Turkey is a country with a unique geographical location. Washed by four seas, it is divided into several climatic zones.
In the south, the climate is subtropical, with a dry and hot summer, and a rainy and quite warm winter.
Even in the coldest months, December and January, the temperature of the Mediterranean Sea rarely drops below +18°C.
In the north, on the Black Sea coast, the climate is a bit milder — without extreme summer heat, the warmest months are in summer, the coldest are from January to early March.
The most precipitation falls in October, November and December.
The central part of Turkey has a moderately continental climate. It's quite cold here in winter, and hot in summer. Rain is common in April and May, with the least rainfall in August.
As the southern regions of the country are the most popular among tourists, we will discuss the weather in Turkey by month specifically for these resorts.
Winter Weather in Turkey
Despite the fact that beach holidays from December to March are out of question, the winter weather in Turkey is still suitable for tourism.
Ski resorts, such as Uludağ, Sarıkamış, Palandöken or Kartalkaya, are in great demand at this time of year. Let's discuss the winter weather in Turkey by month.
December
In December, the weather at resorts such as Alanya and Antalya is still quite conducive to strolls: daytime air temperatures rise to +15°C… +17°C, with nights 2–4 degrees colder.
Snow is usually absent, but rain should be expected, so we recommend taking an umbrella when going for a walk.
The temperature of the water in the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey this month is about +20°C, and while it can be considered quite suitable for swimming, it is cold to get out of the sea to the shore. Hence, the beaches are deserted during this month.
January
The weather in Turkey in January will please you with frequent sunny days, but the temperature this month is lower than December's — only +10°C… +8°C.
Beaches are closed and the sea is cold.
But the hotels are not completely empty: tourists from Northern European countries come to change the environment, some come for spa treatments or shopping — it's the off-season, so prices are more affordable.
February
The weather in February is quite suitable for sightseeing, especially in cities such as Alanya, Belek or Kemer.
Daytime air temperature rises to +15°C, while at night the air cools down to about +7°C.
Even though the locals find such weather a good reason to bundle up before going outside, tourists happily stroll around the resorts in light jackets.
February is a good month to visit the ski resorts of the country.
Spring Weather in Turkey
In spring, the weather in Turkey is changeable: the air quickly warms up under the sun during the day, but the night temperatures at the beginning of the season are still close to the winter ones.
The skiing season is coming to an end, and the blossoming season is about to begin: in the second week of March, orange trees start to bloom on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, along with other tropical plants.
The air is filled with floral aromas, the winds subside, and hotels, cafes, and shops start preparing for the new tourist season.
March
In March, the sea temperature is still too low for swimming, but if you manage to visit Istanbul or the coast of the Sea of Marmara during this month, there's a chance to catch the seasonal migration of dolphins returning to the Black Sea.
The average daytime temperature in the southern resorts is +16°C, dropping by 5–8 degrees at night.
Overall, the weather is ideal for walks, visiting attractions, and shopping.
April
The weather in Turkey in April is much more comfortable than in March: in such resorts as Antalya, Side, and Alanya, the air heats up to +20°C during the day and the sea temperature is about +18°C.
It's a bit cooler along the coasts of the Marmara, Black, and Aegean seas, as these regions still linger under the influence of cold air masses.
April is a good time to visit Turkey if you can't stand the heat.
Not many people would dare to swim in the sea this month, but a walk surrounded by blooming greenery is really pleasurable. In the evenings, a light jacket or sweater may still be needed. If you get a chance, visit Istanbul — a tulip festival takes place throughout the whole of April there, turning the megacity into a gigantic blooming garden.
May
The beach season begins in the first half of May on the southern coast of Turkey. This is relevant for such resorts as Kemer, Antalya, Alanya, and Side.
By mid-May, water attraction parks, clubs, bars, and restaurants are in full swing in these cities.
It's better to visit the resorts of the Aegean or Marmara seas in the second half of the month when the water warms up to a comfortable +21°C… +22°C. But the Black Sea water doesn't get warmer than +17°C even in May, so it's not yet suitable for swimming.
Weather in Turkey in the summer
Summer is traditionally the high season in all resorts of Turkey; rain is rare, as are storms, so tourists can enjoy not only the beach holidays but also excursions to interesting places, yacht sailing, paragliding, and scuba diving.
