Turkey in Spring: 10+ Beautiful Places to Visit, Weather, and Local Tips

Wondering what to do in Turkey during spring? Get ready for flower-filled gardens, vibrant festivals, and travel-perfect weather!

As the snow on Mt. Uludağ and Mt. Nemrut begins to melt and the days start to stretch just a little longer, something shifts. Cities shake off their winter slumber, tulips bloom across Istanbul’s parks, and a sense of cheer takes over cities all around Turkey. 

Spring in Turkey is one of the best times to visit — not just because of the mild weather and blooming flowers, but because the entire country feels like it’s waking up. From cherry blossoms in hidden Japanese gardens to almond trees in full bloom on Akdamar Island, and the sweet smell of Damask roses drifting through the hills of Isparta, it’s all here!

Meanwhile, cafes spill back onto the sidewalks, village markets fill with fresh herbs and local cheeses, and popular tourist sites like Ephesus and Cappadocia are blissfully free of crowds (and summer heat!)

Whether you’re planning a spring break trip to Turkey, chasing flowers and festivals, or just looking for the best places to visit in Turkey in the spring, this guide has you covered. 

Let’s explore what makes springtime in Turkey so magical and where to go to experience it at its best!

Spring in Turkey: What to Know

First things first: When is spring in Turkey?

March, April, and May mark the spring months in Turkey — a lovely shoulder season between winter chills and summer heat. Let’s take a look at Turkey in the spring, region by region:

In Istanbul, the weather begins to warm up starting in late March. However, it’s important to note that early spring can still be quite chilly. Last year, we wore our winter jackets until April 2 or 3! 

The south typically has the warmest weather: Along the Mediterranean coast, cities like Antalya, Alanya, and Kaş enjoy an early taste of summer, with temperatures climbing from a mild 16 to 20 C in March to a balmy 25 to 30 C by May. This is thanks to the Mediterranean’s mild climate year-round — by late April, it’s warm enough for swimming.

The Aegean has a milder spring than the Mediterranean but still warms up quickly, making it perfect for early beach trips. Places like Bodrum, Fethiye, and İzmir are slightly cooler in early spring before reaching comfortable beach weather as the season progresses. 

Meanwhile, southeastern Turkey, such as Şanlıurfa, Mardin, and Gaziantep, experiences a rapid rise in temperature, with early spring offering mild conditions around 14 to 18 C before soaring to 28 to 34C in May, making it one of the hottest areas in the country by late spring! This region is close to the Syrian border and has a semi-arid climate by May, so it’s no wonder why it can feel like summer.

If you’re not in the mood for tanning by May, no worries — just make your way to Eastern Turkey, which is one of the coldest regions throughout spring! 

Cities like Erzurum, Kars, and Ağrı, which sit at high altitudes, often retain snow well into April, with temperatures struggling to rise above 5 C in early spring and only reaching 10 to 20 C by May. 

The Black Sea highlands, including Rize, Artvin, and the misty plateaus of Ayder, also stay relatively cool. Even as coastal cities along the Black Sea begin to warm up, the mountainous landscapes remain fresh and crisp, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 12 C in March and only reaching 15 to 22 C by May.

Spring Weather in Turkey

The table below shows the average temperatures in Turkey during spring in the most popular cities. There are three numbers in each box, which mean:

Daily maximum
Daily average
Daily minimum

	March	April	May
Istanbul	12 C (54 F) 8 C (47 F) 5 C (41 F)	16 C (61 F) 11.5 C (53 F) 8 C (47 F)	21 C (70 F) 16 C (61 F) 13 C (55 F)
Antalya	18 C (65 F) 13 C (55 F) 8 C (47 F)	22 C (72 F) 16 C (62 F) 11 C (52 F)	27 C (80 F) 21 C (70 F) 16 C (60 F)
Izmir	17 C (63 F) 12 C (54 F) 8 C (47 F)	21 C (71 F) 16 C (62 F) 12 C (54 F)	26.5 C (80 F) 21 C (70 F) 16 C (61 F)
Cappadocia	11 C (52 F) 5.5 C (42 F) 1 C (34 F)	16 C (61 F) 10.5 C (51 F) 5 C (41 F)	21 C (70 F) 15 C (59 F) 9 C (49 F)

