Best Time to Visit Antalya
The best month to visit Antalya is September. You get the perfect intersection of warm Mediterranean water, manageable air temperatures, and the departure of the peak summer crowds. While July and August are stiflingly hot and overcrowded, September offers daytime highs around 31°C (88°F). Prices begin to drop at luxury resorts, but every excursion and restaurant remains fully operational. If you want the classic Turkish Riviera experience without the logistical headaches of the high season, book your trip for the last two weeks of September.
Month by Month breakdown
January in Antalya
January is the peak of winter. Expect daytime highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F). This is the wettest month of the year, so pack waterproof gear. While the sea is too cold for swimming, January is prime time for skiing at Saklıkent, located just 50km from the city center. You can ski in the morning and have coffee by the marina in the afternoon. Prices are at their absolute lowest.
February in Antalya
February remains cool and damp, with averages ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 15°C (59°F). Crowds are non-existent. This is a strategic month for history buffs who want to explore the ruins of Perge or Aspendos without the heat. Use the rainy days to visit the Antalya Museum, one of the best archaeological institutions in Turkey. Expect significant discounts on five-star beachfront resorts in Lara and Belek.
March in Antalya
March marks the beginning of spring. Temperatures climb to 18°C (64°F). The landscape turns vivid green, and wild flowers bloom across the Taurus Mountains. It is still too cold for the beach, but perfect for hiking the Lycian Way. The city begins to wake up, though many resort pools remain closed unless they are heated. Visit the Düden Waterfalls; they are most powerful this month due to snowmelt.
April in Antalya
April is the sweet spot for active travelers. Highs reach 21°C (70°F). It is comfortable enough for t-shirts during the day but requires a jacket at night. The tourism season officially kicks off late this month. You can explore the Old Town (Kaleiçi) comfortably before the humidity arrives. This is also the month of the International Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival (Sandland), which opens on Lara Beach with massive, illuminated displays.
May in Antalya
May is when the swimming season begins. Air temperatures hit a pleasant 26°C (79°F) and the sea starts to warm up. Most seasonal charter flights begin operating now. It is the best month for sightseeing before the intense heat makes walking difficult. Take a boat tour from the Old Harbor to see the coastline. Prices are mid-range: higher than winter, but significantly lower than the July peak.
June in Antalya
June is the start of the high season. Expect consistent sunshine and highs of 31°C (88°F). The humidity is still manageable compared to later in the summer. This is the best time for families with school-aged children to visit before the peak prices of July. Attend the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, held in a remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old Roman theater. Book your accommodation at least three months in advance.
July in Antalya
July is hot, dry, and crowded. Temperatures frequently exceed 35°C (95°F) and can spike to 40°C (104°F). Coastal breezes offer some relief, but midday sightseeing is grueling. This is the peak of the "fly and flop" season. Resorts are at 100% capacity and prices for flights and hotels are at their highest. Spend your days at the beach or at water parks like Land of Legends to stay cool.
August in Antalya
August is the hottest month in Antalya. Humidity is high, and daytime temperatures rarely drop below 34°C (93°F). The Mediterranean Sea is like bathwater, reaching 28°C (82°F). This is the busiest month for both domestic and international tourists. If you visit now, plan all outdoor activities for early morning or late evening. Nightlife is at its peak, with clubs in the harbor and beach parks staying open until dawn.
September in Antalya
September is the elite time to visit. The extreme heat of August breaks, leaving temperatures around 31°C (88°F). The sea remains perfectly warm for swimming. The "back to school" rush means families depart, leading to a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. It is the best time for tandem paragliding in Kaş or Alanya, as the thermal conditions are stable and the skies are clear. Prices begin to dip by mid-month.
October in Antalya
October is the hidden gem of the Turkish Riviera. Highs hover around 26°C (79°F), which is warmer than most of Europe in the summer. You can still swim comfortably until the end of the month. The Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival usually takes place now, attracting cinema fans and celebrities. It is the best month for golfers in Belek, as the weather is cool enough for 18 holes but still sunny.
November in Antalya
November marks the end of the beach season. Temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F). The crowds vanish, and many seasonal hotels in smaller villages like Çıralı or Kas begin to close for the winter. In the city center, life remains busy. This is the harvest season for citrus and olives. It is an excellent time for a road trip through the Taurus Mountains to see the changing autumn colors.
December in Antalya
December is mild compared to Northern Europe, with highs of 16°C (61°F). While you might see some sun, expect frequent rain showers. The city is decorated for the New Year, which is a major celebration in Turkey. Hotels in the Lara region offer massive New Year’s Eve gala dinners and concerts. It is a quiet, cheap month for travelers who prioritize relaxation and spa treatments over sunbathing.
Cheapest time to visit Antalya
The cheapest time to visit Antalya is from December through February. During these winter months, five-star resorts in Belek and Lara slash their prices by up to 70% compared to summer rates. You can often find all-inclusive deals for the price of a budget hostel in Western Europe.
Budget flights from major European hubs are less frequent, but the ones that do fly are significantly cheaper. To save the most money, avoid the week between Christmas and New Year, as domestic demand for luxury hotel parties spikes prices temporarily. For the absolute lowest rates, target the second or third week of January.
When to avoid Antalya
Avoid Antalya in July and August if you are sensitive to heat or dislike large crowds. During this period, the humidity combined with 40°C (104°F) temperatures makes any activity other than sitting in a pool uncomfortable.
Traffic in the city center becomes congested, and popular tourist sites like the Lower Düden Falls or the cable car to Tunektepe involve long queues. If you are looking for a quiet, authentic Turkish experience, these two months will disappoint you. Additionally, prices for everything from car rentals to ice cream are inflated for the tourist peak.
Best time for good weather
If your definition of "good weather" is sunny and hot beach days, visit between June and September. For those who prefer "active weather"—comfortable for hiking, golf, and exploring ruins—the best window is April to May or October to early November.
During these shoulder seasons, you get 10+ hours of sunshine daily without the oppressive humidity. Rain is rare in May and October, making them the most reliable months for travelers who want to guarantee their outdoor plans aren't washed out.
Best time for fewer crowds
To escape the crowds, visit Antalya in November or March. You will have major archaeological sites like Termessos almost entirely to yourself.
If you still want beach weather but hate the crowds, early June or late September are your best windows. The mass-market tour groups typically arrive in July and depart by the first week of September. By visiting just outside this window, you get the benefit of full services and warm weather without having to fight for a sunbaked spot on Konyaaltı Beach.