Turkey in Autumn: 15+ Cozy Places to Visit, Fall Weather, and Seasonal Tips

Planning a trip to Turkey in the fall? Great choice — this is one of the most underrated times to visit!

Autumn in Turkey is all about balance: the weather cools down, the crowds thin out, and the entire country switches into cozy mode. The leaves turn into beautiful golden colors, the wine festivals are in full swing in the Aegean, and hiking trails start calling your name. 

If you’re wondering what to do in Turkey in autumn or looking for the best places to visit in Turkey during the fall months, this guide covers everything you’ll need to plan the perfect trip! 

We’ll talk about the weather, the best places to visit in autumn in Turkey — including popular spots like Cappadocia and lesser-known destinations like Bolu, Sapanca, and Mersin — as well as what to do, autumn festivals, travel tips, and more. 

Grab your thermos, put on your scarf, and let’s explore Turkey in the fall!

Turkiye in Autumn: Travel Tips & What to Know

Traveling to Turkey in the fall is the sweet spot: you still get warm, sunny days (especially in September), but without the summer crowds or heatwaves. 

Just like other countries in the Northern Hemisphere, autumn in Turkey encompasses the months of September, October, and November. However, that doesn’t mean that the entire country turns into a beautiful blanket of orange and red leaves once September 1st rolls around!

In fact, September still feels like summer, with temperatures hovering around 25 to 27 C (77 to 81 F) in Istanbul — at least for the first half of the month. Even if you missed your chance to go swimming in the turquoise waters of Bodrum or enjoy the warm summer nights of Antalya, you still have a chance to do so in early autumn. 

Likewise, coastal cities like Izmir and Mersin are also warm well into late September, making them ideal for a shoulder-season escape.

Towards the end of September and beginning of October, the weather starts to become pleasantly chilly, with highs of around 20 to 23 C (68 to 73 F). This is the quintessential “fall in Turkey” weather, with orange leaves, cozy strolls, and long ferry rides with a cup of Turkish tea in hand. 

October is also the start of grape and olive harvest season in places like Şirince and Ayvalık while Cappadocia begins to glow with a soft autumn haze (and yes, balloon flights are still running — but with fewer crowds!) This month is the perfect time to check some of the most popular autumn attractions in Turkey off your itinerary. 

Do pack a light raincoat, though, especially if you’re traveling after mid-October, when brief rain showers are more common. Bursa and Yedigöller National Park become leaf peeping hotspots, with leaves crunching underfoot and fresh mountain air that smells like pine and earth. 

Finally, November in Turkey brings a proper autumn chill. In Istanbul and much of western Turkey, expect average highs of 15 to 17C (59–63 F), making it cool enough for jackets, scarves, and your favorite fall outfits (time to bust out those cute black boots 😌).

The coastlines are quieter, the air is crisp, and mountain towns like Safranbolu and Amasya take on a quiet, off-season mood.

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Autumn Weather in Turkey

This table shows the average temperatures in Turkey in autumn in the most popular cities. There are three numbers in each box, which mean:

Daily maximum
Daily average
Daily minimum

	September	October	November
Istanbul	24.5 C (76 F) 20.5 C (69 F) 17.5 C (63.3 F)	20 C (68 F) 16 C (61 F) 13 C (56 F)	15 C (59 F) 12 C (54 F) 9 C (49 F)
Antalya	31 C (89 F) 25.5 C (78 F) 20 C (68 F)	27 C (81 F) 21 C (70 F) 20 C (68 F)	22 C (72 F) 15 C (60 F) 11 C (52 F)
Izmir	30 C (85 F) 24 C (75 F) 15 C (59 F)	24.5 C (76 F) 20 C (68 F) 15.5 C (60 F)	19 C (67 F) 14.5 C (58 F) 11 C (52 F)
Cappadocia	25 C (77 F) 18 C (65 F) 11 C (52 F)	19 C (67 F) 13 C (55 F) 7.5 C (45 F)	12 C (53 F) 6 C (43 F) 2 C (36 F)

Pros & Cons of Visiting Turkey in the Fall

If you’re wondering why visit Türkiye in autumn, we’ve come up with a convenient list of pros and cons to help you decide 🙂 

PROS

CONS

Perfect weather (in most places): From Istanbul to Izmir, early autumn brings mild temperatures, sunny skies, and low humidity, making it ideal for sightseeing, hiking, or even hitting the beach one last time. Fewer crowds: By late September, the summer holiday rush fades. Places like Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale are way more relaxed, and prices on hotels and tours also drop. Stunning fall colors: Regions like Bolu, Bursa, Artvin, and Safranbolu come alive in gold, amber, and crimson. Great for nature lovers and photographers! Harvest season: Autumn is grape, olive, fig, and pomegranate season — meaning wine tastings, fresh produce, and lively food festivals in small towns like Şirince and Bozcaada. Yum! 😋 Cultural festivals: From jazz festivals in Istanbul to local harvest and gastronomy events, autumn brings a full cultural calendar.

