How Long to Thaw a Turkey
The rule is simple. A frozen turkey needs about 24 hours in the fridge for every 4 to 5 pounds. That's the USDA guideline, and it's the safest way to do it.
Forgot? You can thaw it in cold water at about 30 minutes per pound. More on that below.
When to start thawing for Thanksgiving 2026
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026. Move your turkey from the freezer to the fridge by these dates:
| Turkey size | Days in the fridge | Move it to the fridge by |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 12 lb | 1 to 3 days | Monday, Nov 23 |
| 12 to 16 lb | 3 to 4 days | Sunday, Nov 22 |
| 16 to 20 lb | 4 to 5 days | Saturday, Nov 21 |
| 20 to 24 lb | 5 to 6 days | Friday, Nov 20 |
Planning to brine? Add one more day so the bird is fully thawed before it goes in the brine.
How to thaw a turkey in the fridge
- Leave the turkey in its wrapper.
- Set it on a sheet pan or in a roasting pan. Thawing birds leak.
- Put it on the bottom shelf so nothing drips on your other food.
- Keep your fridge at 40°F or colder.
Once it's thawed, a turkey keeps in the fridge for another 1 to 2 days. So starting a day early is fine. Starting a day late is not.
How to thaw a turkey in cold water
This is the backup plan. It works, but you have to babysit it.
- Keep the turkey in its wrapper. If the wrapper is torn, put it in a leakproof bag.
- Sink the whole bird, breast side down, in cold tap water.
- Change the water every 30 minutes. This keeps it cold enough to be safe.
- Cook it right away once it's thawed.
| Turkey size | Cold water time |
|---|---|
| 4 to 12 lb | 2 to 6 hours |
| 12 to 16 lb | 6 to 8 hours |
| 16 to 20 lb | 8 to 10 hours |
| 20 to 24 lb | 10 to 12 hours |
A cooler works great for this if your sink is busy.
Never thaw a turkey on the counter
The outside of the bird warms up way before the inside thaws. That puts the outside in the "danger zone," between 40°F and 140°F, where bacteria grow fast. Same goes for the garage, the porch or the trunk of your car.
Can you cook a turkey that's still frozen?
Yes. It's safe. It just takes about 50% longer to cook. You'll also need to pull out the giblet bag with tongs once it loosens up partway through.
It's not ideal for a big holiday meal, but it beats ordering pizza.
How to tell if your turkey is thawed
- The legs and wings move freely.
- You can reach inside the cavity and pull out the neck and giblets.
- No ice crystals in the cavity.
If the cavity is still icy, run cold water through it for a few minutes.
Still need to buy your bird?
Use our turkey size chart or plug your headcount into the meat calculator.
FAQ
How long does it take to thaw a 20 pound turkey?
A 20 pound turkey takes 4 to 5 days in the fridge or about 10 hours in cold water if you change the water every 30 minutes.
When should I take my turkey out of the freezer for Thanksgiving 2026?
For a 12 to 16 pound bird, move it to the fridge by Sunday, November 22. For a 20 to 24 pound bird, move it by Friday, November 20.
How long can a thawed turkey stay in the fridge?
A thawed turkey keeps in the fridge for 1 to 2 days before you cook it.
Can I thaw a turkey on the counter?
No. The outside warms into the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F while the inside is still frozen. Thaw it in the fridge or in cold water.
Can you cook a frozen turkey?
Yes. A frozen turkey is safe to cook, but it takes about 50% longer than a thawed one.