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Spring in Turkey: Pros & Cons

 If you’re thinking of traveling to Türkiye in the spring, here’s a handy list of pros and cons to help you decide 🙂

PROS

CONS

Perfect weather (for most activities): Spring in Turkey is mild and breezy — not too hot, not too cold. Great for road trips, city walks, and all the outdoor sightseeing you can fit in. Flowers in bloom: Tulips in Istanbul, wildflowers in the valleys, almond blossoms in the southeast… spring is absolutely gorgeous! Fewer crowds and better deals: March to early May is considered shoulder season in many places, so you can enjoy top sites like Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus without elbowing through tour groups. Festival season kicks off: From the Istanbul Tulip Festival to the Hıdırellez spring celebrations, there’s lots going on.  Everything is waking up again: Villages, vineyards, and small towns start buzzing again after a sleepy winter. Beach resorts like Bodrum and Antalya begin reopening, but aren’t packed yet.

Some regions are still chilly: Eastern Turkey (hello, Kars) and higher-altitude places like Erzurum or even Cappadocia can still be cold in March and April — sometimes even snowy. Weather can be unpredictable: Warm and sunny one day, chilly or rainy the next. Spring in Turkey likes to keep you on your toes, so pack layers. 😉 Allergy season: With all those blooming flowers and trees, pollen counts can spike — especially in April. Not ideal if you’ve got hay fever. Resorts may not be fully open yet: If you’re dreaming of a beach holiday, keep in mind that many coastal resorts don’t fully open until mid- to late May. Ramadan closures (depending on dates): If your trip coincides with Ramadan, some restaurants may close during the day — especially in conservative areas.

Where To Go In Spring In Turkey

Now for the fun part: the best places to visit in Turkey during spring! From the almond blossoms of Van to the cobblestone alleys of Alaçatı, these following places are where to travel to Turkey in the spring!

Istanbul

As someone who lives here, I can confidently say that spring is one of the best times to visit Istanbul. 

From March to late May, the city slowly wakes up from its winter hibernation: trees begin to bloom, cafes slowly start to set up their streetside terraces, and you can enjoy that crisp Bosphorus air before summer humidity kicks in.

Spring is also the perfect time to catch different flowers in bloom — in fact, some visitors even plan their entire trip around this! Here’s what flowers are blooming in Istanbul during the spring: 

🌺 Mid-March: The first to bloom are the pastel pink and white magnolias. The best places to see them is at the dreamy garden of Ihlamur Pavilion in Beşiktaş.

🌷 April: It’s tulip season! The annual Istanbul Tulip Festival takes over the city — we’re talking millions of tulips bursting in color across parks like Emirgan, Gülhane, Göztepe, and even random highway medians. Click here for our full Tulip Festival guide →

🌸 Mid-April: Want a little taste of Japan in Turkey? Check out Baltalimanı Japanese Garden for cherry blossoms (yes, we have sakura too!). If you time it right, you can see both the tulips in Emirgan and the sakura in Baltalimanı, as they’re just a 15-minute walk from each other.

🪻 May: Keep an eye out for the beautiful purple-pink Judas trees (erguvan), which are usually found along the Bosphorus in places like Kuzguncuk and Rumeli Hisari.

Honestly, you can spend an entire spring in Istanbul — it’s the perfect weather to jump on a ferry and nonchalantly sail to the Prince Islands, explore the city’s historical sites (*ahem* the famous Topkapi Palace!), enjoy museums without crowds, and so on. 

Lake Van

East Turkey isn’t always the first place people think of when planning a spring trip — but that’s exactly why it’s so magical!

Once mid-April comes around, Lake Van transforms into one of the most photogenic destinations in the country, and not because of the snow-capped mountains or the surreal blue water…

Oh no, it’s actually the almond blossoms that steal the show. Each spring, Akdamar Island becomes a beautiful pink-and-white dream as thousands of almond trees bloom against the backdrop of the ancient Akdamar Church. You can easily visit and see for yourself by traveling to Van and taking a cute ferry ride over to the island.

