Cappadocia’s climate is continental, meaning hot summers, cold winters, and big temperature swings between day and night.
Weather will impact what you pack and activities you can do (for example, balloons won’t fly in very bad weather).
Here’s a month-by-month weather overview to help you plan.
January (Very cold mid-winter)
Daytime highs are around 4°C (39°F), and nights drop to -6°C (21°F).
Imagine flying over the fairy chimneys covered in snow. It’s a quiet time with fewer tourists.
Getting around can be tricky if it snows, so stay in central Göreme to walk to restaurants.
Hot air balloon rides at sunrise are not to be missed while you are in Göreme.
You are advised to wear a heavy winter coat, sweater layers, gloves, and warm boots – you’ll be bundled up!
February (Cold continues)
Highs ~ 6–7°C (mid-40s°F), lows around -5°C (23°F). It is similar to January, with occasional snow.
It is still the low season – some tours or activities might be limited. Don’t forget to wear your winter gear.
March (Late winter, gradually warming)
Highs reach 12–13°C (mid-50s°F), lows around -1°C (30°F). It’s still quite chilly, and winds pick up in March.
So it is better to pack layers – a fleece or sweater for the day and a coat for the night.
Balloons can get canceled due to strong winds, so it’s not the best month for ballooning.
April (Spring arrives)
Highs about 18°C (64°F), lows 3–5°C (upper 30s°F). Days feel pleasant and mild; nights are still cold.
You might get some rain (April showers) and even the rare late snowfall. Valleys turn greener with wildflowers.
Wear layers and have a light rain jacket, just in case. This is a popular month to visit.
May (Beautiful spring weather)
Daytime temperatures 22–25°C (72–77°F), nights 7–12°C (45–54°F). Mostly sunny blue skies.
It is one of the best times for balloons since you get many clear mornings. And it is great for hiking as well because it’s not too hot. Although this time of the year it’s getting busier with tourists. Pack a mix of T-shirts and a light jacket for the evenings.
June (Early summer warmth)
Highs around 27°C (81°F), lows 10–12°C (50s°F). It can get hot in the day by late June, but nights remain cool. Very little rain now. Tourism is in full swing.
You can wear summer clothes (short sleeves, shorts) in the daytime and a thin sweater or shawl at night. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat as the sun is strong.
July (Peak summer and very hot)
Daytime highs are often 30–32°C (86–90°F). The skies are clear and blue.
Sightseeing involves a lot of walking, so plan to do outdoor activities early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst heat.
It is best to dress in light. The nice thing is that cave hotels naturally stay cool inside, even without AC. Nights in July are a comfortable 15°C (59°F).
August (Hottest month)
Similar to July, highs around 31°C (88°F) and very dry weather. Great for hot air balloon rides, as you’ll be up at sunrise when it’s cooler.
Afternoons can be scorching, so maybe schedule museum visits or relax in the shade.
It is best to have summer wear and a light long-sleeve option. By late August, you’ll notice days shortening and a hint of cooler evenings.
September (Warm and pleasant)
Early September still feels like summer (highs mid-20s °C/70s °F), but by late September, it cools to 21–27°C (70–80°F) in the day and 8–12°C (46–54°F) at night.
It’s a fantastic month to visit – the weather is mellow, and the skies are usually clear blue.
Bring a mix of short and long sleeves and a jacket for the night.
October (Autumn in Cappadocia)
Days are mild, around 20–21°C (68°F), and nights get chilly (4–6°C, low 40s°F).
You’ll enjoy crisp, cool mornings, which are great for hiking and balloons.
Balloons fly often since the afternoons are comfortable, too.
During the fall, sunrise comes later, so you don’t have to wake up quite as early.
Trees in valleys like Ihlara start turning golden. It’s best to dress in layers. You might wear a T-shirt at noon but need a coat by late evening.
November (Cold returns)
Highs drop to 13–14°C (55°F), lows around -1°C (30°F) toward late month. It’s mostly dry and clear, much colder, especially after sunset.
Tourist crowds thin out a lot. Wear a warm jacket and be ready for early morning frost.
Bring layers, a hat, and gloves for the morning if you do a balloon or tour in November.
On the plus side, Cappadocia is peaceful now, and hot air balloon prices might be lower in the off-season.
December (Winter begins)
Daytime temperatures hover around 5–7°C (41–45°F), and nights can hit 4°C (25°F).
Early December can still have sunny days, but by mid/late December, expect snow and true winter conditions.
It’s still lovely – imagine fairy chimneys dusted in snow and far fewer tourists.
Balloons fly on clear days, as around 260 days a year are flyable in Cappadocia, but cancellations are common when the weather is bad.
If you visit in December, warm up with a coat, thermals, and boots and enjoy the holiday ambiance in Göreme’s cafes.
Planning a winter trip to Cappadocia? Discover things to do and what to expect during the winter season.
General packing tips
No matter the season, Cappadocia’s nights are cooler than its days due to the desert-like climate.
Even in August, you’ll be glad to have a light jacket after sunset. Pack thermal base layers, a wool hat, scarf, and gloves in winter – you’ll spend time outdoors, and that high plateau cold is biting.
In summer, bring a sunhat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen (the sun at altitude is strong).
Good walking shoes are a must year-round – you’ll walk on rough rocky terrain in valleys and sites.
If you plan to visit religious sites (like cave churches or mosques), carry one modest outfit (long pants for men, scarf for women).
Check out the 14-day extended weather forecast for Cappadocia and plan your perfect visit.