Beach season ends quickly in some regions: While the southern coast stays warm into October, places like the Black Sea region can feel chilly and rainy even by late September. Unpredictable weather in late fall: November, especially in the west and north, can bring clouds, rain, and shorter daylight hours. Fewer ferry routes and tours: In less-touristy areas, some island ferries, gulet cruises, and day tours start winding down after October. No skiing (yet): If you’re hoping for winter sports, it’s too early! Uludağ and Palandöken don’t usually kick off their ski season until December.

Autumn Travel Tips

🍁Pack layers: Autumn weather in Turkey changes fast, especially between day and night. A light jacket, sweater, and umbrella will keep your bases covered.

🍁Mind the regional differences: It can still feel like summer in Antalya, but chilly and rainy in the Black Sea or Cappadocia. Check forecasts before you go.

🍁 Bring walking shoes: Fall is the perfect season for exploring cities, ruins, and hiking trails without overheating. You might be tempted to walk everywhere, all the time, so comfortable walking shoes are key! 

🍁Watch for early sunsets: By late October, it starts getting dark by 6 PM (18:00) in many places, so plan your outdoor sightseeing accordingly.

🍁Keep an eye on balloon flights: This is a double tip if you’re heading to Cappadocia. September and October are some of the best months to book a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia because of fewer cancellations. However, by late autumn (after November), weather cancellations are more likely! Try to book for your first morning after arriving, and not your last. Click here to check hot air balloon prices and availability →

Where to go in Turkey in Autumn

Now let’s get to the fun part: where to go in Turkey during the fall! 

There are so many places to spend autumn in Turkey, whether that’s leaf peeping, enjoying a misty morning hike, going wine tasting, or just exploring a quiet mountain village. 

Here are some of our top recommendations, starting with the most “autumn”-like places:

Bolu & Yedigöller National Park

Without a doubt, Bolu is the place to spend autumn in Turkey. It’s practically the country’s unofficial leaf peeping destination! 

While Bolu city center is lovely, the real star of the show is Yedigöller National Park. The name translates to “Seven Lakes,” and, as you might imagine, there really are seven lakes scattered around a thick forest. 

During autumn, this whole area transforms into an autumn foliage paradise as the leaves turn red, orange, and gold. It’s excellent for hiking, camping, or just enjoying some Turkish tea while looking at leaves. 🙂 

The best way to get to Bolu is by renting a car and going on a road trip from Istanbul. Along the way, you can also stop in places like Izmit, Sakarya, and Sapanca. Speaking of which…

Sapanca

Looking for a quick autumn escape from Istanbul? Then you’ll love Sapanca!

Located right in the middle of the Istanbul-Ankara-Bursa triangle, Sapanca is a peaceful lake town that’s an ideal stop on any northwestern Turkey road trip. Best of all, the town is still fairly under the radar, as it’s only known locally as a place where Istanbullites had their summer homes.

However, the real magic is the town’s peaceful and slow pace: Sapanca is surrounded by oxygen-rich forests, quiet mountain trails, and cozy cabins and bungalows, which is perfect if you’re ready to trade the bustle of Istanbul for some fresh air (literally). Thanks to this, it’s also one of the best places for fall colors in Turkey!

If you want to enjoy an extended weekend, you can also rent a cute bungalow in the woods! We love this A-frame Local Sapanca Bungalow and the designer PANA Sapanca cabin villa (with a jaw-dropping view of the lake and up to 8 guests!). Of course, there are also big-name hotels like Casa Giallo By Dedeman and the fabulous Richmond Nua Wellness Spa.

