Turkey has always been known as the bridge between the east and the west, but the moment you step foot into the country, you will know that it is way more than that. Turkey is a collection of almost all civilizations that have walked on earth, and its rich atmosphere and warm people are proof of that. It is a country that will definitely overwhelm your senses but in the best of ways! All you have to do is find the best time to visit Turkey, and you’re good to go. While the weather in Turkey does play a huge role in determining and the right time to visit, you should also take a close look at the political atmosphere of the country before visiting.
Average Monthly Temperatures
- Turkey has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters.
- If you’re a sunseeker the best time to visit Turkey is between June and September.
- The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 35 C and an average low of 25 C.
- The coolest month of the year is January with an average daily maximum of 14 C and an average low of 5 C.
Best Time to Visit Turkey
Turkey can easily be called the capital country of the world owing to its charismatic beauty, location and cultural mix of Asia and Europe. Although Turkey is typically a late summer destination given how cold it can get, Turkey can be visited all through the year depending on your interests. Turkey is the 37th largest country in the entire world and because of its’ size, the weather is extremely diverse throughout the country. While one part of the country might feel extremely cold at a specific time, another part might be enjoying a glorious summer by the beach.
Turkey experiences extreme climates and can thus be extremely cold during winters and can got excessively hot during peak summers. Thus, end of summer, spring and Autumn have the best climate to visit Turkey that allow you to freely roam without the weather becoming a hurdle. 
The Best Time to See the Aegean & Mediterranean Coasts
Most businesses along these coastlines operate according to the official summer season as dictated by incoming flights. It runs from May to October and then flights schedules swap over to the winter version.
For this reason, most small holiday resorts like Didim, Gumbet or Olu Deniz are quiet from the months of November to April. Some of the hotels, bars and restaurants close down and you will also find a lack of facilities, in some resorts a lack of clean beaches and the weather to be ad-hoc. With temperatures averaging 23 degrees Celsius, don’t plan to visit the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts during winter if you want the typical sun, sea and sand holiday.
Turkey Travel Seasons
High Season (May through September): The hot and dry months are high season, falling mostly in summer, though part of late spring as well. July and August are the peak of the hot season. This is when the weather temperatures are often in the 30s°C and can even reach 40°C or higher. While it’s a wonderful time for enjoying alfresco meals and taking advantage of the beaches, the crowds will be thick and lines the longest of the year. Accommodation rates and airfare are at their highest too. Within high season, September is my favorite time to visit.
Shoulder Season (April, October through mid-November): The shoulder season in Turkey is a great time to be here, with April perhaps the best month during this period with the tulips in bloom. While tourists visit throughout the year, crowds won’t be overwhelming and temperatures, especially in April and the first half of October, are likely to be comfortable. It can also be a good time to find discounts on airfare.
Low Season (Mid-November through March): Winter is low season in Turkey, which unofficially begins in November when the weather takes a significant turn, bringing chilly temperatures and a good possibility of rain or snow. It’s a great time to avoid big crowds and long lines while enjoying a more budget-friendly trip with cheaper airfare and discounted accommodation rates. Just be sure to pack appropriately for cold, wet weather by bringing a warm, waterproof coat, waterproof boots, hat, and the like.
Quick Facts
- Best Time to Visit Turkey: April - May, September - October
- High Tourist Season: June - August
- Low Season: November - March
- Ski Season: November - March
- All Seasons: April - May (spring), June - August (summer), September - October (fall), November - March (winter)
The best time to visit Turkey is between April - May, and September - October, as the weather is warm and pleasant, so you’ll have a great time exploring the cities.
Between April - May, and September - October, there are fewer crowds pretty much all around the country, including Istanbul, so this is the best time to travel.
The high tourist season is between June and August, so the prices will be quite high, and the weather will be swelteringly hot.
The low season is from November - March, but this is when to visit Turkey if you want to visit the beautiful ski resorts or tour Turkey on a budget!
Turkey is a treat for those who travel to explore different cultures and beautiful architecture. Turkish architecture has been influenced by dozens of civilizations over the years, so it is incredibly unique. But that is not all - Turkey’s coastal resorts, beautiful mountains, and ski slopes offer enough and more adventure to those who seek it. 
