When is the best time to travel to Turkey? This is a question that many people ask. The answer depends on what you want to see and do while you are in Turkey.
If you want to experience the bustling city life of Istanbul, the best time to travel is during the summer. This is when the weather is warmest and the days are the longest, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore all that Istanbul has to offer. However, be prepared for large crowds as this is also peak tourist season.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation spot, then head to one of Turkey’s coastal towns or villages. Here, you can enjoy lazy days lounging on the beach or swimming in the sea. The best time to visit these areas is between May and October when the weather is warm and sunny.
No matter when you decide to travel to Turkey, there’s sure to be something for everyone!
What is the Rainy Season in Turkey?
Turkey experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The rainy season in Turkey falls during autumn and winter, from September to May. 
During this time, rainfall is more frequent and often heavy. This can lead to flooding in some areas. Snowfall is also common during the cold months of December and January.
How Many Days Do You Need in Turkey?
Assuming you would like to know how many days are needed in order to see the main attractions that Turkey has to offer, we would recommend a minimum of 5-7 days. This amount of time will allow you to explore Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale without feeling rushed.
Of course, if you have more time, there are plenty of other amazing places to see in Turkey such as Antalya, Ankara, and Izmir.
Istanbul is a city rich in history and culture with something for everyone – from the stunning architecture of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar filled with spices and souvenirs. A day or two is definitely not enough time to do this vibrant city justice!
Ephesus was once one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire and is now an archaeological site known for its well-preserved ruins.
Highlights include the Library of Celsus (pictured above) and the Temple of Artemis. While 1-2 days here should be sufficient to explore Ephesus, we also recommend checking out nearby Sirince – a charming Turkish village complete with cobblestone streets and quaint wine shops.
Cappadocia is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Turkey – even if it means braving an early morning hot air balloon ride!
This unique region is characterized by its “fairy chimneys” – rock formations that were created over time by erosion from wind and rain. You can explore Cappadocia on foot or via ATV/quad bike; either way, 2 full days are needed in order to really see everything this area has to offer.
Pamukkale – meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish – is another popular spot for visitors due to its natural hot springs and travertine terraces (pictured above).
Although Pamukkale can technically be visited as a day trip from Istanbul or Izmir (it’s about 3 hours away by car), we recommend staying overnight so you can enjoy the thermal pools after all the tourists have left for the day.
All in all, while 5-7 days may seem like a lot at first glance, trust us when we say that it’s really not enough time to experience all that Turkey has to offer!
Should I Go to Turkey in September Or May?
If you’re looking to travel to Turkey, you may be wondering if September or May is the better month to go.
Here’s a rundown of what you can expect weather-wise in each month, as well as some other important factors to consider when choosing a travel date. In general, the weather in Turkey is pretty mild throughout the year.
However, there are definitely some differences between May and September. May tends to be warmer than September, with average highs in Istanbul ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) in May to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) in September.
Nights are also cooler in September than they are in May, so if you’re planning on doing any city sightseeing, you may want to opt for a later travel date.
Another thing to keep in mind is that rainfall is more common in Turkey during the months of April through November. So, if you’re hoping for sunny days throughout your trip, September may be a better choice than May.
That said, even if it does rain during your visit, there’s still plenty to do indoors – from visiting world-famous museums like Topkapi Palace to exploring vibrant bazaars filled with Turkish treasures.
No matter when you decide to go, turkey is an amazing country with something for everyone – from stunning historical sites and natural wonders to delicious food and friendly locals.
Cheapest Time to Travel to Turkey
It’s no secret that travel can be expensive. But what many people don’t realize is that the cost of travel varies greatly depending on when you go. For instance, did you know that the cheapest time to travel to Turkey is during the off-season?
From mid-April to mid-June, and again from September through early November, airfare and hotel rates are at their lowest due to a lack of demand. This means that you can save a significant amount of money by planning your trip for one of these periods. Of course, there are some trade-offs associated with traveling during the off-season.
For example, you may have to deal with less-than-ideal weather conditions. But if you’re willing to brave a little rain or cold, you’ll be rewarded with lighter crowds and lower prices. So if you’re looking to save money on your next trip to Turkey, consider traveling during the off-season.
You may just find that it’s the best time to go!
Best Time to Visit Istanbul, Turkey | WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE? WHAT TO WEAR? WHEN IS THE LOW SEASON?
Conclusion
Turkey is a renowned tourist destination for a plethora of reasons – its stunningly well-preserved architecture and natural beauty are among them. But when is the best time to visit? The answer, it seems, depends on what kind of traveler you are.
No matter when you decide to visit Turkey, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
