Autumn in Trabzon: Colorful Valleys and Harvest Season

Once the summer crowds disperse, the Black Sea reveals a different side of itself. Autumn in Trabzon is a short but wonderfully colorful season, when the valleys turn from green to gold and crimson, market stalls fill up with persimmons, chestnuts and anchovies, and highland dwellers return to their villages. In this guide, we cover what the weather is like in Trabzon from September to the end of November, where to see the most beautiful colors, what comes to the table, what you can do this time of year, and the most common mistakes people make on an autumn trip. Our goal is to give a clear answer to one simple question: Is Trabzon worth visiting in autumn, and if you go, how should you spend your days?

When does autumn begin in Trabzon, and what is the weather like?

On the Black Sea coast, autumn arrives a little later than the calendar suggests. In most years, September feels like an extension of summer; the coast stays mild and the sea is still warm enough for swimming. The real change begins in October, and by late November the higher elevations give way to winter. Dividing the season into three parts makes planning easier:

• September: The final weeks of the highland season. Days are long and evenings are cool. Some accommodation businesses in the high plateaus begin closing toward the end of the month.
• October: The month when the colors are at their most vivid. Beech, alder and chestnut trees turn the valleys yellow and orange. Rainy days become more frequent, but sunny spells are common too.
• November: The coast can still be mild, but at high-altitude spots like Uzungöl mornings are cold, and the first snow may appear toward the end of the month. Days grow noticeably shorter.

The most important thing to know is this: autumn and early winter are Trabzon's wettest time of year. That doesn't mean rain will wash out the entire day; on the Black Sea, rain usually comes and goes, the mist lifts, and the valleys show off their brightest colors right after a shower. Even so, it's wise to keep your plans flexible and check the daily forecast.

Where can you see the best autumn colors?

To truly "experience" autumn in Trabzon, staying in the city center isn't enough; the real color show takes place in the inland valleys and around the lakes. These are the three areas visitors photograph the most:

Autumn colors at Uzungöl and on the surrounding slopes in late October — Photo: Robot8A, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Uzungöl and its surroundings

The forested slopes around the lake start changing color from mid-October. The thin morning mist hovering over the lake and the orange hillsides reflected in the water create a scene you simply won't see in summer. With the summer crowds gone, you can also enjoy a peaceful stroll along the lakeside walking path. We cover the must-see spots in detail in our post 7 Places to Visit in Uzungöl.

Altındere Valley and Sümela Monastery

Altındere Valley in Maçka is one of Trabzon's most breathtaking routes in autumn. As you climb toward the monastery, the dense forest takes on a range of hues, and Sümela, nestled against the cliff, emerges from among these colors; that's exactly why so many photographers choose this season. For more on the valley, check out our Altındere Valley National Park guide.

Hıdırnebi and the highland roads

In September and early October, you can watch the valleys lying beneath the clouds from the highland roads. Because autumn starts earlier at higher elevations, the meadows turn golden and the upper edge of the forest bursts into color. Since temperatures drop quickly in the highlands from late October, it's best to schedule this route for the first half of the season.

Harvest season: Trabzon's autumn table and markets

Autumn is when Trabzon's cuisine is at its most abundant. Visitors this time of year can both taste and take home as gifts produce they simply won't find in summer.

• Trabzon persimmons: In October and November, they stand out in gardens with their bright orange fruit. Persimmons hanging from trees that have shed their leaves are one of autumn's most familiar sights. Eaten before fully ripe, they leave your mouth puckered, so it's a good idea to ask the vendor for the softened ones.
• Chestnuts: From October onward, chestnuts appear at the markets and roasted chestnuts are sold on the streets. Warm chestnuts during a cool evening stroll along the coast are one of the small pleasures of a Black Sea autumn.
• Anchovies: Fish stalls come alive with the arrival of autumn. Anchovies usually become plentiful around October–November, while their richest and tastiest period is considered to be the winter months. We recommend trying them pan-fried, steamed or as anchovy pilaf.
• Corn and black cabbage: The corn harvest wraps up in autumn; cornbread and black cabbage soup become staples on the table in the cool weather.
• Hazelnuts and tea: The hazelnut harvest ends in late summer, and in autumn the new crop is sold freshly roasted. Tea picking comes to an end around October. We describe tea's journey from garden to glass in our post Tea Gardens in Trabzon and the Tea Picking Experience.

For souvenir shopping, the bazaars and market areas in the city center are particularly well stocked this season. Since prices and product variety change from year to year, we recommend asking about the current situation on site.

What to do in Trabzon in autumn: Activities

Autumn is actually a more relaxed time for many activities that are hard to enjoy amid the summer rush. For weather-dependent activities, it's best to finalize the day's plan in the morning.

