Antalya, Turkey: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]

Traveling to Antalya, on Turkey's Mediterranean coast? Known for its beaches, history and culture, Antalya has a walled old city with Ottoman-era architecture as well as resorts, nightclubs and a marina.

If you're planning to go to Antalya, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

When to go to Antalya, Turkey

The best time to go to Antalya is September. During this month you can often catch the Golden Orange Film Festival, as well as the Antalya Festival, which celebrates the city's culture.

You can also avoid the huge summer crowds, and enjoy the less hot weather. See below for details.

Important essentials for Antalya, Turkey

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Antalya, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS

Other health necessities


  • Emergency water purifier

    Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.


  • Travel first aid kit

    This one is a excellent one.


  • Emergency rapid COVID-19 test

    U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.


  • Emergency motion sickness relief

Don't forget these

 

Activities for Antalya, Turkey

Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Antalya.

If you want to visit one of the beautiful beaches, like Lara Beach, or the Kurşunlu Waterfall Nature Park, or the hot springs at Pamukkale take these:

We also recommend these top tours in and around Antalya.


  • Waterfalls tour

    For an easy, scenic adventure, take a tour of the beautiful nearby waterfalls. This tour gets you away from the crowds and into nature.

    Check out the tour


  • Pamukkale

    Do not miss Pamukkale, or the Cotton Castle, a unique natural wonder where you can find carbonate mineral deposits left behind by thermal water.

    Check out the tour


  • Private Boat Tour of the Kas Islands

    If you're looking to splurge for something really special -- such as a romantic date -- take a private boat tour of the Kas Islands.

    Check out the tour options


  • Jeep or ATV adventures

    For a bit of adventure, consider a Jeep or ATV safari through the mountains.

    Check out the tour options

 

 

What to wear/what to pack for Antalya, Turkey by month

Already know when you're traveling?

January

January here is crisp. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Antalya in January:

Although Antalya is a year-round destination, the beaches are not. But there is still a lot of fun to be had. Check out the Antalya Museum, with its fascinating exhibits on the history and art of the area.

Grab your jacket and take the short trip to the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos. Perge dates back to 1500 BC, and Aspendos has a beautiful theater worth seeing. The hours are shorter this time of year, so consider booking a tour to maximize time.

The nightlife is less active in the winter, but you can always find a nice restaurant or food stall after watching the sunset from the harbor.

February

February in Antalya is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Antalya in February:

You will spend a lot of time indoors in Antalya in February. The Antalya Museum is a great way to spend a day, and it's easily accessible by tram. If you have kids, check out the Antalya Aquarium, which has the largest aquarium tunnel in the world.

If you're willing to brave the weather, do a side trip to the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos. Both are worth visiting, and can be done together on a tour to save time.

In the evening, you can find some nice restaurants in Kaleici.

March

If you vacation in Antalya during March, you might notice that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Antalya in March:

In March, the weather is good enough to do most non-beach activities. Stroll around Kaleici during the day, or take a bike tour to get a nice orientation to the city.

On cooler days, enjoy the Antalya Museum or go shopping at the Terracity Mall.

Don't miss the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos. You can take public transportation (although it requires a few transfers), or take a tour.

If you have more time, consider some interesting day excursions. Pamukkale, known as the "Cotton Castle", is an amazing site. But it is a bit too cool in March to fully enjoy the springs. Another great day trip is the ruined city of Myra, with tombs cut into the rock that make for great Instagramming.

April

April in Antalya is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Antalya in April:

In April, Antalya starts to wake up from winter. Opening hours get longer and tourists start to show up. A bike tour is a great way to see the main tourist attractions, as well as the hidden gems of the city.

Perge and Aspendos are ancient ruins that, although mostly destroyed, are worth a day trip. To maximize sightseeing time, take a tour.

If you have kids, the Land of Legends theme park is a must-visit. Buy tickets in advance to avoid the lines. Another great activity for families is the Antalya Aquarium, which boasts the largest aquarium tunnel on earth.

April is an great time to visit Pamukkale, the otherworldly white rockscape. Another great day trip is the ruined city of Myra.

May

If you visit Antalya during May, you might see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Antalya in May:

Start your May trip to Antalya by wandering through the city and harbor -- there are many wonderful hidden gems to get lost in. Or if you prefer, do a city tour, which also includes a ride on the cable car and the top waterfalls.

Walk along the beaches, and check out the areas near your resort. Along Lara Beach, for instance, you can see giant sand sculptures, which are part of the Sandland competition. If you're looking to do some shopping, keep your eyes peeled for the bazaars that pop up throughout the region.

Set aside a day for Perge and Aspendos. You can take public transportation (it requires a few transfers), or take a tour.

For the adventurous types, consider an ATV or Jeep safari. You can drive along the beach and into the villages with a knowledgeable guide. And check out Pamukkale; the hot springs are excellent this time of year, as is the landscape, with blooming flowers.

June

If you go to Antalya in June, you will notice that it is constantly hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C). This is the start of the high season, so expect that prices and crowds are increasing.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Antalya in June:

Tourism really picks up in June, but you can still find a wonderful private spot in Kaleci. When the day gets hot, find a shady cafe, and sample some of the local specialties, such as shish kefta or piyaz.

You'll likely be spending most of your time on the beach at the resorts, but save a bit of time for some cultural activities. Consider going to the Antalya Museum or taking a bike tour, where you will learn about the history of the region.

Perge and Aspendos are fascinating Roman ruins that are worthy of a day excursion. You can take public transportation or take a tour.

There are also some great beach activities for the adventurous types. If you want to explore nature while doing some uber cool stuff, you can do a guided day excursion to the mountains, which includes rafting, canyon climbing, and a zipline. No experience necessary. Or, if you've always wanted to try your hand at diving, consider an intro diving course in the Mediterranean sea.

