WHEN TO GO
The Climate

      From April to October, most parts of TURKEY have an ideal climate, providing perfect conditions in which a visitor can relax on the sandy beaches, enjoy the peace of mountains and lakes or visit all world famous historical and archaeological sites.

      Istanbul's climate is a combination of the temperate and Aegean type with hot sunny summers, warm springs and autumns, and mild winters. Average summer day temperatures are around 28 C (82 F), with spring and autumn temperatures around 20 C (68 F) and average summer sea water temperatures are around 23 C (73 F).

      Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean coasts :
      These coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.
      The swimming season becomes shorter the further north one goes:
      Marmara and North Aegean - June to September
      South Aegean and Mediterranean - April to November

      Black Sea Coast :
      Temperate climate with warm summers, mild winters with rain.
      Swimming season: June to September

      Central Anatolia :
      These areas have a steppe climate with hot, dry summers, cold winters.
      Skiing season is December to April.

      Eastern Anatolia :
      Long snowy, cold winters with mild summers.
      Skiing season is between November and June

      Southeast Anatolia :
      These areas have a hot summer with mild, rainy winters.


      Generally speaking of weather; light clothing is recommended in summer for all areas but some areas it can get very hot and temperature can reach to 40 C (100+ F). In the winter months from November to March, sweaters and overcoats should be brought.

      Depending on where you go, for example, areas in central Anadolu (Anatolia) such as SIVAS, KAYSERI and further east to ERZURUM or KARS, heavy winter coats and snow boots are recommended.



      AVERAGE AIR AND WATER TEMPERATURES FOR MAJOR REGIONS IN 'C'
                        JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
ANTALYA     Air    10  11  13  16  20  25  28  28  25  20  15  12
            Water  17  17  17  18  21  24  27  28  27  25  22  19
      
IZMIR       Air    9   10  11  16  20  25  28  27  23  18  15  10
            Water  11  11  12  15  20  24  26  26  24  21  17  13
      
ISTANBUL    Air    5   6   7   12  16  21  23  23  20  16  12  8
            Water  9   7   8   11  15  20  23  23  21  17  14  11
      
TRABZON     Air    6   6   7   11  15  20  22  22  19  15  12  9
            Water  10  9   9   10  14  20  24  25  24  20  16  13
      
ANKARA      Air    -0  1   5   11  16  20  23  23  18  13  8   2
      
ERZURUM     Air    -9  -7  -3  5   11  15  19  20  15  9   2   -5
      
DIYARBAKIR  Air    2   2   8   14  19  26  31  31  25  17  10  4