The Best Time to Visit Ankara – Plan Your Trip According to the Weather

Ankara is beautiful all year round, but there are some months that are more pleasant for travellers. Most of them would say that the best time to visit Ankara is in the summer due to the warm weather. However, these months can feature super high temperatures that can harm certain visitors.

Others prefer mild spring weather, which is perfect for outdoor exploration and sightseeing. This is the perfect time to visit attractions like Ankara Castle, Anıtkabir, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque, and more.

The fall season features similar temperatures, which are also perfect for checking out these monuments. However, you won’t get to enjoy the green and blossoming Ankara parks. The winter months can also please tourists who don’t mind low temperatures. They are much quieter and feature fewer crowds.

But, apart from the weather, visitors must also plan their vacation according to the popular festivals. Timing your trip around these events can make your Ankara experience even more memorable.

Reasons Why You Should Visit Ankara

There are plenty of reasons why Ankara deserves a place on your travel list. As the capital of Turkey, it blends modern development with a rich historical background that spans several civilisations. Known for its political significance, Ankara also offers ancient landmarks, a vibrant arts scene, and lively neighbourhoods full of culture.

Top reasons to visit Ankara:

1. Historic landmarks like Anıtkabir, the Roman Temple of Augustus, and Ankara Castle with panoramic city views.
2. A vibrant arts and culture scene, featuring museums, galleries, and live performances.
3. A blend of modern and ancient, with sleek architecture standing alongside centuries-old ruins.
4. Plenty of green spaces, ideal for strolls, picnics, or just unwinding outdoors.
5. Authentic Turkish charm, offering a more relaxed, less touristy vibe than Istanbul.

Among the must-see sites on each Ankara travel guide are the Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir), the Roman Temple of Augustus, and the historic Ankara Castle, which provides breathtaking views over the city. Walking through Ankara, you’ll find a seamless mix of modern architecture, green parks, and historical sites at every corner.

Ankara’s welcoming atmosphere, combined with its historical depth and modern charm, makes it a unique destination.

Overview of the Weather in Ankara

The weather is a key factor in determining the best time to visit Ankara, Turkey. When you plan your trip, keep in mind that this city features dry and hot summers but snowy and cold winters.

If you compare both seasons, you’ll encounter temperature extremes that include summer heat and winter snowfall. This makes it a unique and attractive destination all year round.

In the summer months, Ankara is a super busy place despite the high temperatures and harmful sunshine. Winters are quieter due to the cold weather. But it can be a magical trip if it snows. Spring and fall, on the other hand, feature pleasant temperatures that are perfect for outdoor exploration.

The best time to visit Ankara is probably in April or May. These months feature cooler temperatures and blooming wildflowers that make the sightseeing more enjoyable.

The Weather in Ankara by Season

Every season brings something different to Ankara, thanks to changes in weather and temperature. Knowing what to expect can help you choose the best time to visit. While summer is the peak season, spring, fall, and winter each have their own appeal. Below, we’ll break down the seasonal weather.

Spring (March to May)

Wonder when is the best time to visit Ankara for outdoor activities and sightseeing? The answer is “Spring” due to its pleasant mild weather and the emerging green and blossom nature. Plus, the peak tourist season hasn’t started yet, so there are a bit fewer crowds and the accommodations aren’t that expensive.

The average temperatures during the spring months go from 5°C to 13°C. Also, the high temperature ranges between 11°C and 20°C while the low averages go between -1°C and 6°C. These are perfect temperatures for visiting historical sites in the open.

You can expect from 8 to 10 hours of sunshine and between 9 and 12 rainy days per month. The average rainfall ranges between 30 mm and 60 mm.

Additionally, if you visit the city in spring, don’t forget to check the popular festivals such as:

• International Ankara Music Festival (April 4-30)
• International Cartoon Film Festival (April)
• Flying Broom International Women’s Film Festival (May 17)
• ODTU International Classical Guitar Festival (May 8-10)

Summer (June to August)

The summer season is the busiest period for visiting Ankara due to the warm weather. Large crowds are present in the city during these months. So, make sure to visit mosques, museums, and historical sites during the less busy hours.

However, travelling in hot and dry weather during high temperatures can harm certain tourists, especially the elderly. So, if you want to explore the best Ankara visiting places in the summer, don’t forget to bring water. Also, don’t stay in the sun for too long.