Finally, if you're into music or dance, you may be able to catch a bit of the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet festival.

July

If you vacation in Antalya during July, you may see that it is extremely hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. Expect huge crowds on the beaches and skyrocketing prices. However, you may be able to catch the excellent Opera and Ballet festival.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Antalya in July:

In July, you'll want to start out early so you can get a nice spot on the beach. Enjoy the morning lounging before it gets too hot and crowded.

At midday, sample one of the many fine restaurants and cafes in Kaleici. With some shade and a nice cold drink, you'll feel re-energized for some siteseeing. In the afternoon, check out the Antalya Museum, or enjoy some pampering at a traditional turkish bath.

In the early evening, check out the areas near your resort. Along Lara Beach, for instance, you can see giant sand sculptures, which are part of the Sandland competition. Depending on the date, you may also be able to catch a bit of the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet festival.

Make sure to set aside some time for the excellent local cultural experiences. Perge and Aspendos are ruins that shouldn't be missed. You can take a tour or find public transportation.

If you get bored lounging on the beach, there are some great adventure options: you can do a mountain tour, including rafting, canyon climbing, and a zipline. Or, if you've always wanted to try diving, consider an intro diving experience. Another option is: an ATV or Jeep safari.

And if you still have time, check out Pamukkale, the "Cotton Castle", with it's awesome moonscape.

August

August here is extremely hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. The beaches are extremely crowded at this time of year.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Antalya in August:

You'll want to start out early and stake out a spot on the beach. Enjoy the morning relaxing. Then, around midday, try the local specialty, piyaz, at a restaurant in the old quarter. In the afternoon, you can return to the beach for a dip in the water.

For a break from the beach, plan a day trip to the fascinating ruins at Perge and Aspendos. You can take a tour or find public transportation. Or enjoy some pampering at a traditional turkish bath.

If you're looking for adventure: you can do a mountain tour, including rafting, canyon climbing, and a zipline. Or, if you've always wanted to try diving, consider an intro diving experience.

We definitely recommend also budgeting a day for a trip to Pamukkale, the "Cotton Castle", with it's awesome moonscape.

Finally, if you like music and dance, you may be able to catch a part of the International Folk Music and Dance Festival, which takes place at the end of the month.

September

If you are traveling to Antalya in September, you will notice that it can be sweltering and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C). This is a perfect time to hit the beach, because the tourists begin to leave and temperatures become more bearable. There are some great festivals during this time as well, such as the Golden Orange Film Festival and the Antalya festival.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Antalya in September:

In September, the tourists start to disappear and you'll find empty spots on the beach to relax.

But don't spend all of your time on the beach. Do a day trip to the ruins at Perge and Aspendos, and if you can, budget another day for a trip to Pamukkale.

For something more active, try a mountain tour, which includes rafting, canyon climbing, and a zipline, or an intro diving experience.

For a break from the heat, you may be able to catch a bit of the Golden Orange Film Festival, or if not, the Antalya Museum, is a good place to spend a few hours.

October

If you go to Antalya in October, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Antalya in October:

October brings a few interesting festivals to the area. If you like film, you may be able to catch some of the Golden Orange Film Festival. There is also a Mediterranean Music Festival.

Pamukkale, the "Cotton Castle", is at its best this time of year, when you can really enjoy the hot springs. This is also a great time of year to see Perge and Aspendos, fascinating Roman ruins that are worthy of a day tour.

Spend some time walking along the beaches near your resort. Along Lara Beach, for instance, you can see giant sand sculptures, which are part of the Sandland competition. And if you're looking to do some shopping, keep your eyes peeled for the bazaars that pop up throughout the region.

If you want to explore nature while doing some uber cool stuff, you can do a guided day excursion to the mountains, which includes rafting, canyon climbing, and a zipline. Or consider an ATV or Jeep safari. You can drive along the beach and into the villages with a knowledgeable guide.

Finally, budget some time for strolling the city (especially the old quarter) -- there are many great hidden gems. A city tour, which also includes a ride on the cable car and the top waterfalls, can bring the history to life.

November

November here is mild. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Antalya in November:

In November, you will not be spending much time on the beach.

Instead, check out some of the excellent cultural excursions from Antalya. Pamukkale, the "Cotton Castle", is nice at time of year, although it may be a bit cool to fully enjoy the hot springs. This is also a good time of year to see Perge and Aspendos, fascinating ruins that are worthy of a day tour. Note that the opening hours tend to be short in winter, so a tour is recommended.

You'll have a lot of time to stroll the city, or if you prefer, take a bike tour, to learn about the history and culture. On a raily day, spend a few hours at the Antalya Museum or try a traditional turkish bath..

December

Traveling to Antalya in December, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

What to do in Antalya in December:

In December, spend your time enjoying the city, especially Kaleici.

For indoor fun, visit the Antalya Museum, with its fascinating exhibits on the history and art of the area. If you have kids, check out the Antalya Aquarium, which has the largest aquarium tunnel in the world.

Or grab your jacket and take the short trip to the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos. Perge dates back to 1500 BC, and Aspendos has a beautiful theater worth seeing. The hours are shorter this time of year, so consider booking a tour.

And don't forget to take a little time to pamper yourself at a traditional turkish bath..

Check out our guides for these other locations: Cacheu, Guinea-Bissau, Jalalabad, Afghanistan, Kaili, China, Somerville, Massachusetts, United States of America, Coutances, France, Chingola, Zambia, Burke, Virginia, United States of America, Ko Tao, Thailand, Yamaguchi, Japan, Clorinda, Argentina, and Valle Soprana, Italy.