Best time to visit Turkey

Best for: skiing and winter sports, Selçuk Camel Wrestling Championship and New Year’s Day

The start of the year is a chilly one for most of Turkey. With the winter season in full swing, head to Mt. Cappadocia, Erzurum or Kars for some quality time with the slopes. Since it’s often very cool on the coast many accommodation options and activities may be closed. In your off time, why not indulge in Turkey’s signature coffee and snag some bargains at the bazaars?

Best for: skiing and winter sports, museums, hammam spas and the Datça Almond Blossom Festival

Ever thought about a luxurious afternoon at one of Turkey’s signature hammam spas? A perfect option for warming up on cool wintry days or after long walks through the major cities that are often less crowded during this time of year. Spring is on its way so enjoy the snow while it lasts.

Best for: hiking, exploring historical sites, Ramazan (Ramadan) and Newroz, Mesir Paste Festival

March is a special time of year for many in Turkey. This month includes the start of Ramazan (Ramadan) and for the Kurdish community, the festival Newroz which celebrates the start of spring. If you are planning to travel to the eastern regions during Ramazan, consider that many restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating at reduced hours. The evenings, however, are full of life and a carnival atmosphere spreading into the streets.

Best for: Gallipoli, Istanbul Film Festival, Istanbul Tulip Festival and hiking

For many, Turkey in April signifies a time of commemoration as thousands of predominantly Australians and New Zealanders visit Gallipoli to remember and reflect on the first World War. April is also Springtime and hosts the vibrant Istanbul Tulip Festival.

Best for: Hıdrellez, Labour Day, Kakava and hiking.

May is the time of year when Turkey is heating up for the incoming summer season. Temperatures during this time can fall around 16º to 35ºC with chilly nights and regional weather variations. Consider taking some time to hike through the scenic Lycian Way or visit the country’s famous historical sites, such as Ephesus, before the peak season crowds arrive.

Best for: beaches, boat rides, hot air balloons, outdoor concerts, Kurban Bayrami, Istanbul music festival

Put away your jackets and pull out your bathers because it’s summer in Turkey. Expect 21° to 35°C days and a balmy sea breeze for those sticking to the coastal regions during June. Many tourists and will locals will venture to the beach during summer so book in advance to secure your stay.

Best for: Efes Pilsen One Love Festival, Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Championships, hot air balloons,  

Summertime is the best season for soaring over the heights of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon. Or, if heights aren’t your thing, see them from the ground during the early hours of the morning for a storybook panorama. Still not sold? Is the annual oil wrestling tournament more your style?

Best for: beaches, sailing and boat cruises, hiking the Kaçkar Mountains and Victory Day.

Keep cool by the coast and avoid the extra hot temperatures found inland Turkey this month. However, if you head high enough you’ll be greeted by cooler temperatures in the highlands providing perfect conditions for trekking through the Black Sea or Kaçkar mountains. The Turkish mountainside is usually snowed in during other times of the year.

Best for: Istanbul Biennial (alternating years), Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival and Bosphorus Cup Istanbul Regatta

Turkey is quieting with the return of school break and beaches are a hot commodity for those looking for some rest and relaxation. Although the holiday crowd has departed, the streets of Istanbul are lively with festivals, fresh food and fun. Sample some of the locally caught seafood (balik) and pair with rakı, a signature Turkish drink.

Best for: Republic Day, Beyoğlu Culture Route Festival, Cappadocia Ultra-Trail and pomegranate season

Falling in the shoulder season, October’s temperatures fluctuate from 3º to 26ºC which makes it a more comfortable time for traversing the central regions. Overlook the wonders of ancient archaeological sites of Turkey such as Hierapolis, Göbeklitepe or the Bergama Acropolis. If you get peckish on your days out, sample some of Turkey's signature dishes paired with the in-season pomegranates.

Best for: Istanbul Theatre Festival, Istanbul Puppet Festival and Istanbul Marathon

The summer temperatures are a memory as fall's cooler weather fully comes into effect during November. This month is also the beginning of most of the country’s rainy season which makes it an excellent time for shopping, museums and attending some of the capital’s cultural festivals.

Best for: Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and bazaars

Don’t miss out on one of the most picturesque scenes you may ever see with the snowfall on Cappadocia’s famed fairy chimneys. While hot air ballooning is sadly often out on account of the weather, indoor activities such as shopping in the lively bazaars around the country are the favoured pastimes during December.