When to Go

The ideal months for trips to the Turquoise Coast are May, June, September, and October. Summers can be hot and humid, especially in July and August; that's also when beaches tend to be busiest and the waterfront discos pump out their most egregious levels of noise. Alanya and Side—which stay warmest longest—are best visited before or after the high season, when charter tourists are least likely to be about.

Along the Lycian coast, expect thunderstorms after late October and an average 12 days of rain per month in December and January; otherwise, while not swimsuit weather, it can be sunny enough for T-shirts. Snow graces mountain peaks well into May, a magnificent sight from towns like Antalya and Fethiye. Although not a winter sun destination, it rarely drops below freezing on the coast. Some hotels stay open between mid-December and March, often with limited facilities.