The best time to visit Turkey depends on what you’re interested in. Turkey’s vast array of ancient sites are best visited in April, May, September, and October, when temperatures range from 68°F to 86°F.
The south coast experiences mid-thirties temperatures during the scorching summer months of June through September. This is ideal for swimming pools or beaches, but touring the locations can be quite uncomfortable.
The weather begins to cool off from late October. November through to March can get quite cold and many hotels in coastal areas close during these months. But even with the chilly weather, these winter months can be the most ideal for visiting the sites because they’re much less crowded. In Cappadocia, the temperature can drop below 32°F, although the snowy landscape is lovely to behold. Creating tailor-made tours for over 25 years.
So, you’re thinking about a February trip to Turkey? Great choice! But is it the right time for you? Let’s dive into the weather, crowds and what you can expect in Turkey during this unique month.
First things first: February in Turkey is all about embracing the winter vibes. Think crisp air, snow-capped mountains and cozy evenings by the fireplace. While not ideal for beach bums, it’s perfect for those seeking a different side of Turkey.
Here’s what you can expect weather-wise:
- Temperatures: Expect chilly days, ranging from 41°F to 57°F (5°C to 14°C). Pack warm clothes, including a coat, jumper, and waterproof layers for those occasional showers.
- Sunshine: February sees less sunshine than other months, averaging around 3 hours per day. But hey, that just means more time for exploring museums and indulging in Turkish delights!
- Rainfall: It can get a bit wet, with around 3 inches (7 cm) of rain spread over 10 days. Don’t forget your umbrella!
- Sea temperature: The Mediterranean Sea is a chilly 52°F (11°C) in February. So, unless you’re a polar bear, swimming might not be on the agenda.
Now, let’s talk crowds and costs.
- Fewer crowds: February falls within the low season, meaning you’ll encounter far fewer tourists than during peak summer months. This translates to shorter queues, more personalized experiences, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Lower prices: Hotels, flights, and tours are all significantly cheaper during this time. So, you can stretch your travel budget further and experience more of what Turkey has to offer.
Wondering where to go in February? Here are some ideas:
- Istanbul: Explore the historical wonders, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine of this vibrant city.
- Cappadocia: Take a hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscape, hike through valleys dotted with fairy chimneys, and explore underground cities.
- Bursa: Hit the slopes at Mount Uludag, a ski resort just a few hours from Istanbul.
- Ani: Discover the ruins of this ancient Armenian city, blanketed in a picturesque layer of snow.
Still not convinced? Here are some additional reasons to consider a February trip to Turkey:
- Unique winter experiences: From skiing and snowboarding to cozying up in traditional cafes, February offers a different perspective on Turkish culture.
- Escape the holiday rush: Avoid the post-holiday crowds and enjoy a more peaceful travel experience.
- Witness the beauty of winter landscapes: From snow-capped mountains to frozen waterfalls, February unveils a magical side of Turkey.
- Enjoy lower prices: Save money on flights, hotels, and tours, making your trip even more budget-friendly.
So, is February a good time to visit Turkey? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a unique, budget-friendly, and crowd-free experience, then pack your winter gear and get ready to explore the wonders of Turkey in February.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Turkey
Visiting Turkey in January – March
January, February and March are fairly cold months in Turkey, although temperatures do warm up by March. Snow is not uncommon in January and even February, especially in the interior around Cappadocia. This is a quiet time of year to visit Turkey because of the low temperatures, so you’re likely to have the sites mostly to yourself.
Visiting Turkey in April – May
The mild springtime weather makes it a great time to visit the numerous historic ruin sites spread out across the nation. Peak tulip season occurs in April, when Istanbul’s parks and gardens are a riot of color. However, April can also bring heavy rains. Since now is the best time to travel to Turkey, hotel rates in cities like Istanbul and Cappadocia are at their highest. However, many of the hotels along the Turquoise Coast are still closed.
- Hidrellez Festival (May 5–6): This celebration of the arrival of spring features street shows by vintage gypsy bands.
- The International Istanbul Film Festival is an annual event held in Istanbul that aims to promote superior cinema theater in Turkey.
Visiting Turkey in June – August
The scorching summer months, which run from mid-June to mid-September, are ideal for lounging on the stunning Turquoise Coast and swimming in the Mediterranean. However, due to the lack of shade at the numerous ancient sites, exploring Turkey’s ancient heritage is made uncomfortable by the high temperatures. Additionally, this is the busiest time of year for cruise ships, which means that coastal resorts and popular historical sites like Ephesus are very busy. In contrast, Cappadocia is often quieter in the summer and has an exquisite carpet of wild flowers all over, which makes it a wonderful place to go hiking.
- June and July: Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival: Taking place in the magnificent Aspendos Roman theater, the festival features a number of international ballet and opera companies’ performances.
Visiting Turkey in September – October
September is still hot in the beginning, but by the middle of the month, the weather starts to cool down, even though the land and sea are still warm. This results in weather that is similar to spring, but with fewer days. Once more, because there are fewer tourists and cheaper prices, now is a great time to explore the cities and historical sites as well as visit the Turquoise Coast. Although most hotels along the Mediterranean close by mid-October, boutique hotels in Istanbul and Cappadocia tend to be more expensive.
- Every year at the end of October, there is an International Wine Festival that features wine tastings from nearby Cappadocian vineyards.
- October 29 is Republic Day, which is observed nationally but most colorfully in Istanbul with fireworks and art exhibits.
Visiting Turkey in November – December
Most of the country is extremely cold in November and December, with the exception of the southeast (around Antalya), which is still fairly warm. Temperatures in Konya and Cappadocia can be quite cold and snow is not uncommon, creating fantastic panoramas. If you don’t mind the occasional snowfall or cold temperatures, now is a great time to visit Istanbul because it’s much quieter than it is during other times of the year.
- Mevlana and Whirling Dervish Festival: Every year, for ten days, open-air venues in Konya host a variety of ceremonies and events honoring Rumi.
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Practical travel advice from the US State Department, including social customs and financial advice, along with a link to the most recent information
Covering all seven continents, The World Your Way shows you how you can see the world with us. It presents our methodology for crafting meaningful travel experiences and includes itinerary suggestions from our experts along with carefully chosen accommodations and activities.
Best Time to Visit Istanbul, Turkey | WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE? WHAT TO WEAR? WHEN IS LOW SEASON?
FAQ
Should I go to Turkey in February?
How hot is Turkey in February?
Is February a good time to visit Istanbul?
What is the best month to go to Turkey?
What is the weather like in Turkey in February?
In contrast, inland cities such as Ankara and Cappadocia are colder and drier. Ankara’s average February temperature is 44°F (7°C) with 1.4 inches (36 mm) of rain, and Cappadocia’s 42°F (6°C) with 1.3 inches (34 mm) of rain. Like the rest of winter in Turkey, February is part of the low season.
What to do in Turkey in February?
Turkey is rich in ancient and contemporary culture, and much of this is concentrated in cities that can be visited year-round. There are many museums, art galleries, mosques, palaces, and incredible cafes and restaurants in places like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir that you can enjoy in February.
When is the best time to go to the beach in Turkey?
In general, June, July, August, and September are considered to be the best times to hit the beach in Turkey. If you do go to the beach during the summer months, known that you’ll likely be there with thousands of other tourists. Across the board, summer in Europe — and August in particular — is hot, crowded, and expensive.
What is the tourist season in Turkey?
The high tourist season in Turkey is during the summer months (June to August) when many visitors come for beach holidays and coastal resorts. What is the tourist low season in Turkey?