CAPPADOCIA WEATHER CHECK
When is the best time for a Cappadocia hot air balloon flight?
Find out based on 16 years of sunrise weather at Göreme, checked against the official 10-knot flight rule.
ERA5 + NEVŞEHIR AIRPORT2010 TO 2025 · SHGM 10-KNOT RULE
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The short answer: June to October
From June to October, almost every sunrise at Göreme is calm enough to fly. From November to March, 27% to 42% of mornings are too windy, rainy or foggy, so stay 3 or 4 nights.
| Month | Calm sunrises | 2 nights | 3 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58% | 79% | 89% |
| February | 70% | 91% | 97% |
| March | 66% | 84% | 92% |
| April | 81% | 95% | 99% |
| May | 89% | 99% | 99%+ |
| June | 95% | 99%+ | 99%+ |
| July | 93% | 99% | 99%+ |
| August | 97% | 99%+ | 99%+ |
| September | 95% | 99%+ | 99%+ |
| October | 91% | 98% | 99% |
| November | 73% | 89% | 95% |
| December | 63% | 83% | 91% |
"2 nights" and "3 nights" = the chance of at least one calm morning in that many mornings, from real runs of days. Nevşehir airport reports, 2010 to 2025.
How we worked it out
We looked at 16 years of weather for Göreme, 2010 to 2025: the half-hourly reports from Nevşehir airport and the ERA5 weather record. A morning counts as calm when the wind stayed at or under 10 knots from an hour before sunrise to an hour after, with no rain, snow or fog. 10 knots is the official limit for passenger balloon flights in Turkey. We show the airport numbers, the stricter of the two.
Calm wind is not the whole story. In 2025 the balloons flew on 223 days, because wind higher up, fog and low cloud stop some calm mornings too, mostly in winter. We log the official flag every morning and will update these numbers as the record grows.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia?
June to October. In those months 91% to 97% of sunrises at Göreme were calm enough to fly (wind at or under 10 knots, no rain, snow or fog), 2010 to 2025. August was the calmest month, at 97%.
How many nights should I stay in Cappadocia for a balloon flight?
From May to October, 2 nights give a 98% or better chance of at least one calm morning. From November to March, stay 3 or 4 nights: in January, 3 nights give 89% and 4 nights give 94%.
What happens if my balloon flight is cancelled?
The aviation authority (SHGM) gives a red, yellow or green flag for each morning, usually the day before. On red or yellow, nobody flies, and a red flag does not change. Most companies refund you or move you to the next free morning; check the weather rule on your listing before you book.
How much does a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia cost?
A standard flight costs about €80 to €200 per person in the main season and from about €50 from November to February (one Göreme agency’s price list, October 2026). Comfort and deluxe baskets cost more.