• Photography trip: The most photogenic time of year. Morning mist, leaves glistening after the rain and the low-angled sun offer truly unique shots at Uzungöl and Altındere.
• Nature walks: The cool weather is ideal for long hikes. The lakeside, forest trails and the path up to Sümela can be walked this season without breaking a sweat. Keep in mind that the ground can be slippery after rain.
• Paragliding: On clear days with suitable winds, seeing the colorful valleys from above is an unforgettable experience. Please note that flights for the paragliding activity on our website are scheduled according to weather conditions.
• ATV and zipline: These activities, which are very busy around Uzungöl all summer, can be enjoyed with shorter waits in autumn; if the weather is overcast, you may need to reschedule for the next day.
• Tea gardens and seaside walks: On a cool late afternoon in the city, a glass of strong tea at a sea-view tea garden or a stroll along the coast with roasted chestnuts is the most Trabzon way to end the day.
• Market and bazaar tours: Browsing local markets for persimmons, chestnuts, butter, cheese and new-crop hazelnuts is an activity in its own right.

Who is an autumn trip right for, and how many days should you plan?

While autumn in Trabzon suits everyone, it's an especially good choice for certain travelers:

• Those who want to escape the crowds: Uzungöl and Sümela are much quieter than in summer and during public holidays.
• Photography and nature lovers: The changing colors and mist make this season the best time of year for photographers.
• Retirees and those with flexible schedules: The cool weather makes walking easier, and weekday trips are much more peaceful.
• Food-focused travelers: Persimmon, chestnut and anchovy season falls right in this period.

We recommend at least 3 days: one day for the city center and its surroundings, one day for Sümela and Altındere, and one day for Uzungöl. Adding a fourth day gives you a backup in case of rain and lets you include highland routes like Hıdırnebi. To make the most of your city day, take a look at our Trabzon City Tour program.

Common mistakes on an autumn trip

• Dressing for the weather on the coast: On an October day when you can walk around the city in a T-shirt, it's much cooler at Uzungöl. Dress in layers; a waterproof jacket and non-slip shoes are a must.
• Trying to squeeze too much into one day: Days get shorter; in November it starts getting dark early in the afternoon. Cramming Uzungöl and Sümela into the same day means rushing through both.
• Canceling plans entirely because of rain: Black Sea rain usually clears within a few hours. A flexible plan lets you catch the most beautiful views after the rain.
• Assuming highland facilities are open: Many businesses in the high plateaus operate seasonally and close in autumn. Check the current status before your visit.
• Overlooking off-season opening hours: Museums and archaeological sites may switch to winter hours. Be sure to confirm visiting hours with official sources before you go.

Experience autumn with Sümela Tur: Group tour or private tour?

The biggest challenge in autumn is building an efficient itinerary around changeable weather and short days. On our tours departing from Trabzon, routes, times and stops are planned with these conditions in mind, so you can enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving, traffic or parking. All our tours are guided and insured.

• Group tour: Ideal for those who want an affordable trip with a ready-made itinerary. Enjoy Altındere's autumn colors with the Sümela Tour and explore the lakeside at your ease with the Uzungöl Tour.
• Private tour: Set off on your own schedule with a private vehicle and driver just for your family or group of friends. Whether you want to catch the morning mist for photos, change stops when it rains or linger longer somewhere, a private tour offers great flexibility.
• Highland route: In September and early October, the Hıdırnebi Tour lets you see the highland views above the clouds and Çal Cave in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Trabzon worth visiting in autumn?

Yes. The crowds thin out, the valleys burst into color, and seasonal delicacies like persimmons, chestnuts and anchovies arrive on the table. Since there may be rainy days, simply keep your plans flexible; on our tours, that flexibility is part of the planning.

What time do tours start in autumn, and what's included in the price?

Our day tours depart from Trabzon in the morning. Since departure times, pick-up points and included services vary from tour to tour, we recommend checking the itinerary on the relevant tour page or getting up-to-date information via our WhatsApp line.

Can I book a private autumn tour for my family?

Yes. On private vehicle tours for families or groups, we plan the route and timing together with you. Photo stops, walking time and meal breaks can be arranged to suit your preferences.

Will the tour be canceled if it rains?

On the Black Sea, rain rarely brings plans to a halt; tours generally go ahead, with the order of stops adjusted if needed. In the event of extreme weather, we contact our guests and suggest an alternative date.

How do I make a reservation?

You can book online through our tour pages or reach us via our WhatsApp line at 0532 170 91 54 or our office number at 0462 321 08 03.

Conclusion

Autumn in Trabzon is the season when the city and its valleys catch their breath after the bustle of summer, and the table is at its richest. A flexible plan of just a few days is all you need to catch the colors of Uzungöl and Altındere in October and the persimmon and anchovy season in November. Leave the route and timing to us, and simply focus on the views and the flavors.