Eastern Anatolia, Turkey: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Eastern Anatolia, Turkey? If you're planning to go to Eastern Anatolia, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Eastern Anatolia, Turkey

Based on the climate and weather in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Eastern Anatolia, Turkey

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Eastern Anatolia, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Eastern Anatolia, Turkey by month

January

January in Eastern Anatolia is unbearably cold. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Eastern Anatolia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to get the necessary type. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

If you are traveling to Eastern Anatolia in February, you will notice that it is frosty. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Eastern Anatolia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

March

March in Eastern Anatolia can be extremely cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) to 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Eastern Anatolia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to find the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

April

April in Eastern Anatolia is brisk. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Eastern Anatolia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to get the necessary kind. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

May

May in Eastern Anatolia is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Eastern Anatolia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to choose the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

June for Eastern Anatolia is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Eastern Anatolia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to pick the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

July

If you are traveling to Eastern Anatolia in July, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Eastern Anatolia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

August

August is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Eastern Anatolia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the right type. Most adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

If you vacation in Eastern Anatolia during September, you may see that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Eastern Anatolia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the necessary type. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

October

October in Eastern Anatolia can be chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Eastern Anatolia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the correct kind. Most adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

November

November in Eastern Anatolia can be brisk. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Eastern Anatolia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December in Eastern Anatolia can be extremely cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Turkey has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Eastern Anatolia. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

What to do in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey

Eastern Anatolia, Turkey is an incredibly diverse region with a rich history and breathtaking landscapes. From beautiful natural wonders to ancient historical sites, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. Below are the top tourist attractions in Eastern Anatolia that should not be missed during a visit to this beautiful region:

1. Mount Ararat - Located in the province of Agri, Mount Ararat is Turkey's highest mountain peak and a popular destination for climbers and hikers. According to the Bible, it is also the place where Noah's Ark landed. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, including the beautiful Ishak Pasha Palace.

2. Sumela Monastery - Located in the province of Trabzon, the Sumela Monastery is an ancient Greek Orthodox monastery that dates back to the 4th century. The monastery is built into the side of a cliff and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

3. Lake Van - The largest lake in Turkey, Lake Van is an unmissable natural wonder in Eastern Anatolia. The lake is surrounded by mountains and offers a peaceful respite from city life. Visitors can take boat tours, swim, or simply relax on the shore.

4. Ani - An ancient city located in the province of Kars, Ani was once a thriving hub of trade and commerce. Today, the ruins of this historic city offer a glimpse into its past glory. Visitors can explore the ancient walls, churches, and mosques that still stand today.

5. Nemrut Dağı - Located in the province of Adiyaman, Nemrut Dağı is a mountain peak that boasts an ancient royal tomb and a collection of colossal stone heads. These stone heads are believed to depict various gods and goddesses of the day.

6. Erzurum - One of the largest cities in Eastern Anatolia, Erzurum offers something for everyone. Visitors can explore the ancient city walls, visit the grand mosques and churches, or head to the nearby ski resort to make the most of the area's snowy slopes.

7. Kars - Another historic city in Eastern Anatolia, Kars is famous for its ancient walls and the Kars Castle. The city offers a unique blend of Turkish and Armenian culture and architecture, making it an ideal location for history buffs and culture lovers alike.

In conclusion, Eastern Anatolia is a region of Turkey that is well worth a visit. With its diverse landscape, rich history, and fascinating culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. From the stunning natural beauty of Lake Van and Mount Ararat to the ancient ruins of Ani and the Sumela Monastery, Eastern Anatolia is a destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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