What is the best time to visit Turkey? After many trips to the country, I’ve gained quite a bit of understanding of the weather patterns in Turkey and the way they can affect the travel industry here.
To make my review as detailed as possible, we moved around the country A LOT during the first month of autumn. We hit all the sought-after tourist destinations of Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts (and, of course, we didn’t forget about Istanbul — the city is super hard to miss!). What I found out was, in short, that visiting Turkey in September is a marvelous idea if you want to have a well-deserved beach vacation without the hordes of other holidaymakers around and at a reduced price.
Well, I’m getting ahead of myself! Here’s my guide to planning your trip to Turkey in September 2025. Enjoy!
Article contents
- Weather in Turkey in September
- Travel expenses — from plane tickets to food
- Which resort to choose for your trip?
- Our list of the excellent Turkish seaside hotels
- Must-do experiences in Turkey
- Is going to Turkey in September worth it?
Weather in Turkey in September
Is September still hot in Turkey? Without a doubt, Turkey in September doesn’t show even a little preview of what’s to come when fall is officially in full swing.
Depending on the region though, the temperatures tend to vary a bit. It’s good to understand what you’re getting into when choosing where to vacation in Türkiye (that’s the country’s official name as of late).
Turkey’s Mediterranean region
Early morning is the only chance to see the popular spots — like the Temple of Apollo in Side — without the crowds (yep, even in September)
Mediterranean region is the area that covers the biggest stretch of the Turquoise Coast, or the so-called Turkish Riviera, making it one of the most coveted destinations in the country.
- The weather in Turkey in September here is perfect for spending lots of time outside. It’s still hot, don’t get me wrong. At the beginning of the month the temperatures are on par with those of August in Turkey — the hottest summer period, when you feel like you cannot escape the scorching and humid hell of the outdoors.
The air temperature in Turkey in September stays at the usual +30°C, which is what most of us want for our beach vacation. You can tan without the fear of getting burnt to a crisp (I still encourage you to wear SPF), play in the water for hours on end, and walk along the waterfront promenades until your feet can’t go any further.
For people who don’t handle heat well, I’d advise to book your holiday on the second part of September. Nights see a slight drop in temperatures (+26°C…+28°C), while the ever-present +30°C during the day get much more tolerable.
However, a beach town called Kemer is the exception to this formula. The surrounding mountains make temperatures drop at a faster rate, so you’ll get the cool (by comparison) temps of +25°C…+27°C at daytime.
Every year, the second part of September in Turkey marks the beginning of the long-awaited Indian Summer — when the air and water temperatures reach the same mark. There are fewer tourists, and what a treat it is to lie on the beach in a relative quietude. Plus, prices get more and more attractive as the days go by, making September, especially its last part, the best time to visit Turkey.
Aegean region of Turkey
The same goes for the Bodrum windmills 🙂
The smaller and quieter Aegean region is pretty different from the Mediterranean area, weather-wise. September here marks the end of high season, and the beaches tend to look almost deserted.
The cities of Bodrum and Marmaris, in our eyes (people who love a little cool breeze every now and then), are perfect for a holiday getaway during the month of September.
- From the 10th of the month or so, day temperatures reach the comfortable +24°C…+26°C during the day. Nights even call for a light layer, as you will get to walk around in +22°C weather.
Although there is a slight chance of having a cloudy day, consider this a gift: Your skin gets a much-needed break from harsh UV rays, your eyes also finally open up from their perpetual squinting state, and all of this with almost zero chance of getting rained in. Plus, such weather is perfect for exploring the plentiful outdoor tourist attractions of the area.
To sum up my findings here, September in the Turkish Aegean region is less balmy and more cool — plan accordingly.
Weather in Istanbul
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My favorite Istanbul neighborhood — Cihangir
A crown jewel of the Turkish Marmara region, Istanbul is a solid city-getaway destination. You can still come upon beachfront resorts, though: Most of them are located on the far end of the city’s European side.
- Coming to Istanbul in the second half of September is a pleasant experience, temperature-wise, with the usual day temps ranging around +25°C mark. There can be some gloomy days, with an occasional light sprinkle of rain. Night temperatures drop to +20°C, so pack a layer that can keep you warm at nighttime.
Traveling to Istanbul in September is actually one of the best times to do so. The majority of tourists still warm their buns by the coast. You’ll wander around the streets of Istanbul in relative oh-so-pleasant isolation.