Sounds exciting but don’t want to rent a car? No worries! Thanks to its close proximity to Istanbul (just 1.5 hours), you can easily do a day trip to Sapanca. We recommend this private day trip from Istanbul to Sapanca, which includes a friendly driver/guide and a completely customizable itinerary →

Mardin

Yes, definitely a little something off the usual tourist trail, but that’s what makes Mardin such a magical autumn destination in Turkey! 😉

As the scorching summer fades and temperatures begin to drop, Mardin welcomes all those who wish to see its Mesopotamian treasures. September stays fairly warm (around 25 C/78 F), but by October (19 C/67 F) and November (11 C/52 F), it’s ideal for wandering the honey-colored streets without sweating through your scarf.

Autumn is the perfect time to explore Mardin’s historic monasteries, old stone mansions, and minaret-studded skyline. The cooler weather also makes it easier to dig into the city’s rich culinary heritage, which was influenced by Assyrian, Kurdish, and Arab cultures — expect spiced meat dishes, pomegranate molasses, and saffron rice that’ll warm you from the inside out.

Gaziantep

While we’re in southeastern Turkey, why not add a trip to Gaziantep as well? The city is a 4.5-hour drive from Mardin and a must-visit, especially if you’re a foodie — after all, Gaziantep is Turkey’s “Cuisine Capital!”

Autumn is a prime time to explore the city’s bazaars, hammams, and baklava bakeries without needing five liters of water an hour (we joke about southeastern Turkey’s legendary heat in our Visiting Turkey in the Summer post). 

Ah right, where were we… The food here is legendary, and you’ll see why. Whether that’s trying a local Ali Nazik kebab, sipping menengiç coffee, or following the baklava trail, Gaziantep’s culinary scene will absolutely ruin all other food for you. 😅

While here, be sure to check out the incredible Zeugma Mosaic Museum (home to the famous Gypsy Girl mosaic), stay in a historical stone house just like during the Silk Road era (we love Anadolu Evleri and Hışvahan), and stroll through the traditional Copper Bazaar. 

Bozcaada

Now let’s jump from southeastern Turkey to the Aegean coast, at least for a little bit. 🙂 

Bozcaada (an island off the coast of the North Aegean) in autumn is characterized by slow travel, breezy afternoons, and the idyllic wine season. September marks the grape harvest, which means tastings, fresh juice, and watching the vineyards turn golden as the island winds down from its busy summer pace.

By October, the crowds are gone but the sunsets are still beautiful, the sea is (sometimes) still warm enough for a dip, and the seafood taverns are extra cozy with rakı by the water. Bozcaada is fantastic for wandering through whitewashed streets, visiting the island’s castle, and maybe even catching a wine harvest celebration (depending on timing). 

Pro tip: Bozcaada is famous for Kuntra and Karalahna, two local red grapes that are indigenous to the island. 

Şirinçe

Further down the Aegean and just a stone’s throw from Ephesus, we have the lovely Şirince.

While this quaint little village is famous for its wine boutiques and wine tasting all year round, you’ll want to visit during September, which is peak grape harvest season. October and November also offer plenty of tastings, and you’ll see signs on every stone house offering you a sip of their special blend.

Also worth noting: Şirince is famous for its fresh-pressed olive oil, fig jam, and seasonal souvenirs like soaps and dried herbs, which all make great little autumn gifts to bring home. 

Stay the night in a guesthouse (we absolutely love the charming Gullu Konaklari), enjoy the views, and make sure to try the village’s famous fruit wine.

Cappadocia

Autumn is still a fantastic time to visit Cappadocia — in fact, we’d argue it’s one of the best! September and October bring cooler mornings, golden light, and far fewer tourists elbowing you for a balloon photo at sunrise.

Another local tip: Hot air balloon rides have the lowest chance of being canceled between April and October — so if you’ve been dreaming of floating over fairy chimneys, it’s best to reserve your balloon ride for the first day of your trip (just in case). 

After November, winds tend to pick up, which may mean more cancellations. Turkey’s Civil Aviation takes safety very seriously and won’t fly in unfavorable conditions, which happens more often as winter approaches. 

Beyond the balloons, fall is also ideal for hiking through the valleys, sunset picnics, and sipping Turkish wine on a cave hotel rooftop in your coziest sweater (or going on a private wine tasting tour!). It’s chilly in the mornings, warm in the afternoon, and magical all day long. 😌

Safranbolu & Kastamonu

If you’re looking for cute cobblestone streets, wooden mansions, and misty village mornings, Safranbolu and Kastamonu are calling your name! Both are tucked away in the western Black Sea region and make for a dreamy fall combo, especially on a Black Sea road trip.

