Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Turkey
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Turkey? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit Turkey
The most expensive time to visit Turkey is during its peak travel seasons, when both domestic and international tourism spikes. These high-demand periods drive up flight and hotel costs across the country.
- Summer (June to August)
This is the busiest and most expensive time to visit Turkey. Coastal hubs like Bodrum, Antalya, and Çeşme are in full swing, and Istanbul also sees heavy demand.- Expect to pay a premium for beachfront resorts and Bosphorus-view hotels.
- Prices can rise by 30–50% or more compared to off-season rates.
- Spring (April to May)
A peak domestic and international travel season thanks to mild weather and festivals (e.g., tulip season in Istanbul).- Central districts like Sultanahmet and Taksim are hard to find and expensive.
- Cappadocia hot-air-balloon slots and tours see price surges across the board.
- Ramadan Bayram / Eid al-Fitr (Dates Vary)
A major national holiday week that triggers peak domestic travel.- Intercity buses, flights, and ferries see higher prices and limited availability.
- Popular spots like Antalya, Fethiye, and Izmir can hit full occupancy.
- Kurban Bayram / Eid al-Adha (Dates Vary)
Another nationwide holiday period with millions on the move.- Local travel spikes—accommodations and transport go premium.
- Family destinations and city breaks (e.g., Istanbul) often run at full capacity.
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Cheapest Time to Visit Turkey
The cheapest time to visit Turkey is during its off-peak seasons, when tourism slows and travel prices drop. These periods typically fall outside of major holidays and festival times.
- Winter (November to March, excluding New Year’s)
Cooler, wetter weather on the coasts (and snowy regions inland) reduces demand.- Flights are at their lowest, and hotel rooms are discounted, especially in Istanbul and Cappadocia.
- It’s a great time for museums, hammams, and fewer crowds.
- Late Autumn (Late October to November, after holiday weeks)
Comfortable temps and a low-demand travel period.- Expect cheaper airfare and hotels, particularly for city trips.
- Ideal for historic sites, culinary tours, and indoor attractions.
- Early Spring (March, before the rush)
A shoulder month that precedes the big spring surge.- You can lock in discounted stays, quieter streets, and better availability for tours and day trips.
Price Summary Table for Turkey Travel
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| June – August | 💲💲💲 Highest | Summer peak; coasts & Istanbul packed |
| April – May | 💲💲💲 Very High | Mild weather, city sightseeing surge |
| Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha (Dates Vary) | 💲💲💲 High | Nationwide holidays; domestic movement |
| September (Festival/Events Years) | 💲💲 High | Big-city cultural calendars raise demand |
| October (Antalya Film Festival) | 💲💲 High | Major event adds pressure on rooms |
| March (Pre-season) | 💲 Low | Shoulder period; fewer tourists |
| Late Oct – November | 💲 Low | Post-holiday lull; affordable city breaks |
| November – March (Winter, excl. holidays) | 💲 Lowest | Off-season; cheapest flights and hotels |
How To Save Money When Visiting Turkey?
When you are going will most certainly make the difference in such cost like flights, hotels, attractions and food. Aligning your travel dates with Turkey’s off-peak seasons can significantly cut costs on flights, accommodations, and activities. Consider what experiences you hope to have and plan accordingly to make the most of lower prices and thinner crowds.