When to go
The best season depends on where you're heading.
Spring and autumn
April–May and September–October are the sweet spot for most of the country: mild weather for walking around Istanbul, exploring Cappadocia and ancient sites such as Ephesus, and still-warm seas in autumn.
Summer
June to September is beach season on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts — Bodrum, Antalya, Fethiye. The Black Sea coast and the highland plateaus (yayla) are a cooler escape.
Winter
Istanbul is quieter and atmospheric in winter. Cappadocia under snow is unforgettable, and ski resorts such as Uludağ, Erciyes and Palandöken open from December. The south coast stays mild.
Good to know
- Hot-air balloon flights in Cappadocia run all year but depend on the weather each morning — keep a spare morning in your plan.
- The two religious holidays (Ramadan Feast and Feast of Sacrifice) are busy travel periods inside Turkey; book transport early.
- Some museums close one day a week and have shorter hours in winter — check before you go.
Rules and prices change — for entry requirements always check the official sources mentioned here.