Turkey (Side)
Turkey · Europe
The best time to visit Turkey (Side) is May, June, July, August, September, and October. In summer, temperatures rise to 34°C; in winter they can drop to 7°C. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 11 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Turkey (Side) – What you should know
Like the whole Turkish Riviera, Side has an extremely divided year. Summer is absolutely dry — July and August together bring 5 mm across zero rain days, with more than twelve hours of sunshine daily. Winter, by contrast, is decidedly wet: 233 mm in January and 219 mm in December, across eleven to twelve days each.
Highs reach 34°C in July and August, with nights cooling only to 25°C. The Mediterranean then sits at 27–29°C and stays above 22°C into November. The swimming season therefore runs from May to November — considerably longer than on any Mediterranean coast further north.
Side's distinguishing feature is the setting of its ancient city: the Temple of Apollo and the Roman theatre stand directly on the sea, in the middle of the modern town. High summer is the worst choice for visiting them — no shade and 34°C makes it hard work. May, June and October offer a better combination at 26–30°C, October with 25°C sea temperature on top.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MAXMAX | 16° | 17° | 19° | 22° | 26° | 31° | 35° | 34° | 32° | 27° | 22° | 18° |
MINMIN | 8° | 9° | 10° | 13° | 18° | 22° | 25° | 26° | 22° | 18° | 13° | 9° |
☀️Sunshine | 6h UV 4 | 7h UV 6 | 9h UV 7 | 10h UV 8 | 11h UV 9 | 12h UV 9 | 13h UV 10 | 12h UV 9 | 10h UV 8 | 9h UV 6 | 7h UV 5 | 5h UV 4 |
🌊Water Temp | 18° | 17° | 17° | 18° | 22° | 25° | 28° | 29° | 28° | 26° | 23° | 20° |
🌧Rain Days | 12d233mm | 8d115mm | 7d88mm | 4d41mm | 3d41mm | 2d10mm | 0d3mm | 0d2mm | 2d30mm | 5d81mm | 6d104mm | 11d219mm |
Best travel timeMonthly averages 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
In July, temperatures can exceed 34°C — during physical activity or with children, it's best to stick to morning and evening hours.
From April to August, UV levels in Turkey (Side) reach 10 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
April offers great weather in Turkey (Side) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Turkey (Side)?
- The best time to visit Turkey (Side) is May, June, July, August, September, and October. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Turkey (Side)?
- In summer, temperatures in Turkey (Side) can reach up to 34°C. In winter, they may drop to 7°C.
- How much rain does Turkey (Side) get?
- Turkey (Side) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 5 rain days per month. The driest months are May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- How warm is the water in Turkey (Side)?
- Water temperature in Turkey (Side) ranges from 17°C (February) to 29°C (August). During the best travel months (May, June, July, August, September, and October), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JunJulSep
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
AprMayOct
