Photo: Esginmurat · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized
When to visit the Turkish coast: swimming, walks and weather
To combine beach time with walks and excursions, start by comparing May, June, September and October. Consider how much daily swimming matters to you and how well you cope with heat. A winter coastal holiday is possible too, but plan mainly around the town and indoor activities.
Antalya weather by month: how to read the table
The table shows MGM weather-service data for Antalya for 1930–2025: average daily maximum and minimum air temperatures, and average monthly rainfall totals. These help you compare months but do not predict the weather for your travel dates or describe other resorts. This observation period differs from the 1991–2020 period used for climate normals.
| Month | Average high, °C | Average low, °C | Rainfall, mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.0 | 6.1 | 225.5 |
| February | 15.6 | 6.4 | 148.1 |
| March | 18.0 | 8.1 | 90.8 |
| April | 21.4 | 11.3 | 48.5 |
| May | 25.7 | 15.3 | 33.3 |
| June | 30.8 | 19.7 | 10.7 |
| July | 34.2 | 22.9 | 4.7 |
| August | 34.1 | 22.9 | 4.3 |
| September | 31.2 | 19.6 | 16.7 |
| October | 26.6 | 15.4 | 70.6 |
| November | 21.4 | 10.9 | 127.7 |
| December | 16.7 | 7.7 | 250.9 |
Source: Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM). A monthly rainfall total does not tell you which days will be wet. Sea and pool temperatures are not included in this table.
Photo: Alexey Komarov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized
January to March: town walks and indoor activities
Plan a winter coastal trip around walks and sightseeing. Long-term data show that Antalya is cooler and considerably wetter at this time than in summer. Choose a hotel where you will also enjoy spending rainy days, and check opening hours for museums and other places of interest before setting out.
For a short break, a hotel near town sights may be more convenient than a large complex with outdoor pools. Check which restaurants are open nearby and how transport operates in winter.
April and May: warm days do not always mean a warm sea
In spring, you can alternate walks with time by the sea, but the water may not feel warm enough for long swims. If you want to swim every day, check local sea-temperature data and ask about hotel pool heating. Average May air temperatures do not tell you how much the water has warmed up.
Consider Antalya for a combination of city and beach. Once you have chosen an area, check the individual hotel’s beach and services. Keep excursion dates flexible so you can adjust them to the forecast.
Photo: Kawon Kez Sel · CC0 · Resized
June to August: allowing for summer heat
The figures above show that Antalya is cooler on average in June than in July and August. In the latter two months, average highs exceed 34 °C. Individual days may be hotter: an average is not an upper limit.
Avoid scheduling several long outdoor excursions in a row. For a hotel-based stay, check room air conditioning, shade and distances to the restaurant and beach. When comparing costs, account for school holiday dates and the services included in each offer.
September and October: weather and the end of the season
Antalya’s average September high exceeds 31 °C; October is cooler and wetter on average. These figures do not guarantee the weather for your chosen week. Have activities in mind that will not keep you outdoors all day if it rains.
For a trip towards the end of the season, ask when beach services, restaurants, pools and excursions stop operating. A hotel may continue welcoming guests after some summer services have finished.
November and December: planning for cooler weather
In late autumn and early winter, choose accommodation with convenient access to town and the places you want to visit. Explore indoor options in advance. Outdoor swimming will depend on the weather and hotel arrangements, so avoid making it the sole purpose of your trip.
Our Mediterranean and Aegean coast comparison can help you choose a destination. If travelling with children, our family guide includes questions about hotels, beaches and services for your dates.
Frequently asked questions
Is May or October better for swimming?
Air temperature alone cannot answer that. Compare local sea-temperature data for the months you are considering and decide what feels comfortable for you. If swimming is essential, ask about pool heating as another option in cooler weather.
Does the table apply to Bodrum, Marmaris or Fethiye?
No. It contains data for Antalya only. For another resort, use local climate figures and check the forecast shortly before travelling.
Which month is cheapest for a holiday?
There is no single answer for every hotel and departure city. Compare the full trip for dates you can travel: flights with baggage, accommodation, meals, transfers and the services you need. Also check that those services will be available in your chosen month.
Sources and editorial notes
Destination facts and climate figures are linked to the sources below. Booking checklists and comparisons are editorial guidance, not hotel inspections. Confirm changing services directly before booking.
Published by Web Studio Neaptide. About Sunny Turkey.