Not sure when to visit Cappadocia? Generally, the best time to visit Cappadocia is September and October. These months are fall in Cappadocia, which means visitors are more likely to find clear skies and temperate weather. During this time, Cappadocia’s iconic hot air balloons fly regularly, thanks to its dry weather.
Although September and October are generally considered the best months to visit Cappadocia, the other months can offer an incredible experience as well. For example, you might find the winter months more desirable, as the landscape is covered in snow and Cappadocia is at its quietest.
After visiting Cappadocia in different seasons, we have written this comprehensive guide on when is the best time to visit Cappadocia, so you can make an informed decision when planning your Cappadocia itinerary and get the most out of your trip!
CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN CAPPADOCIA
| Average Lowest Temperature | Average Highest Temperature | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days | Max Sustained Wind (Knots) | |
| January | -5°C, 22°F | 4°C, 40°F | 36 | 12 | 6.2 |
| February | -4°C, 23°F | 6°C, 44°F | 39 | 12 | 6.5 |
| March | 0°C, 31°F | 12°C, 54°F | 48 | 12 | 7.3 |
| April | 4°C, 39°F | 17°C, 64°F | 45 | 14 | 7.6 |
| May | 7°C, 45°F | 22°C, 73°F | 56 | 14 | 7.2 |
| June | 11°C, 51°F | 27°C, 81°F | 40 | 8 | 6 |
| July | 13°C, 56°F | 31°C, 88°F | 13 | 3 | 6 |
| August | 13°C, 55°F | 31°C, 88°F | 8 | 2 | 6.5 |
| September | 9°C, 48°F | 27°C, 80°F | 12 | 4 | 6 |
| October | 5°C, 41°F | 21°C, 69°F | 34 | 8 | 5.8 |
| November | 0°C, 31°F | 13°C, 55°F | 28 | 9 | 5 |
| December | -3°C, 25°F | 6°C, 43°F | 39 | 12 | 5.4 |
Credit: Weather and Climate
Cappadocia has a continental climate, which means it has distinctive hot summers, cold winters, and mild autumns and springs.
Most of Cappadocia is at over 1,000 meters in elevation, with the highest peak at 3916 meters. This means that the temperatures change more dramatically.
As you might expect from a desert environment, there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. Once the sun sets, it is almost like Cappadocia goes into a new season.
Visitors must pack accordingly when visiting Cappadocia. It isn’t enough to only pack a t-shirt and shorts for the summer because the evenings will get cold. This is especially true if you plan on doing the hot air balloon ride, which occurs in the cold early mornings and you are really high off the ground.
Cappadocia in Summer (June to August)
The summer months are the peak season in Cappadocia. Visitors from all around the world go to Cappadocia to enjoy some of its best attractions.
Though super busy, summer is not exactly the ideal time to visit Cappadocia. The desert environment of Cappadocia provides little shade. And with the clear skies, high temperatures, and very little wind, tourists are at a high risk of sun-related illnesses.
Visitors must make sure they are hydrated at all times.
These months see the least precipitation throughout the year. Combined with low sustained winds, summer is a great time for flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia.
The nights are quite cold though, so many sure you pack a small jacket with you.
Cappadocia in Summer is also when lots of festivals take place, such as the legendary Hot Air Balloon Festival and Cappadox.
Cappadocia in Fall (September to November)
As we have mentioned, fall in Cappadocia is one of the best times to visit. The mild temperature is perfect for exploring Cappadocia’s outdoor attractions. Visitors can go hiking without fear of catching a sunstroke.
Fall also sees significantly fewer tourists than in the summer, which means visitors can explore the most popular gems in Cappadocia such as Goreme Open-Air Museum without seeing a big crowd. It also means you don’t have to book your accommodation way in advance.
Though not the driest season, fall is dry enough for the hot air balloons to take off regularly. It is the least windy season of the year, so hot air balloons are less likely to cancel due to strong winds.
