Best Time to Visit Antalya

Spring and autumn: the sweet spots

April, May, October and November all score Excellent, and March does too. In April you can walk the cobbled lanes of Kaleiçi, the old town, without wilting. The sea is still cool, though. By May it's warm enough for a swim at Konyaaltı beach, and the days are long and sunny.

October is the best autumn month. The sea has held its summer warmth, and the heat has eased. November is milder and a bit wetter. It suits day trips to Perge and Aspendos, the Roman sites, where there's little shade and you'll be glad it isn't July.

If you want to hike part of the Lycian Way, the long coastal trail, aim for April, May or October.

Summer: hot, dry and busy

July and August are the hottest months. Both reach highs of 37–38°C, and nights stay warm at 24°C. Rain is almost unheard of. August is rated Poor, and it's easy to see why. Midday in the old town feels like standing in an oven.

This is peak season. Turkish families and European holidaymakers fill the beaches and resorts, and the sea is at its warmest. Travelling with kids and tied to school holidays? Plan for pool time and shade at midday. Save sightseeing for the evening, when Kaleiçi harbour cools down.

June and September are gentler. They're still hot, but you get long beach days with fewer crowds. September is a good choice if you want swimming weather without the August squeeze.

Winter: quiet and rainy

January is the wettest month, with 169 mm over 13 days. December isn't far behind. Skies are grey, and the sunshine is only about three hours a day. Many beach clubs and seasonal cafés close. Hotel rooms are easy to find.

It's not all bad. Days in February are mild, and you can walk the Düden waterfalls with almost no one around. The Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival is usually held in autumn, so it fits an October or November trip. Winter is best for culture and cheap stays, not for swimming.

If you hate crowds but still want sun, aim for late April or October.