Turkey
When to travel to Turkey?
The best time for Turkey depends on what you want to see. Heading to the coast? The summer months are hot and full. The mountains in the east? They are interesting all year round, but October is ideal. Read below to see what each period offers you.
7 September 2026 · Wayloha editorial · 3 sources
July and August: hot and full
In the summer months, temperatures on the coast reach 28 to 35 degrees. Bodrum is bursting at the seams with tourists. The foam parties continue, hotels are fully booked, and the famous spots are packed tight.
Do you want peace and quiet? Do not go in August. Do you want parties and energy? Then you will fit in perfectly here. But be aware: it is busy, it is hot, and you are certainly not alone.
- Bodrum has full beaches and plenty of nightlife.
- Book accommodation well in advance.
In October, you can still feel the warmth of the Mediterranean, but without the crowds of tourists found in August.Turkey
October to April: mild, quieter months
October is ideal. It is still 20 to 25 degrees, the water is pleasant, and the crowds have gone. The ancient ruins along the coasts of Lycia and Pamphylia are easily accessible. You won't be bumping into masses of people.
Autumn and early winter are also great for culture. Istanbul is pleasant, and the bazaars are busier than on holiday days, but not overwhelming. November and December are quieter and feel more like locals than tourists.
- October has perfect weather for the coast and ruins.
- Bazaars are less chaotic in the autumn.
The east and the mountains: a different Turkey
The Black Sea coast in the northeast is green and misty. You will encounter far fewer tourists here. It is authentic, mountainous, and feels very different from the touristy west coast.
Eastern Turkey offers small towns with a Middle Eastern atmosphere. Other travellers here are older, open-minded, and looking for culture instead of beaches. You will meet them at hostel dinners and they are good mates. These regions are unpolished, real, and much more personal than the Mediterranean side.
- October to April are good for mountain hiking.
- The east feels like a different country: that is the intention.
Visa and length of stay
You may stay in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. Check your visa rules: French and New Zealand citizens get 90 days for free. Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans get a visa at the border or at the airport (costs vary from 20 to 60 euros, depending on nationality).
Rules change. Check what applies to your passport before you go. Do not take risks: the difference between 89 and 91 days can be the difference between passing through and having problems.
- Check the current visa requirements for your nationality.
- Keep track of how many days you have already used up.
