12 Cities to Visit in Turkey Every Month of the Year: A Seasonal Travel Guide

Have you ever looked at the calendar and wondered, "Where should I go this month?" Most of us squeeze our holidays into the summer, yet in Turkey every month has a route of its own. In this guide, we picked one city for each month, from the snow-covered plains of Kars to tulip-scented Istanbul, from the hot-air balloons of Cappadocia to the turquoise coves of the Mediterranean. At the heart of the route lies Kaş, a town that is just as beautiful in winter as it is in summer: seeing the sunken ruins of Kekova and Simena Castle on a Kaş boat tour deserves a spot at the top of your list, whatever the season.

Winter Routes: The Season of Snow and Hot Tea

January: Kars

In January, Kars feels like a snow-white fairy tale. The journey on the Eastern Express from Ankara is an experience in itself, and when you arrive, the ruins of Ani are waiting for you. Under a blanket of snow, this ancient Silk Road city gives you a completely different sense of history. In the evenings, roast goose and Kars gruyère are must-haves at the table.

February: Erzurum

February is the busiest month on Palandöken. In Erzurum, a favorite among skiers for its long slopes and dry powder, a plate of cağ kebab after a full day on the pistes melts all your fatigue away. The Double Minaret Madrasa showcases the city's Seljuk heritage.

December: Bolu

For those looking for a getaway close to Istanbul and Ankara at the end of the year, Bolu is ideal. You can ski at Kartalkaya or walk among snow-covered trees around Lake Abant. A weekend by the fireplace is the easiest way to start the new year well rested.

Spring Routes: Chasing Nature as It Wakes Up

March: Mardin

Spring arrives in Mardin before anywhere else. Stone houses overlooking the Mesopotamian plain, the Deyrulzafaran Monastery and the Kasımiye Madrasa turn this city, with thousands of years of history, into an open-air museum. The mild March weather is perfect for wandering its narrow streets for hours.

April: Istanbul

April is tulip month in Istanbul. Emirgan Grove bursts with colorful tulips, while the Judas trees along the Bosphorus join the celebration. Exploring Sultanahmet is far more enjoyable in this period, before the crowds peak. For savings on museum entries, check out the Museum Pass.

May: Cappadocia (Nevşehir)

On May mornings, hundreds of hot-air balloons drift across the Cappadocian sky. Fairy chimneys, the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the underground cities prove that this is one of the rare places where natural beauty meets human craftsmanship. Nights get chilly, so be sure to pack a cardigan.

Summer Routes: The Peak of Blue and Green

June: Kaş (Antalya)

June is the Mediterranean's most balanced month: the sea has warmed up, but the crowds haven't arrived yet. Kaş's bougainvillea-covered streets and ancient theater are as captivating as its sea. On a Kaş boat tour, you glide over the Sunken City of Kekova, dock at Kaleköy and climb up to Simena Castle. The view from the top of the castle is a picture where Lycian history and the natural beauty of the Mediterranean meet in a single frame. From Kaş Harbor, a short trip also takes you to the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo).

💡 Captain Ergun's Tip: In summer, board the boat early in the morning; the coves are calm and the water is crystal clear. You'll see the Sunken City best when the sun is high, from the shaded side of the boat. Swimming over the ruins is prohibited, so save your swim for the cove stops and bring your snorkel mask.

July: Rize

Those escaping the July heat head for the Black Sea highlands. The cool air of Ayder, the misty silhouette of Zil Castle and the green valleys along the Fırtına Stream are among Turkey's purest examples of natural beauty. A glass of freshly brewed Rize tea is the cherry on top.

August: Çanakkale (Bozcaada)

In August, the winds of Bozcaada take the edge off the summer heat. Ayazma and Habbele beaches, the colorful streets around the castle and the vineyard houses make the island unforgettable. On your way back, visit the ancient city of Troy and the Gallipoli Peninsula to crown your holiday with a journey through history.

Autumn Routes: Harvest and Golden Light

September: Fethiye (Muğla)

September is one of the months when the sea is at its warmest. Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley and the starting point of the Lycian Way are all in Fethiye. Multi-day Blue Cruises from Fethiye to Kekova are a great option for anyone who wants to combine both routes in a single holiday.

October: Safranbolu (Karabük)

In October, Safranbolu's wooden mansions turn into a postcard framed by the natural beauty of golden leaves. Strolling through the old bazaar with Turkish delight and saffron tea in this UNESCO World Heritage Ottoman town is one of autumn's most peaceful plans.

November: Gaziantep

As the weather cools in November, Gaziantep warms you up with its food. The famous Gypsy Girl mosaic at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the Coppersmiths' Bazaar and beyran soup for breakfast... Holding the title of UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Antep is a true guide for both the palate and culture.

Summer and Winter Boat Tours in Kaş: A Seasonal Guide

What makes Kaş the "any month" stop on this list is that its sea doesn't belong to summer alone. In summer, day tours packed with swim stops in the coves of Kekova, the Five Islands and Limanağzı take center stage, while the Kaputaş and Blue Cave route is a favorite among snorkelers. Short sunset tours at Limanağzı wrap up the day with a romantic finale.

In winter, Kaş shows a completely different face. The crowds thin out, the Mediterranean sun stays mild and on calm days the sea turns crystal clear. During this period, a Kaş boat tour offers the chance to see Simena and the ancient ruins of Kekova with almost no one else around. Private tours, which can be planned flexibly around the weather, are the most comfortable option in winter, and a local fish restaurant on the way back completes the day.

💡 Captain Ergun's Tip: Before heading out in winter, always check the wind forecast and leave a spare day in your plans. Bring a windbreaker and dress in layers so you can enjoy the deck on sunny afternoons. For crowd-free photos, aim to reach Simena before noon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there anywhere in Turkey you can swim in winter?

In winter, the Mediterranean's water temperature usually stays around 16–18°C. Those who don't mind the cold can take short swims around Kaş on sunny days.

What is the best month for a Kaş boat tour?

May–June and September–October offer the best balance of weather and sea. July and August are the busiest months, while winter is a lovely alternative for those seeking peace and quiet.

Is swimming allowed at the Sunken City in Kekova?

No. The Sunken City is a protected archaeological site, and swimming or diving over the ruins is prohibited. The ruins are viewed from the boat, and swim stops take place in the surrounding coves.

How should I plan to visit these 12 cities in one year?

Setting aside one long weekend per month is enough. We recommend booking transport and accommodation early, especially for April, May and the summer months.

A New Route Every Season

With its natural beauty and deep-rooted history, Turkey is a country that leaves no page of the calendar empty. From the snows of Kars to the tables of Gaziantep, from the balloons of Cappadocia to the highlands of the Black Sea, a new story awaits you every month. Whichever route in this guide you choose, make sure your path also leads to the Mediterranean. Whether in its cool summer waters or its quiet winter coves, plan a Kaş boat tour now to see the magic of Simena and Kekova up close, and spend the best day of your year at sea.