Best time to visit · Cappadocia · Turkey
The best time to visit Cappadocia
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ludovic Courtès, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Cappadocia are April to June and September to October, when days are mild for hiking and balloon flights run most reliably. July and August are hot but dry. Winter (December to February) brings snow-covered landscapes and low prices, but cold mornings and more frequent balloon cancellations.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–June and September–October
- Shoulder season
- March, July–August and November
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 30°C (86°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 4°C (39°F))
- Rainiest month
- May (~10 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- January–February
Seasons
At over 1,000 metres, Cappadocia has a continental climate: hot, dry summer days with cool nights, cold and often snowy winters, and changeable springs. Dawn temperatures for balloon flights can be near or below freezing from November to March.
March–May
Spring
Blossom and green valleys, with mild days and cold mornings; showers are possible and balloon season is in full swing by April.
June–August
Summer
Hot, dry days with cool nights; hike early and late, and expect busy towns and full balloon flights.
September–November
Autumn
Warm, clear days and the grape harvest in September and October; nights turn cold and crowds fall in November.
December–February
Winter
Cold and often snowy, with beautiful white landscapes, low prices and more frequent balloon cancellations.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C | -5°C | 8 | 9.7 h | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| February | 6°C | -4°C | 8 | 10.7 h | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 11°C | -1°C | 8 | 11.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 17°C | 4°C | 9 | 13.2 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 22°C | 8°C | 10 | 14.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 26°C | 12°C | 5 | 14.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 30°C | 15°C | 2 | 14.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 30°C | 15°C | 1 | 13.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 26°C | 11°C | 2 | 12.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| October | 19°C | 6°C | 5 | 11.1 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| November | 12°C | 1°C | 6 | 10 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 6°C | -3°C | 8 | 9.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| August | Hacı Bektaş Veli commemoration in Hacıbektaş, about 45 km north of Avanos (usually mid-August) |
| September | Grape harvest in the vineyards (usually September–October) |
| October | Republic Day celebrations (29 October) |
| December | New Year's Eve celebrations in cave hotels |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in January–February, and the sights are quietest in January–March and November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | A warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Cappadocia?
The best times to visit Cappadocia are April to June and September to October, when days are mild for hiking and balloon flights run most reliably. July and August are hot but dry. Winter (December to February) brings snow-covered landscapes and low prices, but cold mornings and more frequent balloon cancellations.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Cappadocia?
Usually in January–February. Cold, with snow on the fairy chimneys making for spectacular photos; balloon cancellations are frequent and some trails are muddy or icy.
+What is the rainiest month in Cappadocia?
May, with about 10 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Cappadocia get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F).