Cappadocia in Winter (December to early March)
Winter is a special time in Cappadocia. With the temperatures regularly dropping below freezing and decent precipitation, you can expect snow quite often in the winter in Cappadocia. During the day, the temperature hovers in the single digits, but at night, the temperature plummets below zero most of the time.
Visitors can still explore the outdoor attractions of Cappadocia as long as they are dressed in warm layers. The underground cities are especially nice since their temperature stays moderate all year round.
Hot air balloon rides are not regular in the winter, due to the wet conditions and possibly icy surface for landing. But when they do take off, you are blessed with one of the most unique landscapes in the world – a beautiful desert with fairy chimneys covered in a sheet of snow!
Winter is also the lowest season in Cappadocia. And even popular tourist towns such as Goreme and Uchisar are like ghost towns!
A lot of the hotels and facilities shut down for the winter, simply because it takes more money to run them than what they make back. There are also fewer tour companies to select from.
But at the same time, there are fewer people looking for places to stay, which is definitely a blessing if you are looking to stay at some of the famous cave hotels.
Cappadocia in Spring (Late March to May)
Spring is not a bad time to visit Cappadocia. The temperatures are moderate which makes it nice for exploring the outdoors.
However, visitors need to be aware that Spring is the rainiest season in Cappadocia. In April and May, there is an average of 14 rainy days per month, which is nearly 50 percent. It is also the windiest, which means the hot air balloons don’t take off as often.
For hikers, this is arguably one of the better times to travel to Cappadocia. The valleys are dotted with spring blossoms, which makes the scenery even more gorgeous.
Similar to fall, make sure you pack some winter clothes for the nights!
BEST TIME TO VISIT CAPPADOCIA FOR HOT AIR BALLOONS
If you are visiting Cappadocia, chances are you want to experience the epic hot air balloon rides over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia at sunrise. But when is the best time for them?
The best time to visit Cappadocia for hot air balloons is in the summer. The months of June to August see the least rain and wind, which means your hot air balloon rides are less likely to get canceled.
Summer mornings are also the warmest of the year. You can wear your nice outfit for some cute Insta photos with the hot air balloons without worrying about freezing your butt off.
The only downside to visiting Cappadocia in the summer is that it’s the peak of the summer season. If you wish to experience the hot air balloons, make sure you prebook them ahead of time or else they might be completely sold out.
Autumn is the second best time to visit Cappadocia for hot air balloons. Rain is slightly more common than in the summer, but it is still rare enough that you get regular hot air balloon takeoffs.
Spring and winter are the months with the most amount of precipitation and wind. Hot air balloons are rare in the winter because the ground can be wet or covered in a layer of ice, which makes landing dangerous.
Also, even slight rain makes controlling the hot air balloon much more challenging. But when they do take off, you get the chance of seeing Cappadocia with a blanket of white fluffy snow!
BEST TIME TO VISIT CAPPADOCIA FOR HIKING
From Love Valley to Rose Valley, Cappadocia is full of amazing hiking opportunities. But unfortunately, hiking in Cappadocia can be quite dangerous, especially with its extreme temperatures and lack of shade.
For that reason, the best time to visit Cappadocia for hiking is fall. During Fall, which is the months of September and October, the temperature is moderately warm during the day. You are less likely to get heat stroke or any heat-related illness. Rain is also fairly uncommon in the fall.
In September and October, there are only 4 and 8 rain days, respectively. Even when it rains in Cappadocia, it is usually very light and short.
Spring has similar temperatures as Fall, but the only difference is that there is a lot more rain in the Spring. The upside is that spring blossoms are gorgeous in the valleys.
Summer is a bad time to go hiking, especially if you are not experienced. The summer heat in Cappadocia is excruciating. There is minimal shade and dehydration and sunburn are real risks in the summers.
Winter is not a bad time to go hiking, but the cold temperatures aren’t suited for long hikes. If you get lost out on of the hiking trails in Cappadocia, that is going to become a serious issue!