While you’re in Van, don’t miss the opportunity to see the legendary Turkish Van cats, known for their snowy fur, mismatched eyes, and love of swimming (seriously!) You might even spot one roaming the old streets of Van city or swimming in the lake. 😉

Ephesus

If the worst time to visit Ephesus is summer (*ahem* sweat, crowds, and sunburn), then conversely, the best time is spring!

The ancient city of Ephesus (one of the largest during the Roman Empire!) is much more enjoyable to explore when the weather is mild and the crowds are still manageable. In April and May, you can stroll the marble streets, admire the Library of Celsus, and daydream in the Great Theater. 

If you’re planning to visit Turkey in April, Ephesus deserves a top spot on your itinerary — especially if you’re already visiting Izmir, Selçuk, or Şirince nearby. Speaking of which…

Izmir

Since you’re in the area, why not keep the Aegean vibes going with a stop in İzmir? Just a short drive (or train ride!) from Ephesus, this coastal city has plenty of things to see and do during the spring months.

Start your day with a stroll along the Kordon, a seaside promenade lined with cafes, palm trees, and even a nostalgic tram line. From there, stop by the Kemeraltı Bazaar for some shopping, try a delicious boyoz (Izmir’s specialty pastry), or hop on the historic red elevator (Asansör) for panoramic views of the city skyline.

But spring in İzmir isn’t just about the city itself — this is the perfect time to go on a day trip (or two) to wine towns and cute Aegean villages. 

For example, may we suggest an idyllic road trip along the Urla Peninsula? Alaçatı and Çeşme in particular have that sweet spot around April and May: no crowds, better hotel prices, and all the cobblestone charm without the July heat. Visit in May and you might even catch Alaçatı’s herb festival, with stalls selling everything from wild thyme to homemade jams and local wines!

Isparta

What better way to celebrate spring than by surrounding yourself with one of its signature scents? In Isparta, you can do just that. 

Located in southwestern Turkey and nicknamed the “City of Roses,” Isparta bursts into bloom each spring with thousands of pink Damask roses covering the entire city. Rose season typically starts mid-May and stretches into early June, during which time the farmers hand-pick the flowers at sunrise and the entire town smells like a floral fairytale.

You can shop for rose-infused souvenirs like oil, perfumes, soaps, and even rose-flavored ice cream and lokum (don’t knock it until you try it, it’s surprisingly delicious! 😉)

If May is all about roses, then late June is about lavender fields. Kuyucak Village takes the spotlight as rows of purple flowers bloom toward the horizon and the smell of soft florals and mountain air combine. It’s an absolute feast for all five senses — and your camera roll as well!

🌹 Pro tip: Isparta is just under a 2-hour drive from Antalya, making it a perfect spring day trip if you’re renting a car.

No car? No problem! There’s also this top-rated Isparta Rose Fields day trip (only in May and June), and this Lavander Fields and Salda Lake day trip (only in June and July). Just be sure to book early, as spots are very limited!

Dalyan

If you thought Dalyan was just a summer destination, think again — spring is the perfect time to enjoy a calmer side to this cute beachfront town. The crowds haven’t arrived yet, the temperatures are just right, and the riverside cafes are slowly coming back to life.

One of the best parts about visiting Dalyan in the spring is, of course, turtle season! This is when endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) return to Dalyan’s waters after a long winter away. You might even spot them gliding in the water or sunbathing on a quiet patch of sand. 

By the time May rolls around, İztuzu Beach turns into a sort of turtle nursery, with nests carefully protected until the tiny hatchlings make their dash to the sea. That’s not a legend, either: the beach is actually closed overnight between 8 pm to 8 am so that the turtles can lay their eggs in peace.

Fun fact: The turtle is so well-loved in this area that it’s even included in the province’s logo! 

Ah right, where were we? The natural beauty in Dalyan is at its peak, too: wildflowers line the riverbanks, boats slowly ebb through the canals, and the famous Lycian Rock Tombs peek dramatically from the cliffs at sunset.

🐢 If you’re up for some natural spa therapy, spring is also the perfect time to visit Dalyan’s mineral-rich mud baths. One of the easiest ways to do so is via something like this Dalyan Turtle Beach Tour with Mud Bath & Lunch day tour from Marmaris →

Edirne

Looking for something a little different this spring? Perhaps you’re looking for where to go in Turkey in May? Edirne might just fit the bill. 

