The summer season in Turkey is one of the most exciting times to explore this diverse and culturally rich country. Known for its breathtaking coastlines, ancient ruins, and lively markets, Turkey’s summer season offers travelers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. From the turquoise beaches of Antalya to the historic mosques of Istanbul, there’s something for every kind of explorer.
Whether you’re looking to unwind on the Aegean coast or explore the hidden gems of Cappadocia, the best time to visit Turkey in summer is between June and September, when the country comes alive with festivals, open-air dining, and long, sun-filled days. This guide highlights everything you must see in Turkey summer from weather insights and celebrations to delicious seasonal delicacies and top attractions making it easier to plan your perfect trip even during the hot summer in Turkey.
Weather Guide for Summer in Turkey
Turkey’s summer season runs from June to August, bringing warm to hot temperatures across the country. Weather conditions vary by region, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand Turkey summer season temperatures:
|
Region |
High Temperature |
Low Temperature |
|
Mediterranean Coast |
30°C / 86°F |
20°C / 68°F |
|
Aegean Coast |
33°C / 91.4°F |
22°C / 71.6°F |
|
Central Anatolia |
29°C / 84.2°F |
15°C / 59°F |
|
Eastern Anatolia |
30°C / 86°F |
14°C / 57.2°F |
|
Black Sea Coast |
26°C / 78.8°F |
18°C / 64.4°F |
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Top Tourist Attractions in Turkey in Summer
Mentioned below are a few interesting places that you must add to your Turkey travel list:
1. Cappadocia
Cappadocia is renowned for its stunning landscapes, fairy chimneys, and historic rock-hewn dwellings. Visitors can explore ancient cave churches, underground cities, and volcanic formations. A hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia is a must-see in Turkey summer, offering breathtaking views for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Things To See
- Kaymakli Underground City
- Stay In A Cave Hotel
- Zelve Open-Air Museum
- Goreme Open-Air Museum
- Watch Whirling Dervishes
2. Pamukkale
Pamukkale, also known as the Cotton Castle, is a top must-see in Turkey summer destination. Famous for its mineral-rich, terraced thermal waters, it offers a unique natural wonder ideal for photography. Visitors can soak in the warm, milky pools while enjoying the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes during the summer season in Turkey.
Things To See
- Remarkable Cotton Castle
- Magnificent Hierapolis
- Hierapolis Theater
- Cleopatra’s Pool
- Gates to Hell
- Pamukkale Archaeological Museum
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3. Ephesus
This is an ancient town that was among the largest cities of the Roman Empire in the past. The visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of the city, like the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis, which provide an interesting glimpse of the ancient past.
You can walk through the old streets of Ephesus and explore Roman life in Ephesus.
Things To See
- Library of Celsus
- House of the Virgin Mary
- Ephesus Ancient Theater
- Temple of Hadrian
- Temple of Artemis
- Trajan’s Fountain
4. Antalya & the Turkish Riviera
Antalya is the gateway to the Turkish Riviera and is famous for its stunning beaches and charming towns. The visitors can explore the ruins from the past and some historical landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate.
You can find the beautiful coastlines that lie between Lara and Konyaalti, which are ideal for relaxing and enjoying water sports and some coastal adventures.
Things To See
- Kaleici Old Town
- Hadrian’s Gate
- Antalya Museum
- Düden Waterfalls
- Köprülü Canyon National Park
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Exciting Festivals in Turkey During Summer
Summer in Turkey gives you an outstanding opportunity to explore some of the best events and festivals like:
1. Istanbul Music Festival
This is a famous traditional music event in Turkey that gathers world-class orchestras, popular musicians, and unforgettable performances. The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts hosts this festival every year to let visitors enjoy Turkish classical music.
Key Attractions
- A major international cultural event
- Features famous international orchestras, soloists, and conductors
- Unique venues add a magical touch to the experience
- A significant platform for both established and emerging musicians
When: June
Where: Istanbul
2. Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival
The Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival, held in Edirne, is one of the most famous must-see in Turkey summer events. Every year, thousands of visitors gather to watch wrestlers, covered head-to-toe in oil, compete for the prestigious Kirkpinar Golden Belt and the title of Chief Pehlivan. Competitors wear traditional leather trousers called Kisspets, making this festival a unique cultural spectacle during the summer season in Turkey.