September sea temperatures across Turkey
On average, the water temperature in Turkey in September is suitable for swimming. If it’s your first time traveling to Turkey in September, you might wonder which destination has the most favorable sea temperatures.
The Mediterranean coast stays warm at around +28°C in the water, especially at the beginning of September. Some particularly cold-blooded individuals would absolutely adore diving in headfirst into the water that is the same temperature as a cup of warm milk (ew, but you get the comparison I was going for).
However, if you like your swimming sessions to be refreshing, then opt for choosing a resort by the Aegean coast of Turkey. Here, water temperatures drop to the exhilarating +24°C. It might take some time to get used to the water, though.
To make your choice of your holiday destination easier, I’ve created a small table that shows you average air and water temperatures during the month of September in Turkey:
|
City |
Average air temperature |
Average water temperature |
|
|
Start of September |
End of September |
||
|
Antalya |
+29°C / 84°F |
29°C |
28°C |
|
Side |
+31°C / 88°F |
29°C |
27°C |
|
Kemer |
+28°C / 82,4°F |
29°C |
27°C |
|
Marmaris |
+29°C / 84°F |
27°C |
25°C |
|
Bodrum |
+28°C / 82,4°F |
25°C |
24°C |
Ultimately, prioritize what you want to get out of your trip to Turkey in September 2025 and choose the area according to your preferences and the region’s weather patterns!
Travel expenses for your September trip to Turkey
If you’re in Bitez village in Bodrum, drop by Hey Joe coffeeshop! They’re great
Visiting Turkey in September comes with its perks: One of them are more affordable prices on flights and accommodations. While food and transportation costs stay at approximately the same rate year-round, plane tickets and hotel room prices drop significantly as the days progress. Here’s my breakdown of the topic.
Plane tickets
The first step of any holiday planning is figuring out how you are going to get to your destination. Understandably, the world is large, and the distance between your location and Turkey can be great or relatively small, so I tried to convey this fact to the best of my abilities here.
For the best deals on plane tickets, I suggest checking Trip.com or Kiwi.com websites, snagging their amazing offers the minute they appear on the site.
For our American readers, I’ve compiled a short table of prices for flights to Istanbul, making it a point to distinguish the costs from the beginning of the month to the last part of it. Note that direct flights from the USA to Turkey tend to be outrageously expensive, so all the prices here are for one-way tickets, with one layover, on average:
| First half of September | Second half of September | |
| New York – Istanbul | $450 | $330 |
| Los Angeles – Istanbul | $500 | $400 |
Visiting Turkey in September is a great option, since prices drop significantly, when compared to flight costs of July, for example. You will spend at least $500 one-way to escape the 4th of July craze of New York.
If you’re coming from somewhere in Europe, it’s best to go for direct flights to make your travel times as short as possible. I cannot possibly mention all the European countries and their corresponding plane tickets price breakdown, so I’ve rounded up this table to the continent’s “big guns” only (mainly direct flights, but you can find tickets for much cheaper if you don’t mind a layover):
| Istanbul | Antalya | Bodrum | |
| London | $70 | $65 | $80 |
| Budapest | $40 | $65 | No direct flights ($150 – one layover) |
| Amsterdam | $135 | $135 | $240 |
| Munich | $100 | $90 | No direct flights ($130 – one layover) |
Once on the Turkish land, you’re free to hit as many destinations as you can fit into your itinerary. Sometimes, it makes more sense to arrive at Istanbul, for example, and then make your way down to the coast. For easy reference, flights from Istanbul to Antalya cost $45 one way; Bodrum — $40.
Hotel prices in September
This is Liberty Fabay resort in Fethiye — a solid option if you want an all-inclusive vacation in this part of Turkey
When it comes to finding a hotel for your September trip to Turkey, I recommend using Booking.com. However, updating this post after our latest trip to Turkey, I noticed that Agoda offers lower rates for Turkish all-inclusive resorts.
Overall, hotels are much cheaper in Istanbul during the month of September, but it’s mainly because the majority of tourists still crave a classic beach vacation at the beginning of fall.
As for the more coastal resorts, the smaller the town the more expensive the accommodation is. It seems that the aura of exclusivity and smaller range of choice are to blame.
