Europe
Turkey
Overview
Turkey captivates with its rich history and diverse culture. Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque stand alongside bustling markets. Cappadocia's otherworldly landscapes offer hot air balloon rides over fairy chimneys. The Mediterranean coast boasts pristine beaches and ancient ruins. Savor kebabs and baklava in local eateries. Explore hidden gems like the travertine terraces of Pamukkale or the underground cities of Derinkuyu. Immerse yourself in Turkish hospitality at a traditional hammam or sip çay in a local tea garden. Turkey offers a unique blend of experiences for every traveler.
Best time to visit. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers can be hot, while winters are chilly. Coastal areas are pleasant year-round. Consider visiting during Ramadan for a unique cultural experience.
Cities
We don't have any cities for Turkey yet. Use the link below to request a city guide.
Country stats
Month | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 47°F - 37°F | 44°F - 32°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:22 am | 5:21 pm | 12 days 2.8 in | 3 days 2.0 in | 9 mph |
February | 50°F - 38°F | 47°F - 34°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:57 am | 5:55 pm | 10 days 2.4 in | 2 days 1.5 in | 9 mph |
March | 57°F - 43°F | 55°F - 40°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:16 am | 6:25 pm | 9 days 2.0 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 9 mph |
April | 66°F - 50°F | 65°F - 48°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:32 am | 6:55 pm | 8 days 1.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
May | 75°F - 58°F | 76°F - 57°F | Sunny | 4:59 am | 7:23 pm | 6 days 1.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
June | 84°F - 66°F | 86°F - 65°F | Sunny | 4:44 am | 7:45 pm | 4 days 0.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
July | 88°F - 70°F | 91°F - 69°F | Sunny | 5:01 am | 7:42 pm | 3 days 0.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
August | 88°F - 70°F | 91°F - 69°F | Sunny | 5:31 am | 7:12 pm | 3 days 0.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
September | 81°F - 64°F | 82°F - 63°F | Sunny | 5:58 am | 6:25 pm | 4 days 1.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
October | 71°F - 57°F | 70°F - 55°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:26 am | 5:39 pm | 7 days 1.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
November | 60°F - 48°F | 58°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:57 am | 5:02 pm | 9 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
December | 51°F - 41°F | 48°F - 37°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:21 am | 4:52 pm | 12 days 3.0 in | 2 days 1.0 in | 9 mph |
Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Year's Day | January 1 | National holiday celebrating the start of the new year with fireworks and festivities. | Expect closures and festive atmosphere. | ||
Ramadan | Varies annually | Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims in Turkey. | Respectful travel possible, night festivities. | ||
Eid al-Fitr | Varies annually | Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan with feasts and family gatherings. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
National Sovereignty and Children's Day | April 23 | Commemorates the founding of Turkish Parliament and celebrates children's rights. | Enjoy children's events, some closures. | ||
Labor and Solidarity Day | May 1 | National holiday honoring workers' rights with parades and demonstrations. | Expect some closures and demonstrations. | ||
Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day | May 19 | Honors Atatürk and Turkish youth with sports events and parades. | Join sports events, some businesses closed. | ||
Eid al-Adha | Varies annually | Important Islamic holiday of sacrifice and charity, lasting four days. | Avoid travel, widespread closures. | ||
Democracy and National Unity Day | July 15 | Commemorates the failed coup attempt of 2016 and celebrates democracy. | Expect ceremonies, some closures. | ||
Victory Day | August 30 | Celebrates Turkey's victory in the Turkish War of Independence with parades. | Watch military parades, some closures. | ||
Republic Day | October 29 | Marks the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey with nationwide celebrations. | Join festivities, expect some closures. |
1 | Remove shoes before entering homes or mosques. Bring socks for mosques, as floors can be cold. Some tourist sites provide disposable shoe covers. |
2 | Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Women should cover shoulders and knees. Men should avoid shorts in conservative areas. |
3 | Learn basic Turkish phrases like 'merhaba' (hello) and 'teşekkür ederim' (thank you). Locals appreciate efforts to speak their language, even if imperfect. |
4 | Bargaining is common in bazaars and small shops. Start at about half the asking price and negotiate. Don't bargain in supermarkets or chain stores. |
5 | Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially in conservative areas. Keep intimacy private to avoid offending locals. |
6 | Avoid discussing politics or criticizing Turkey. Locals are proud of their country and may take offense. Steer conversations to culture and history instead. |
7 | Try Turkish coffee, but don't drink the grounds at the bottom. It's customary to turn your cup upside down on the saucer when finished. |
8 | Tipping is expected in restaurants (10-15%), hotels, and for taxi drivers. Round up the fare for taxis. Tip tour guides about 20 TL per person per day. |

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