From idyllic blue beaches along the Aegean to cool plateaus on the Black Sea, moonlit Bosphorus cruises, lively coastal towns, and open-air concerts under the stars… Traveling to Turkey in the summer is nothing short of magical.
In fact, we’re sure that you’ll fall in love after your first trip. 🙂
After spending several summers around the country, we can confidently say this is one of the best times to experience Turkey in all of its glory. Sure, it might be a little hot (especially in places like Antalya or inland cities), but that’s nothing a dondurma can’t fix, right?
If you’re wondering what to do in Turkey in summer, or looking for the best places to visit in Turkey in July or August, this guide covers everything you need to plan your trip. We’ll talk about the best beach destinations and family-friendly spots to summer festivals, and even cooler cities where you can escape the heat!
Summer Weather in Turkey: What to Know Before Your Trip
When is summer in Turkey?
Like other countries in the northern hemisphere, summer in Turkey is during the months of June, July, and August. These are the hottest, sunniest, and most popular months to visit, especially along the coast.
How hot does it get in Turkey?
Turkey stretches about 1,650 km (1,000 miles) from west to east, and its vast geography covers mountains, seas, beaches, cities, and high plateaus — which means summer temperatures vary wildly depending on where you are.
For example, if you’re heading to Antalya in July, you can expect highs of 35°C (95°F) or more because this is one of the sunniest places in the country (and one of the most popular summer destinations in Turkey, naturally!)
If you’re visiting southeastern Turkey’s most popular cities (like Şanlıurfa, Adana, Mardin, or Diyarbakır), you can expect temperatures to soar to around 40°C ~ 45°C (104 ~ 113°F)! In fact, Adana’s hot weather is so legendary that it’s become a meme on Turkish social media.
On the flip side, travelers who head to the eastern highlands (like Artvin or Erzurum) are greeted with fresh mountain air and comfortably cool evenings around 20°C (68°F), even in the middle of summer.
In short: bring your summer wardrobe, but don’t forget a light jacket if you’re heading inland or up into the mountains.
Does it rain in Turkey in summer?
For the most part, nope. Summer in Turkey is dry, especially along the coast. You might catch a brief thunderstorm in the mountains or the Black Sea region (which stays lush and green for a reason!), but June through August is generally sunny, hot, and dry.
Weather in Turkey by Month:
Here’s a quick look at the summer weather in Turkey by month. The numbers in the box mean the following:
Daily maximum
Daily average
Daily minimum
| June | July | August | |
| Istanbul | 25.7 C (78 F) 21 C (70 F) 17.5 C (63.5F ) | 28 C (82.5 F) 23.7 C (75 F) 20.3 C (69 F) | 28 C (83 F) 24 C (75.6 F) 21 C (70 F) |
| Antalya | 31.6 C (89 F) 25.5 C (78 F) 20 C (68 F) | 35 C (95 F) 29 C (84 F) 23 C (74 F) | 35 C (95 F) 29 C (84 F) 24 C (75 F) |
| Izmir | 31 C (88 F) 26 C (79 F) 21 C (70 F) | 34 C (93 F) 29 C (84 F) 23.5 C (74 F) | 34 C (93 F) 28.5 C (84 F) 24 C (75 F) |
| Cappadocia | 25.5 C (78 F) 19 C (66 F) 12.3 C (54 F) | 29 C (85 F) 22 C (72 F) 15 C (58 F) | 29.5 C (85 F) 22 C (72 F) 15 C (58 F) |
Pros & Cons of Visiting Turkey in the Summer
If you’re wondering why visit Türkiye in the summer, we’ve come up with a convenient list of pros and cons to help you decide 🙂
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ☀️ Beach season is in full swing! From Çeşme to Kaş, every coastal town is ready for sun-seeking visitors. ☀️ Long days = more time to explore. The sun sets around 8:30 PM in July! ☀️ Tons of festivals: Jazz nights in Bodrum, film festivals in Ankara, and rooftop concerts in Istanbul are just some of the events you’ll find. ☀️ Water activities everywhere. Scuba, sailing, canyoning, paragliding, taking a boat tour to a secret cove — you name it. ☀️ Fresh seasonal produce. Cherries, figs, watermelon, and street corn vendors everywhere (this is our favorite reason 😉) | 📍 Peak tourist season means higher prices. Expect premium hotel rates in July and August. 📍 The heat can be intense, especially in inland cities like Konya or Şanlıurfa. 📍 Some regions get very crowded. After all, Turkey is one of the most popular summer destinations! Book early to secure your hotels, activities, and ferry tickets |
Practical Summer Travel Tips
📍 Book accommodations with AC: Not all budget hotels have reliable air conditioning — be sure to read the fine print (and reviews) very carefully!
