Quick Answer
Thaw a turkey in the refrigerator for about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. A 12 to 16 pound turkey needs 3 to 4 days, and a 20 to 24 pound turkey needs 5 to 6 days.
For a faster thaw, submerge the wrapped turkey in cold water for about 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every 30 minutes. A 16 pound turkey takes about 8 hours.
Never thaw a turkey on the counter. For Thanksgiving on November 26, 2026, a 16 pound turkey should go into the fridge by Sunday, November 22.
What Are the Safe Ways to Thaw a Turkey?
USDA FSIS lists three safe methods: in the refrigerator, in cold water and in the microwave. The refrigerator is the easiest and safest.
Thawing on the counter, in hot water or outside is unsafe. Once the outer layer sits above 40 F for more than 2 hours, bacteria can multiply quickly while the center stays frozen.
How Long Does a Turkey Take to Thaw in the Fridge?
FSIS gives these times at 40 F or below:
- 4 to 12 pounds: 1 to 3 days
- 12 to 16 pounds: 3 to 4 days
- 16 to 20 pounds: 4 to 5 days
- 20 to 24 pounds: 5 to 6 days
Keep the turkey in its original wrapper, and set it on a tray or in a pan to catch drips. Put it on the bottom shelf so juices cannot leak onto other food.
How Long Does a Turkey Take to Thaw in Cold Water?
Allow about 30 minutes per pound:
- 4 to 12 pounds: 2 to 6 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds: 6 to 8 hours
- 16 to 20 pounds: 8 to 10 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds: 10 to 12 hours
How Do You Thaw a Turkey in Cold Water, Step by Step?
1. Check the wrap. Make sure the turkey is in a leak proof package. If not, seal it in a large plastic bag.
2. Submerge. Place it breast side down in a clean sink, cooler or large pot filled with cold tap water. It must be fully covered.
3. Change the water. Replace the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold.
4. Cook right away. FSIS advises cooking a turkey thawed in cold water immediately after thawing.
Can You Thaw a Turkey in the Microwave?
Yes, if it fits. Follow your microwave's instructions for the weight, remove all packaging and cook it immediately afterward, since some parts may start to cook.
Most full size turkeys are too large, so this works best for small birds or turkey breasts.
When Should You Start Thawing for Thanksgiving 2026?
For Thursday, November 26, 2026, move your turkey to the refrigerator by:
- Up to 12 pounds: Monday, November 23
- 12 to 16 pounds: Sunday, November 22
- 16 to 20 pounds: Saturday, November 21
- 20 to 24 pounds: Friday, November 20
Add a day if your fridge runs very cold or if you plan to brine the turkey.
How Long Can a Thawed Turkey Stay in the Fridge?
FSIS says a thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days before cooking. That gives you a small buffer if it thaws early.
A turkey thawed in the refrigerator can be safely refrozen if plans change. Turkeys thawed in cold water or the microwave should be cooked first.
Can You Cook a Frozen Turkey?
Yes. It is safe to roast a turkey straight from frozen, but it takes at least 50 percent longer than a thawed bird.
Remove the giblet bag with tongs once it loosens partway through roasting. Cook until the breast, innermost thigh and wing all reach 165 F.
How Do You Tell if a Turkey Is Fully Thawed?
- The breast and thighs feel soft when pressed.
- You can reach inside the cavity and remove the neck and giblets.
- No ice crystals remain inside the cavity.
If the center is still a little icy on Thanksgiving morning, finish it in cold water for an hour or two.
What Thawing Mistakes Should You Avoid?
- Leaving the turkey on the counter overnight
- Using hot or warm water
- Forgetting to change the cold water
- Putting the turkey on a top shelf where it can drip on other food
- Rinsing raw turkey in the sink, which spreads bacteria
How Much Turkey Should You Buy?
FSIS recommends about 1 pound of turkey per person. A 12 pound turkey serves about 12 people, with some leftovers if you have lots of sides.
Where Should You Put the Turkey in the Fridge?
Clear the bottom shelf a day before your thaw starts. A big turkey on a rimmed sheet pan takes up most of a shelf, so plan where drinks and side dish ingredients will go.
Check that your refrigerator is at 40 F or below with a fridge thermometer. A warmer fridge thaws faster but is not safe, and a very cold one may need an extra day.
What Do You Do With the Giblets?
Once the turkey thaws, remove the neck and giblet bag from the cavity and neck area. Refrigerate them and use them within 1 to 2 days to make stock or gravy, or discard them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a 20 pound turkey take to thaw?
About 4 to 5 days in the fridge, or 10 hours in cold water.
Can I thaw a turkey in the garage?
No. Temperatures there swing too much to be safe.
Can I leave a turkey in cold water overnight?
Only if you change the water every 30 minutes.
Do I need to thaw a turkey before brining?
Yes. Brining starts with a fully thawed bird.
The Bottom Line
Allow 24 hours of refrigerator time for every 4 to 5 pounds, so start a 16 pound turkey by the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
If you run short, use cold water at 30 minutes per pound and cook right away, or roast it from frozen and add about 50 percent to the cook time.