Let’s start with Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautifully preserved Ottoman-era houses and sleepy old town. Autumn brings perfect sweater weather (around 17 to 20 C), beautiful golden trees, and fewer crowds. 

If the name reminds you of saffron, you’re spot on. The town is famous for its rare Turkish saffron, and October through November is peak harvest season. Be sure to stop by a local market and buy fresh saffron as a souvenir! Click here to read our Safranbolu travel guide →

Nearby Kastamonu is more lowkey, but full of surprises at the same time. Here, you’ll find 19th-century wooden mansions, a really cool castle, and bazaars selling local goods like pastırma (pastrami) and tarhana soup mix. The town is also a gateway to Ilgaz Mountain National Park, where the forests pop off with autumn color. Click here to read our Kastamonu travel guide →

The best part is that these cities are less than a 1.5-hour drive from each other, so you can easily experience the charms of visiting both!

Bursa & Cumalıkızık

Just across the Sea of Marmara from Istanbul, Bursa is one of Turkey’s most underrated autumn gems. By October, the foothills of Mt. Uludağ are glowing in yellow and gold, and the whole city slips into that perfect in-between season: not too hot, not too cold, and juuust right.

Bursa’s old town is full of early Ottoman architecture, tiled mosques, and leafy parks ideal for a crisp afternoon stroll — after all, it’s not called “Green Bursa” for nothing!

Just 20 minutes from the city center is Cumalıkızık, a UNESCO-listed village with more than 300 colorful Ottoman houses, steep cobblestone streets, and little Turkish breakfast nooks.

Also, chestnut season is in full swing (a Bursa speciality!), which means roasted kestane on every corner, plus chestnut desserts, chestnut honey, chestnut paste, and roasted street snacks galore!

Short on time? No worries! You can easily travel to Bursa with this private day trip, which includes a comfortable car, transportation to/from Bursa, and a customizable itinerary. Click here to check availability and book →

Amasya

If you haven’t heard of Amasya, consider this your sign. While it’s one of our favorite cities in Turkey, it’s especially charming during the autumn months!

Set along a riverbank with Ottoman mansions clinging to the cliffs, rock-cut royal tombs, and hills that glow in late afternoon light, Amasya is a great weekend getaway (there are direct flights from Istanbul!)

That’s not all: Amasya is famous for its apples, and October is prime apple harvest season — we’re talking the freshest, juiciest, crispest apples you’ll ever taste! Buy them from roadside stands or at the local market and snack with a view of the old mansions and riverside minarets.

🍎 Click here to read our Amasya travel guide to start planning your trip →

Artvin

Way up in Turkey’s northeastern Black Sea region, Artvin is where you go when you want to have a proper break from city life — just you, the trees, and the sound of your boots on a hiking trail. 

Crowds? What crowds? We mean that quite literally, since Artvin has one of the lowest population densities in Turkey. If you’re craving silence, scenery, and actual breathing room, this is your spot. You’ll find towering forests, crisp mountain air, and winding roads that lead to lakes.

The crown jewel is Karagöl (literally, Black Lake) near Borçka, a glassy alpine lake surrounded by dense forest that turns fiery red and gold in October. It’s the place to visit in fall if you’re into hiking, camping, photography, or just want to reconnect with nature.

While the weather can be unpredictable in late autumn (bring that rain jacket! seriously!), it’s absolutely worth it for the views and atmosphere.

Also: Artvin honey. This region is known for chestnut blossom honey, which is rich, slightly bitter, and packed with antioxidants. Locals swear by it for everything from boosting your immune system to soothing sore throats, but honestly, we just love it drizzled over fresh bread at breakfast (we’re fans of Turkish breakfast 🤤).

Istanbul

Just like Rome, Istanbul is an eternal city and worth visiting in any season… but autumn in Istanbul is another level!

The crowds thin out, the weather cools down, and the golden light makes everything — from mosques to minarets to ferry rides — look a little more magical. Istanbul in the fall is the perfect time to bike around the Prince Islands without sweating, sip tea by the Bosphorus (may we suggest Kuzguncuk?), or finally tackle that museum list. 

One must-do is a visit to Topkapı Palace. With mild temperatures and fewer tour groups, you can actually take your time exploring the gardens, royal courtyards, and jewel-filled rooms of this massive former palace. 

