The spring months from late March to late June are a magical time to visit Turkey, an intercontinental country that bridges Europe and Asia. There are unique benefits to visiting at any given point of the year, but spring is largely considered the best time to visit due to various compounding factors. The blooming time of year is ideal for seeing the country’s natural beauty come to life. You’ll be able to experience Turkey comfortably due to the mild weather, and there will be fewer tourists compared to during the busy summer holiday months.
Spring is also a great time to visit the beaches on Turkey’s coasts, enjoy the Istanbul Tulip Festival in April, and view the morning hot air balloon risings in Cappadocia. Discover the top five reasons why spring is the best time to visit Turkey.
Average Temperature This Time Of Year
- 59 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit
Mild Weather
As with any country that’s climate diverse, where you are in Turkey during the spring will ultimately determine what type of weather you experience. That said, the country generally has mild temperatures during this time of the year, and it gets increasingly warmer. Some places can experience temperatures up into the low 80s as the season progresses. Contrastingly, the average high in summer is around 85 degrees.
- Travel Tip: The warm not scorching weather during this time of year makes it perfect for walking around and sightseeing in Turkey.
Fewer Crowds
Turkey will be less filled with tourists during the spring. It’s a great time to experience the country in a more relaxed state. Popular cities, beach destinations, and tourist attractions will be less crowded, so you might get better snapshots at photo-worthy spots. Moreover, you’ll possibly experience more personalized guided tours. Spring travel should be on your radar if you’re hoping to snag lower prices and better booking availability (on accommodations, transportation, tours, etc…).
- Travel Tip: It might be cost-effective to travel outside of Turkey’s peak season for travel, including June, July, and August.
The Natural Beauty Of Fresh Blooms
The early warmer months of the year are the perfect time to travel in Turkey because tulips, wildflowers, and much of the country’s blooming flora will be on display. Outdoorsy trek-lovers should go hiking, as conditions will be prime and lush greenery will be vibrant. Cappadocia is a good place to embark on trails and nature walks due to its established hiking paths and stunning landscapes.
- Travel Tip: Visit countryside destinations, parks, and the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival every April.
Gentle Beach Temperatures
If you want to experience Turkey’s famous turquoise waters without sweltering temperatures and heavy foot traffic, spring is the time to visit. Vacation at beach destinations on the country’s Turquoise Coast – aka the Turkish Riviera – such as Bodrum, Fethiye, Antalya, and the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz. Depending on what time of the spring you go, water temperatures may range from 63 to 73 degrees.
- Travel Tip: If taking a cool dip isn’t your vibe, there are other activities to do in many of Turkey’s waterside towns, like hiking, kayaking, visiting luxury beach clubs, and more.
Springtime Festivals
An iconic event that tourists won’t want to miss is the monthlong Istanbul Tulip Festival in April, which has been occurring since 2006. There will be millions of springtime flowers on display, as well as pansies, daffodils, and other beautiful blooms. There’s also live music, dancing, and more depending on the year’s theme. Other festivals and celebrations happening during the spring are the Persian New Year (Nevruz) and the Hıdırellez Festival, which is a celebration of the season.
- Travel Tip: The annual Istanbul Tulip Festival runs from April 1 through April 30.
Spring is the best time to visit Turkey if you want to explore, enjoy, and experience some of the country’s culture and best aspects without an influx of other tourists and peak season prices. The weather will be mild, flowers will be in bloom, streets will be less busy during sightseeing, and there will be several opportunities to experience local culture.
