What is the best time to visit Turkey? After many trips to the country, we’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 our 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 we 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, we’re getting ahead of ourselves! Here’s our guide to planning your trip to Turkey in September 2024. 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
Mediterranean region is the area that covers the biggest stretch of the Turquoise Coast, or the so-called Turkish Riviera, making it a prime target of annual swarms of tourists traveling to Turkey. Keep reading to learn more about its most coveted destinations!
- The weather in Turkey in September here is perfect for spending lots of time outside. It’s still hot, don’t get us wrong. The temperatures are on par with those of August in Turkey — the hottest summer month, 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 (we 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, we’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 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 our findings here, September in the Turkish Aegean region is less balmy and more cool — plan accordingly.
Weather in Istanbul
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A crown jewel of the Turkish Marmara region, Istanbul is the place most adored by travelers. Even though Istanbul is a solid city-getaway destination, you can still come upon beachfront resorts. Most of them are located on the far end of the city’s European side, so you can head over there after you’re done exploring every nook and cranny of the Old Town’s cobblestone streets.
Tourists flock to Istanbul to see first-hand the beautiful combination of Eastern and Western architecture, which can only be achieved by spending as much time in the streets as possible.
- Coming to Istanbul in 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 cooling off city streets. 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, and the city dwellers haven’t yet returned to their humble abodes. You’ll wander around the streets of Istanbul in relative oh-so-pleasant isolation.
Ultimately, prioritize what you want to get out of your trip to Turkey in September 2024 and choose the area according to your preferences and the region’s weather patterns!
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 we were 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, we’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 |
Travel expenses for your September trip to Turkey
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 our 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 we tried to convey this fact to the best of our abilities here.
For the best deals on plane tickets, we suggest checking WayAway or Kiwi.com websites, snagging their amazing offers the minute they appear on the site. Your dream trip to Turkey is just around the corner!
For our American readers, we’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 | $390 | $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. We cannot possibly mention all the European countries and their corresponding plane tickets price breakdown, so we’ve rounded up our 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) |
Prices for flights from Europe to Turkey during summer months are way more expensive: You’ll spend around $160–$180 for a one-way flight from London to Istanbul, compared to September’s $70-average.
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
When it comes to finding a hotel for your September trip to Turkey, we recommend using Booking.com.
Overall, we’ve noticed that 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, what we’ve come to find is 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.
We’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 2024!
Average costs of food and transportation
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 we’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) — 250 lira ($8)
- Omelet — 120 lira ($4)
- Doner kebab — 180 lira ($6) or more
- Turkish lentil soup — 70 lira ($2.5)
- 0.5L of beer — 60 lira ($2)
- Tea — 25 lira ($1)
- Cappuccino or latte — 70 lira ($2.5)
All in all, plan on spending around 600 lira ($18) 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 — 15 lira / $0.5
- Dolmuş ride (a smaller-size bus that usually has intercity routes, especially great to take between smaller-scale towns and resorts) — 15 lira ($0.5)
- A standard intercity bus ride (from a nearby resort to Antalya, for example) — 50 lira ($1.6)
- Taxi ride from the Antalya airport to the city center — 800 lira ($25) or more.
While public transportation is both cheap and convenient in Turkey, we 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 we’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, we believe that the trip will cost you around $100 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?
It should be a no brainer that you’ll get a more well-rounded beach holiday experience in the South coastal area of Turkey. Istanbul is clearly not the place to get your tanning sessions and swimming lessons in.
We are 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 (the area that faces the Aegean Sea, both coastal cities and inland areas) and the Mediterranean region (you guessed it, the territories that face the Mediterranean Sea).
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 place that encapsulates the ultimate combination of nature and civilization. A serene harbor surrounded by mountains covered in lush greenery sports a wide array of 5-star hotels. No matter how outrageous your holiday dreams might be — from watching a movie on the beach that was converted into a theater to taking a luxurious yacht out on the water for the day — if you have the budget, local all-inclusive hotels will go out of their way to make your stay unforgettable! Turquoise-blue water of the harbor and the well-equipped pebble beaches of Fethiye will make you feel like you’re on a vacation fit for a Royal.
- Kaş — also known as the ultimate scuba diving destination out of the entire Mediterranean coast of Turkey, this little town is a treasure trove for finding relaxation and entertainment! While being particularly small, there are still plenty of things to do while in Kaş: From walking around its picturesque (and might we 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 — imagine a place that has all the parts that go into making a picture-perfect resort. 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 in Kemer (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, we’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 for holidaymakers. 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, which can lead to quite a substantial number of tourists. Thankfully, if you’re arriving to the Mediterranean coast in Turkey in September, the chances of crowds are slimmer. If the travel bug suddenly gets you, head on over to the Antalya bus station and make your way to any of the resorts we 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 golden 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. Don’t let the upscale status of the resort scare you away: There are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options available. Plus, Belek is located not too far from the airport (a 45-minute taxi ride), so it would be a shame to come this close and not pay a visit!
- 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. The budget-friendly lodging options are abundant and have more of a higher level to them: There’s less chance to come upon bedbug-ridden abode, unlike in the previously mentioned Kemer.
