Weather in Turkey

Turkey's largest city straddles the Bosphorus Strait, with climate influences from the Sea of Marmara to the south and the Black Sea to the north. Weather in Istanbul is pretty temperate and its proximity to the coasts regulates severe weather, sheltering the city from extreme heat or cold.

Summers are sunny, and August is the warmest month, averaging about 73°F. Winters are typically cloudy, and February temperatures can dip to 41°F. Istanbul is prone to snow during the winter as cold Siberian winds meet the Black Sea's warm waters, creating snow storms in a phenomenon called the lake-effect.

Located on Turkey's famed Turquoise Coast, Antalya has a Mediterranean climate known for picture-perfect summers. Summer weather in Antalya has daytime temps that average around 90°F, and beachgoers can delight in water temps of 82°F. The region sees an influx of people escaping the scorching inland cities to keep cool by the coast between June-September.

Antalya is one of the warmest winter destinations in Turkey. The weather will be wet but manageable, and snow is highly unusual. Even in winter, you'll still see locals walking on the beaches and occasionally even swimming in the sea.

Cappadocia, famous for its unique rock formations and cave dwellings, is located in the semi-arid Central Anatolia region. The climate is continental, so the weather in Cappadocia is defined by hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters.

Summer is peak season for tourism as there is very little wind and precipitation – perfect hot air ballooning weather. Hot air balloons don't operate during the winter due to wet and icy conditions, but seeing the fairy chimneys covered in a dusting of snow is magical. Don't forget to bundle up!