I’ve rounded up the average prices of hotels of different classes in a few cities most popular with holidaymakers. It can help you make a well-informed decision based on your budget:
| Antalya | Fethiye | Marmaris | Bodrum | Istanbul | |
| 5-star hotels | $170 | $230 | $170 | $160 | $100 |
| 4-star hotels | $100 | $100 | $120 | $130 | $80 |
| 3-star hotels | $70 | $80 | $100 | $100 | $50 |
| All-inclusive resorts | $200 | $250 | $200 | $170 | $300 |
As for our personal favorite hotels on both the Mediterranean and Aegean coast, we have a pretty exhaustive list further on in the article + a post about the brand-new hotels opening in Turkey in 2025!
Average costs of food and transportation
As for the car rentals, my go-to choice is always Localrent service
As the temperatures of Turkey in September are starting to inch into slightly cooler territory with each passing day, the question of food and sustenance in general is becoming more and more pressing.
If you haven’t solidified your meals by choosing an all-inclusive resort, the obvious question comes to mind — what’s the budget you should be allotting for your trip to not go hungry in the process?
As with all the numbers I’ve mentioned already, here are the average costs of items one might get at a regular café in Turkey. Imagine one that is not a cheap hole-in-the-wall on the outskirts of town, but also not beachfront, where every meal costs twice as much:
- Turkish breakfast (or kahvaltı, which giant portions can fill you up for an entire day) — 600 lira ($15)
- Omelet — 200 lira ($5)
- Doner kebab — 400 lira ($10) or more
- Turkish lentil soup — 150 lira ($4)
- 0.5L of beer — 120 lira ($3)
- Tea — 40 lira ($1)
- Cappuccino or latte — 130 lira ($3.2)
All in all, plan on spending around 1000 lira ($25) a day on food for yourself. That counts having breakfast and dinner outside the hotel, not indulging in too much fast food; and occasionally popping into a café for a coffee and a sweet treat (you absolutely must try baklava and Turkish Delight while you’re here).
When it comes to transportation, both inside the cities and outside their limits, Turkey can be crowned as one of the most affordable places on Earth. You won’t break the bank by using a pretty well-developed transport infrastructure here, no matter how many bus rides you take throughout your trip.
From our personal experience, here are some of the instances when we used public transportation in Turkey (specifically in Antalya and the surrounding areas) and the amount of money we paid for the rides:
- Antalya’s bus or tram rides are super cheap — 35 lira / $0.9
- Dolmuş ride (a smaller-size bus that usually has intercity routes, especially great to take between smaller-scale towns and resorts) — 25 lira ($0.6)
- A standard intercity bus ride (from a nearby resort to Antalya, for example) — 150 lira ($3.7)
- Taxi ride from the Antalya airport to the city center — 800 lira ($20) or more
While public transportation is both cheap and convenient in Turkey, I usually opt for renting a car from our favorite car rental service Localrent. The truth is, we love to have the complete freedom of movement, and the whole process of renting a car in Turkey is quite simple. If it’s your first time, we have an entire article explaining all the tips and tricks you need to know before renting a car in Turkey.
As I’ve established, visiting Turkey in September proves to be quite an affordable feat (that is, if you aren’t set on having the most lavish all-inclusive experience ever known to man). For a comfortable stay where you don’t have too strict of a budget and treat yourself a little, I believe that the trip will cost you around $150 for two people per day — that is counting accommodation, food, and transportation. All the additional expenses: Tours, nightclubs, theme parks, museums, historical sites, and other tourist attractions will understandably cost extra. Keep reading to get an idea of what to fill your itinerary with when you travel to Turkey in September.
Which resort to choose for your trip?
Stay in Konyaalti district in Antalya, and the outlines of mountains will greet you every time you step outside
I am going to dive a little deeper into two regions of Turkey famous for being the ultimate beach holiday destinations. These regions are the Aegean region and the Mediterranean region.
It’s good to know that all the beach towns listed here are located super close to each other. Each one has an eponymous city serving as its center surrounded by lesser-scale villages (that are usually more private, and thus, tend to be more expensive).
When most travelers think about Turkey in September, some districts of the Mediterranean region is what immediately comes to mind:
- Fethiye — a wonderful place, one of our favorites on the south of Turkey. A place that encapsulates the ultimate combination of nature and civilization. A serene harbor with turquoise-blue waters and the well-equipped pebble beaches, surrounded by mountains covered in lush greenery, sports a wide array of both hotels and unpretentious guesthouses.
