Best Time to Visit Turkey: Going Beyond the Obvious

Best Time to Visit Turkey

A crossroads of culture, history, and blue waters, Turkey offers something for everyone. The best time to visit Turkey depends on whether you want to explore its rich history and culture, adventure to the mountains, enjoy the beaches, or the food and festivals.

Turkey is the perfect destination owing to its blend of ancient history, delicious cuisine, and colorful markets that can be explored at any time of the year. However, spring and autumn are the best times to visit this country for stunning landscapes, cool climate, and a host of popular attractions.

Read on if you’re ready to make Turkey your next travel destination.

Turkey Best Time to Visit: The Perfect Guide to Plan Your Next Holiday

While New York has the Hamptons, Turkey has the turquoise coast that connects the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. While this country is a glamorous escape the weather can sometimes be too hot. Most travelers often wonder about Turkey best time to visit so that they can flee the oppressive heat and enjoy the cool weather and attractions that come with it.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Turkey, then here are some tips for all kinds of travelers, depending on what you’re looking for.

For smaller crowds…

One of Turkey’s best features is its stunning Mediterranean climate. January and February temperatures in Turkey average around 49 degrees. While there might be fewer crowds, you can still expect colder weather as you travel further up north.

For good weather…

September to November is the best time for hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. Since the weather this time of the year is mild and cool, it offers travelers the best time to explore the historic and cultural treasures of this place.

For festivals…

If you want to see how locals celebrate in Turkey, then visit from early April to June. During this time Turkey positively pops with festivals like the Istanbul Arts Festival, the Istanbul Jazz Festival, and a few more. You can even visit the Rose Harvest Festival in early April.

Best Time to Visit Turkey from India: Consider These Expert Tips

The best time to visit Turkey from India according to travel experts is April and May or during November. The temperature during this time is pleasant and cool. That means you can spend more time outdoors exploring Turkey’s beautiful cities and towns on foot.

Summer is also peak tourist season in Turkey and this allows travelers to explore colorful markets, hot air balloon rides, local cuisine, and the ancient ruins, tombs, and museums.

If you plan to visit Turkey this summer, give yourself a generous 10 days to properly explore the region. Here are some offbeat places you can visit if you have some more time to spare.

The coastline at sunrise

Gulf of Hisarönu

The Gulf of Hisarönu showcases ancient ruins that dot the coastline and that are best viewed in the morning light.

The bougainvillea of Kas

The bougainvillea of Kas

Downtown Kas offers stunning drapes of bougainvillea that wind around the whitewashed buildings, shops, and artisanal markets. Here, you can even purchase hand-crafted hammam towels, hand-woven textiles, and local spices to take back home.

How to Plan an Epic 10-Day Turkey Itinerary: A Local’s Guide

Turkey is a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and architecture of the East and West. When planning a trip to Turkey, it’s important to have the perfect Turkey tour package for 10 days that will cover a range of attractions, natural wonders, and the beautiful coastline of this country.

Here’s a handy guide on the best attractions to explore in Turkey, suited for you no matter what you prefer.

1. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

Once you arrive in Istanbul, you can take a connecting flight to Izmir and then drive down to Kusadasi and explore the beautiful coast.

2. Kusadasi, Turkey

Kusadasi, Turkey

Plan to spend the night here to enjoy the Aegean coast and the sea to the maximum. The sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

3. Ephesus, Turkey

Ephesus, Turkey

Best explored slowly, guests can visit Ephesus; the ancient city with its library, and the amphitheater, and proceed to Pamukkale to visit the calcium pools and the famous cotton castles of this region.

4. Konya, Turkey

Konya, Turkey

With the smell of fragrant tea in the air, Konya offers a visit to the famous Rumi Mevlana, his tomb, and the museum. You will then enjoy a drive to Cappadocia, where the adventure truly begins.

5. Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia, Turkey

When going beyond the obvious, one of the best places to visit in Turkey is Cappadocia. You can opt for a hot air balloon ride early in the morning and even visit the prime attractions of this region, the Kaymakli Goreme, an open-air museum that features the most ancient rock churches painted with frescoes.

6. Ankara, Turkey

Ankara, Turkey

Art walks. Historic walks. Or a leisurely drive, In Ankara guests can pass the Tuz Gol (Salt Lake), the Mausoleum of Ataturk, and board the flight to the Black Sea coastal city of Trabzon.

7. Trabzon, Turkey

Trabzon, Turkey

This town’s creative spirit runs through its markets, cafes, and local shops offering a wealth of local experiences. Here, you will have the opportunity to drive on the scenic coastal road to Uzungol and pass the Suremene.

You can stop and buy some highly popular knives and visit the capital Rize for tea. Guests can also explore the lake that is surrounded by picturesque forests and wooden houses.

8. Uzungol, Turkey

Uzungol, Turkey

An exclusive part of the Turkey itinerary 10 days, guests can drive to the Tea Factory in Trabzon and visit Sumela Monastery. 

9. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is brimming with art galleries, handmade products, and café selling freshly baked goods. Guests can proceed to the Bosphorus Cruise, cross the famous bridge connecting the two continents, and shop at the traditional Spice Bazaar. 

You can also visit the Dolmabache Palace, the charming Taksim Square, the Galata Tower, and then head to the world’s largest covered market, the Grand Bazaar,

10. Istanbul – Mumbai

Blue Mosque

On the final day, you can spend time visiting the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Basilica Cistern before boarding your flight to Mumbai.

Book Your Turkey Trip Today

From Istanbul’s bazaars and mosques to hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey is awash with history, culture, and outstanding natural beauty. Now that you know the best time to visit Turkey, connect with our travel experts. These professionals have traveled all around Turkey to find the best highlights for you.

Each of our itineraries is customized to suit solo travelers, groups, families, and even couples, picking the perfect highlights at just the right pace. We deliver unique experiences and even handpick hotels so that you can enjoy unforgettable travel moments when you select Turkey best time to visit.