Exploring Turkey in the summer means bright sunny weather, beaches, warm ocean waters, and delicious cold treats. Most visitors head to the seaside resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines in the summer months.
Once there, you can soak in the sunshine and cool off in turquoise waters – the perfect recipe for a heavenly beach getaway. Alternatively, take advantage of the lack of tourists in the bigger cities and see some of Turkey’s city attractions without the crowds.
Turkey in the summer: weather
Summer in Turkey runs from June through to September and it gets hot. The average temperature is usually around 30°C during the day, and it’s generally dry without much rain. Turkey has different climate zones throughout the country, but most regions share a hot, dry climate during the summer.
Turkey in the summer: beaches
With hot sunny weather and little chance of rain, summer is the best time to visit Turkey’s beautiful beaches. With plenty of offerings along the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines, it’s easy to find options to suit your budget and plans.
However, remember that the summer months are the busiest time of year at these beaches, so make sure to book your accommodation in advance. Also, keep an eye out for tickets to the festivals and live performances that are common along the seaside.
Bodrum
Bodrum is a popular seaside destination with a relaxed vibe during the day and lively nightlife after dark. The beaches here are beautiful and clean, with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. When you want to take a break from the busy seaside though, consider heading to Bodrum Castle: a medieval fortress dating back to the 4th century BCE.
Antalya
Antalya’s beaches are beautiful (though crowded) in the summertime when its azure ocean water is at its warmest. Once a thriving ancient Roman city, Antalya is now one of Turkey’s most popular seaside resort towns, with plenty of its history preserved for visitors to experience. You’ll also find various music and cultural festivals during the summer months, such as the annual Flower Festival that starts in May and the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival.
Kas
Kas is a beautiful holiday centre in the west of Antalya, known for its clear, bright blue sea. The area is a hotspot for divers, and you’ll have no trouble finding diving tours during the warmer months. Away from the beach, the area has fascinating historic buildings and a lively bazaar market held every Friday. Kas is also home to Kaputas Beach, one of the most well-known beaches in Turkey, with clear water and fine golden sand.
Turunç
For a cheaper holiday destination in Turkey, venture to Turunç on the Turkish Riviera. It’s the lesser-known sister of busy Marmaris – just a 30 minute water taxi ride away – and ideal for a calmer summer adventure. The idyllic seaside village is awash with quaint local architecture, plus it’s within throwing distance of several incredible beaches – including the snorkelling haven that is Sahil Beach.
Turkey in the summer: cities and culture
Turkey’s hot climate tends to drive crowds away from the major cities during the warmest months of the year, with tourists heading to the seaside instead. However, if you can handle the hotter temperatures comfortably, you can take advantage of shorter queues to Istanbul’s top attractions and make the most of cheaper prices. Head to the Hagia Sophia Mosque or the Topkapi Palace for some indoor attractions out of the sun, or take a ferry tour on the waters of the Bosphorus Strait.
The Prince’s Islands
The Prince’s Islands are an archipelago of nine islands you can easily reach from Istanbul by boat. There’s plenty to see and do there. First, head to the top of Buyukada, the largest island, where Hagia Yorgi Church (which dates back to the 6th century) provides incredible panoramic views. Then, make your way to Dil Burnu National Park’s pine forests. Once you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, relax at one of the islands’ beaches and take a dip in the waters of the Sea of Marmara.
Izmir
Izmir, one of Turkey’s larger cities, like Istanbul, tends to be quieter during the hottest months of the year. So explore the city’s incredible ancient monuments without the crowds (just don’t forget to drink plenty of water!). Izmir Agora is the ruins of a Roman-Greek marketplace that is now a simple thoroughfare for Izmir’s modern-day residents. On the other hand, the modern marketplace of Kemeralti Market is a wonderful bazaar, and you’ll find the vendors are very friendly and happy to chat with tourists.
Çeşme
Çeşme is a seaside resort town just west of Izmir and one of the most popular destinations near the city during the summer months. It has beautiful white sand beaches, thermal springs, and warm ocean waters. Once you’ve had your fill soaking up the sun and cooling off in the water, you can check out Çeşme Castle. It overlooks the harbour and houses the Çeşme Archaeology Museum, which displays artefacts from local excavations.
Hierapolis-Pamukkale
Hierapolis and Pamukkale are two ancient Greek-Roman spa towns known for their natural hot springs and thermal waters full of minerals. It’s worth the trip, even just to look at the pale blue pools layered like steps along a hillside. You can also check out the ancient ruins in the towns, including a remarkably well-preserved theatre and a necropolis. There’s also the Antique Pool, a large pool in the hot springs known as ‘Cleopatra’s Pool’ due to the legend that it was a gift from Marc Anthony to Cleopatra.
The Black Sea Highlands
If you’re looking to get away from the hottest temperatures of Turkey’s summer, consider heading to the highlands of the Black Sea mountains. This area has a generally cooler climate than the beaches and cities in Turkey. Steep coastlines, grassy hills and flowing rivers create picturesque scenery dotted with small towns and houses. You’ll find plenty of variety in the region, from the dense forests of the northern slopes to the unwooded plateaus of the southern side.
Turkish food and drink to try in the summer
When visiting Turkey, be sure to try the local food and drink on offer throughout the country. You’ll find unique, refreshing drinks at restaurants and unusual but delicious icy treats from street vendors that are perfect for summer.
Ayran
Ayran is a unique beverage beloved by Turks in summer whose history dates back thousands of years. They make it by blending water, yoghurt and salt. While that might sound like an odd combination, you’ll almost certainly find it refreshing after a long day in the Turkish sun. This drink is so ubiquitous during Turkish summer that you can find it at fast-food chains throughout the country.
Dondurma
When you need to cool off in Turkey, the best thing to try is the Turkish ice cream dondurma. You’ll quickly discover that dondurma isn’t quite like the ice cream you’re used to. It’s made with salep (a particular kind of flour) and mastic (a type of resin), creating a thick, chewy texture that doesn’t melt like other ice creams.
Look out for the icy cold treat at shops and vendor carts out on the streets. Whether you try familiar flavours like vanilla and chocolate or Turkish specialities like cherry and mulberry, don’t skip the opportunity to savour some dondurma during your summer trip to Turkey.
Looking for more summer travel inspiration? Check out the best beaches in Turkey and these tips for family holidays in Turkey. Or why not extend your search to Europe’s top beaches and other family-friendly holiday destinations?
