Mediterranean

Antalya

The pearl of the Turkish Riviera

Updated: August 2026

Airport: Antalya Airport (AYT) — 15 min to the centre Beaches: Sand and fine pebbles, "Blue Flag" Metro area: ≈ 2.6 million inhabitants

About Antalya

Antalya is the flagship Mediterranean resort: turquoise sea, long beaches, waterfalls, the old town of Kaleiçi and dozens of activities for every taste. It suits families with kids, young travellers, and history buffs. The best time to visit is May–June and September–October — the perfect "velvet" season; ≈300 sunny days a year. Midsummer daytime highs average around 35 °C with sea temperatures near 28 °C. July dew point sits near 21 °C — useful context if you are sensitive to humid heat.

Antalya is the largest resort on the coast and the heart of the Turkish Riviera. The pine-clad Taurus mountains drop straight to the sea here, forming picturesque bays, sand-and-pebble beaches and waterfalls that crash into the Mediterranean from the cliffs.

The old town of Kaleiçi is a maze of cobbled lanes, Ottoman houses, minarets and rooftop cafés. Right behind it lies the modern Konyaaltı promenade with a panoramic view of Mount Olympos and the yacht marina.

Within an hour of Antalya: ancient Perge and Aspendos, the Düden waterfalls park, water parks, caves, dive centres and the Tahtalı cable car — there is plenty to do for both adults and kids.

Climate by month

Antalya sits on the Mediterranean coast. Summer: +30…+34°C on average (peaks up to +40°C), humidity ≈58–65%, sea +27…+28°C. Winter: +12…+18°C, mild winter, occasional rain. Best season: May–June and September–October — the perfect "velvet" season; ≈300 sunny days a year.

Average climate by month (°C; rain days ≈ days with precipitation)
MonthDay highNight lowSeaDew pointRain days
January15617612
February16716610
March1891688
April211218115
May261622143
June312025181
July352328210
August352328220
September312027191
October261624155
November211121118
December17819812

Beaches & things to do

Plan around the numbers: May highs around 26 °C with sea near 22 °C; July peaks near 35 °C / sea 28 °C; October still offers roughly 26 °C air and 24 °C water for many swimmers. Rain-day counts rise again from November (≈8 days). Shoulder months usually mean easier hotel rates and more pleasant daytime walks than midsummer.

  • Lara and Konyaaltı beaches
  • Old town Kaleiçi and the harbour
  • Antalya Aquarium — one of the largest in Europe
  • Düden and Kurşunlu waterfalls
  • Ancient Aspendos, Perge and Termessos
  • Water parks and yacht trips

How to get to Antalya

Most visitors reach Antalya via Antalya Airport (AYT) — 15 min to the centre. Pre-booked hotel transfers are common in high season; licensed taxis and shared shuttles cover the same routes. Build buffer time if you arrive on a late evening flight in peak July–August traffic.

Beach character: Sand and fine pebbles, "Blue Flag". Bring water shoes if the shore is pebbly; sandy entries are gentler for small children and older travellers.

Climate & health

  • Modern medical facilities and pharmacies nearby
  • Plenty of shaded parks
  • Hot summer afternoons — siesta from 1 to 4 pm is a good idea

Please note: the climate and health information on this site is advisory only. If you have any chronic conditions, please consult your doctor before travelling.

Frequently asked questions about Antalya

Is Antalya good for families?

Antalya suits families with kids. Expect sand and fine pebbles, "Blue Flag", family hotels and easy day trips — a strong first choice with children planning a first holiday on Turkey’s Mediterranean or Aegean coast.

When is the sea warmest in Antalya?

Sea temperature in Antalya peaks in July–August around 28 °C and stays swim-friendly into September (~27 °C). The most comfortable windows for heat-sensitive travellers are May–June and September–October, when daytime highs are milder than midsummer’s ~35 °C.

Is Antalya suitable if I have hypertension or asthma?

Antalya offers modern medical facilities and pharmacies nearby and plenty of shaded parks. Keep in mind: hot summer afternoons — siesta from 1 to 4 pm is a good idea. Overall a general-purpose Riviera climate — manageable for most travellers who rest during the hottest afternoons. This is advisory only — consult your doctor before travelling with chronic conditions.

How do I get to Antalya?

Antalya is reached via Antalya Airport (AYT) — 15 min to the centre. From the airport, most hotels arrange transfers; taxis and shared shuttles are widely available in season. Allow buffer time for July–August traffic on the coast road.

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