What to pack for a holiday in Cappadocia in June

turkey hot air balloons

We visited Cappadocia in the middle of June, and the weather was warm and sunny. However, the area surrounding Göreme is arid and rocky which means that, like in the desert or the mountains, the temperature can plummet at night. So what you pack for Cappadocia might not be the same as your usual packing list for a holiday in Türkiye.

In colder seasons the area is prone to snow – which can happen as late in the year as April. So be sure to check the day and night forecast for the time of your trip before you pack!

hot air balloons over cappadocia

by @tomokas

What am I allowed to wear in Türkiye?

There are some rules around what people, especially what women, are allowed to wear in Türkiye. As a mostly-Muslim country, covering up is advised. I think that when travelling, we have a responsibility as tourists to respect the cultures of the countries we visit.

However, in Türkiye – or at least in Cappadocia and Antalya where I visited during this trip – these rules are loose and rarely followed by tourists. But they're still worth bearing in mind when you pack for Cappadocia.

love valley cappadocia

by @tomokas

Despite this, I chose to bring loose-fitting clothes that either covered most of my legs, or my shoulders. However, I didn’t face any trouble wearing my western clothing in Cappadocia – including shorts, sleeveless jumpsuits, and an oversized t-shirt with shorts.

I have heard of people being catcalled and approached in countries where women are expected to cover up more than we are in the UK. But I had no trouble with heckling or anything else as a result of my choice of clothing. Which was slightly more covered than I might have worn for a beach holiday in Spain, but still very Western.

Rose Valley Cappadocia

by @tomokas

This is what I packed for five days in Cappadocia in June

On top

One t-shirt, two jumpsuits, and two day-to-night dresses. As layers, I had a cardigan and a plaid shirt. This was fine for the temperatures in June, although a thicker layer would have been good for the early morning on our sunrise hot air balloon trip.

I usually wear dresses or jumpsuits that I can keep on into the evening. However, if you prefer to get changed or dressed up, what you pack for Cappadocia might be a longer list than mine!

monastery in cappadocia

by @tomokas

On the bottom

One pair of shorts and one pair of light trousers. For casual days out, I often opt for a jumpsuit rather than a top and trousers in hot weather. But I’ve learned from experience that even in the warmest climates it’s good to pack a pair of cotton trousers just in case!

On my feet

A pair of Converse, a pair of running trainers for longer hikes, and a pair of sandals with buckle fastenings. There are a lot of up-hill (and downhill) walks in Cappadocia, so secure-fitting shoes are advisable over slip-ons.

view from goreme open air museum

by @tomokas

My full Cappadocia packing list

  • Two jumpsuits that can be worn day or night

  • Two casual day-to-night dresses

  • An oversized  t-shirt

  • A pair of shorts

  • A pair of loose cotton trousers

  • A cardigan

  • A plaid shirt

  • A pair of comfy sandals

  • A pair of running trainers

  • A pair of Converse

  • One day-to-night bag

  • Sunglasses

  • A bikini (our hotel had a pool)

  • Enough underwear and socks for each day of the trip

  • A sun hat

  • Regular daily toiletries + SPF

  • Books

  • Chargers and EU adapters

  • My passport!

Ready to plan your trip? These are the best things to do in Cappadocia, Türkiye.

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