- 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 city-like development can be summed up by a certain coffee chain that found its home in its streets — 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. Look both ways and you’ll be golden!
The cities of the Aegean region:
- Kuşadası — a popular cruise ship port, the city has everything one might want to find in their dream holiday destination. Authentic 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. Apart from laying in the sun all day, taking in the wonderful views, make sure to pop into the Kuşadası Grand Bazaar for a souvenir shopping spree, or walk over to the Pigeon Island — a unique historical destination by the city shore.
- 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. Here, the authenticity is mixed with a European atmosphere. Just look at the beachfront promenade, it’s totally Monte Carlo-esque, if we say so ourselves! Personally, we can explain the vibe of the place as this: It’s a mix of Kemer (think bustling nightlife and younger crowd) and Belek (predominantly 5-star hotels). Bodrum’s location is one to celebrate: It’s 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, due to its size, has something for everybody. Many believe that it’s the ultimate family-friendly destination of Turkey’s Aegean coast. We feel like it’s true, especially considering the fact that the resort sports wide stretch of sand beaches (one of them is literally called Long Beach) and super calm and shallow water by the shore. If you’re visiting Marmaris in September, you can actually let your little ones spend much more time outside, building sand castles and splashing by the shore. 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., we 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), we suggest you tackle the question of accommodation as soon as possible.
We’re here to help you with that! 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 (Antalya; from $380 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. Pro tip: 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 $500 a night in September) — fabulous all-inclusive hotel with a wide variety of entertainment options. 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!
- 5* Pine Beach (Belek; from $400 a night in September) — as the name suggests, the hotel is surrounded with glorious pine trees (as well as sweet-smelling orange trees); this closeness to nature easily adds a couple of points to its overall excellence score. A plethora of animation activities and evening shows here won’t let you get bored even for a second. The hotel has the best entertainment team out there, so it’s the place to stay if you enjoy doing yoga, pilates, or anything else of that matter.
- 5* Acanthus & Cennet Barut Collection (Side; from $500 a night in September) — ultra all-inclusive hotel; loosely meaning that the sky is the limit when it comes to the level of service here. The highlights include wonderful spa facilities, huge outdoor pool, and the top-notch cuisine at the many à la carte restaurants on site.
- 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 and has a lot more nuance to it, 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 lush greenery. Premium rooms come with your own personal jacuzzi, where you can enjoy watching a sunset with a glass of bubbly. 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 $100 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 $250 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!
- 5* Marmaris Bay Resort (Marmaris; from $400 a night in September) — another hotel that found itself nestled under a canopy of pine trees; a dream come true for people who love to have a little greenery with their sea views! The hotel isn’t particularly big, but it still retains an aura of exclusivity. Private beachfront and rivers of free drinks (courtesy of an all-inclusive treatment) will make you want to stay here forever!
- 4* Motto Premium Hotel (Marmaris; from $180 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 $140 a night in September) — trendy premium 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
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 (we will leave the links to our favorite spots below) or rent a car through Localrent and set off on your impromptu self-led adventure!
- 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, we 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), a plethora of ancient ruins, and a close proximity to Cappadocia (that place you’ve seen thousands of times online; it’s where dozens of 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).
Now that we have an approximate idea of what to look for when visiting either region, let’s dive a little deeper into places to visit in Turkey in September, divided by the area, per usual.
Side note: Go for these 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 the following attractions:
— Resort villages’ historical landmarks, like Old City ruins of Side, Alanya, Antalya, Fethiye; as well as Antalya’s Düden Waterfalls (stunning group of waterfalls that fall from the rocky cliffs right into the Mediterranean Sea), and Tünektepe Teleferik (a cable car that lets you enjoy the views of the Antalya coast from high up. Prices start at $38).
— Turkey’s most well-known theme park (that doubles as aqua park) located not too far from Belek — the Land of Legends. 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 late twenties), but the tickets might seem pricey from the first glance. You’ll pay $100 for adult tickets and $80 for children aged 4-11. Remember though, this place is a literal fun paradise, so it’s all worth it!
— Natural wonders, like Köprülü Canyon and Göynük Canyon (most popular rafting spots in Turkey), Kemer’s Mount Tahtalı (a cable car will take you to the top for $50 per person), 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: Antalya’s Aspendos, Perge, Olympos, Myra, Kekova; Phaselis (Kemer), Kayaköy (Fethiye), — all pretty self-explanatory, 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. Each place has something unique to offer though, so we suggest reading up on the topic a little before heading out on location.
— Stunning beaches: Çıralı Beach, famous for being a long-standing hatching place of Caretta caretta turtles; Phaselis Beach, 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, we 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) and Pamukkale.
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, we believe 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 our 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, we encourage you to look into September 2024 prices and make your dream a reality!
As for the review part, we believe we’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 (weather-wise, an umbrella and a bottle of SPF are the only tools you might need). If you follow all the tips we’ve given thus far, you’ll have a spectacular time in Turkey in September!
Child-friendly hotels
Of course, we 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? We believe 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 we’ve found most appropriate for a family getaway: Side, Belek, and Alanya are our top picks.
And we cannot let you go without giving you the list of hotels we 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 (and especially its coastal regions). We hope that we’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!
