Best Time to Visit Turkey
The best time to visit Turkey is generally April–June & September–November. This season-by-season guide covers peak, shoulder and low season, the weather you can expect, the festivals that fill hotels and what to pack.
Weather in Turkey
Hot, dry Mediterranean and Aegean summers, cooler and wetter in Istanbul and the north, and cold winters on the central plateau and in Cappadocia.
Peak, shoulder and low season
Peak season runs June–August on the coast, with the highest flight and hotel demand. Shoulder season (April–May and September–November) offers similar conditions with thinner crowds. Low season (December–March, outside ski areas) is the cheapest, with less predictable weather or reduced opening hours at some attractions.
Festivals and holidays
Ramadan and the following Eid holidays shift annually and affect opening hours and domestic travel demand.
What to pack for Turkey
Sun protection for the coast, modest cover for mosques, and warm layers for Cappadocia mornings.