- Kaş — while being particularly small, there are still plenty of things to do while in Kaş: From walking around its picturesque (and might I add, pretty Instagrammable) streets to watching the sunset from the beach. Plus, the surrounding mountains are full of hiking trails: If you’re an active person, you’ll get the best combo of exercise and awe-striking views. All in all, due to the size of the town, the accommodation options are pretty limited. However, you can still find something that is easy on your wallet, while still maintaining a flair of authenticity.
- Kemer — crystal-clear waters (all thanks to pebble beaches), mountains looming in the distance, and plentiful pine groves popping up here and there all throughout the area — that’s what Kemer looks like. It’s a perfect place for the younger crowd, since nightlife scene here is blooming. Plus, there are lots of 3-star hotels to choose from (why bother with a room in a 5-star hotel if you won’t be spending too much time inside of it?). However, if you’re traveling with kids, I’d suggest heading a little outside city limits, to the neighboring towns of Kiriş or Tekirova. Here, you can take the much-needed break in a relative serenity (relative since you’ll still have your kids with you, duh).
- Antalya — the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast, it’s a sprawling metropolis with a modern infrastructure and a beach getaway. It’s rich with wide pebble beaches (sand beaches are in Lara village only) and has laidback, resort-ey vibes. Antalya is the closest city to the airport. If the travel bug suddenly gets you, head on over to the Antalya bus station and make your way to any of the resorts I mention in the list. Personally, we make regular day trips to Kemer and Alanya or 2–3 day trips to Fethiye.
- Belek — a small but mighty resort town that has more 5-star hotels per square kilometer than any of the other places in this article. This is the area the well-to-do travelers choose for their luxurious vacations. Wide stretches of sand and giant patches of manicured green golf courses certainly give off some Hamptons-inspired aura! Visiting Belek in September seems like a great opportunity to hit the many rides of the world-renowned theme park The Land of Legends, conveniently avoiding the summer crowd. Plus, Belek is located not too far from the airport (a 45-minute taxi ride).
- Side — a quaint little family-friendly resort not too far from Belek. Holidays in Side are promised to be idyllic: The beautiful wide fine sand beaches are perfect for a family outing, and the shallow waters by the shore guarantee the general safety of your kids. What’s more, the water here is actually clear, and not muddy, like it sometimes gets around the Belek area. Visiting Side in September means getting the best of both worlds: Less crowded beaches and milder climate, that lets you explore the city’s ancient ruins.
- Alanya — not to be confused with Antalya, this large city has plenty of unique features. The area is a mecca for budget-conscious travelers. The state of its infrastructure can be summed up by a presence of Starbucks (a sight happening only in big cities of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast). There are a few other things worth noting if you’re planning on visiting Alanya in September. First off, the pretty sandy beaches can hide the rocky descent into the sea, so check the info before deciding on the beach. Second, to have a relaxing day by the sea, no matter if inside city limits or in the surrounding villages, you will have to cross quite a busy road to get to the beach.
I don’t know why, but Marmaris didn’t impress us at all
The cities of the Aegean region:
- Kuşadası — a popular cruise ship port with restaurants, colorful streets, beautiful beaches, and surprisingly warm sea (even if you’re visiting Kuşadası in September). The Kuşadası bay is a volcanic one, so the temperatures here tend to be a little higher.
- Bodrum — a place that gets more and more popular with tourists by the minute, Bodrum is one of the most beautiful Turkish cities. Ironically, it feels less Turkish than the rest of the coastline resorts. Just look at the beachfront promenade, it’s totally Monte Carlo-esque, if I say so myself. Personally, I can explain the vibe of the place as this: It’s a mix of Kemer (nightlife and younger crowds) and Belek (predominantly 5-star hotels). Bodrum is much closer to Pamukkale and Ephesus (one of the top Turkey destinations) than the resorts on the Mediterranean, and also super close to Greek islands.
- Marmaris — another Turkish resort that many believe is the ultimate family-friendly destination of Turkey’s Aegean coast. However, choose the location of your hotel wisely: The city center is clad with all things nightlife (Marmaris is also considered the heart of Turkey’s nightclub scene). So unless your kids love listening to techno music at 1 a.m., I suggest going for a five-star resort somewhere on the outskirts of the city.
