When to go to Antalya: warm sea, rains and a calm city without crowds

The sea in Antalya stays warm enough for swimming from late May through November. So the best time to visit depends not only on your vacation dates, but also on your plans: beach, ancient cities, or relaxed walks around the city.

In July and August the air climbs above 35 °C, and prices and lines climb with it. The other extreme of the year: quiet November and December, when hotels get cheaper and the city lives its own life. Antalya Airport handled 39.16 million passengers in 2025 (as of: DHMI), and almost the entire summer flow goes through this hub.

Below: weather and water temperature by month, windows for swimming and sightseeing, plus transfer tips for high season.

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When is the best time to visit Antalya

💡 In short:

• Best time for the sea and sightseeing: May, June, September and October.
• Hottest weather and highest prices: July and August.
• Quietest and cheapest: November through March.

The ideal combination of warm sea and uncrowded beaches comes in the second half of September. The water still holds its summer heat, and school holidays are already over, so hotels offer better terms.

Weather and water: month by month

Average daytime values based on the Antalya climate table and Turkish meteorological service data (as of: 09/2026, wohinwann.de, MGM).

© Esginmurat · CC BY-SAPhoto: Esginmurat, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The swimming season runs from late May through November, and throughout that time the water never drops below 20 °C (as of: 09/2026, wassertemperatur.org). The peak comes in August and September, when the sea warms to almost 29 °C.

For sightseeing, choose April or October. The Roman theater in Aspendos seats 15,000 spectators, was built between 138 and 164 AD, and is open daily from 08:00 to 19:00 (as of: 09/2026, muze.gov.tr). The ticket office closes at 18:30, so it is worth buying your ticket in advance.

Add Perge to all that. It stands 17 km east of central Antalya, and its history begins in the Bronze Age (as of: 09/2026, muze.gov.tr).

Beach and yacht season

The sea starts warming up in May, and becomes comfortable for long swims from June. In early May the water is still cool, so plan on short dips.

For yachts and bays, the window is wider: from May to October. During these months, it is worth seeing Suluada Island and the bays of Kemer, and to the east, Kekova opens up.

© Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SAPhoto: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

If you are heading out to sea, choose the first half of the day: by lunchtime the deck gets hot, and there is almost no wind on the water.

Crowds, prices, and high season

High season falls in July and August: the hottest, busiest, and most expensive months. April through June and September through October are considered low season.

In the low season, it is milder, calmer, and often cheaper, with noticeably more rental cars and transfers available. Hotel prices start rising well before August, so it is worth checking hotel prices in Antalya in advance.

If you can shift your vacation to late September, you will get the same warmth at a lower price.

Which season suits what

• Beach and swimming: June through September.
• Ancient cities (Perge, Aspendos, Kaleiçi): spring and fall, without the exhausting heat.
• Golf in Belek: spring and fall, with comfortable temperatures for the course.
• Yachts and bays: May through October.
• Culture and city: November through March.
• Events: the city hosts the international Altın Portakal film festival.

If you are coming for the sea, choose September. For sightseeing and old towns, go with April or October.

Transfer and car rental

In July and August, Antalya Airport is overloaded and the roads are congested. Book your transfer and car for these months in advance: comparing car rental prices is easier before your flight than in line at the counter.

In the low season and in winter, there are more cars available and rental prices are lower. If you arrive in June or September, you can still find options on the spot.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which month is best for Antalya?

April, May, June, September, and October. During these months, temperatures are comfortable, there are fewer tourists, and accommodation prices are lower. September is especially good for the sea: the water is still warm, and the beaches are less crowded than in August.

When is the sea in Antalya warm enough?

Swimming is comfortable from late May through November; the water stays above 20 °C throughout this period (as of 09/2026, wassertemperatur.org). The warmest months by water temperature are August and September, around 29 °C.

When does high season start?

High season falls in July and August. During these months, prices, heat, and lines are at their peak, so it is best to book hotels, transfers, and cars in advance. Things get calmer and cheaper from mid-September.

Is it worth going to Antalya in winter?

Yes. In winter, the city is quiet, temperatures stay in the 10-15 °C range, and there are almost no tourists. You can combine culture, walks through the old town of Kaleiçi, and trips to ancient sites. The Saklıkent ski resort is nearby.

When is the best time to book a yacht or a bay cruise?

From May to October. In July and August, spots sell out earlier, so plan your time on the water in advance.

In short: what to book

If you want sea and warmth, go for the second half of September. If sightseeing and old towns are the priority, plan for April or October. In winter, the trip will be the cheapest and quietest, but the sea will be too cold for swimming.

For city and surrounding area tours, choose tours and excursions in advance.