Turkey - Background Information

Climate and travel season

The Asia Minor peninsula combines a multitude of different landscapes and climate zones. The oceanic climate on the Black Sea coast in the north is characterized by moderately warm temperatures and high levels of rainfall all year round. On the Anatolian highlands, a distinctly continental climate prevails, with hot, dry summers and snowy winters. With that in mind, the thermometer frequently falls to 5 °F (-15 °C) and below in the east of the country. The Aegean west coast and the Mediterranean coast in the south are characterized by a typically Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers.
The ideal time to visit the whole of Turkey is during the transitional periods in May and June, and in September and October. Appropriate light clothing will suffice during the summer months - out of respect for the religion and traditions practised in the country, clothing should not be too short or skimpy. Visitors should have jackets available for evenings or excursions to the country’s mountain regions. Warm clothing is definitely recommended for the winter, as well as sturdy footwear and a windproof and waterproof jacket. This is because the weather can become rather unpleasant anywhere in Turkey, regardless of the climate zone.