Turkey (Side)
Turkey · Europe
The best time to visit Turkey (Side) is May, June, July, August, September, and October. In summer, daytime highs average 35°C (95°F), with peaks around 40°C (104°F); in winter, nights average 8°C (46°F), dropping to around 1°C (34°F) on the coldest. 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 (0.2 in) across zero rain days, with more than twelve hours of sunshine daily. Winter, by contrast, is decidedly wet: 233 mm (9.2 in) in January and 219 mm (8.6 in) in December, across eleven to twelve days each.
Highs reach 34°C (93°F) in July and August, with nights cooling only to 25°C (77°F). The Mediterranean then sits at 27–29°C (81–84°F) and stays above 22°C (72°F) 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 (93°F) makes it hard work. May, June and October offer a better combination at 26–30°C (79–86°F), October with 25°C (77°F) sea temperature on top.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 16° (61°)9– (48–)19 (66) | 17° (63°)10– (50–)20 (68) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)23 (73) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)21– (70–)32 (90) | 31° (88°)25– (77–)38 (100) | 35° (95°)29– (84–)40 (104) | 34° (93°)30– (86–)39 (102) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)37 (99) | 27° (81°)22– (72–)32 (90) | 22° (72°)15– (59–)27 (81) | 18° (64°)11– (52–)21 (70) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 8° (46°)1– (34–)12 (54) | 9° (48°)2– (36–)13 (55) | 10° (50°)6– (43–)14 (57) | 13° (55°)9– (48–)16 (61) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)21 (70) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)21– (70–)29 (84) | 26° (79°)22– (72–)29 (84) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)26 (79) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)22 (72) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)17 (63) | 9° (48°)4– (39–)14 (57) |
☀️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° (64°) | 17° (63°) | 17° (63°) | 18° (64°) | 22° (72°) | 25° (77°) | 28° (82°) | 29° (84°) | 28° (82°) | 26° (79°) | 23° (73°) | 20° (68°) |
🌧Rain Days | 12d233mm (9.2") | 8d115mm (4.5") | 7d88mm (3.5") | 4d41mm (1.6") | 3d41mm (1.6") | 2d10mm (0.4") | 0d3mm (0.1") | 0d2mm (0.1") | 2d30mm (1.2") | 5d81mm (3.2") | 6d104mm (4.1") | 11d219mm (8.6") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
In July, temperatures can exceed 34°C (93°F) — 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, daytime highs in Turkey (Side) average 35°C (95°F), with peaks around 40°C (104°F); in winter, nights average 8°C (46°F), dropping to around 1°C (34°F) on the coldest.
- 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 June, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in Turkey (Side)?
- Water temperature in Turkey (Side) ranges from 17°C (63°F) (February) to 29°C (84°F) (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
