You should take your frozen turkey out to thaw several days before you plan to cook it, depending on its weight and the thawing method.

Fridge thaw timing (safest)

In the refrigerator, plan about 1 day for every 4–5 pounds of turkey. Once it is fully thawed, it can safely sit in the fridge for up to 1–2 more days before cooking.

Here’s a quick guide:

  • 4–8 lb turkey: start thawing 1–2 days before cooking.
  • 8–12 lb turkey: start 2–3 days before.
  • 12–16 lb turkey: start 3–4 days before.
  • 16–20 lb turkey: start 4–5 days before.
  • 20–24 lb turkey: start 5–6 days before.

So if you want to eat on Thursday and have a 16‑pound bird, you’d ideally move it from freezer to fridge on Sunday or Monday.

Cold water thaw (last‑minute)

If you’re late starting, you can use the cold‑water method, which is faster but needs more attention.

  • Keep turkey in leak‑proof packaging.
  • Submerge completely in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
  • Allow about 30 minutes per pound (e.g., a 16‑lb turkey takes ~8 hours).
  • Cook immediately after it’s thawed; do not put it back in the freezer.

Microwave thaw (small birds only)

Some smaller turkeys can be thawed in the microwave if your manual gives instructions.

  • Typical guideline: about 6 minutes per pound on microwave defrost, rotating as directed.
  • Cook right away, because parts of the turkey may start to cook during thawing.

Forum & “it’s time!” reminders

Around Thanksgiving, forum posts often warn that if your turkey is 15–20 pounds and still in the freezer by early–mid week, you need to start thawing now , or switch to cold water to catch up. Many users also note that an overly cold fridge can slow thawing, so checking your fridge is near 37–40°F helps avoid a still‑frozen bird on the big day.

Bottom line: Check your turkey’s weight, count back using the fridge guideline (1 day per 4–5 lb), and if you’re already behind, use the cold‑water method to finish thawing safely.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.