These months feature average temperatures that range from 17°C to 20°C. The average high temperatures range between 25°C and 28°C, but the thermometer can also show +35°C on certain days.

There are 12 hours of sunshine during the summer days. Plus, you can expect occasional rain between 4 and 9 days per month. These features, together with the high temperatures, are perfect for visiting one of the local pools for swimming and cooling off.

There are other things to do in Ankara during the summer. One is visiting the Büyük Ankara Festival. Another is checking out the Victory Day celebration in front of Atatürk’s Mausoleum on August 30.

Autumn (September to November)

Some believe that autumn is the best time to visit Ankara due to its pleasantly warm weather. It’s a much quieter period compared to summer, as it features fewer tourists. Fall is an ideal season for checking out the ancient sites and monuments and exploring the parks and local bazaars.

The average temperatures go from 5°C to 17°C while the average high range is between 11°C and 25°C. Obviously, the weather in mid-September and early October is warmer than in November. Also, know that the average low temperature starts from -1°C and ends at 8°C.

You can expect between 20 mm and 40 mm of rainfall and between 5 to 9 rainy days. In September, October, and November, there are 10, 8, and 6 sunshine hours, respectively.

Autumn is also a great season for visiting local and national cultural festivals. A popular event is the Ankara International Film Festival, which takes place in November. It’s one of the biggest festivals in Turkey, together with the International Istanbul Film Festival.

You can also check out the International Ankara Jazz Festival in November. If you want to taste the local wines, go to the International Kalecik Black Grape Festival in the nearby village. However, know that the best International Wine Festival is in Ürgüp, Cappadocia, in September.

Winter (December to February)

Do you wonder what is the best time to visit Ankara to avoid crowds? The ideal low season for that would be winter. Tourists usually avoid travelling to this city due to the lower temperatures.

Turkey’s climate can provide some snowy days during these months, but nothing too excessive. On the other hand, Ankara looks magical when covered in snow, especially around its biggest attractions.

Remember that the average winter temperatures range from -1°C to 1°C. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures from -5°C to 3°C.

The high average during this season goes between 3°C and 5°C, while the low average fluctuates between -3°C and -5°C. Most tourists don’t see these temperatures as too harsh for exploring historic sites. But we recommend doing that during the sunny hours.

There are 5 hours of sunshine per day in December and January and 7 hours in February. You’ll also encounter between 6 and 9 rainy days per month with an average rainfall from 40 mm to 60 mm.

Additionally, you can visit only a couple of festivals in Ankara in the winter. The main ones are the following:

• Ankara International Dance Festival (January 23-27)
• Ankara Taste Festival (February)

How You Should Pack for Each Season in Ankara

What to pack when visiting Turkey depends strongly on the seasonal weather. This is especially true for Ankara, as the temperatures here vary from one month to the other. At this stage, we’ll help you figure out what to pack based on the season you’re travelling in.

Packing for Spring and Summer Seasons

Summer months are hot in Ankara, so make sure to bring light clothes. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen to prevent sunburn during your outdoor explorations. We also recommend bringing comfortable footwear, especially if you plan on walking most of the time.

The weather in spring is pleasant, and you should pack light clothes. But you must also bring a jacket, as the temperatures tend to drop at night. Additionally, as it’s pollen season, don’t forget to bring your medication if you’re allergic to this powdery substance.

Preparations for an Autumn or Winter Trip

If you visit Ankara in September, then you should pack lighter clothes. However, October and November tend to be cooler, which requires clothes with long sleeves and a jacket. You can also bring warm clothes if you plan a night’s exploration of the city.

Now, the winters can be cold in Ankara. As such, we recommend packing warm clothes and wearing several layers when travelling. It’s also smart to prepare yourself for occasional snowy and rainy days. So, bring your umbrella, gloves, thermal socks, scarf, beanie, and boots.

Ankara Best Time to Visit: What to Expect in Every Season

Is Ankara worth visiting in every season? Yes, it is, as each period has something unique to offer. The peak tourist season is summer, as it’s super warm and you can explore the city in light clothes. However, spring and autumn are the best seasons for outdoor activities and visiting the ancient ruins.

Winters in Ankara are cold, but they are perfect for sightseeing, as there are fewer crowds. At the end of the day, you should pick a season based on your preferences. But make sure to stay connected by purchasing an Esimatic eSIM plan. It makes navigation much easier, and it allows you to stay in touch with the daily forecast.