BEST TIME TO VISIT CAPPADOCIA TO AVOID THE CROWDS
Without a doubt, the best time to visit Cappadocia to avoid the crowds is in the winter. Winter in Cappadocia is quite desolate. Many of the local restaurants and tour agencies shut down to bear the quiet winter. Tourism is at its lowest, and one of the reasons for that is the weather is absolute crap.
Hot air balloon rides in the winter are rare because most of them get canceled due to sub-optimal flight conditions. You are taking a big gamble if you visit Cappadocia in the winter hoping to fly in one of the balloons.
The shoulder seasons in Cappadocia, autumn and spring, are excellent alternatives. Though you’ll see more tourists, you’ll at least have a good chance of getting on the hot air balloon and exploring some of the sights in Cappadocia.
BEST MONTH TO VISIT CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
Below is a month-by-month analysis of the weather in Cappadocia. Make sure you check it out before planning your itinerary!
Cappadocia in January
- Average Temperature: -5°C (22°F) Lows, 4°C (40°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 36 mm in 12 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 6.2 Knots
January is the heart of winter in Cappadocia. Freezing temperatures are not uncommon, especially in the late evening and early mornings. Tourism is at one of its lowest, if not the lowest, in the entire year. After the New Years’ holiday crowd goes, Cappadocia becomes rather quiet.
Don’t expect the hot air balloons to run regularly in January.
Cappadocia in February
- Average Temperature: -4°C (23°F) Lows, 6°C (44°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 39 mm in 12 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 6.5 Knots
The weather in Cappadocia in February is very much like the weather in January. February is still in the heart of winter, which means that freezing temperatures and snow are very common.
The temperature in February is slightly higher than that of January, but it is still very low. Tourism is still low, though a tad better than in January.
Visitors will find better deals and cheaper prices on hotels and tours, at least for the ones that are still operating. Hot air balloons do not take off regularly in February.
Cappadocia in March
- Average Temperature: 0°C (31°F) Lows, 12°C (54°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 48 mm in 12 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 7.3 Knots
March is the transition month between Cappadocia’s winter and spring. In the earlier half of the month, the temperature remains quite cold and it is still possible to see snow.
But in the latter half of the month, the temperature is starting to get warmer. Visitors are starting to be able to enjoy the outdoor attractions of Cappadocia. Hot air balloons are starting to run more regularly and more tourists are starting to come back.
Cappadocia in April
- Average Temperature: 4°C (39°F) Lows, 17°C (64°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 45 mm in 14 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 7.6 Knots
April is the official start of spring in Cappadocia. Spring is usually marked by lots of rain and Cappadocia is no exception.
Though it rains on average 14 out of 30 days in the month, the rainfall is quite low. This means visitors can still hike in the valleys and go exploring the different sights in Cappadocia.
Life is starting to return back to Cappadocia. Spring blossoms start to dot the landscapes, and hikers are blessed with some incredible scenery. Hot air balloons run more often than in March, but they could be canceled due to the rain and wind.
Cappadocia in May
- Average Temperature: 7°C (45°F) Lows, 22°C (73°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 56 mm in 14 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 7.2 Knots
May is the rainiest month in Cappadocia with about 56 mm in 14 days, which is not the best for hot air balloon flights.
The temperature is one of the best in the entire year. It is not too hot to explore the valleys of Cappadocia, go hiking, or just chill out on a rooftop admiring the views.
The nights are still cold and you’ll definitely need a light jacket. We recommend packing a rain jacket when visiting Cappadocia in spring.
Cappadocia in June
- Average Temperature: 11°C (51°F) Lows, 27°C (81°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 40 mm in 8 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 6 Knots
June is the transition month between Cappadocia’s spring and summer. You’ll find more temperate weather and a higher chance of precipitation in the first half of the month, but in the latter half, it is dry and hot. Tourists are returning to Cappadocia in flocks to enjoy its nice weather and clear skies.
