Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second-largest city, home to around 5.8 million people in the metropolitan area. Founded as the Republic's capital in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Ankara replaced Istanbul as the seat of government and grew rapidly throughout the 20th century. The city blends its ancient Hittite and Roman heritage with modernist Republican architecture and a vibrant contemporary urban scene. Anıtkabir — Atatürk's mausoleum — is the defining landmark, while the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations ranks among the world's finest archaeological collections. Ankara sits on the central Anatolian plateau at roughly 850 metres above sea level, giving it a continental climate with hot dry summers and cold snowy winters.
Ankara has a continental semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk) at 850 m altitude. Winters are cold and snowy (December–February, average lows -2°C), summers are hot and dry (July–August, average highs 30–31°C). Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant sightseeing conditions with mild temperatures. Annual rainfall is modest (360 mm/year) and concentrated in spring and winter. The high altitude means Ankara is always cooler than Turkish coastal cities.
Best time to visit
Best: April–May and September–October
Peak Season: April–May (best weather draws domestic tourists) and October 29 Republic Day period
Avoid: July–August for midday outdoor sightseeing (30–31°C); January–February if cold weather is a deterrent
Notes: Ankara's continental climate at 850 m altitude gives it distinct seasons. Spring (April–May) is the finest period: wildflowers bloom on the plateau, temperatures are mild, and tourist crowds remain manageable. Autumn (September–October) is equally excellent and culminates in the Republic Day celebrations on October 29. Summers are hot but dry and manageable if mornings and museums are prioritised. Winters are cold with possible snow — atmospheric at the Citadel and Anıtkabir, and the indoor museum scene is outstanding year-round.
Items:
- Season
- Spring (Apr–May)
- Rating
- Best
- Notes
- Mild temperatures (16–21°C), wildflowers, best outdoor sightseeing; some afternoon showers in May
- Season
- Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Rating
- Warm — plan early mornings
- Notes
- Hot and dry (26–31°C); museums air-conditioned; lakes provide evening escape; evenings cool
- Season
- Autumn (Sep–Oct)
- Rating
- Excellent
- Notes
- Warm September, comfortable October; Republic Day (Oct 29) celebrated spectacularly in the capital
- Season
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Rating
- Acceptable
- Notes
- Cold (-2 to 6°C), possible snow; hammams, museums, and galleries ideal; Elmadağ ski December–March
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
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The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
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Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- Peak
- April–May and September–October — best weather draws the most domestic tourists; still far less crowded than Istanbul or Cappadocia year-round
- Off Peak
- July–August (very hot, Ankara residents leave for coast) and January–February (cold, few tourists)
- Shoulder
- March, June, November — reasonable prices, manageable crowds
- Notes
- Ankara is never overcrowded with tourists. Major holidays (Republic Day October 29, Bayram periods) draw large domestic crowds to Anıtkabir — plan visits outside these dates or arrive early.
- Items
- Period
- April–May
- Level
- Moderate
- Note
- Best weather draws domestic tourists; still far less crowded than Istanbul or Cappadocia
- Period
- June–August
- Level
- Low–Moderate
- Note
- Very hot deterring foreign visitors; museums quieter; Ankara residents head to the coast
- Period
- September–October
- Level
- Moderate
- Note
- Excellent weather; October 29 Republic Day draws large crowds to Anıtkabir — arrive early that day
- Period
- November–March
- Level
- Low
- Note
- Fewest tourists; lowest hotel prices; indoor attractions excellent year-round
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Republic Day
Major national holiday with military parade, ceremonies at Anıtkabir, and public celebrations across Ankara. Most significant public holiday in the capital.
National Sovereignty and Children's Day
Colourful celebrations at Anıtkabir and in school events across the city. Turkish children from around the world participate.
Ankara International Film Festival
Turkey's oldest international film festival, held annually since 1988. Screenings at various Ankara cinemas.
Victory Day
Military parade and ceremonies commemorating the decisive victory in the Turkish War of Independence.
Atatürk Remembrance Day
At 09:05 AM, sirens sound nationwide and Turks pause for a minute of silence to mark the hour of Atatürk's death in 1938. Profound moment to witness in Ankara.
Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı)
3-day holiday at end of Ramadan. Many shops close; family gatherings dominate. Anıtkabir sees very high visitor numbers.
Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı)
4-day holiday. Busiest domestic travel period of the year. Book accommodation well in advance if visiting during Bayram.