When is the best time to visit Turkey?

Turkey has so much to see and do that deciding on when is the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. Summers in Turkey can be very hot, with daytime average temperatures sitting well into the high 30s. This may be too much for some people, while others will love lounging on the beach in these balmy temperatures.

If you want to combine your beach trip to Turkey with visits to some of the archaeological sites or markets, you may instead want to consider visiting in one of the shoulder months such as April and May or September and October. These months are likely to have temperatures in the 20s instead of the high 30s, which can be much more comfortable for day trips out.

If you plan on visiting the region of Cappadocia, it's worth noting that temperatures here are markedly cooler than coastal regions such as Bodrum and Antalya, so the summer months can be wonderful here.

Weather in Istanbul can be fairly cool and rainy from November to February, and while this may be better for some people than the oppressive heat of summer, it's probably best to wait until the spring months to take a city break. March, April and May see temperatures begin to rise, and October can be a lovely time to travel to the city too.

What to know before visiting Turkey

As Turkey is such a large, diverse country there are a number of different rules and etiquettes that are followed in each region, but here are the things you need to know before travelling to Turkey to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable stay.

Turkey is quite a conservative, religious country and while most beach resorts don't require you to wear modest clothing, it can be a good idea to bring a few items that will cover your knees and shoulders just in case you choose to visit churches, mosques, museums or particularly conservative regions.

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira, plug sockets are a traditional European two-round-pin plug and some of the smaller towns don't accept credit cards so it's wise to bring some cash. Some websites are also banned in Turkey, such as Booking.com and PayPal, so it's best to organise your trip in advance rather than planning as you go.

What is there to do in Turkey?

With a wealth of history and culture (not to mention miles of golden beaches!), there is so much to see and do in Turkey that you could visit year after year and still be discovering new destinations.

Istanbul is famed for its history and architecture, with buildings like Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the St Antoine Church being absolutely breath-taking sights. The city also boasts the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, two of Turkey's most popular market experiences. There are local markets all over the country though, so whether you're visiting for a city break or beach holiday be sure to try striking a bargain in a bazaar!

Other popular spots in Turkey include Cappadocia, the almost mythical region in Central Anatolia known for hot air balloon rides over the boulder-laden landscape; The Temple of Apollo near Didim; the amphitheatre at Patara; and, of course, the beaches of Bodrum, Antalya, Ismir and the Dalaman Coast.

The beach towns along Turkey's coast offer everything from all-inclusive hotels and family-friendly resorts, to golf courses, yoga retreats, turtle rehabilitation centres and wild nighlife. There is therefore something for every type of traveller. Whether you're seeking a quiet cove, lively resort, picture-perfect walking trail or ancient history, Turkey has you covered.

Eating out is also one of the top ‘things to do' in Turkey as the cuisine here is absolutely delicious! With a range of cultures colliding, Turkey features food from Greek, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine and some of the best dishes to try include Turkish Kebap, Pide (the Turkish version of pizza), dolma (stuffed vine leaves), Menemen (an egg dish similar to shakshuka) as well as sweet treats like Baklava and Lokum (Turkish Delight).

Is Turkey a safe country to visit?

Despite many media reports of political tensions and disruption, Turkey is generally considered a fairly safe place to travel. This is especially true of the beach resorts which are located quite far away from the major cities. The place you'll most need to worry about your safety is in the back of a taxi (as the drivers can be a bit erratic) so make sure you wear a seatbelt.