The best time to visit Turkey
The best time to visit Turkey for warm, sunny weather is April to July, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 75/100 with daytime highs around 26°C / 79°F. August is a quieter shoulder-season alternative with still-reliable sun. Midsummer peaks in August at about 34°C / 93°F — hot for sightseeing, ideal for the coast. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 5 months a year, warmest in August at 29°C.
Turkey by month, averaged across 30 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11 | 8° / 46°F | 88 mm | 16° | Poor |
| February | 17 | 9° / 48°F | 66 mm | 15° | Poor |
| March | 41 | 14° / 57°F | 60 mm | 15° | Good |
| April | 68 | 18° / 64°F | 52 mm | 17° | Very good |
| May | 84 | 23° / 73°F | 45 mm | 20° | Excellent |
| June | 83 | 29° / 84°F | 27 mm | 25° | Excellent |
| July | 66 | 33° / 91°F | 14 mm | 28° | Very good |
| August | 66 | 34° / 93°F | 13 mm | 29° | Very good |
| September | 84 | 29° / 84°F | 28 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| October | 82 | 23° / 73°F | 54 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| November | 50 | 15° / 59°F | 65 mm | 20° | Good |
| December | 18 | 10° / 50°F | 88 mm | 17° | Poor |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: April to July — Turkey's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 75/100, ~26°C / 79°F days). Shoulder season: August — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: August, ~34°C / 93°F. Wettest: January (88 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Dalaman (3,202 h/yr), Bodrum (3,195 h/yr), Erzurum (3,170 h/yr). See where it's sunniest in Turkey month by month, the hottest places in Turkey, or every Turkey destination with a full climate card.