Turkey Weather, climate and geography
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Turkey's climate varies significantly across its regions, but most visitors experience four distinct seasons. Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, summers are hot and dry, with daytime temperatures commonly ranging from 28–35°C (82–95°F), sometimes higher in July and August. Winters in these coastal areas are mild, with temperatures around 10–16°C (50–61°F) and periodic rainfall.
Central Anatolia, including Ankara and Cappadocia, has a continental climate. Summers are warm and dry, typically 25–32°C (77–90°F), while winters are cold, often falling to –5 to 5°C (23–41°F). Snow is common between December and February, especially in higher elevations.
Istanbul experiences a mix of European and coastal influences, with warm summers of 25–30°C (77–86°F) and cool, damp winters of 5–12°C (41–54°F). Fog, rain and occasional snowfall can appear in winter.
Eastern Turkey is the most extreme, with very hot summers that can exceed 35°C (95°F) and harsh winters that drop well below freezing. Mountainous regions, including the Kaçkar range and areas around Mount Ararat, often remain snow-covered for many months.
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are generally considered the most pleasant times to visit, with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds across much of the country.
Required clothing
Turkey's varied climate means that suitable clothing depends on the region and season. In summer, lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal across most of the country, particularly along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts where temperatures can be very hot. In spring and autumn, layers are useful as mornings and evenings can be cooler, especially in inland areas.
In central and eastern Turkey, winters can be cold, with temperatures often falling below freezing. Warm clothing, including coats, jumpers and insulated layers, is necessary during these months. Snow is common in Anatolia and the eastern mountains, so footwear with good grip is advisable in winter.
When visiting mosques or religious sites, modest dress is required. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women may need to wear a headscarf; many mosques provide scarves and wraps at the entrance. Shoes must be removed before entering prayer areas, so easily removable footwear is helpful.
Along the coast, casual resort wear is widely accepted, but very revealing clothing may attract attention in smaller towns or conservative areas. Overall, comfortable, climate-appropriate clothing and a respect for local customs will serve travellers well.
Geography
Turkey occupies a unique position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with the majority of its landmass in Anatolia and a smaller portion in Thrace, the southeastern corner of Europe. The two sides are separated by the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles — waterways that have shaped trade and culture for millennia.
The landscape is remarkably varied. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are lined with bays, beaches and pine-covered hills, while the Black Sea region to the north features lush forests and steep, green mountains. Central Anatolia forms a vast plateau, home to volcanic formations, open plains and agricultural fields. Eastern Turkey rises into some of the country's highest mountains, including Mount Ararat, and contains deep valleys, high plateaus and large lakes such as Lake Van.
Major cities reflect this geographical diversity: Istanbul sits astride the Bosphorus, Ankara lies in the inland plateau, and coastal destinations like Antalya and İzmir benefit from warm Mediterranean climates. These contrasts make Turkey a country of striking and often unexpected landscapes, offering visitors a wide range of natural environments to explore.
