Events & Weather For Turkey In September

The weather in Turkey in September makes it an ideal time to visit, thanks to fewer tourists. Explore Türkiye’s rich history and beautiful landscapes.

Many people dislike the extreme heat and endless sunny days. While this sounds idyllic in theory, the reality is altogether different when you want to explore all day long. 

Turkey is an extremely popular country all year round, but particularly during the summer months, when millions of visitors flock to the country’s south coast to soak up the sun and splash around in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

But if you’re not the biggest fan of needing air conditioning everywhere you go, July and August will be far too hot for you. During the peak summer months, there is zero chance of rain, and temperatures can hit more than 40 degrees Celcius (104 Fahrenheit). And trust me, it feels much hotter than that.

So, it’s understandable why so many people choose to visit Turkey in September instead.

If you’re considering visiting a part of Turkey during September, let’s explore the idea a little more.

Weather For Traveling To Turkey In September

It’s important to remember that Turkey is huge, and the weather varies from region to region. Suppose you’re visiting the south coast, anywhere from Izmir to Antalya and beyond. In that case, you’ll experience very warm to hot temperatures with zero rain during the first two weeks of September, with a slight cooling and a chance of rain during the last two weeks.

Temperatures are in the high 30s at this time, dropping to the mid-30s in the last part of the month. Evenings are still very warm, and you won’t need a light jacket.

If you’re visiting Istanbul, you can expect warm spring-like temperatures and the chance of rain. In all reality, it can rain anywhere in Istanbul, so it shouldn’t be a surprise!

You’re looking at around 30 degrees during the day, dropping to about 20 degrees during the evenings. As the month goes on, temperatures drop to around the mid-to low-20s. The same picture goes for the Black Sea Coast.

Perhaps you’re thinking about visiting Ankara or Cappadocia. In that case, you can expect cooler temperatures with a higher chance of rain. But at least you’ll sleep comfortably at night! Temperatures tend to be around 25 degrees during the day and around the late teens during the evening.

Hottest Places To Go In Türkiye In September

If you’re looking for heat in September, you have to go to the south coast, specifically the Antalya region. Resorts in Alanya, Kas, Belek, Lara, and Antalya itself are all bustling during this time, and the temperatures are high. The summer season in this part of Türkiye tends to extend into the middle of November, and sea temperatures remain high until that time, too.

The Dalaman region isn’t far behind Antalya in terms of temperatures at this time of year, so if you prefer to head somewhere like Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Marmaris, Bodrum, or Icmeler, you’ll be looking at hot temperatures and a whole summer picture.

Places You Can Still Swim In September In Turkey

Anywhere on the south coast! The Black Sea resorts do tend to cool around mid-September, and rain is possible, which can cool the sea a little. However, it’s not impossible by any means.

But if you want to swim, snorkel, dive, head off on a boat trip, or paddle, anywhere on the south coast will be possible during September, even to the end of the month. Again, Antalya is where you’ll find the hottest weather.

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Major Festivals & Events In Turkey In September

The slightly cooler weather in September means plenty of festivals and events you can check out.

Grape Harvest Festivals

Events take place in Denizli, Bozcaada, Elazig, and Gokceaalan. You’ll be able to taste different types of grapes, buy items, listen to local music, take part in festivities, and buy handicrafts to take back home.

Istanbul Coffee Festival

This is a must for coffee fans! If you’re in Istanbul during September, you’re lucky enough to visit the Istanbul Coffee Festival, which takes place in Kucuk Ciftlik Park, very close to Taksim. The festival lasts four days and is packed with coffee-making workshops, seminars, competitions, and, of course, the opportunity to taste different types of coffee.

Avanos World Dance Festival

September sees the annual Avanos World Dance Festival in Cappadocia, and it’s a beautiful celebration of music and traditional dance. Countless festivities are taking place, including market stalls selling local foods, pottery making, dance classes, music shows, and plenty of dancing!

Food Fest Antalya

The Food Fest Antalya is held in Karaalioglu Park in the City Center. It lasts three days and is packed with delicious food. It’s a gastronomy delight; if you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss it!

Weather Turkey In September & What To Pack & Wear

What you pack for Turkey in September really depends on where you’re going, and the weather after mid-September changes a little. If you’re heading to the south coast resorts, you’ll need full-on summer clothing, such as shorts and t-shirts, swimwear, and perhaps a light cardigan during the evenings if you’re visiting the very last week of the month.

Temperature & Rainfall

If you are in Istanbul and Cappadocia, layers are your friend. You won’t need a coat or cold-weather clothing, but a jacket for the evenings is a good idea, especially if you’re close to the Bosphorus in Istanbul, where the wind can whip up out of nowhere.  During the day, a light jacket or cardigan will be enough, although you may not even need that. Jeans and lightweight pants are a good option.

