How long to defrost a turkey
In the fridge, allow
10 to 12 hours per kg
So a 5kg turkey needs 50 to 60 hours, about 2½ days. Keep the fridge at 0 to 5°C.
| Turkey | Hours in the fridge | Move it from the freezer |
|---|---|---|
| 3kg (6.6lb) | 30 to 36 | about 1½ days before |
| 4kg (8.8lb) | 40 to 48 | about 2 days before |
| 5kg (11lb) | 50 to 60 | about 2½ days before |
| 6kg (13.2lb) | 60 to 72 | about 3 days before |
| 7kg (15.4lb) | 70 to 84 | about 3½ days before |
| 8kg (17.6lb) | 80 to 96 | about 4 days before |
| 9kg (19.8lb) | 90 to 108 | about 4½ days before |
| 10kg (22lb) | 100 to 120 | about 5 days before |
Use the Christmas dinner planner to get the exact time to take yours out, worked back from when you want to eat.
Doing it safely
- Thaw a frozen turkey in the fridge, on the bottom shelf, allowing 10 to 12 hours per kg. Don't thaw it at room temperature.
- The bottom shelf matters: it stops raw juices dripping onto ready-to-eat food.
- Don't wash the raw turkey. It splashes bacteria around the sink and worktops.
- Get leftovers into the fridge within two hours of cooking, and eat them within two days or freeze them.
- Reheat leftovers only once, until they're steaming hot.
Defrosting times and safety advice from Food Standards Scotland, Christmas food safety checklist, checked 2026-10-24.