Located right between the Bulgarian and Greek borders, this former Ottoman capital is filled with grand mosques, ornate bridges, and riverside parks. 

But that’s not all — in May, the whole city bursts to life for one of the country’s most unique festivals. Kakava is a Roma spring celebration where people jump over bonfires, dance by the Tundzha River, and party all night long on the night of May 5 to 6. The live music, colorful outfits, and energy might just make you want to cancel your return ticket. 😁

Spring in Edirne is also a great time to wander the city’s historical sights, like the majestic Selimiye Mosque to the old stone bazaar, without the summer heat or crowds. If you’re looking for a spring getaway with folklore, fire, and fantastic food, Edirne has got you covered.

Southeast Turkey

It’s no secret that southeast Turkey gets hot — there was even a meme about an apartment in Adanda with nine A/C units. 😅

Thankfully, you can avoid the grueling heat by visiting in the spring. From March to early May, the southeastern Turkey enjoys balmy, bearable weather that’s just right for exploring the architectural marvels of Mardin, the spicy food scene in Gaziantep, and the ancient history of Şanlıurfa and Diyarbakır without melting into a puddle.

You can expect temperatures around 15 to 25 C (59 to 77 F), blooming almond trees, and golden light bouncing off honey-colored ancient stone buildings. Plus, this season brings fewer crowds, better prices, and a chance to see the region in its most inviting form before the summer blaze kicks in.

In short? Come for the weather, stay for the pistachio baklava. 🤤

Eskişehir

Eskişehir is called “Turkish Venice” for a reason! With the cute Porsuk River winding through town and gondolas gliding past student cafes and colorful bridges, visiting Eskişehir in spring is a must do.

Temperatures hover between a comfy 15 to 25 C (59 to 77 F), perfect for a riverside stroll, boat ride, or a lazy afternoon in the city’s green spaces like Sazova Park or Kent Park. 

If spring decides to throw a little April shower your way, no worries — just stop by the Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM), one of the coolest contemporary art museums in the country!

Ayvalik

Soft golden light over colorful stone houses, olive groves waking up from their slumber, and seafood season in full swing — ah, that’s Ayvalik in a nutshell!

Spring is one of the best times to visit this charming Aegean coastal town. The weather is pleasantly warm (not scorching), the sunsets are magic, and the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet. It’s the perfect season for long walks through Cunda Island’s hidden alleys, enjoying lazy meze lunches by the sea, and picking up bottles of local olive oil straight from the source.

Curious what Ayvalık looks like in spring? We traveled there in May and put together a full Ayvalık travel guide with tips, photos, and itinerary ideas — click here to read! →

🛥️ P.S. Feel like island-hopping? You can easily travel over to Lesvos, Greece, as it’s just a 1.5-hour ferry ride away from Ayvalık →

Also, be sure out our 3-day Lesvos itinerary here for inspiration →

Bodrum

Psst — want to learn how to visit Turkey’s most luxurious beach destination for a fraction of the price? Visit it during the spring! 😉 

While Bodrum may be the playground of the rich and famous during the summer, spring is a different story. April and May are still considered off-season in Bodrum, which means fewer crowds, cheaper hotel rates, and those dreamy sea views practically all to yourself.

In fact, many famous all-inclusives in Bodrum tend to slash their prices for the spring season, so you can scoop up an amazing deal at a fraction of the cost. 

Let’s take the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum as an example: it goes for around 46k TL per night in early May, but spikes up to 105k TL in mid-July — for the same exact room! 

We’ve attached a screenshot below (click the photo to expand) so you can see the difference for yourself. 🙂 

Purely from a local perspective, we visited Bodrum in April and May for the last few years in a row and have always found it to have pleasant weather. We could easily walk around during the day (no oppressive heat or crowds!), and enjoy a nice dinner by the seaside once evening came around.

If you’re interested in visiting Bodrum, our Where to Stay in Bodrum guide goes in-depth about the 10 best areas → while our general Bodrum Travel Guide has all the best things to see and do →

Renting a car? Be sure to check out these 10+ fantastic day trips from Bodrum, which includes secret coves, art villages, ancient cities, and much more!

