In short
The best time to visit Turkey is generally April to May and September to October. Temperatures are mild for exploring Istanbul and Cappadocia, and the sea along the Turquoise Coast is already pleasant in late spring and still so in early autumn.
- Best periodApril to June, September to October
- AvoidJanuary-February (cold, rain) and peak summer for touring
- SwimmingGenerally May to October
- Suggested length4 days for Istanbul, 8 days for a tour
When to go to Turkey? A month-by-month calendar
Turkey is a large country with varied climates, so no single month suits everything. For a first trip combining cities and historic sites, we generally recommend spring and autumn. You will find every option on our Turkey page.
Here is how we read the months, to adapt to your appetite for culture or beach:
- JanCold
- FebCold
- MarPossible
- AprIdeal
- MayIdeal
- JunGood
- JulPossible
- AugPossible
- SepIdeal
- OctIdeal
- NovPossible
- DecCold
| Region | Best months | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | April-May, September-October | Cool, damp winter; hot and busy summer |
| Cappadocia and Anatolia | April-June, September-October | Cold winters, sometimes snowy; hot, dry summers |
| Aegean (Ephesus, Pamukkale) | April-June, September-October | Strong heat in July-August; visit early in the morning |
| Turquoise Coast (Antalya) | May-June, September-October | Swimming generally May to October; very hot in midsummer |
Our experts' tip
To combine culture and swimming, aim for late May-June or September: sites are quieter than in August and the sea is already, or still, pleasant.
Istanbul, Cappadocia or the coast: how much does the climate change?
Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia, has cool, damp winters and hot summers. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking between Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. It is also a city you can visit all year round on a long weekend.
Cappadocia and the Anatolian plateau have a more continental climate: hot, dry summers and cold winters with possible snow. The fairy-chimney landscapes are lovely in spring and autumn.
On the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, summers are long and hot, winters mild and wetter. To mix sightseeing and sea, favour May-June and September-October.
Which trip to choose by season?
For a first stay, a tour through Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus works well from April to October. For a short trip for two, the romantic Istanbul getaway works year-round, and you can browse our couples holidays. If the sea is your priority, the stay in Antalya on the Turquoise Coast suits April to June and September to October; find more ideas in our beach holidays.
Good to know
Conditions vary from year to year and region to region. Check entry requirements and the weather before leaving, and tell us your dates: we adapt the itinerary.
Our trips to Turkey
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Turkey?
Generally May and September, sometimes April and October: it is mild for sightseeing and the sea is pleasant on the coast.
Can you visit Turkey in winter?
Yes, especially Istanbul, but it is cool and damp. In Cappadocia, cold and snow are possible depending on the year.
When can you swim on the Turquoise Coast?
Swimming is generally pleasant from May to October; in July-August it is very hot and the busiest time.
Your tailor-made trip to Turkey
Tell us your dates and wishes: our team replies with a tailor-made proposal within 24 hours.