Best time to visit Cappadocia

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Cappadocia

Best time of year to visit Cappadocia

Perfect conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities make April to May and September to October the best time to visit Cappadocia. Spotting wildflowers and birds, hiking and cycling are marvellous during the spring. Summer peak season brings the heat, crowds, and higher prices. Winter season from December to March can be rainy and windy, but it also brings beautiful views over snow-dusted rocks along with sledding and skiing. Breathtaking ballon flights and Whirling Dervish performances are there for you in any season.

9 THINGS TO DO IN CAPPADOCIA (APRIL 04 - APRIL 13)

Ballooning Сhallenge

Ballooning Сhallenge

all year round • activity

Take one of the balloon flights and watch Cappadocia's magnificent scenery from heights

Hiking and Trekking

Hiking and Trekking

April–June • activity

Cappadocia is made for trekking! Check out all the valleys and relax at spectacular resting spots

Dervish Dancing Performance

Dervish Dancing Performance

all year round • activity

Take a glance of one of the most impressive performances of Cappadocia's best whirling dancers

Fairy Chimneys

Fairy Chimneys

all year round • nature

Amazingly-shaped remains of volcanic eruption make Cappadocia a great offbeat adventure

Kaymaklı Underground City

Kaymaklı Underground City

all year round • activity

Explore the mysteries and beauty of Kaymaklı underground city tunnels

Cycling

Cycling

April–November • activity

Discover Cappadocia's lush valleys while cycling on two wheels

Spring Flowers in Goreme

Spring Flowers in Goreme

April–June • nature

Visit town of Goreme in spring to see the multitude of colours and feel the amazing flower scents

Skiing, Snowboarding and Sledding

Skiing, Snowboarding and Sledding

early December–late April • activity

Try winter sports for all ages at Cappadocia's highest point at Mount Erciyes

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

April–November • activity

Turkey lies on a migration route of many birds making their journey between Europe and Africa. Amazing birds complete unique Cappadocian​ landscape with their colour and beauty

9 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Cappadocia Ultra Trail

Cappadocia Ultra Trail

out of rangeOctober 19, 2024 • event

Join for the three different races organized in a UNESCO heritage site of Cappadocia!

Winter Hiking Adventure

Winter Hiking Adventure

out of rangeDecember–February • activity

Get a taste of the wilderness while winter hiking in Cappadocia's Rose & Love Valleys

Cappadox Festival

Cappadox Festival

overJune 14–17, 2018 • event

The celebration of music, arts, gastronomy, and outdoor activities in the beautiful setting will capture all your senses

Dried Apricots

Dried Apricots

out of rangeJune–August • food

Turkey is known to be one of the biggest exporters of dried fruit. Cappadocia is one of the largest regions that produce sun-dried apricots in a unique​ way

Grape Harvest

Grape Harvest

out of rangemid-August–late October • food

Cappadocia is known as one of the oldest and the best wine centers in Turkey

Aşure or Noah’s Pudding

Aşure or Noah’s Pudding

out of rangeJuly 27, 2023 • food

On the tenth day of Muharram, every Turkish household is preoccupied with cooking Aşure,—imitating the dish the very Noah once cooked in his ark at the Mount of Ararat

Raisins

Raisins

out of rangeOctober • food

Try delicious sun-dried raisins—a true specialty of Cappadocia

Wolves and Other Wild Animals

Wolves and Other Wild Animals

out of rangeDecember–February • nature

Wild animals could still be observed at some of Cappadoccia's valleys

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

Ring in New Year at a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, famous for its honeycomb hills

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Cappadocia weather in January

10.5/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The middle of the winter season in Cappadocia, generally known to be the coldest month with ample snowfall, most of which is likely to occur in the first half of the month. However, the coldest days typically fall at the end of the month. The average temperature hovers just below freezing point. The shortest days were in December, but in January, the daylight hours are still rather few. The days are frequently overcast or partially cloudy, and the wind often blows from the south. On the upside, the fairy chimneys of Göreme have a special charm when covered with a layer of snow. To keep warm and comfy during your visit in January, pack warm clothing, including a down jacket, a scarf, a hat, and gloves.

Cappadocia weather in February

10.5/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Another winter month, cold and snowy. However, snowfall is less frequent than in January. The average temperatures rise a little but still hover around freezing point. Frosts are possible anyway. The days are short, which is natural for the winter season, even though the daylight hours are increasing in comparison to December. As other winter months, February belongs to the cloudier part of the year. Southern winds also affect the plateau. The main advantage of the season is a chance to see the Göreme's iconic fairy chimneys snowed up. If you travel to Cappadocia in February, warm garments are essential. A down jacket, gloves, a har, and a scarf will ensure that your visit is warm and comfy.

Cappadocia weather in March

10.5/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The colder season continues in Cappadocia through the first week of March. Later on, spring sets new weather conditions—snowy days are gone, but rains become quite frequent. Despite the semi-arid climate, the season has quite a few rainy days. In the second half of the month, the average temperatures rise up and the days get longer. However, cloudy or partially overcast weather is still typical. Southern winds continue to blow in the area. While visiting Cappadocia in March, bring a raincoat or an umbrella. A heavier jacket will also be useful, as well as some warm clothes, including sweaters and long-sleeved shirts. At the beginning of the month, you might still need winter gear.