For visiting the country with children, the beginning of summer is the best time, when the season in Turkey has already started, but it's not too hot during the day. This also applies to tourists who cannot tolerate high humidity and air temperature.
June
The first summer month is characterized by a gradual increase in air and water temperatures. If in the first days the air warms up to +25°C… +27°C, by mid-month, the thermometer does not drop below +29°C during the day.
It's hottest in Antalya, Belek, İzmir, Oludeniz. In Istanbul, the average daytime temperature in June is about +25°C. The water temperature in Turkey varies from +22°C to +25°C at different resorts, meaning it's quite comfortable for swimming.
July
July, the second summer month, is ideal for those who tolerate heat well: both the air and water reach their maximum temperatures already in early July.
During the day in the southern resorts, the temperature often rises to +35°C and above, so it's better to stay indoors during peak hours of solar activity.
Every time you go outside, even for 10 minutes, is a reason to take a bottle of water with you and apply sunscreen to your skin.
The Mediterranean Sea warms up to +29°C, the Marble and Aegean seas up to +27°C, approximately the same temperature is in the Black Sea.
Mornings are well suited for water entertainment, rafting, diving, and evenings for visiting discos and bars.
August
The weather forecast in Turkey in August is pleasing with cloudless days, but it's hottest this month of the year.
Even in the shade, air at the southern resorts heats up to +35°C, the "hottest" resort is considered to be Kemer.
This month, it is better to go to the Black Sea coast, where it's slightly cooler.
If you plan to visit specifically Mediterranean resorts, try to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
However, the evening and night life this month is lively: discos work until morning, shops and restaurants are open until the last customer.
Weather in Turkey in autumn
At the beginning of autumn the weather in Turkey spoils with warm days, still warm sea and coolness with the evening breeze.
If you're thinking about when it's better to go on a holiday with children, choose the first weeks of autumn — water parks and amusement parks are still operating, you can take walks along the promenade without fear of getting sunstroke.
September
In the first month of autumn the water temperature in Turkey is still perfect for swimming: in the Mediterranean Sea it is about +28°C, in the Marble, Aegean and Black Seas it's about +26°C.
In the day time, the air in Antalya and Alanya warms up to +29°C, in Belek and Izmir up to +32°C.
The night temperatures differ from the daytime ones by only a couple of degrees, it is comfortable to swim in the sea in the morning and late evening. There's almost no rain.
October
The second autumn month on the southern coast is characterized by a small amount of rain - on average, it rains here four to five days in a month.
The velvet season continues, the sea water is still warm, about +25°C, in the day time air sometimes warms up to +29°C.
You can already sleep without an air conditioner at night, there's no exhausting stuffiness.
The resorts of the Aegean and Marble seas are already cloudy and quite cool, by Turkish standards of course — daytime temperatures about +22°C…+24°C.
November
November is the month, when the season ends in Turkey. The period of rain, storms begins, even in the south of the country, the air temperature often drops to +8°C at night.
The resorts on the Aegean, Black and Marble seas are already ending their operation.
This month is not very suitable for tours, as the air is cool and humid, moreover, it is not the best time for shopping, as the sales have not started yet.
But pomegranates, peaches, tangerines are ripe — if you still choose November for visiting Turkey, you will certainly not lack fresh and cheap fruits.
Best time to relax
It's difficult to call the perfect time to relax in Turkey, because everyone has their own preferences: some people like heat and windless weather, while others prefer coolness and a fresh sea breeze.
By studying the precise weather forecast, you can understand whether a specific month is right for you. Generally, the estate agency Tolerance offers to focus on the following recommendations:
- For beach holidays, choose a time from mid-May to mid-October. The closer to the beginning and end of the season, the cooler, and the weather is better suited for young children and the elderly.
- To visit ski resorts, come to Turkey in the winter - the tracks at this time will delight with its quality and good snow cover.
- For excursions, shopping, or just getting acquainted with the country's culture, suitable months are October, March (second half), and April. The weather is favourable for walks and visiting open-air attractions.
It's easy to find the current weather forecast in Turkey, as well as a detailed analysis with air and water temperatures at each resort. Whatever time of year you choose for travel, you will be warmly welcomed.
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