Turkey is a secular country as defined by its current constitution which doesn’t recognize an official religion, nor does it promote one. As a result, there is no official dress code.
Having said this, the majority of the population is Muslim, therefore if you’re a woman traveling there soon, you might have asked yourself: “What to wear during my trip to feel comfortable and also show respect for the local norms and culture?”
Well, first it depends on the season, and second on your destination. Istanbul for example is very liberal and diverse in terms of how people dress: you’ll see everything from tank tops or miniskirts to burkas (though I think that most of the women I saw dressed in burkas were tourists).
Cappadocia is also very touristy so you might not need to worry too much about what to wear there. The same goes for the beach resorts.
However, other parts of Turkey can be slightly more conservative regarding clothing. When in doubt, go with something that’s at least knee-length and avoid revealing tops or plunging necklines.
Choosing outfits that also cover your shoulders and are not too tight-fitting is a safe option too.
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Turkey’s weather through the seasons
Spring in Turkey
Spring in Turkey starts off chilly in March but gradually warms up by May. In March, average temperatures range from lows of 4°C (39°F) to highs of 14°C (57°F) according to climatestotravel.com.
By April, you’ll experience milder weather, with highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Lastly, in May temperatures climb further, reaching highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F).
Summer in Turkey
Summer in Turkey is all about the heat! In June, average highs reach 29°C (84°F) with lows of 17°C (62°F). July and August are even hotter, with average highs of 32°C (89°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F). Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must during these months.
Fall in Turkey
Autumn brings cooler temperatures as the season progresses. September remains warm, with average highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). October cools down to highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). By November, the chill sets in, with highs of 16°C (60°F) and lows of 6°C (42°F).
Winter in Turkey
Winter in Turkey calls for warm clothes. December sees average highs of 11°C (52°F) and lows of 3°C (437°F). In January and February, temperatures dip further, with average highs of 9-10°C (48-50°F) and lows of 2°C (35°F). Prepare for frosty mornings and chilly nights!
General tips and ideas on what to wear by season
If you’re mostly visiting popular tourist locations, then you should be fine wearing what you usually like to wear in most cases.
However, I’d still suggest avoiding super short miniskirts (though I’d admit I did see local women wearing them as well in summer) or really cropped clothes during the warmer seasons.
For a more modest look, make sure your knees are covered and opt for a conservative neckline. If you wear leggings, pair them with a blouse or dress that extends past your bottom.
Spring in Turkey alternates between warm and chilly so definitely pack a jacket or a cute trench. Bring a scarf and maybe a hat too – for example, Istanbul in March was quite windy.
Opt for jeans paired with T-shirts or lightweight sweaters, as well as long-sleeved dresses made from thicker fabrics. Consider layering with a tank top underneath for extra warmth.
Sneakers and any closed-toed shoes are a great choice.
Summers in Turkey are usually quite hot, so my suggestion is to go for maxi dresses made from breathable materials. Protect your head with a straw hat and wear sandals or espadrilles for a cute and effortless look.
If you plan for a beach vacation, most bikinis should be fine in resort towns. Or you can go with a one-piece swimsuit (I really love them lately!). Just make sure you have a cover-up for when you leave the beach area.
For fall, I’d pack similarly to spring, with the added consideration that rain may be more frequent. As for winter, bring a warm jacket (ideally waterproof too) or an overcoat, boots, sweaters and jeans.
If you want to go on the dress or skirt route, you can opt for some fleece-lined leggings to keep you warm. And don’t forget to pack a cute hat and a wool scarf!
What to wear when visiting a Mosque
On the days you plan to visit a Mosque (even in diverse Istanbul), you need to pay a bit more attention to what you wear.
Generally speaking, the Mosque visiting rules for women state to have your arms (until about your elbow), knees, and head covered. Leggings and sometimes even tight jeans are a no-no. Using hats or hoods to cover your hair is not permitted either.
If you’re curious about guidelines for men: they should make sure their shoulders and knees are covered as well. And one should also take off their shoes before entering be it man or woman.
My suggestion is to go for loose over-the-knee skirts or maxi dresses and have a big scarf with you to cover your head and shoulders – you can also borrow scarves and wraps at most Mosques free of charge, but personally, I like to be prepared.
I also recommend wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off to avoid doing the awkward balancing act on one leg in front of the entrance for more than you’d like.
