Türkiye has a surprising variety of climates. The weather in Istanbul has little to do with the weather in Cappadocia, and neither has much in common with the Antalya coast. What you wear in one region may be wrong for the next, so here is the climate region by region, with the temperatures to expect and what to pack to avoid surprises.
The weather in Türkiye by region
Istanbul and the Marmara region: a transitional climate
Istanbul sits between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, and its weather shows it. Summers are warm to hot and humid (25–33 °C); winters are cool and rainy (3–9 °C), with the occasional snowfall. The humidity coming off the Bosphorus makes both the heat and the cold feel more intense than the numbers suggest. Most of the rain falls between November and March. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons.
Cappadocia and Central Anatolia: dry continental
Cappadocia, Ankara and Konya sit on a high plateau. Summers are hot and dry (30–35 °C) but the nights are cool; winters are genuinely cold (−5 to 5 °C), with frequent snow. The difference between day and night can be more than 15 °C, so carry an extra layer even in summer. Cappadocia under snow (December to February) is spectacular, but you will need proper winter clothing.
Mediterranean coast (Antalya, Fethiye, Kaş): classic Mediterranean
This is the hottest stretch of Türkiye's coast. Summers are very hot (30–40 °C) and the sun is practically guaranteed: Antalya enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Winters are mild (8–15 °C) and bring most of the year's rain. The sea is warm from June to October (23–28 °C), and the swimming season runs from May to October.
Aegean coast (Bodrum, Ephesus, Kuşadası): a gentler Mediterranean
Similar to the south coast, but a little breezier. Summers are hot (28–35 °C) and winters mild. In July and August the meltemi, a steady north wind, takes the edge off the heat, which is why the Aegean often feels more comfortable than Antalya in high summer.
The south-east (Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, Mardin): semi-arid
Summers are extremely hot (38–45 °C) and dry. Winters are moderate (5–10 °C). Spring and autumn are by far the best times to visit this region.
Black Sea coast (Trabzon, Rize, Artvin): humid and green
The wettest part of Türkiye, with rain possible in any month of the year. Summers are mild (22–26 °C) and winters cool rather than cold. All that rain has its reward: this is the greenest region in the country, covered in forests, tea plantations and hazelnut groves.
What to pack for Türkiye
Remember that the distances between regions are large and the weather changes as you move around the country, so pack for every stop on your route, not just the first. Here is what I recommend season by season.
Spring and autumn (when most travellers come)
- Layers: a T-shirt, a light jumper and a windproof jacket will cover most days.
- Comfortable long trousers for walking.
- A small umbrella for Istanbul, where a shower can arrive at any time.
Summer
- Light cotton clothing, sunscreen and a hat.
- Swimwear if you are heading for the coast.
Winter
- A warm coat, scarf and gloves, especially for Cappadocia and eastern Türkiye.
- Thermal layers for Cappadocia if you plan a hot-air balloon flight: at take-off, before sunrise, it is often at or below freezing.
- On the coast a waterproof jacket is usually enough.
Whatever the season
- Good walking shoes: Istanbul is a city of hills, and Ephesus and Cappadocia mean hours on your feet.
- For mosques and other religious sites: clothes that cover your knees and shoulders, and, for women, a scarf or shawl to cover your head.
Not sure which time of year suits you best? Read my guide to the best time to visit Türkiye, or message me with your dates and I'll suggest the best route for the weather you can expect.