Turkey Climate

Turkey's climate is generally most agreeable. However, despite its temperate location, there are regional differences, thanks to the three seas that border the country and the mountains that nudge the coasts. In general, the coast enjoys hot summers and mild winters, while the inland plateaux have high temperatures in summer but colder, dry winters. 

What about Istanbul? Turkey's capital and the Marmara area has a mild climate, averaging around 4 deg C in winter and 28 in summer, although freezing temperatures in winter are not uncommon. Around the Aegean, the climate is more Mediterranean, averaging 9 deg.C in winter and around 30 in summer.

In the deep south, it's a similar story, while the Central Anatolian region has big contrasts between its night and day temperatures, much like the steppes. Around the Black Sea, you'll find warmer, damper weather and, in South-East Anatolia, the winters are long and tough, averaging -12 deg C, with snow that lasts until the end of April.

Turkey is an all-year destination. The high season can generally be said to be June to September, spring and autumn might be the best times to visit. Weather is good at these times without being punishingly hot, so you can get out and explore.

So what about those regional variations? If you're coming to Marmara and the Aegean, the high season will last from March to November, while on the Black Sea, it's July and August, with agreeable weather from April until September.

In Anatolia, any time from March to November is good for a visit, with the high season lasting from April to October. Be prepared for very cold winters in eastern Anatolia.