Weather
April is spring in Turkey and the weather is warm, but not hot, in much of the country: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, and Konya see average monthly temperatures of around 60-62°F (16-17°C), while Antalya and Cappadocia are a few degrees warmer, at 68-69°F (19-20°C). April is also a relatively dry month everywhere, with the winter rains of some coastal areas having passed.
Crowds & Costs
April is high season in some parts of Turkey but not everywhere, so you can't expect uniform prices, availability, or crowds across the country. Istanbul and Cappadocia tend to be busy at this time of year because the warm-but-not-hot temperatures attract visitors. Book flights and accommodation in advance if you're traveling to these places in April, and expect to pay peak-season prices.
However, April is still the low season for Aegean and Mediterranean beach resorts. While the conditions and temperatures might not be perfect for time on the beach in April, if you're interested in checking out coastal towns and cities (such as Izmir or Antalya), April's a good time to do so.
Where to Go
Istanbul and Cappadocia may be busy with tourists in April but this is for a good reason: the weather is ideal for walking around outdoors, admiring the many cultural and natural attractions of these popular places. Beach and sea activities (such as sailing) don't kick off along the west and south-western coasts until later in the season but if you're more interested in cultural and historic sites, check out Antalya, Izmir, and Selcuk/Ephesus in April.
What to Do
General sightseeing in Turkey is ideal in April. The country is rich in ancient and contemporary cultural attractions, and is a food lover's paradise. April is also a good month for a Bosphorus cruise from Istanbul, with pleasant conditions out on the water. The Princes' Islands, southeast of Istanbul, are ideal destinations for island-hopping when the weather isn't quite good enough for swimming and sunbathing yet. Istanbul's Tulip Festival is also a sight to behold.
If you're into hiking and looking for a challenge, April is a good time to hike the ancient trade route of the Lycian Way. This is considered one of the best coastal multi-day hikes in the world, and the warm temperatures of April (and May) are perfect. There are various ways to do the hike, but starting and ending in Antalya and walking for 8-9 days is a great itinerary.
Events in April
Ramadan, falling between late March and early May, is one of the most significant religious events in Turkey. Observant Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours throughout this month. Some restaurants close for the entire month while others operate more discreetly or for limited hours. Traveling in Turkey during Ramadan can be an interesting cultural experience but might take some greater planning and flexibility as not all eateries will be open for service.
Ramadan Bayrami is a three-day festival immediately following the end of Ramadan. In some other Islamic countries, it's known as Eid. It's a three-day celebration of the end of the holy month, when people break their fast.
Istanbul Tulip Festival, held throughout April. Millions of colorful tulips are planted throughout the public spaces in the city, bringing spring color and festivity. Tulips are a traditional symbol of Istanbul.
Traveling to Turkey in April? Check out these great itineraries
Hiking the Lycian Way in Turkey: Kas, Adrasan & Antalya - 9 Days. Hike this ancient trade route along Turkey's Mediterranean coast. This itinerary completes the trail from west to east, beginning in Kas, continuing through Adrasan, and finally ending in Antalya.
Explore Istanbul and Cappadocia - 6 Days. Discover two of Turkey's most popular destinations over six days: the bustling capital of Istanbul and the lunar-like valleys of Cappadocia.