The best time to visit Turkey
The best time to visit Turkey for warm, sunny weather is June to September, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 79/100 with daytime highs around 30°C / 86°F. May and October are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. 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 | 6 | 6° / 43°F | 88 mm | 16° | Poor |
| February | 10 | 8° / 46°F | 66 mm | 15° | Poor |
| March | 31 | 12° / 54°F | 60 mm | 15° | Mixed |
| April | 59 | 16° / 61°F | 52 mm | 17° | Very good |
| May | 80 | 22° / 72°F | 45 mm | 20° | Excellent |
| June | 85 | 28° / 82°F | 27 mm | 25° | Excellent |
| July | 71 | 32° / 90°F | 14 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| August | 72 | 32° / 90°F | 13 mm | 29° | Excellent |
| September | 87 | 27° / 81°F | 28 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| October | 76 | 21° / 70°F | 54 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| November | 41 | 14° / 57°F | 65 mm | 20° | Good |
| December | 11 | 8° / 46°F | 88 mm | 17° | Poor |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: June to September — Turkey's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 79/100, ~30°C / 86°F days). Shoulder season: May and October — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: July, ~32°C / 90°F. Wettest: January (88 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Bodrum (3,154 h/yr), Dalaman (3,154 h/yr), Şanlıurfa (3,110 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.