If you’re visiting in the summer and the forecast is calling for rain, you can still enjoy your vacation, but you’ll probably want to pack your umbrella and rain boots just in case. If you’re visiting in the fall, winter, or spring and the weather forecast looks like it might turn nasty, you may want to reschedule your trip. If you’re visiting in the summer and the forecast is calling for rain, you can still enjoy your vacation, but you’ll probably want to pack your umbrella and rain boots just in case. Pack the right clothes: Whether you’re visiting in the summer or the winter, you’ll probably want to pack comfortable clothing that you can layer to stay warm and cool in the summer. Whether you’re visiting in the summer or the winter, you’ll probably want to pack comfortable clothing that you can layer to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Go during the off-hours: If you can’t find a good time to visit Turkey, try to avoid the busiest hours of the day. Avoid visiting during the evening when most tourists return to their hotels if you can.

Choosing the best time to visit Turkey is tricky because there are many great times. If you visit during the off-season or in the fall or spring, you’ll probably be able to avoid the crowds, but you might also find less to do. Visiting in summer or winter might be more exciting, but you might also find yourself waiting in long lines and dealing with crowds. When you’re visiting Turkey, it’s essential to know the different seasons so you can plan your trip accordingly.