Cappadocia weather in April

10.5/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Spring season is markedly rainier than other periods in Cappadocia, in spite of its generally semi-arid climate. April is fairly called the rainiest month. Southerly winds are relatively frequent in the first half of the month. By late April, windy weather is less common—the calmer period of the year lasts till the beginning of the winter season. Rain is accompanied by overcast or partly cloudy sky, so the sunshine in this month is not abundant. At the same time, the extended daylight hours provide more opportunities to take in local nature. Mild growing air temperatures are favorable too. Packing for an April trip, drop a rain-resistant coat or an umbrella. Also, dressing in layers will be reasonable, as the weather might change. Bring some warm clothing for the mornings and evenings.

Cappadocia weather in May

10.5/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The second rainiest month after April. In fact, the wettest days of the year might occur at the very beginning of May. But the "wettest" here is still relative, as the area has a semi-arid climate. The windier period is over by late April. Nevertheless, occasional breezes might come from the north. Cloudy days happen in early May, but become rare by the end of the month. The best thing about May is pretty long days and pleasantly warm average temperatures. It is the start of the warmer half of the year that continues through October. Lighter clothing will suffice for the warm day, but cooler mornings and evenings require a sweater or sweatshirt. Also, bring a light jacket and an umbrella, just in case.

Cappadocia weather in June

10.5/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
When May was named a warm season, June is already distinguished as a hot month, starting from the second week. Usually, the weather is comfortably hot, with scorching days being rare but possible. This month also boasts the longest days in the year and plenty of sunshine. Rainfall is sparse. Late June marks the beginning of the drier period of the year in the semi-arid Cappadocia. Despite low precipitation, occasional brief rain may occur until the first days of July. Light wind can sometimes blow from the north. If you visit Cappadocia in June, bring light garments, a sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A sweater or sweatshirt will be useful for the evening. In the eastern part of the plateau, evenings are cooler, so you might also need a jacket.

Cappadocia weather in July

10.5/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
One of the hottest months in Cappadocia, yet the average temperatures feel comfortable. Scorching days are also possible. The area has a semi-arid climate, and July is one of the driest months with the low precipitation and almost no rainfall. Days are long, and July boasts ample sunshine. Cloudy or even partly overcast days are infrequent. So are the winds—only occasional light breezes might blow from the north. Bring light clothing, a sun hat for the day, and a sweatshirt or sweater for the evenings. Also, if you go to the eastern part of the plateau, you'll need a jacket, as nights there are cooler.

Cappadocia weather in August

10.5/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Usually, August is the hottest month in Cappadocia and the height of summer. Although scorching heat is seldom. The peak temperatures are observed at the beginning of the month. August is also dry, with slightly higher precipitation comparing to July. Extended daylight hours and a great amount of sunshine make it a perfect time to take in the stunning natural landscapes of the area. The sky is mostly cloudless. Northern wind is infrequent too. Summer visitors should pack enough of light clothing for the day, along with a sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Evening temperatures are lower, so bring a sweater or sweatshirt too. If you plan on visiting the eastern side of the area, a jacket might be needed.

Cappadocia weather in September

10.5/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Early autumn in Cappadocia belongs to the hot season. Precipitation remains low till mid-October, but rains become slightly more frequent already in late September. Along with the first rainfall, the temperatures become milder, meaning the hot season has come to an end. The daylight hours and amount of sunshine are naturally less than in summer months, but at the same time, this is much more than in October. In terms of air masses, autumn is a calm period, except occasional light wind blowing from the north. When you visit Cappadocia in the first half of September, bring light attire, a sun hat, and sunscreen. A sweatshirt or sweater will be relevant for the evening. A jacket is needed if you find yourself in the eastern part of the plateau. Traveling by the end of the month, bringing an umbrella might be useful.

Cappadocia weather in October

10.5/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
The mid-autumn in Cappadocia pleases with mild air temperatures. However, it gets progressively colder towards the end of the month. The first half of October belongs to the drier period of the year, even though rainy weather is possible. Mid-October marks the beginning of wetter times. Also, the extended cloudier period of the year starts already early in the month, meaning the sun is going to show up much more rarely from now on until late May. Winds don't disturb Cappadocia a lot, just occasionally—early October sees northern breezes, and late in the month, southerlies can blow. October is a shift season between summer and winter, so dressing in layers is important. Besides, warmer garb for the chilly mornings and evenings is a must. A rain jacket or an umbrella can be especially useful in the second half of the month.

Cappadocia weather in November

10.5/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Since the altitude of the plateau is 1,000 m (3,281 ft) and above, the average temperatures decrease dramatically, and the first snowy days happen already in early November. If it doesn't snow, then it rains, as precipitation is high this month. The markedly cold season in Cappadocia begins late in the month and continues through winter well into early March. Cloudy weather prevails, so the sun is rarely seen. The daylight hours are also few. Concerning the air masses, windy weather is still infrequent. Just occasionally, Cappadocia is affected by southerlies. If you choose to see Cappadocia in November, bring warm clothing to keep yourself warm and comfy. A heavier waterproof jacket or even a down jacket can come in handy. Also, carrying an umbrella must be a good idea.

Cappadocia weather in December

10.5/10 score
Ideal
10° average
average temperatures
10 mm
precipitation
6h 24m
daylight duration
Winters in Cappadocia are cold and snowy. The beginning of the season isn't the best time to visit the area, as this is one of the coldest months, with the average temperatures often just below the freezing point. The days are extremely short, especially late in the month. Sunshine is scarce at its most, as the sky is mostly overcast. Precipitation is high, and snowfall is frequent. Besides, December marks the start of the windier period of the year, so expect frequent wind from the south. On the upside, the stunning fairy chimneys take on even more magical appearance when covered with snow. Packing warm winter gear is a necessity if you travel here in December. Make sure you bring a down jacket, a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf to feel warm and comfy during your visit.