When to go
Almost the whole of Turkey, except the north-eastern coast, enjoys a dry and sunny summer, but it can be hot, even on the coast.
So, in general it is preferable to visit the country in
spring and autumn: already in April along the west coast (see Izmir); in May, June and September in Istanbul; in May, June and September in the Anatolian Plateau and Ankara (with a preference for the month of May, and remembering that nights can be a bit cold); in April, May and the first half of October along the southern coast and in the semi-desert areas of the south-east; in June and September in the eastern highlands; in July and August in high mountains.
The best months for a
beach holiday are July and August along the north and north-east coast, but remember that the summer to the east of Istanbul is not very sunny and can be rainy, especially in the areas most exposed to the westerlies (while bays such as that of Samsun are relatively sheltered).
In the
northeast coast, it goes even worse and the rain may be abundant even in summer.
Along the
west coast, the bathing season runs from June to September, the temperature is high and the sun shines. However, as mentioned on the climate page, the sea in this area is slightly cooler, and sometimes the Meltem, the northern wind, blows.
Along the
southern coast, summer is very hot, so you may prefer the months of June and September in order to avoid the period of the most intense heat, which beyond a certain level, can be felt even at the beach.
What to pack
In
winter, on the north and west coast (Izmir and Trabzon), and in the south on the border with Syria, pack warm clothes, such as a sweater, a jacket, and a raincoat or umbrella. In Istanbul, pack warm clothes, such as a down jacket, and a scarf and a hat for cold spells. In Antalya and the south coast, spring/autumn clothes, a sweater, a jacket, and a raincoat or umbrella. In Ankara and the plateau, very warm clothes, such as a down jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves.
In
summer: on the west and south coast (Izmir, Antalya), pack light clothes, a light sweatshirt for the evening, and a scarf for the breeze. On the north coast (Istanbul, Trabzon), you can bring a sweatshirt or sweater for safety; in the eastern part of the Black Sea coast, you can ass a raincoat or umbrella. In Ankara and the plateau, bring light clothes for the day, a sun hat, and a sweatshirt or sweater for the evening; in the eastern part of the plateau, you can add a jacket for the evening. In the south, on the border with Syria, bring lightweight clothing of natural fibers, a desert turban, and possibly a sweatshirt for outdoor overnight stays.
When going to the reef, you can bring snorkeling equipment, including water shoes or rubber-soled shoes.
When visiting
mosques, you must have your shoulders and legs covered, and take off your shoes.
It's better for women to avoid shorts and miniskirts in rural and non-tourist areas.
Back to the climate of
Turkey