📍 Hydration is key: Always carry a water bottle (or enjoy some cold ayran with your kebab :)).
📍 Plan around Ramadan: If it falls during summer, some restaurants may have limited daytime hours — especially if you’re traveling outside the major cities. Check out our Ramadan Guide for more information and dates →
📍 Wear sunscreen! The Turkish sun can be strong, especially in places with little shade like Ephesus or Pamukkale.
📍 Avoid midday heat: Especially if you’re visiting inland or southern regions. Do as the locals do and rest at your hotel or head to a shady cafe between 1 to 4 PM.
📍 Take advantage of long days: Sunrise hikes, evening walks, and outdoor dinners are part of the magic of Turkish summers.
Best Places to visit in Turkey in the Summer
Now it’s time for the fun part — figuring out where to go in Turkey during the summer!
Turkey in the summer is like a giant theme park for every kind of traveler, whether you’re a beach bum, foodie, history lover, outdoor adventurer, or somewhere in between.
No matter what your plan is, we’ve come up with a list of where to spend summer in Turkey. Let’s check it out!
Top 5 Must-Visit Turkish Cities in Summer
1. Bodrum — With its sun-soaked beaches, chic beach clubs, and legendary nightlife, Bodrum is Turkey’s equivalent of the French Riviera. By day, swim in turquoise bays or explore Bodrum Castle. By night, sip cocktails on a rooftop bar or dance till sunrise in Gümbet. Click here to read our Bodrum Travel Guide → plan your itinerary with 13+ Bodrum Day Trips → or find the best hotel with our Where to Stay in Bodrum →
2. Antalya — A summer favorite for both international and local travelers, Antalya offers something for everyone: historical sites like Hadrian’s Gate, swimmable beaches within the city, family-friendly activities, and all-inclusive resorts just a short drive away. It makes for a great base for road trips along the Turquoise Coast, too!
3. Istanbul — While it can get warm, Istanbul in summer is full of energy. Ah, we’re already imagining the sunset ferry rides on the Bosphorus, concerts in ancient fortresses, and cold lemonade sipped under the shade of the Galata Tower. Don’t miss the summer bazaars and long outdoor dinners along the waterfront. (There’s a reason why we rarely travel outside of Istanbul during the summer! 😉)
4. İzmir — Relaxed, modern, and kissed by sea breezes, İzmir is the perfect coastal city escape. Visit the nearby ruins of Ephesus by day, then join the locals for a seaside stroll along Alsancak at sunset. Summer evenings here are lively, with live music and cafes lining the Kordon promenade.
5. Fethiye — Looking for something a little smaller, a little more chill, and a lot of nature? Fethiye is calling! Fethiye is the launchpad for paragliding over Ölüdeniz, day cruises to hidden bays, and hikes along the Lycian Way. The town has a relaxed summer vibe with harborfront dining and easy access to Butterfly Valley.
Best Beach Destinations in Turkey
🏖️ Antalya — A classic for a reason! With golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, Antalya perfectly blends resort getaways with ancient ruins and a charming Old Town. Whether you’re relaxing on Konyaaltı Beach or taking a boat tour to hidden waterfalls, it’s a summer icon.
