The best time to visit Turkey is in the autumn, from September to October, for warm, sunny days without the intense heat of summer. This period is perfect for everything from beach lounging to city exploring, offering a comfortable climate after the peak season crowds have thinned out. You'll find your Turkey holiday is filled with pleasant weather and plenty of sunshine.
When is the best time to visit Turkey?
The best time to visit Turkey is between September and October. You'll find a sweet spot of weather with average daily temperatures ranging from a pleasant 17°C to a warm 29°C. It’s a fantastic time for a beach holiday or sightseeing, as the summer's peak heat has passed, rainfall is still relatively low, and the sea remains warm enough for swimming.
Turkey in spring: 13-19°C, mild days with moderate rain
Spring sees Turkey emerge from its cool, wet winter. From March to May, temperatures climb steadily and the sun comes out for longer, averaging over eight hours a day. While March can still be damp, April and May are lovely months for exploring ancient sites and vibrant cities as the countryside bursts into colour. Pack layers, as evenings can still be cool.
Turkey in summer: 23-30°C, hot, dry and sunny
Summer is peak season along the coast, and for good reason. June, July, and August are defined by hot, dry days and wall-to-wall sunshine – averaging over 11 hours a day. Temperatures regularly top 30°C, especially in July, which is the warmest month. With barely any rain, it’s the ideal time for a classic sun, sea, and sand holiday. The southern Antalya region is typically the warmest part of the country.
Turkey in autumn: 17-24°C, warm and sunny, with increasing rain
Autumn is arguably the best season for a trip to Turkey. September continues the summer feel with plenty of heat and sun, while October offers milder days perfect for sightseeing. The sea is still warm from the summer sun, but the crowds are fewer. Rainfall begins to increase towards November, but September and October are generally dry and bright.
Turkey in winter: 8-13°C, cool and wet
Winter in Turkey, from December to February, is the low season for tourism in the coastal resorts. It’s generally cool and wet, with January being the coldest and wettest month of the year, seeing around 189mm of rain. While the southern coast remains milder, cities like Istanbul can be quite chilly. It’s a quiet time to visit, but you’ll need a raincoat and warm clothes.
Average weather in Turkey by month
The Turkish climate sees dramatic shifts through the year, with July being the warmest, driest, and sunniest month, while January is the coolest and by far the wettest. The data below is an average across popular regions including Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, Istanbul, and Izmir, so local weather can vary.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm/month) | Sunshine (avg hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7-12°C | 189mm | 5.4 |
| February | 8-14°C | 114mm | 6.1 |
| March | 9-16°C | 77mm | 7.1 |
| April | 12-19°C | 54mm | 8.3 |
| May | 16-24°C | 36mm | 9.4 |
| June | 21-28°C | 23mm | 10.4 |
| July | 24-31°C | 7mm | 11.5 |
| August | 24-31°C | 7mm | 11.4 |
| September | 21-29°C | 24mm | 10.6 |
| October | 17-24°C | 75mm | 9.2 |
| November | 13-19°C | 88mm | 8.2 |
| December | 10-14°C | 150mm | 6.3 |
Best time to visit Turkey for beach and swimming holidays
For a perfect beach holiday, plan your visit between June and September. During these months, you're guaranteed hot temperatures-often reaching 31°C-and over 10 hours of sunshine a day. July and August are the driest months, with almost no rainfall, ensuring nothing gets in the way of your time on the sand.
Best time to visit Turkey for sightseeing and city breaks
The best times for sightseeing in cities like Istanbul or exploring ancient ruins are during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. April, May, September, and October offer pleasant temperatures between 19°C and 29°C, making it comfortable to walk around all day. You'll also enjoy plenty of sunshine with much less rain than in winter.
Best time to visit Turkey for hiking and exploring nature
If you're planning to hike the coastal trails or explore the country's natural parks, aim for spring or autumn. April and May are ideal, when the landscape is green and wildflowers are in bloom. Alternatively, September provides warm but not scorching conditions, and the trails are less crowded than in the peak summer months.