Here is an area-by-area guide to help you not overpack:

Mediterranean Coast

• Daytime. Expect warm to hot temperatures, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and dresses. Sun hats and sunglasses are essential for protection against the sun
• Evenings. It stays relatively warm, but a light jacket or cardigan can be comfortable, especially by the end of September
• Beach Gear. Don’t forget your swimwear, beach towels, and flip-flops for time spent on the coast
• Rainfall. Minimal, but including a light waterproof jacket or an umbrella could be wise for unexpected showers

Eastern Anatolia

• Daytime. Warmer clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended due to cooler temperatures compared to the coast.
• Evenings. Nights can be quite cool, so packing a warmer jacket or a sweater is advisable
• Footwear. Durable shoes for walking or hiking if you plan to explore the terrain
• Rainfall. Slightly higher chances of rain, so a waterproof jacket is recommended

Black Sea Coast

• Daytime. The climate is more moderate but can be humid. Light, breathable clothing will be comfortable, with an option for layering
• Evenings. A light jacket or sweater, as it can feel cooler, especially when there’s a breeze from the sea
• Rain Gear. This region can experience rain, so packing an umbrella or a raincoat is a good idea

Central Anatolia

• Daytime. Warm but not as hot as the coast, so light to medium-weight clothing, such as T-shirts and pants or skirts, is suitable
• Evenings. Cooler, especially in areas with higher elevation. A jacket or a warm sweater will be necessary
• Footwear. Comfortable walking shoes as you might explore historic sites or urban areas
• Rainfall. Occasional showers are possible, so carrying a raincoat or an umbrella is prudent

General Packing Tips for Türkiye in September

• Sun Protection. Regardless of the region, sun protection is crucial. Include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat in your packing list
• Comfortable Footwear. Exploring Türkiye often involves a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must
• Cultural Respect. While Türkiye is modern in many aspects, packing a few modest clothing options for visiting religious sites is respectful and sometimes required
• Water Bottle. Staying hydrated is important, especially in the warmer regions. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle

Top Turkish Cities To Go To In September

Turkey is an all-around destination, and its cities are open no matter what the month. However, September is a wonderful time to visit Istanbul and Izmir in particular. These huge cities require plenty of walking if you want to see the main sights. If you visit during July and August, you might find it too hot to walk comfortably; if you visit during winter, it’s cold and rainy! So, September is a good month for the middle ground.

Antalya is also a great city to visit if you want to combine city life with beach time.

What To Do In Turkey In September

Because the weather is a little milder during September, it’s easy to get out and see some main sights without dealing with heat and crowds. In that case, the following options are fantastic choices of places to visit in September:

• Istanbul: this is a city that keeps giving! You can easily walk around during September and take in the main sights, including the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Gulhane Park, Dolmabahce Palace, and the list goes on!
• Ephesus: located around an hour away from Izmir, Ephesus is an amazing place to visit, and September is an excellent time to visit because the major crowds have gone, and you won’t be subjected to full-on heat; there is very little shade here!
• Cappadocia – most people want to visit Cappadocia to do the famous hot air balloon ride, and while you definitely should, visiting during the winter months puts you at risk of your flight being canceled due to adverse weather. That’s far less likely to be the case in September
• Saklikent Gorge: close to Fethiye and Olu Deniz, this is one of the largest canyons in the world, and it provides welcome shade and exceptional natural sights. Now, if you visit during July and August, you’ll fight the crowds. If you visit during September, you’ll be able to explore far more easily
• Pamukkale: located near Denizli, the thermal pools of Pamukkale are a must-visit, and again, September is a great time to head there if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy slightly cooler weather. You can also walk around the ancient ruins of Hierapolis with more ease

 

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Is Turkey In September A Good Idea

Personally, June and September are my favorite times to visit Türkiye. The weather is still hot and sunny with little chance of rain, but the extreme heat of August has gone. It’s also slightly easier to sleep during September without using the air conditioning 24/7!

The other plus point is that the main crowds have disappeared after the first week of the month. Most schools go back after the first week, which means a quieter vibe, and it’s far more laid-back as a result. Of course, the children going back to school also means that prices tend to be slightly ower, and you’ll notice an apparent drop in prices if you compare the last week in August with the second week of September. That also means you’ll have more choices in terms of accommodation.

Being able to explore Türkiye with more ease is a huge plus point. There is so much to see and do; it can often become stressful when the heat is on and crowds are at their maximum. But when things calm down, you can see the beauty around you. And trust me, when you feel those first splashes of rain after four to five months with none, the smell is like nothing else you’ve experienced – delicious!

FAQs Guide About The Weather In Turkey & What To Do

So, if you were on the fence about whether or not to visit Turkey in September, I hope this has clarified the issue for you. In my opinion, it’s a definite yes!