When is the Best Time to Travel to Turkey?

Turkey is a mesmerising country that connects the East to the West. Its transcontinental culture enriches the flavours, cultures, histories, and religions of the region. The ancient ruins, enchanting landscapes, and natural wonders of Turkey are sure to captivate everyone. This land has its significance on the world map; there is a sensorial richness in every aspect, from food, arts, and romance to the bazaars and mosques. If you step foot on this magical land, you will never want to miss any single spot. From the Hagia Sophia’s ancient Byzantine masterpiece corridors to the ethereal Blue Mosque, everything will capture your mind. So, if you have a lazy holiday vibe or some cosmetic surgery dates to revamp your youth, Istanbul is one of the best places for holiday Turkey. This blog will cover the seasons and when is the best time to travel to Turkey to help you to book your tickets and enjoy the country to the fullest.

Turkey in Spring (From March to May)

March to May is an excellent time if you are thinking about what is the best time to visit Turkey . Spring in Turkey will start blossoming in these months. You can enjoy strolling in the streets of Istanbul and drench in the beauty of the country, taking in the warm Istanbul summer. March in Turkey starts with a combination of warm yet cool weather, making it pleasant to a great extent. Also, it is a prime time for blooming tulips, which is the best part of Turkey for holiday. Thus, you can enjoy the biggest tulip festival in the world with Istanbul’s tulip festival. You may get some drizzles of rain in springtime, but it won’t shower too much. The valley will be covered with the bright hues of tulip flowers, which are a great view to witness.

■ Events and Festivals:

Spring is the season for the Nevruz festival. Beginning with the spring equinox, the festival is all about celebrating the rebirth of nature and the start of spring. Nevruz takes place every year on the 9th of March in Turkey. April witnesses the Tulip festival in Istanbul. The Ottoman Society has admired the tulip flowers since the 17th century, and from then, these vividly coloured flowers became popular. The actual tulip festival started in 2006 and has been continuing for the past 12 years. You can also enjoy the Mesir Macunu festival in the Aegean province of Turkey, where people from all over the country gather together and contribute to social peace and cohesion and to the paste that is rumoured to heal the diseased Hafsa Sultan.

In April, the prestigious Istanbul Film Festival takes place in Turkey. It is the 1st and oldest film festival in the whole of Turkey, and many international actors, writers, and directors visit this festival with the aim of promoting excellent cinematic works.

Turkey in Summer (June to August)

In summers, the temperature in Turkey runs between 24°C and 30°C. Thus, it makes the perfect atmosphere for relaxing on the turquoise Mediterranean coastline. Also, you can enjoy the blue water with a cruise tour in Antalya summers. This is the time for auspicious Ramadan. Therefore, Turkey lightens up with the beautiful glow of the upcoming EID. The mountains of the Black Sea region can wrap you in comfort with their cool breeze.

■ Events and Festivals:

In late August, every year, the Cappadocia Balloon Festival will give your eyes a warm and beautiful visual  treat. The best part of this festival is that anyone can enjoy a ride on this giant hot-air balloon before sunrise and witness the extraordinary view of hundreds of floating balloons. Also, you can indulge in Turkish delicacies at the Cappadox Festival. It hosts over 140 events regarding culture, music, and delicious Turkish cuisine. If you are a gourmet of wine, take some delightful sips on the annual wine tasting festival at Bozcaada Island. Thus, your concern about when is the best time to go to Turkey will be solved.

Also, do not forget about the astonishing Istanbul Jazz Festival in Turkey. Istanbul in summer hosts a lot of festivals, including the famous jazz festival featuring jazz music that entered around the early 19th century in Turkey and rapidly took its place. Then, the love and passion for jazz music lead to this amazing festival. Not only does it only focus on the particular genre, but various artists from rock, folk, and classical genres around the world come and show their talent. Also, in the auspicious Ramadan festival, your sweet tooth will be delighted to enjoy the Seker Bayrami. It is a three-day national festival in Turkey at the end of the Ramadan month. Also, there are many other festivals like:

• Chill-Out festival (in Istanbul, Cezme, and Bodrum)
• Bosporus Cross-Continental Swim
• Bodrum Ballet Festival (An annual international ballet festival organised by Turkish State Opera and Ballet since 2002)
• Oil Wrestling Festival

Turkey in Autumn (September to November)

The breathtaking season of Turkey, Autumn, arrives at the beginning of September. During this time, the temperature runs between 12°C and 29°C, making it perfect for daytime strolling. There is an enjoyable chill breeze across the cities of Turkey, and the climate turns more pleasant as the season progresses. It is the perfect time for a Turkish beach vacation and also the best season to visit Istanbul. Across the Mediterranean coast, you can take a ride on the wooden yacht or gullet. Autumn in Istanbul sees a lot of art and music festivals in Turkey.

■ Events and Festivals:

The festivities of autumn start with the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival. Basically, it is a traditional dance festival where the dancers perform a trance-like twirling dance to connect to the almighty. Also, the famous Sufi saint and the greatest philosopher, Jalaluddin Rumi's poetry, is recited throughout the celebration. Turkey in autumn will also introduce you to a number of festivities, such as:

• Cumhuriyet Bayramı (Turkish Republic Day)
• Akbank International Jazz Festival
• Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival

Turkey in Winter (December to February)

Winter is one of the best times if you are thinking about what is the best time to visit Turkey or things to do in Turkey in December. You can visit Turkey in December, as it is the perfect season, along with Turkey winter holidays, to avail accommodations, tours, and travels at a 75% cheaper rate for international visitors. If you are a medical tourist, then this season brings you the ultimate and most cost-saving offers with all types of medical procedures, be it dental, like dental implants, or cosmetic, such as facelifts.

■ Events and Festivals:

Winter is the ski season in Turkish cities like Cappadocia, Erzurum, Uludağ, and Kars. With blooming snow, delicious foods, and warm bonfires, there are a lot of events and festivals you can attend. With Cappadocia Turkey in winter, you can enjoy the camel wrestling, take in the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival, and explore the Christmas markets. You can also enjoy other festivities, such as the male wrestling championship and the almond blossom festival, which also take place during winter and are loved by thousands of tourists. So if you’re thinking of visiting Antalya Turkey in winter, this month could turn out to be the best for you.

The Bottom Line

All seasons are wrapped in festivals in Turkey, each providing the best atmosphere. The country is enriched with its unique delicacy, music, culture, and warm guest friendship, making every season the best for visiting Turkey. So ultimately, the decision for the best season to visit Turkey depends on your personal preference. Thus, if you want to know more about the life and experiences of the festivals, then do not look for what is the best time to visit Turkey. Just book your ticket and step into this magical land called Turkey. But before booking your ticket, make sure that you have a valid visa, or if not, you are from a visa-exempt country or eligible to apply for one. Learn more about whether you need a visa to travel to Turkey from the UK here.