🏖️ Bodrum — Sun, style, and sea. Bodrum is the glamorous choice along Turkey’s coast, where luxury yachts anchor in the marina and beach clubs spill out onto the sand. Head to Türkbükü for the jet-set scene or Bitez for something more local — either way, it’s ✨fabulous. ✨ See all of our Bodrum blog posts here →
🏖️ Çeşme — Trendy and breezy, Çeşme is beloved for its soft beaches and the neighboring town of Alaçatı, where cobblestone streets are full of boutique hotels and cute cafes. Ilica Beach is famous for its warm thermal springs and powdery white sand, while nearby Alaçatı lures windsurfers to its perfectly windy bay. Click here to read our Çeşme Travel Guide → or our Alaçatı Travel Guide →
🏖️ Datça — If you’re after peace and quiet, Datça delivers. Tucked between the Aegean and the Mediterranean, Datça is one of those places you go when you want beaches without the beach crowds. With secret bays, olive groves, and crystal-clear waters, this peninsula is a low-key paradise. Since Datça encompasses an entire peninsula, it’s best to rent a car if you want to visit. Click here to read our Datça Travel Guide →
🏖️ Ayvalık — This laid-back coastal town charms visitors with its historic stone houses, scenic islands, and delicious seafood taverns by the water. The nearby island of Cunda is especially romantic at sunset, and Sarımsaklı Beach is great for long, lazy swims. Click here to read our Ayvalık Travel Guide →
Best Family-Friendly Summer Destinations in Turkey
⛱️ Antalya — A top choice for families thanks to its abundance of all-inclusive resorts, calm beaches, and attractions like The Land of Legends theme park (it’s a theme park + water park + shopping all rolled into one!). There’s fun here for every age.
⛱️ Side — A quieter alternative to Antalya, Side has calm beaches, ancient ruins right by the sea (including a Roman theater!), and walkable promenades ideal for strollers. Many resorts here are specifically designed for families (like Selectum Family or Selge Beach), with children’s swimming pools and mini-clubs.
⛱️ Fethiye — Perfect for active families, Fethiye offers day cruises to hidden beaches, shallow beaches suitable for small kids, and nature spots like Butterfly Valley. Plus, the town center has a laid-back feel, with lots of waterfront dining and kid-friendly cafes.
⛱️ Marmaris — This coastal spot is packed with family fun, and you’ll find warm beaches, splashy water parks, mini cruises, and plenty of all-inclusive hotel options. It’s especially great for younger kids or multi-generational travel.
⛱️ Didim — Often overlooked but just as fantastic, Didim has flat beaches, budget-friendly resorts, and family-sized apartments. We recommend Duja Didim, which is top-rated and even has their own kids club!
Adventure and Nature Lovers
🌊 Kaş — One of Turkey’s most popular adventure hubs, Kaş is all about action. Dive into ancient shipwrecks, paddle over the sunken ruins of Kekova, or paraglide off cliffs with a bird’s-eye view of turquoise bays… Then reward yourself with a seaside dinner as the sun sets!
🌊 The Black Sea Region — From misty mountains to alpine meadows, tea plantations, and cozy wooden cabins, it’s all here. The highlands around Ayder Plateau and Uzungöl offer hiking trails, rushing rivers, and lush greenery that feels a world away from the summer heat. Perfect for trekking, photography, or simply relaxing. If you want to explore this region in depth, check out our 2-Week Black Sea Roadtrip Guide! →
🌊 Lake Van — Ideal for road-trippers and off-the-beaten-path explorers, Lake Van offers mountain views, hidden monasteries, and even a lakeside beach (yes, really!). Take a boat to Akdamar Island or hike up Mount Nemrut (the other one!) for panoramic views. And, of course, don’t forget to pet the unique Turkish Van cats. 😉
Cultural and Historic Experiences
🏛️ Istanbul — Of course, how could we not include Istanbul? A city layered with empires, Istanbul delivers a cultural experience like no other. Wander from the Hagia Sophia to the tiled pavilions of Topkapı Palace, get blissfully lost in the Grand Bazaar, take a ferry to the Asian side… Ah, there’s so much to do! In the summer, rooftops come alive with music, meze, and that golden Bosphorus breeze.