Also, did you know that you can visit Greece from Bodrum? Our Bodrum to Kos itinerary walks you through exactly how to do it → Perfect for a spring adventure! 

Antalya & The Lycian Way

 Since we’re already talking about Turkey’s southern coast, we’d be remiss not to mention Antalya — especially in spring! 🙂 

April and May are a sweet spot here: warm enough to enjoy the beach, but still cool enough for hikes, sightseeing, and ancient ruins without overheating.

Wander the cobbled streets blooming with bougainvillea, pop into a cute cafe in Antalya’s Kaleiçi (Old Town), or explore ancient sites like Aspendos and Termessos — all without the blazing summer sun.

Spring is also prime time for walking part (or all!) of the Lycian Way. This legendary coastal trail stretches from Antalya to Fethiye, winding past turquoise coves, mountain villages, and archaeological sites. In spring, the route is sprinkled with wildflowers, the sea breeze is refreshing, and you’ll have many paths to yourself.

🏛️ Why not check out the ancient city of Perge, stroll through one of the most charming towns in the region (Kaş), or even visit the “Turkish Maldives?” Our Antalya Day Trips post has 15+ of the best places to visit from Antalya — click here to read! →

Cappadocia

Alright, this one is a bit of a mixed bag: spring in Cappadocia really depends on timing. March and early April are still chilly, and the weather can be unpredictable (especially with rain).

However, once May rolls around, Cappadocia really comes alive. The trick is to check the weather and properly choose when to go!

For example, late spring in Cappadocia brings clear skies and cool mornings, making it perfect for an iconic hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys. 

Speaking of valleys — this is also one of the best times to explore Cappadocia on foot. Trails through Ihlara Valley, Love Valley, and Pigeon Valley are dotted with wildflowers, budding trees, and fewer crowds than summer. The air feels fresh, the hikes are more comfortable, and you’ll have plenty of peaceful moments to soak in the views.

📌 Important tip: Balloon flights can still get cancelled due to wind, especially earlier in the season. We always recommend staying at least 2–3 nights to boost your chances of flying. Click here to check hot air balloon pricing and availability with one of our favorite balloon companies →

Turkish Events & Festivals In Spring

🌸Nevruz (March 21): Nevruz celebrates the spring equinox and is marked with bonfires, songs, traditional dancing, and large feasts. It’s especially a huge cultural event in the southeastern provinces. 

🎷 İzmir European Jazz Festival (March): This annual festival hits just as spring arrives, bringing world-class jazz performances to breezy coastal city of İzmir. Concerts take place in atmospheric venues, and the lineup usually features a mix of Turkish talent and international guests.

🫑 Urla Artichoke Festival (April): Urla rolls out the green carpet for one of the region’s favorite veggies: the artichoke. The festival includes cooking demos, street food, farm tours, and lots of Aegean vibes. Perfect for slow food lovers and a great excuse to explore the wine and olive oil havens of the Urla Peninsula.

🎥 Istanbul Film Festival (April): The country’s longest-running international film fest features screenings of Turkish indie films, global cinema, and retrospectives. It’s a great option for a rainy spring day in the city.

🌷 Istanbul Tulip Festival (April): Every April, Istanbul bursts into color as millions of tulips bloom across the city’s parks and gardens. Tulips were once the symbol of the Ottoman Empire, and this festival is a nod to those roots. Click here to read our guide to Istanbul’s Tulip Festival →

🚴 Tour of Turkey (April/May): Turkey’s biggest international cycling race! Also known as the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, this race passes through the stunning coastal roads and mountains of Antalya, Marmaris, Bodrum, etc. It’s great if you’re into sports or just want to catch the excitement and snap some photos of pelotons racing past palm trees.

🌿 Hıdırellez (Early May): A cherished folk celebration welcoming abundance and good fortune, Hıdırellez is all about wish-making and symbolic rituals. People write their hopes on paper, tie ribbons to trees, and jump over bonfires to greet spring. It’s most popular in western and central Turkey, especially in places like İzmir, Edirne, and the Aegean villages.

🔥 Kakava Festival (May): Held every May in Edirne, Kakava is a celebration of rebirth, joy, and a little magic too. One of the highlights is jumping over the fire for luck and washing your face in the river at sunrise. 

FAQs About Spring in Turkey