Our list of the best Turkish seaside hotels
Turkey in September has proved to be a popular destination amongst holidaymakers. If you don’t want to sleep on the beach (it’s not as romantic as one might believe), I suggest you tackle the question of accommodation as soon as possible.
Here’s a list of our favorite hotels in Turkey, which we separated into two parts — the hotels on the Mediterranean Sea and others on the Aegean Sea.
The best hotels on the Mediterranean coast:
- 3* Perge Hotel (Adults Only) (Antalya; from $270 a night in September) — cute modern (and adult-only) hotel located not too far from the city’s Old Town. A proud owner of a private beachfront, the place oozes comfort and even luxury. If you have the opportunity, go for the room with a sea view (with an added bonus of mountains looming in the background). Waking up to this panorama is a bucket-list item, that’s for sure!
- 5* Concorde De Luxe Resort (Antalya; from $400 a night in September) — fabulous all-inclusive hotel. The building is crescent-shaped and simply giant, so expect your stay to be that of an extrovert. They say that the staff here is big on friendliness and cleanliness, which is the ultimate baseline of a pleasant trip. Grab a drink from the beach bar, treat yourself to a gorgeous cabana, and enjoy life like it’s your last day on earth!
- Our latest trip was to: 5* Voyage Belek Golf&Spa (Belek; from $600 a night in September) — a large and stylish hotel for those who need salmon and avocado for breakfast, sparkling wine available 24/7, and desserts that taste like they’re straight out of a French patisserie — everything that most all-inclusive resorts in Turkey tend to lack. We really enjoyed our stay here, but the price… In my opinion, it’s absolutely worth the money in the low season, so I’d recommend booking for late September or October. Oh, we filmed a review on Voyage for our Youtube channel:
- We’ve also tried: 5* Acanthus & Cennet Barut Collection (Side; from $550 a night in September) — this ultra-all-inclusive hotel might not be in the same league as the Voyage, but it definitely has its own appeal. It’s intimate, peaceful, and almost kid-free — mostly because there’s nothing here to keep them entertained! — and every room has a sea view. Hotel’s beach is the best you’ll find in central Side, and a seaside promenade leads from there all the way to the Temple of Apollo.
- Hotel Unique Turkey (Fethiye; from $200 a night in September) — another adult-only boutique-class hotel set in the heart of Fethiye, this place enamors you with a flair of local charm the moment you enter the premises. If you want to have a room that doesn’t scream Ikea-heaven, design-wise, this hotel should be at the top of your list. Plus, the hotel provides access to a daily yacht tour (at an additional fee, of course), which is definitely a unique (get it?) opportunity.
- 4* Payam Hotel (Kaş; from $130 a night in September) — located within walking distance of the city center, this hotel is a promised land for a wonderful vacation. The rooms are clean and bright, and the premises are bursting with greenery. Premium rooms come with your own personal jacuzzi! P.S. If you want to have breakfast outside in the garden, you will have to make peace with sharing your meal with one of the many cats wandering the grounds.
Our top picks for hotels facing the Aegean Sea:
- 3* Değirmenburnu Residence (Bodrum; from $160 a night in September) — exceptional aparthotel with a prime location: You can simply walk to all the main tourist attractions of Bodrum (a couple of them being the Windmills and the Yacht Club). The views opening up from the ultra-clean and modern rooms are indescribable: From higher up, the sea looks even more expansive and all-encompassing, especially at sunrise and sunset.
- 5* Labranda TMT Bodrum (Bodrum; from $200 a night in September) — a family-friendly hotel that a hundred percent lives up to its five-star status. Apart from the airy and spacious rooms and exquisite dining options, there are heaps of other amenities this hotel is famous for: A spa center, indoor and outdoor pools, and Turkish baths. You’re in Turkey, after all, so try at least one of the many things the country is so well-versed in!
- 4* Motto Premium Hotel (Marmaris; from $110 a night in September) — a great hotel with a prime location in the city center. Set a little way off from the beach, shoot for the rooms located at top levels for the amazing sea views. Don’t forget to pop into their famed spa center, or work off the slew of Turkish treats with a quick session at the on-site gym.