The famous Cappadox festival typically occurs in June. Cappadox is a multi-day outdoor cultural festival with music, art and gastronomy. It made its debut in 2015 and has been one of the most famous events in Turkey ever since. If you plan on attending Cappadox, make sure you reserve your accommodations way in advance.
Cappadocia in July
- Average Temperature: 13°C (56°F) Lows, 31°C (88°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 13 mm in 3 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 6 Knots
July is the high season in Cappadocia and it is busy!
With little to no rain in the entire month, hot air balloons are taking off more frequently than ever. Depending on the season, visitors might be able to witness the Hot Air Balloon Festival, which is a multi-day festival that occurs annually in July or August.
Visitors will see hundreds of uniquely shaped hot air balloons in the sky – from spaceships to animals and flowers. There was a cow and chicken-shaped balloon one year – absolutely epic.
This is the biggest festival in Cappadocia, some make sure you plan accordingly and book everything in advance. Unfortunately, the date of the balloon festival changes every year, so you have to be alert!
Cappadocia in August
- Average Temperature: 13°C (55°F) Lows, 31°C (88°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 8 mm in 2 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 6.5 Knots
August is the least rainy month of the year in Cappadocia. However, we definitely wouldn’t consider this the best time to visit. Why? It is simply too hot.
With little humidity, dry weather, and high temperature, exploring Cappadocia’s outdoor attractions can become dangerous. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, but they might want to make sure they bring plenty of water with them.
August is one of the best months for hot air balloons. With mild mornings and little to no wind and rain, hot air balloons take off regularly.
Cappadocia in September
- Average Temperature: 9°C (48°F) Lows, 27°C (80°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 12 mm in 4 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 6 Knots
September is probably the best month to go to Cappadocia. With average temperatures ranging from 9-27 degrees Celsius and little rainfall all throughout the month, this is a great time to explore Cappadocia’s many attractions. September is the end of summer vacation, which means you’ll find considerably fewer crowds than in July and August, but equally stunning weather.
In the daytime, you can explore the numerous hiking trails of Cappadocia without a huge risk of heat exhaustion. In the evening, it is warm enough to walk around town with a light jacket. September is the best time of year to visit for many reasons.
Cappadocia in October
- Average Temperature: 5°C (41°F) Lows, 21°C (69°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 34 mm in 8 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 5.8 Knots
October is another great time of the year to visit Cappadocia. As the heart of autumn in Cappadocia, visitors can expect mild temperature and little rainfall. Exploring the outdoors of Cappadocia is enjoyable with the cooler environment.
Compared to September, the crowd is even smaller, which means you have an even easier time booking your favorite cave hotel. October is one of the last months when everything in Cappadocia is open, which means you have plenty of options for accommodations and dining.
This is one of the best times to take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.
Cappadocia in November
- Average Temperature: 0°C (31°F) Lows, 13°C (55°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 28 mm in 9 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 5 Knots
November is the transition month between autumn and winter in Cappadocia. November is not as mild as October, and the temperature can even go below freezing at night.
The weather is cold, but it isn’t cold enough to discourage you from sightseeing in Cappadocia. In fact, it might be perfect for anyone thinking of doing strenuous hiking there.
Hot air balloon rides are still relatively common, but make sure you wear something nice and thick. When you are up in the air, the temperature is much lower.
Cappadocia in December
- Average Temperature: -3°C (25°F) Lows, 6°C (43°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 39 mm in 12 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 5.4 Knots
pick up towards the end due to the holiday season.
Many travelers are out to experience an epic hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocian Valley during a Turkish Christmas and New Year vacation.
But unfortunately, with the weather, hot air balloons don’t take out that frequently during December. Nonetheless, tourists can enjoy Cappadocia’s outdoor attractions, but just remember to pack some heavy jackets.
Exploring the underground cities is especially nice during this time as they are naturally insulated. If you are staying in a cave hotel, make sure you pick one with a heater because you’ll need it!
