WHEN TO GO TURKEY?
What's the best time for a trip to Turkey?
Spring and summer is the best time to visit Turkey. Then autumn, and lastly winter.
Spring
Spring (March through mid-June) is prime because the weather is moderate throughout the country and the days are long. (April can be rainy) This is high season for Istanbul and Cappadocia, with many boutique hotels fully booked, and prices at their highest. However, it's the off-season for Aegean and Mediterranean beach resorts.
Autumn
Autumn (mid-September through October) is second best with mostly mild weather, but the days are shorter, and rain may begin again in October. This, too, is high season for Istanbul and Cappadocia, with many boutique hotels heavily booked at their highest prices. At beach resorts, the water is still warm, crowds are smaller, and prices lower.
Summer
Summer (mid-June through mid-September) is hot in five of Turkey's seven distinct climatic regions, though usually rainless, and cool inland in the evenings. Seaside resorts are crowded and prices are at their peak, but the cities are less crowded—Istanbul is a bargain, with smaller crowds and shorter lines for admission to sights. Cappadocia is cheaper and more comfortable as well.
Winter
Winter (November, through February) can be chilly and rainy, with occasional cold but sunny days, everywhere except the southeast, which remains temperate, but lower prices and fewer tourists are compensations. I often travel to Turkey in March and November to benefit from the lower prices, better availability of hotel rooms, and smaller crowds.
Weather & Climatic Regions
Turkey has seven distinct weather and climate zones. You need to know a bit about them in order to pack the right clothes.
Official National Holidays
Check national holiday dates before you arrange your holiday in Turkey.
Islamic Holidays
Islamic holidays are 11 days earlier every year, and they will change travel patterns, so you need to know about them.
Special Events
Football finals, rock concerts, and film festivals can fill hotels and make travel difficult for short periods.