- 4* Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (Kuşadası; from $170 a night in September) — trendy design hotel that lures you in with the sleek exterior and keeps you guessing with interior unique style choices. The rooftop restaurant offers breathtaking views on the water, but don’t forget to be aware of seagulls — they too crave a piece of your breakfast toast! Keep in mind that you do have to cross a street to get to the beach, but we’re all adults here — you’ll be fine!
Must-do experiences in Turkey in September
What about a not-so-ordinary trip to… Cappadocia? That’s what we squeezed into our 10-day vacation in Antalya!
There’s no shortage of answers to the question of what to do in Turkey in September. The weather is perfect for exploring the tourist attractions of the regions. To do that, you can go one of two ways:
- Either book tours through GetYourGuide (I will leave the links to our favorite spots below)
- or rent a car through Localrent and set off on your impromptu self-led adventure!
Side note: Because we already have a pretty detailed post about the best things to see and do in Istanbul as well as Istanbul on a layover itinerary, I will focus on our beloved southern coastal regions of Turkey.
In a nutshell, Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is famous for its charming nature (the beauty really hits off after Kemer and all the way down South), ancient ruins, and a close proximity to Cappadocia (that place you’ve seen thousands of times online; it’s where colorful hot air balloons float in front of the unique cone-shaped rock formations). The Aegean coast, in turn, is alluring to visitors for its stunning beaches and color of the sea. Plus, the location is within the shortest distance of Pamukkale and Ephesus (wildly interesting and historically important ruins of the ancient city).
Side note: Go for the following places only after you’ve eaten your weight in Turkish food, swam your little heart out, shopped till you dropped in local bazaars, and cleansed your body and soul in the one-of-a-kind Turkish hammam, since these activities are of most importance when you travel to the Turkish Riviera.
If you planned your trip to Turkey in September to take you to some place on the Mediterranean coast, then you should consider filling your itinerary with these attractions:
— Resort’s historical landmarks: Ancient City of Side, Alanya Castle, and historical center of Antalya that starts from Hadrian’s Gate.
— Turkey’s most well-known theme park (that doubles as aqua park): The Land of Legends located not too far from Belek. Very Disneyland-esque, it’s a treat for both children and adults: Apart from the usual rides and themed areas, there’s also AquaLand, Tropical Lagoon, bars, restaurants, and even a shopping avenue. We thoroughly enjoyed our time inside the park (“we” being a group of people in their early thirties), but the tickets might seem pricey. You’ll pay €75 for adult tickets and €60 for children aged 4-11.
— Natural wonders of the region: Like Köprülü Canyon and Göynük Canyon (most popular rafting spots in Turkey), as well as Antalya’s Düden Waterfalls (stunning group of waterfalls that fall from the rocky cliffs right into the Mediterranean Sea). Kemer’s musts are the Mount Tahtalı (a cable car will take you to the top for $50), Mount Chimaera (that has literally been on fire for thousands of years, which is why it’s often referred to as the Fire Mountain), and Lycian Way — a long-distance hiking trail that stretches over more than 500 kilometers between Fethiye and Antalya.
— Ancient cities: Belek is close to Aspendos, Antalya is next to Perge, Kemer is half an hour drive from Olympos and Phaselis, and Kaş is convenient for visiting Myra and Kekova. These are the sites of ancient cities, some are located on the coast, others are more inland. Some have retained a lot of their original forms, while others are nothing but old ruins. There’s a great day tour to Perge and Aspendos from Antalya, as these are the most popular destinations.
— Stunning beaches: Çıralı Beach, famous for being a long-standing hatching place of Caretta caretta turtles; Kaputaş Beach (arguably the most beautiful beach on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast), Patara Beach (the longest and widest beach in the country), and Turkey’s very own Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz (the most azure waters of the coast).
— Cappadocia: The dream of every photographer or blogger, Cappadocia’s hot air balloons are the picture-perfect way to remember your trip. Check our article on the best places (ordinary and cave hotels) to stay in Cappadocia.
— And our personal favorite way to spend time on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast in September is to rent a car and go for a little road trip along the scenic coastal route from Antalya to Fethiye!