🏛️ Izmir — Easygoing and effortlessly charming, Izmir brings both seaside charm and historical attractions. Visit the ancient Agora in the city center, take a day trip to Pergamon, or hop over to the iconic Ephesus for a grand tour of ancient ruins — then unwind with a glass of local wine along the Kordon. 😉
🏛️ Ephesus — Speaking of Ephesus… Why not visit and walk the marble streets of one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world? Highlights include the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Artemis — all surrounded by fig trees and summer sun. It’s a living museum.
🏛️ Amasya — Located in a valley along the Yeşilırmak River, Amasya is packed with character thanks to its Ottoman mansions, hillside tombs, and riverside cafés with mountain views. Click here to read our Amasya Travel Guide →
🏛️ Cappadocia — Known for its surreal rock formations and dreamy landscapes, Cappadocia also hides centuries of history underground. Explore ancient cave churches, multi-level underground cities, and hike through valleys once used as secret sanctuaries. As a nice bonus, Cappadocia is great to visit in the summer because there are fewer hot air balloon cancellations thanks to the calm winds!
🏛️ Safranbolu — A wildcard but an excellent one nonetheless. 🙂 Tucked away in the mountains, this UNESCO-listed town is a time capsule of Ottoman architecture. Stay in a 200-year-old mansion, enjoy saffron-flavored snacks, and meander cobblestone alleys that haven’t changed in centuries. Click here to read our Safranbolu guide →
Coldest Cities in Turkey During Summer
🧊 Ayder Plateau & Uzungöl (Black Sea Region) — These high-altitude getaways are famous for their crisp mountain air and cool temps, even in August. Pine forests, wooden lodges, and afternoon tea by a waterfall — a dream for anyone looking to escape the heat!
🧊 Mount Ararat — As Turkey’s highest peak, Ararat isn’t just a climber’s goal — it’s also an excellent place to stay cool. The surrounding area offers incredible stargazing, local villages, and alpine hikes that feel more Central Asia than Mediterranean coast. As a nice bonus, June through September are the most optimal months to climb Ararat!
🧊 Kars — With its elevated terrain and far-eastern location, Kars enjoys pleasantly brisk summers (often with bouts of rain!). Combine cool temperatures with unique architecture, the symbolic Ani ruins, and the region’s famous honey and cheese, and you’ve got a perfectly chill adventure.
What to do in Turkey in Summer
If you’re looking for things to do in Turkey in the summer, you’re in luck! Each region offers something unique, whether you’re in the mood for long beach days, cultural festivals, scenic road trips, or island-hopping escapes.
Explore Coastal Beaches and Resorts — Stretch out on the sandy shores of Antalya, unwind at a trendy cafe in Kaş, or snorkel in the tranquil bays around Fethiye. The Turquoise Coast definitely lives up to its name, and you can expect clear waters, soft sand, and a mix of Aegean vibes and ancient ruins. For a splash of luxury, head to Çeşme, Alaçatı, or Bodrum, where stylish beach clubs meet boutique shops and restaurants.
Sail the Turkish Riviera — Set sail from Göcek, Marmaris, or Bodrum on a Blue Cruise — a multi-day trip aboard a traditional gulet. These itineraries glide past pine-covered bays, ancient ruins, and tiny fishing villages, with plenty of swim stops along the way.
Don’t have time for a full cruise? No worries, day trips are available too!
Enjoy a Road Trip Along the Turquoise Coast — If the above point sounds amazing but you get seasick, no problem — why not take a road trip along the Turquoise Coast instead? 😉
The full route stretches from Antalya to Izmir and includes stops at places like Kaş, Kalkan, Patara, Fethiye, Göcek, Dalyan, and Bodrum, each with its own vibe, beaches, and atmosphere.
