The best time to travel in Turkey

The temperature difference between Turkey's winter and summer months is extremely wide. It's preferable, therefore, to visit this amazing country mid-season, although summer is best for hitting the beaches. For the north and east, go in summertime to avoid the cold.

At a glance

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The best times to go to Turkey are Spring and Fall, when the climate is 'visitor friendly' so to speak. Between October and April, a lot of sites are closed and, depending on the region, it can get really hot in summer. What's more, summer is peak tourist season, so it's crowded, often claustrophobic. May to September is best for the northeast, as it can be too cold the rest of the year.

The West Coast

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Go between March and October if you're planning to visit the west coast of Turkey. The mild Spring and Fall weather is agreable if you're touring, although if you're planning a beach holiday, summer will do nicely. If you're there in July, check out the Izmir International Festival - a cultural blend of opera, classical music and dance.

The Black Sea Coast

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A history fan's dream! From the relics of past civilizations to churches and monasteries, it's here that you'll discover Turkey's cultural heritage - you'll be spoiled for choice. As well as visiting Sinop and Trabzon, you'll also be able to explore little, remote villages and extraordinary valleys. Go between April and September when the temperatures are pleasant and you won't get cold. If you want to go hiking in the Kaçkar Mountains, then summer is best.

Istanbul and its surroundings

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Mid-season is best for visiting Istanbul and its surroundings. It can be stifling in summer and its winters are freezing cold. Spring and Fall are ideal for touring this stunning city, home to amazing mosques and delicious food! You'll fall in love with this Eurasian metropolis. Mid-season is also great for touring its surrounds, although if you want to go to the International Music Festival, you'll need to be there during June or July.

The Center

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If there's one place to see, it's the Cappadoce. You'll be amazed by its wierd rock formations and you'll love sleeping in a troglodyte hotel or room. You could even fly over the area in a hot balloon! And then there's always Ankara, with its stunning castle. Avoid winter, when the region is really cold. Going between March and November is recommended.

The Far East

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Western Anatolia is relatively tourist-free, so it's great to explore, particularly if you like hiking. You'll climb mountains and cross the region's immense plateaus. You can also go skiing and rafting! Going between June and September is best if you want to keep warm when not hiking. For winter sports, December to April are good months.

The South Coast

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The perfect region for a lazy, seaside vacation. Enjoy Turkey's beautiful, southern beaches under a hot, southern sun. The area has numerous ancient sites plus great mountain trails, if you want to head uphill. There's something for everyone in this part of the country. The best times to go are between March and May, followed by September to December. Generally summer is best for lazing on a beach, whilst December and January are great for mountain hikes.

Tiphaine Leblanc

11 contributions

Updated 26 October 2018

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