The Aegean coast is lovely as well, but due to its smaller size, there are fewer attractions to explore here. However, I believe that it’s a good thing, since you will be able to visit every last one of them and not pick and choose the locations based purely on the way they sound:
— Local resort landmarks: Such as Bodrum Castle and Marmaris Castle (both very imposing and very historically important), Bodrum’s Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (at least what’s left of it: Foundation and an added small museum), well-preserved amphitheaters of the area, and Bodrum’s Windmills (that also provide a spectacular view of the bay).
— Nature destinations: Like plentiful beaches of both Bodrum and Marmaris, and a particularly biodiverse Dalyan (a small town on the Aegean coast, also known as Turkish Venice, due to the many canals criss-crossing the area).
— Lycian city of Kaunos: The ruins of the ancient city not too far from Dalyan. Make sure to spot grand tombs carved into a mountain wall!
— Endless hidden bays: Almost untouched by humans, which are great to explore using a boat.
— And once again, Ephesus: Ancient city that is often an important destination of Christian Pilgrims.
Phew, that was a lot! Now you have dozens of things to do in Turkey in September, so you’ll never get bored. You’re welcome!
Is going to Turkey in September worth it? Our review
Turkey in September is still riding a high of summer season (unlike Turkey in October, when tourists move away from the coast and focus on exploring the cities). Personally, I think that September is an amazing time to pay a visit to the land of Turks, but it’s still a good idea to look at the facts objectively!
Pros and cons of going to Turkey in September
After seemingly going on and on about all the little trials and tribulations, as well as unique characteristics that Turkish regions in question take on during the first fall months, let’s be short and concise! What are the pros and cons of traveling to Turkey in September?
+ Less tourists
+ Bearable weather (way milder temperatures than those of summer months)
+ Less chances of getting a nasty virus or infection from sea water that’s too warm
+ Cheaper hotels (even the most luxurious ones see a significant price drop)
+ Sun isn’t that harsh and damaging, so you can actually enjoy spending time outside
— Service industry staff completely burned out from high season
— Hotel rooms look like they’ve seen some things, the look of the interiors tends to be quite “tired”
— Colder sea temperatures, especially by the Aegean Sea
— Not as many flights going to the country, compared to high summer season
All-inclusive experience + reviews
Turkey in September, in my opinion, is a wonderful opportunity to treat yourself to an all-inclusive experience (that usually tends to be astronomically expensive) at a reduced rate. Don’t believe the rumor that hotels “kill” the all-inclusive program come September (or, at least, cut the things provided): It’s simply not true.
So, if all-inclusive holiday is something you’ve been wanting to try out for a very long time, I encourage you to look into September 2025 prices and make your dream a reality!
Just off the top of my head, I’d recommend these hotels for an all-inclusive (and sometimes even ultra-) vacation:
- 5* Voyage Belek Golf&Spa (Belek) or its sister hotel in Bodrum — 5* Voyage Torba
- 5* Ethno Belek
- 5* Cullinan Belek
- 5* Liberty Fabay (Fethiye)
- 5* NG Phaselis Bay (Kemer)
As for the review part, I believe I’ve made it pretty clear that traveling to Turkey in September is a win-win situation: The weather is nice (although you should consider bringing a light extra layer to wear on long evening promenades), the sea is still warm, the crowds are rare, and the prices are more manageable. Of course, not everything is set in stone (especially not the weather), so always be prepared for the unexpected. If you follow all the tips I’ve given thus far, you’ll have a spectacular time in Turkey in September!
Child-friendly hotels
Of course, I cannot talk about visiting Turkey in September without giving the brave parents who travel with their children a few pointers.
What are the best spots for a family vacation on Turkish land, you might wonder? Antalya in September (and the stretch of the Mediterranean coast closest to it) is the ultimate travel destination based on your circumstances. As for the exact cities I’ve found most appropriate for a family getaway: Side, Belek, and Alanya are my top picks.
And I cannot let you go without giving you the list of hotels I recommend you look into when planning a family vacation in Turkey. Be warned, they’re on a pricier side, but super safe and fun for children:
- 5* NG Phaselis Bay (Kemer)
- 5* Port Nature (Belek)
- 5* Barut Hemera (Side)
- 5* Sueno Hotels Beach Side (Side)
Is September a good time to visit Turkey? As you’ve (hopefully) come to realize, September is one of the best times to travel to Turkey. I hope that I’ve managed to give you enough information to make your travel planning much faster and easier. If you still have any questions regarding the topic of going to Turkey during the month of September, leave them in the comments down below!
