When to go — Central Anatolia

Central Anatolia undergoes a harsh continental climate — hot dry summers, very cold snowy winters, extreme seasonal thermal contrasts. The average altitude of 900-1,200 m accentuates these characteristics.

May and June are the recommended months. Temperatures are perfect (18-25°C during the day, 8-15°C at night), the Anatolian steppe — often yellow and dry the rest of the year — is temporarily covered with flowers (poppies, asphodels, wild irises), archaeological sites (Hattuşa, Çatalhöyük) are visitable without suffering from the heat, and whirling dervishes ceremonies in Konya benefit from a peaceful atmosphere before the summer crowds. Lake Salda begins to be swimmable in June (waters at 18-20°C). Some thunderstorms possible in May.

July and August are the hottest and driest months. Ankara and Konya reach 32-38°C midday — bearable thanks to dry air but uncomfortable for urban visits. The Anatolian plateau is yellow and burnt, the vegetative steppe season is over. On the other hand, nights remain cool at altitude (15-20°C) — good sleep remains possible. Festivals (international music festival of Ankara in July, Anatolian arts festival) animate the cities. Moderate hotel rates despite high season.

September and October offer an excellent compromise. Temperatures become ideal again (20-28°C in September, 15-22°C in October), the golden autumn light is magnificent on the Anatolian steppe, the Cappadocian vineyard harvests near Konya animate the region. Crowds remain very moderate (Konya mainly receives Muslim pilgrims, few Western tourists). October brings the first night chills (5-10°C).

November to April correspond to continental winter. Cold settles quickly in Ankara (5-10°C during the day, -5 to -10°C at night) and Konya. Snow falls regularly from December to March on the Anatolian plateau — spectacular landscapes but difficult access to isolated sites. Lakes Salda and Van are sometimes partially frozen on the surface. However, it is also the Mevlana Festival season of Konya (10-17 December, anniversary of Rumi's death), one of the most important spiritual events in the Muslim world — daily whirling dervishes ceremonies, pilgrims from around the world, unique mystical atmosphere. For this festival, brave the cold (-5 to 5°C during the day), book your Konya hotel 6 months ahead.