If you’re short on time, you can also do part of the route — for example, Antalya to Dalaman makes a perfect 4–5 day trip. It’s easily one of the most scenic drives in Turkey, especially if you time your swim stops right around sunset!
Go Island Hopping — Turkey makes it surprisingly easy to hop between its own coastal towns and nearby Greek islands. Popular routes include:
⛵️ Bodrum to Kos
⛵️Çeşme to Chios
⛵️Ayvalık to Lesvos
Just bring your passport and check ferry schedules in advance. Most crossings take under an hour and make for an easy day trip or overnight escape! If you’re looking for inspiration (or information), check out our Ultimate Turkey/Greece Island Hopping Guide →
Go Paragliding in Ölüdeniz — Ölüdeniz is one of the best places in the world to paraglide, especially in summer when skies are clear and winds are ideal. You’ll take off from Babadağ Mountain and float over the blue lagoon for epic views (and photos!).
Catch a Festival or Summer Event — From open-air jazz concerts in Bodrum to alfresco movie nights in Izmir, summer in Turkey is buzzing with events. Check out the International Istanbul Music Festival, the Alaçatı Herb Festival, or a rooftop party in Istanbul’s Karaköy.
Smaller towns often host summer fairs, food markets, and beachside concerts, so keep your eyes peeled for local flyers or Instagram stories.
Swim in Lake Salda (aka Turkey’s Maldives) — Lake Salda is a true summer gem tucked away in southwestern Turkey and often compared to the Maldives thanks to its surreal colors and crystal-clear waters. While swimming is allowed in designated areas, many people come here to take photos, relax, and enjoy the unique atmosphere.
Fun fact: It’s one of the cleanest lakes in the country — and the magnesium-rich shores give it that white hue!
Take a Long Ferry Ride Around the Bosphorus in Istanbul — There’s nothing better than catching a breeze on a slow-moving ferry in Istanbul during the summer. It’s the perfect way to cool down, skip the traffic, and take in those golden skyline views.
For an all-day adventure, hop on a full Bosphorus tour (with daily departures from Eminönü) and sail all the way up to Anadolu Kavağı, where you can stretch your legs, grab some seafood, and explore an old fortress.
Or, for something a little different, head to the Prince Islands for the day — ferry rides from Kadıköy or Bostancı take about an hour and deliver you to traffic-free islands with charming streets, hidden beaches, and bike rentals.
Summer in Turkey — FAQs
How hot is summer in Turkey?
Very hot along the Mediterranean and inland! Coastal cities often reach the mid-30s °C (90s °F), while the southeast can top 40°C (104°F). But the Black Sea and eastern highlands stay pleasantly cool.
What is the summer capital of Turkey?
Quite a few places, actually! Bodrum often holds the unofficial title of Turkey’s “summer capital” thanks to its beach clubs, luxury hotels, buzzy nightlife, and laid-back coastal vibe. That said, other coastal spots like Çeşme, Antalya, and Alaçatı are also strong contenders, each with its own summer atmosphere.
How long is summer in Turkey?
Summer in Turkey typically lasts from early June to late September, with July and August being the hottest and most popular months for both locals and international travellers. Along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, beach weather often stretches well into early October — so if you prefer warm seas without the crowds, late summer can be the sweet spot.
When is summer in Turkey?
June through August is peak summer, with September still offering warm temps and fewer crowds. It’s a great time for shoulder-season travel.
Where is the best place to visit in Turkey in summer?
For beaches: Kaş, Fethiye, Çeşme.
For cool air: Black Sea highlands or Lake Van.
For a bit of everything: Istanbul — it’s packed with events and nightlife in the summer months!
Is it crowded in Turkey during summer?
Yes, especially July and August. Major coastal cities and beaches can get busy. Book early and consider lesser-known gems like Datça or Amasra.
Can you swim in the sea in Turkey in summer?
Absolutely. The water is warm, clean, and perfect from June through late September.
What should I pack for summer in Turkey?
Lightweight clothes, swimsuits, sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a scarf for modesty if visiting religious sites. Bring layers if heading to the mountains.
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