Key Attractions
- A celebration of Turkish tradition and culture
- Reflects a long-standing tradition of wrestling
- Enjoy cultural activities like music, folk dances, and traditional food
- Watch thrilling matches with unique festivities and atmosphere
When: July
Where: Edirne
3. Izmir International Fair
This is among Turkey’s well-known festivals that showcase a blend of commercial, cultural, and artistic displays. You can find the festival packed with a variety of activities, including concerts, performances, art, theatre, and more.
The main event of the fair is the World Fair, where visitors can enjoy the diversity of cultures through unique arts, crafts, music, and much more.
Key Attractions
- An opportunity for companies to exhibit their products and services
- Features a rich cultural program, including concerts, performances
- A vibrant celebration with music festivals and theatrical performances
When: August
Where: Izmir
4. Bodrum Ballet Festival
When it comes to summer in Turkey, you can enjoy the Bodrum Ballet Festivalif you love dancing. You can make your trip captivating by exploring this festival held in the gorgeous beach town of Bodrum. You can find contemporary and ballet performances from Turkish and International ballet troupes.
Key Attractions
- Annual cultural event in Bodrum
- Amazing experience for dancers
- Features performances of ballet styles like classical, contemporary, and modern
- Promotes arts and cultural exchange
- The town’s picturesque backdrop is a bonus
When: July
Where: Bodrum
Top Activities During Turkey in Summer
Listed below are a few interesting activities that you can put on your list when coming for summer in Turkey:
1. Explore Ancient Ruins
During the summer season in Turkey, history enthusiasts can explore remarkable archaeological sites that showcase the country’s rich past. Visitors can walk through the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, discover the legendary city of Troy, and marvel at Roman-era sites like Hierapolis and Aspendos. The theatres in Aspendos are among the must-see in Turkey summer attractions, offering an unforgettable glimpse into ancient architecture and culture.
Where: Ephesus, Troy, Hierapolis, Aspendos
2. Go Wine-tasting
This place allows visitors to experience its long-standing tradition of winemaking. You can go on a wine-tasting tour in the Thrace region of the country, which houses a variety of wineries. Summer in Turkey is an excellent time to visit this region of wine production and sample the local wines.
Where: Thrace Region
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3. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
The visitors can go on hot air balloon rides in Turkey’s Cappadocia, where they can experience the surreal scenery. Its landscape is surrounded by fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and rock formations, which you can enjoy from the hot air balloon. Its stunning sunrise view is what makes this one of the best activities to do in Turkey during summer.
Where: Cappadocia
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4. Try a Turkish Bath Experience
The visitors coming for summer in Turkey can experience the Turkish Bath. This is a cultural and rejuvenating exploration that will immerse your body in the ancient Turkish practice of rest and purification.
This is also called Hamam in Turkey, where you can relax in a warm, steamy environment, followed by scrubbing and a deep soap massage. This is an exciting treatment to help you relieve tension and stress.
Where: Istanbul’s Old City
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5. Enjoy Paragliding
During the summer season in Turkey, thrill-seekers can enjoy exciting outdoor adventures like paragliding in Ölüdeniz. This region, famous for its stunning beaches, allows visitors to soar above the turquoise coastline with the majestic Babadag Mountain as a backdrop. Experiencing hot summer Turkey from the sky is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, offering breathtaking views of one of the must-see in Turkey summer destinations.
Where: Oludeniz
6. Go on a Blue Cruise
This is an exciting method of exploring the stunning coastline of Turkey by boat. You can experience the cruise through breathtaking bays, islands, or coves that stretch to coasts like the Aegean or Mediterranean coasts. The visitors can enjoy activities like snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on private beaches in stunning landscapes and unspoiled waters.
Where: Fethiye, Gocek, Marmaris, Bodrum
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Is It Good to Spend Summer in Turkey?
