No, it is not safe to leave a turkey out to thaw overnight at room temperature. This is because bacteria can grow rapidly on the surface of the turkey between the temperatures of 40°F (4.4°C) and 140°F (60°C), which is known as the "danger zone" for food safety.

To thaw a turkey safely, it is best to plan ahead and use one of the following methods:

  1. Thawing in the refrigerator: Place the turkey on a tray or pan to catch any juices and place it in the refrigerator. Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey.

  2. Thawing in cold water: Submerge the turkey in its original packaging in cold water and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow approximately 30 minutes of thawing time for every pound of turkey.

  3. Thawing in the microwave: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for defrosting a turkey in the microwave. Be sure to cook the turkey immediately after thawing.

Using any of these methods will ensure that your turkey thaws safely and is ready to cook.