Turkey thawing times
Start dates are for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 26, 2026, using the longer fridge time.
| Weight | In the fridge | In cold water | Fridge start for Thanksgiving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 2 days | 4 hr | Tuesday, November 24 |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 2–3 days | 5 hr | Monday, November 23 |
| 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 3 days | 6 hr | Monday, November 23 |
| 14 lb (6.4 kg) | 3–4 days | 7 hr | Sunday, November 22 |
| 16 lb (7.3 kg) | 4 days | 8 hr | Sunday, November 22 |
| 18 lb (8.2 kg) | 4–5 days | 9 hr | Saturday, November 21 |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 4–5 days | 10 hr | Saturday, November 21 |
| 22 lb (10 kg) | 5–6 days | 11 hr | Friday, November 20 |
| 24 lb (10.9 kg) | 5–6 days | 12 hr | Friday, November 20 |
Thawing in the fridge
This is the safest and easiest method. Leave the turkey in its original wrapping, set it on a rimmed tray to catch drips, and put it on the bottom shelf so nothing leaks onto other food. Your fridge should be at 40°F (4°C) or colder. Once thawed, the turkey keeps in the fridge for another 1 to 2 days, so it's better to start a day early than a day late.
To check whether it's thawed, reach into the body cavity: you shouldn't feel ice crystals, and the thighs should move freely. If the centre is still a little icy on the day, finish it in cold water.
Thawing in cold water
When you're short on time, use cold water. Keep the turkey in a leak-proof bag, breast side down, fully under cold tap water in a clean sink, cooler or large pot. Change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold, and allow about 30 minutes per pound. Cook the turkey as soon as it's thawed.
What not to do
Don't thaw a turkey on the counter, in the garage, or outside, even in cold weather; the outside warms into the danger zone long before the inside thaws. Don't use hot water. If you really have no time left, a frozen turkey can go straight into the oven; it just takes about 50% longer. The turkey calculator handles that.
Thawing questions
When should I take my turkey out of the freezer for Thanksgiving?
For Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 26, 2026: move a 10 to 12 lb turkey to the fridge by Monday, November 23, a 14 to 16 lb turkey by Sunday, November 22, an 18 to 20 lb turkey by Saturday, November 21, and a 22 to 24 lb turkey by Friday, November 20.
Can I refreeze a thawed turkey?
A turkey thawed in the fridge can be refrozen, although it may lose some quality. A turkey thawed in cold water or the microwave should be cooked right away.
My turkey is still partly frozen. Can I cook it?
Yes. Roast it as usual and allow extra time. Remove the giblet bag with tongs once it loosens, and check the temperature in several places.
How do I thaw a turkey breast?
A bone-in turkey breast of 4 to 8 lb takes 1 to 2 days in the fridge, or 2 to 4 hours in cold water.
More turkey help
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