Thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator at 40°F or below, allowing about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Keep it in the original wrapper and set it on a tray or pan to catch juices. A 16- to 20-pound bird takes 4 to 5 days, so for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, 2026, start around Saturday or Sunday, November 21 or 22. Never thaw a turkey on the counter. Guidance below follows the USDA turkey roasting guide.
Refrigerator thawing times
| Weight | Time in the fridge | Start by, for Nov 26, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 12 pounds | 1 to 3 days | Monday to Wednesday, Nov 23–25 |
| 12 to 16 pounds | 3 to 4 days | Sunday or Monday, Nov 22–23 |
| 16 to 20 pounds | 4 to 5 days | Saturday or Sunday, Nov 21–22 |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 5 to 6 days | Friday or Saturday, Nov 20–21 |
A turkey thawed in the refrigerator can stay there 1 to 2 days before you cook it, and it may be refrozen if needed. Remove the giblets after thawing and cook them separately. For buying and storage before the thaw, see how to order a turkey online and the Thanksgiving guide.
Cold water, if you are short on time
Cold-water thawing takes about 30 minutes per pound. Wrap the turkey so water cannot leak in, submerge it in cold tap water, and change the water every 30 minutes. Cook the turkey immediately after this method, and do not refreeze it. Approximate windows: 12 to 16 pounds, 6 to 8 hours; 16 to 20 pounds, 8 to 10 hours; 20 to 24 pounds, 10 to 12 hours.
Microwave thawing
A whole turkey often will not fit in a microwave. If you thaw a small turkey or a breast that way, follow the owner’s manual, remove the outside wrapping, set the bird on a microwave-safe dish, and cook it immediately. Do not refrigerate or refreeze a microwave-thawed turkey. After any thaw, roast at no lower than 325°F to 165°F, as explained in how to roast a Thanksgiving turkey and how long to cook a turkey.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a 16-pound turkey take to thaw in the fridge?
USDA allows about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds, and lists 16 to 20 pounds at 4 to 5 days in a refrigerator at 40°F or below.
Can I thaw a turkey on the counter?
No. The outside can enter the temperature danger zone while the center is still frozen. Use the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave, never the counter.
When should I start thawing for Thanksgiving 2026?
For dinner on Thursday, November 26, a 16- to 20-pound turkey should go into the fridge around Saturday or Sunday, November 21 or 22. A 12- to 16-pound bird needs 3 to 4 days.
Helpful kitchen tools
- Cuisinart Stainless 16-Inch Roasting Pan with Rack and Deluxe Basting Set — A shallow pan under the wrapped turkey catches drips in the fridge, and the same pan can go into the oven.
- Reynolds Kitchens Turkey Oven Roasting Bags, Holds Up to 24 lbs, 2ct — A leak-resistant bag can help keep a cold-water thaw contained; cook the turkey afterward.
- OXO Good Grips Chef’s Precision Digital Instant Read Thermometer — Use it after thawing, to confirm the roast reaches 165°F.
- OXO Good Grips 11-Pound Digital Kitchen Food Scale — Weigh the bird if the label is missing, so you can pick the right thaw window.
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