Last Updated
The stunning and diverse Mediterranean country of Turkey is a crowd favorite when it comes to travel, and each year its popularity seems to grow.
With highlights such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ankara, The Turquoise Coast, and much more, there is so much to see and do on a visit to Turkey.
Summer is a favorite time of year for most to visit, although the sweltering temperatures and ever-growing crowds can make for a less enjoyable experience. That’s why we think that fall is actually the best time to enjoy all this country has to offer.
When the crowds go home after the summer, Turkey is perfect for a fall trip. There are fewer people, most days offer great temperatures and perfect swimmable seas until October; you can expect lower prices across the board, and not to mention the beautiful foliage and fall colors across the country.
@sam_khan11111 Most Beautiful Places in Turkey 😍✨ 📍 Cappadocia 🎈🛸 📍 Lake Tuz ❤️🌊 📍Pamukkale ⛲⛰️ #travel #travelphotography #adventure #exploretheworld #explore #traveltiktok #tiktok #viralvideo #viral #trending #foryoupage #foryou #fyp #fypシ #hiking #treveltheworld #beachlover #hotel #cappadocia #laketuz #pamukkale #turkey ♬ original sound – 𝔹𝕖𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕚𝕗𝕦𝕝 ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕖
Fall also brings the country’s Republic Day (at the end of October), which is a great time to be in Turkey, with festivals, parades, and an atmosphere that really should be experienced!
Istanbul is a city that must be visited at least once, and while summer is a great time, fall is even better for a calmer and cooler chance to explore this vibrant city.
Of course, in addition to the more popular travel destinations, there are also many more off-the-beaten-path places to explore as well, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Here Are 5 Reasons Why Fall Is The Best Time To Visit Turkey:
Perfect Weather
Turkey is a large and geographically diverse country with many different climates, so a broad generalization of the weather in the fall is not always accurate, but you can rest assured that overall the country should have nice pleasant temperatures in the months of September, October, and even into November.
The fall can bring rain though, and remember that the days get shorter, leaving you with less time to explore, so plan for indoor activities as well if you visit at this time.
According to some estimates, the average daily temperature in September is 77˚F and evening is around 47˚, with each following month dropping about 5˚ in both the daytime and evening. So while the days might be sunny and warm, pack layers for after the sun sets.
@tiebowtie Slow autumn in Istanbul #istanbul #turkey #turkiye #travelblogger ♬ original sound – Viktoriya Sener
Fewer Crowds
Turkey is a popular travel hotspot, and it’s only becoming more popular each year with a wider array of travelers, so encountering some crowds on your visit is almost guaranteed.
While the majority of the seasonal towns along the southern coastline get quite crowded in the summer, a visit in the fall when most have gone home is the best way to ensure you have some more beach to yourself.
According to some, September and October are still technically considered to be the tail end of the tourism season, but you can always expect there to be far fewer visitors at this time.
Cheaper Prices
The shoulder season of September and October brings lower prices for accommodation, tours, airfare, and nearly everything else for travelers.
While searching for hotels and Airbnbs in September and October will bring a slightly lower price tag, for even more savings check out the same properties for dates in early November, when prices really start to fall (pun intended).
In the resort areas along the coast, many restaurants and other seasonal places close up shop at this time (if not before), so make sure to scope out the area before visiting to avoid ending up in a ghost town.
Fall Foliage
When the weather starts to turn a bit cooler, look to the leaves and mountains around you in Turkey for a change of colors. One of the country’s most beautiful national parks, Yedigöller, is a great place to witness the foliage change to fiery orange and red seemingly right before your eyes, and therefore one of the top places in the country to visit in the fall.
The fairy tale region of Cappadocia is especially beautiful in the fall light; the warm golden tones cascading across the otherworldly landscape is something that must be seen to be believed.
A hot air balloon ride in these months is also much more enjoyable than in the winter (although views of the snow-capped rock formations might be worth it), and Cappadocia is a bit less crowded in fall before the winter tourists come into town.
Late Season Beach Days
If you are seeking to stretch out every last bit of summer, you can head to any of the towns along Turkey’s picture-perfect turquoise coast for some late-year sun and sand.
September and even October are great months to enjoy the postcard-perfect beaches of the Turkish Riviera, with a fraction of the crowds that you would encounter in the summer.
The water is considered quite pleasant to swim in throughout October and even into November. Some brave souls might take the occasional dip in November, but by this time it will be too cold for most people. Divers, however, can don a wetsuit and enjoy the fantastic underwater world late into the year.
@tayli.photo Paradise in Turkey ✨🇹🇷 Kaputas beach🏖 #kaputas #kaputasbeach #beautifuldestinations #goturkiye ♬ original sound – Photographer in Istanbul Tayli
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com