Listed below are a few reasons that make it the best time to visit Turkey during summer:
- A weather prefect to explore ancient ruins
- Exploring the stunning Mediterranean and Aegean beaches around
- A chance to taste delicious Turkish summer cuisine
- Enjoying Turkish vibrant festivals and cultural events during summer
- A getaway to lively nightlife and entertainment
- Experience an affordable travel
- Warm Hospitality and Friendly Locals
- Easy Access to Neighboring Countries like Greece, Georgia, etc.
What to Wear in Turkey During Summer?
|
Category |
What to Wear |
|
General Daywear |
Lightweight Clothing (Cotton, Linen) |
|
Loose Dresses and Tops |
|
|
Shorts or Loose Trousers |
|
|
Comfortable Footwear (Sandals, Sneakers) |
|
|
For Religious Sites |
Modest Clothing (Long Skirts, Long Pants) |
|
Headscarf (for women) |
|
|
Beach or Resort Wear |
Swimsuits and Cover-ups |
|
Flip-flops or Sandals |
|
|
Evening or Dining Out |
Lightweight Maxi Dresses or Smart Casual Clothes |
|
Light Cardigan or Jacket (for cooler evenings) |
|
|
Sightseeing/Day Trips |
Comfortable Pants or Shorts |
|
Sun Hat and Sunglasses |
|
|
Crossbody Bag or Backpack |
|
|
Turkish Baths |
Swimsuit or Towel Wrap |
|
Footwear |
Sandals, Flip-flops Comfortable Walking Shoes |
|
Sun Protection |
Sunscreen Hat Sunglasses |
Top Dishes To Try For Summer in Turkey
Menemen
A beloved Turkish breakfast dish that embodies the fresh flavors of a Mediterranean morning. The eggs are gently scrambled with sautéed tomatoes and green peppers until just set, creating a silky texture. The secret lies in cooking it slowly in traditional copper pans called “sahan.”
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Shepherd’s Salad
This refreshing summer staple features crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp onions chopped into small, uniform pieces. The vegetables are tossed with fresh parsley and dressed simply with quality olive oil and lemon juice, letting the natural flavors shine through.
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Simit
A ring-shaped bread that’s a cherished part of Turkish street food culture. Before baking, the dough is dipped in molasses and generously coated with sesame seeds, creating its signature golden-brown crust and nutty flavor. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft interior makes it irresistible, especially when fresh from the baker’s oven.
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Gozleme
Gözleme, a traditional Turkish flatbread, showcases the country’s rich culinary heritage. Crafted by rolling dough paper-thin and filling it with ingredients like cheese, spinach, potatoes, or minced meat, it’s a popular summer season in Turkey snack. Enjoying freshly made Gözleme is one of the best things to eat in Turkey summer while exploring local markets or seaside towns.
FAQ’s
Is summer a good time to visit Turkey?
Yes. For some good reasons, such as the perfect weather to explore ancient ruins, affordable travel, tasty summer delicacies, and more.
What to wear in Turkey during summer?
For summer in Turkey, you can wear loose dresses, trousers, shorts, tops, and more.
Is Turkey cheaper in summer?
Turkey can offer an affordable experience during summer when compared to other European destinations.
What are some things to do in Turkey in summer?
Some options include enjoying a hot air balloon ride and taking a Turkish bath experience.
What are some travel tips for Turkey in summer?
- Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself from the Sun
- Pack Light and Comfortable Clothing
- Make the Most of the Beaches
Can you swim in Turkey during the summer?
Yes. During the summer season in Turkey, you can enjoy a refreshing swim along the stunning Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines, perfect for cooling off from the hot summer sun.
Can you experience celebrations and festivals in Turkey during winter?
Absolutely. Summer in Turkey is full of vibrant events, from local music festivals to cultural fairs, offering a lively experience for travelers.
Which seasonal foods in Turkey during summer can you try?
Popular summer foods in Turkey include Menemen (a traditional Turkish breakfast), Simit (a beloved snack), and grilled Turkish Kebabs—all perfect to enjoy while exploring the country in its hot summer Turkey season.