If the weather does decide to act up, no worries — you can enjoy a cozy museum day at places like the Archaeology Museum, Istanbul Modern, or Pera Museum. 😉

And for some reason, we also associate fall in Istanbul with Balat. This colorful neighborhood is fabulous in autumn thanks to its super cozy cafes, vintage shops, ivy-covered houses, and that slightly sleepy vibe that makes you want to unwind with a book (or a Turkish coffee) on a rooftop terrace. 

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Other Places to Consider

We set out to write about the best autumn destinations in Turkey, but let’s be honest — if we wrote about every city and town worth visiting this time of year, you’d be scrolling forever. 😅

So here are a few honorable mentions that didn’t get full write-ups but are still very much worth considering:

📍 Bodrum: Great pick from September to mid-October, when the crowds disappear but the sea is still warm enough for a swim. Think of it as a bonus summer, but quieter and breezier.

📍 Ephesus: Autumn is, without a doubt, the best time to visit Ephesus and explore these ancient ruins: the weather is cooler, the tour groups are smaller, and you’ll have time to fully appreciate it all.

📍 Antalya: Still sunny and warm well into late October, with golden beach days and the perfect weather for checking out waterfalls, ruins, and coastal hikes without overheating.

📍 Pamukkale: Visiting Pamukkale in autumn offers a more relaxed experience — there are fewer people, less heat, and the travertines usually have more water (i.e. they’re not dried out!)

What to do in Turkey During Autumn 

Turkey in autumn isn’t just about where you go — it’s also about how you experience it! Whether you’re here for fall colors, local flavors, or cozy getaways, here are some quick ideas to get inspired:

🍂 Leaf peeping: Visit places like Yedigöller, Abant Lake, Kazdağları, or Artvin for peak foliage. October is prime time for leaf peeping in Turkey.

🍂 Enjoy a cozy cabin stay: Book a wood-paneled bungalow or mountain guesthouse in Sapanca, Bolu, Trabzon, or the Black Sea highlands for firewood smells, foggy mornings, and beautiful mountain views. Click here to check out the list of cozy cabins in Turkey →

🍂 Wine tasting: Autumn means harvest season, so why not go wine tasting in Bozcaada, Şirince, or Thrace (yes, Turkey has a wine country!)

🍂 Warm up at a Turkish bath (hamam): The chillier the weather, the better a Turkish bath feels! Visit one in Istanbul, Bursa, or Gaziantep for that cozy end to a sightseeing day. Here are 10 of our favorite hamams in Istanbul →

🍂 Farmers markets & festivals: Look for apple, saffron, grape, or olive harvests depending on where you are. Fall is full of little local celebrations.

Festivals & Events in Turkey in Autumn

Autumn in Turkey isn’t just about falling leaves and cozy weather — it’s also festival season! From olive harvests to jazz concerts, here are some of the best festivals in autumn in Turkey:

🌿 Ayvalık Olive Harvest Festival (October through November): Celebrate the olive harvest season in this charming Aegean town. Expect tastings, olive oil workshops, music, and local food stalls. Plus, the weather is perfect for exploring cobbled streets and seaside cafés! Check out our Ayvalik travel guide here →

🎷 Istanbul Jazz Festival (October): One of Turkey’s biggest jazz events is held across various venues in Istanbul, from concert halls to dive bars. Even if you’re not a jazz fan, it’s a great way to add some background music to your Istanbul trip! 😉 

🍇 Bozcaada Cultural, Art, and Vintage Festival (September): Usually held in early fall, this cozy island event mixes local crafts, music, and food. Sometimes overlaps with the tail end of grape harvest — which means wine tastings too!

🎥 Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival (October): One of Turkey’s longest-running film festivals (since 1963!). Why not catch indie films and international screenings while still enjoying beach weather by day and red carpets by night?

🇹🇷 Republic Day (October 29): Turkey’s national holiday marking the founding of the Republic in 1923. The whole country celebrates with flag-filled streets, fireworks, and free concerts — especially in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. This is one of our favorite national holidays in Turkey and a great time to see the country buzzing with celebration!

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Photo credits: Autumn in Istanbul via Melisa Ozdemir | Bursa courtyard via Yasin Onuş | Bursa chestnuts via Tuba Din | Bolu from above via Abdullah Çadırcı |