Turkey has always been popular with beach-loving summer tourists, but outside of its scorching and crowded summer months lie a world of cool mornings, warm seas, green landscapes, and the best season of eating all year. Cycling, hiking, exploring and cuisine…. a fabulous fall awaits.
With its position in the Eastern Mediterranean, temperatures on Turkey’s coast can rise above 40 degrees Celsius during the long days of summer. While this makes the calm Mediterranean waters all the more enticing, it also limits activities to the very early morning or the hours near sunset. Rainless summers also mean a yellowing, barren landscape behind the blue waters of the beach.
After the first rains of autumn begin to fall, along with temperatures, a whole new world emerges. Days are cool and comfortable for activities like hiking, biking, and exploring Turkey’s endless ancient ruins, rain is possible but not frequent, and nights are still warm enough for outdoor dining or an evening stroll. Newly refreshed vegetation turns verdant as nature comes back to life after a long, dry summer and local villagers seem to emerge as well. As the sea cools slower than the air, water temperatures are perfect for swimming well into November. Paddle sports are a great way to explore the coast lines as well.
In addition to refreshing yet comfortable water temperatures, beaches relax as summer crowds retreat. The same can be said for all of Turkey’s must-see attractions: from ancient cities to local bazaars, quaint cafes to lively bar streets. Fall is an ideal time for a getaway with the kids as well. The climate allows for more time during the days without the influx of heat. Lower numbers also mean lower prices.
Fall is also the best time for food lovers to visit the country. Turkey has been an agricultural country throughout its history, and produces some of the best fruits, vegetables, and animal products available. During the autumn months, summer produce is still going strong, fall produce begins to appear, fruits like grapes, pomegranates, figs, and citrus are abundant, and the main fishing season in Turkey begins. The grape and olive harvests also take place in the fall, meaning that villages are alive with farming families trekking back and forth to their fields and groves often with kids, grandparents, and even pets in tow.
Lower crowds mean less stress and more opportunities for authentic interactions with locals. The return of the rain means brighter, greener landscapes that come to life after a summer sans rain. Cooler temps and warm seas offer the perfect combination of outdoor activities, exploring and swimming. And topped all off with the year’s most diverse and best produce, fall is the perfect time to take the leap and finally visit Turkey.
