Summertime is generally considered the worst time to visit Turkey.
The heat can be oppressive, especially in the more inland areas where temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The humidity can also make it feel even hotter. In addition, many businesses close down for the month of August, making it difficult to find open restaurants and stores.
If you do visit Turkey during the summer, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in air-conditioned areas when possible.
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Why summer is the worst time to visit turkey?
If you’re thinking of booking a trip to Turkey, you might want to reconsider your timing. While the country is a popular destination for tourists year-round, summertime is actually the worst time to visit. Here’s why:
- The heat is unbearable. Temperatures in Turkey can reach up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, making it impossible to do anything other than lounge around in air-conditioning all day.
- The beaches are too crowded. Everyone wants to escape the heat, so the beaches are always packed with locals and tourists alike. This makes it hard to find a spot to relax, and even harder to enjoy the water when you’re constantly being jostled by people.
- There are too many tourists. Since summer is peak tourist season, everywhere you go will be crammed full of people from all over the world. This takes away from the authentic Turkish experience that you came for in the first place.
- Prices are sky-high. Since demand is high during summertime, prices for accommodation and activities tend to be much higher than they are at other times of the year.
- You won’t be able to see any of the historical sites. Many of Turkey’s most popular attractions, including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, close during July and August due to the heat and lack of visitors.
- The streets are empty. A lot of businesses close down for the summer because there aren’t enough people around to justify staying open. This means that a lot of restaurants and shops are closed, and public transportation isn’t running as frequently as it normally does.
- You’ll have trouble communicating with locals. A lot of Turks take their summer vacations in August, which means that many businesses are closed and a lot of people aren’t around to speak English with you. This can make it difficult to get around or find information about what’s going on in the city.
- You might get sick. Since Turkey is such a popular tourist destination, there’s always a risk of getting sick from something that you ate or drank while you were there—especially if you’re not used to the local cuisine or water quality.
- The airports are chaotic., With so many people trying to leave Turkey at once, the airports can get pretty chaotic during summertime—which isn’t exactly how you want to start or end your vacation.
- You’ll have FOMO., Let’s face it: everyone else is on vacation during summertime except for you—and you’ll definitely feel left out when you see all your friends posting photos from their amazing trips while you’re stuck at home.
Summer may be the most popular time to visit Turkey, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best time., If you want to avoid crowds, save money, and enjoy all that Turkey has to offer, plan your trip for another time of year you’ll be glad you did!
What is High and Low season in Turkey?
Many people don’t realize that there are actually two different seasons in Turkey. The high season is from mid-April to mid-October, and the low season is from mid-October to mid-April. The low season is a great time to visit Turkey because the weather is still pleasant and the prices are much lower than during the high season. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Turkey during the low season.
The Weather During Low Season
The low season in Turkey falls during the country’s winter months, but that doesn’t mean that it’s too cold to enjoy a Turkish vacation. In fact, the average temperature in Istanbul during the low season is a very pleasant 17 degrees Celsius (63 degrees Fahrenheit). Of course, there can be some chilly days during the low season, but overall the weather is mild and comfortable.
What to Expect During Low Season
One of the best things about visiting Turkey during the low season is that there are far fewer tourists around. That means you’ll be able to enjoy all of Turkey’s amazing attractions without having to fight crowds of people. You’ll also be able to get better deals on hotels and other accommodations. And if you’re looking for a truly authentic Turkish experience, then visiting during the low season is definitely the way to go.
Packing for Your Trip
When packing for your trip to Turkey during the low season, be sure to bring a few warm items of clothing such as a jacket or sweater. You should also pack comfortable shoes since you’ll be doing a lot of walking. And don’t forget to bring your sunscreen even though it’s not summer, you can still get sunburned in Turkey.
Things to Avoid When You’re in Turkey
If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid if you want to have a positive experience. From being scammed by taxi drivers to getting ripped off at the market, there are a few traps that tourists fall into time and time again. Keep reading for a list of things to avoid when you’re in Turkey.
1. Being Scammed by Taxi Drivers – One of the most common scams in Turkey involves taxi drivers. They may try to overcharge you or take you on a longer route to your destination. To avoid being scammed, only use official taxis with meters and make sure the driver starts the meter as soon as you get in.
2. Wearing Revealing Clothing – While Turkey is a relatively liberal country, it’s still important to dress modestly when you’re out in public. You’ll want to avoid wearing revealing clothing, especially if you’re visiting religious sites like mosques.
3. Haggling at the Market – It’s no secret that haggling is part of the culture in Turkey, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it every time you make a purchase. If you really don’t want to haggle, try shopping at big stores or supermarkets instead of open-air markets.
4. Accepting Gifts from Strangers – It’s always nice to receive a gift, but be wary of accepting gifts from strangers. In some cases, they may ask for money once you’ve accepted their gift.
5. Ignoring Turkish Hospitality – The Turkish people are known for their hospitality, so don’t be surprised if someone invites you into their home for tea or coffee. However, this isn’t always an innocent gesture; they may expect something in return such as money or a gift.
6. Staying Only in Tourist Areas – If you want to get an authentic Turkish experience, it’s important to venture outside of the tourist areas. Not only will this give you a chance to see how real Turks live, but it’ll also be easier on your wallet since prices tend to be inflated in tourist areas.
7. Eating at Tourist Traps – Like tourist areas, there are also tourist traps when it comes to food. These are places that serve subpar food at high prices specifically for tourists. Do some research before you go out to eat and look for restaurants that locals frequent instead of those that are catering specifically to tourists.
8 . Drinking Tap Water – While tap water is generally safe to drink in Turkey, it can sometimes contain bacteria that can cause stomach problems. To play it safe, stick to bottled water instead.
9 . Not Washing Your Hands – hygiene is important no matter where you are, but it’s especially crucial in places with large crowds like markets and museums. Be sure to wash your hands often, and carry hand sanitizer with you just in case.
10 . Not Covering Your Mouth When You Sneeze/Cough – Along with washing your hands, it’s also important to cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough. This will help prevent the spread of germs and keep everyone around you healthy.
By following these simple tips, you can avoid some common pitfalls and have a great time during your trip to Turkey. Just remember: haggle wisely, dress modestly, and stay away from tap water!
Conclusion
No matter what time of year you decide to visit Turkey, you’re sure to have an enjoyable experience. Just keep in mind that the summer months can be quite hot and humid, and that winter can be cold in some areas. If you want to avoid crowds, then visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) might be a better option for you.
