Turkey in July: Weather, Tips & Treks
July falls in the middle of the Turkish summer and is part of the high tourist season. This is an excellent month to explore the country’s rich history, culture and architecture. Sleep in a cave hotel in Göreme in the extraordinary Cappadocia region; explore Istanbul’s sumptuous Topkapi Palace and its colorful Grand Bazaar; visit the Unesco World Heritage site of Ephesus, home to spectacular ancient ruins; and laze on the lovely beaches of Antalya. There is no shortage of places to visit and activities to enjoy if you visit Turkey in July.
- Lund
- From USA
Turkey Weather in July
The weather in Turkey is hot and dry in July. The country’s coastal areas are the hottest, making them popular destinations for swimming, diving and other water-based activities.
Elsewhere in Cappadocia, which is known for its rock chimneys and winding valleys, weather conditions are pleasantly warm to explore this fascinating region. For instance, in Göreme, a popular town in Cappadocia, the average high temperature in July is 28°C while the average low is 15°C. In Istanbul, the mercury hovers between 22°C and 28°C. The much-visited coastal town of Antalya gets hot during this time, with an average high of 34°C and a low of 22°C.
For a seasonal overview, look at our guide on the best time to visit Turkey.
Weather in Turkey in July - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 3 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 25 | 18 | 11 | 5 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -5 | -4 | -2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 3 | -1 | -3 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 38 | 41 | 52 | 61 | 68 | 77 | 83 | 83 | 77 | 65 | 52 | 41 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 23 | 25 | 29 | 38 | 43 | 49 | 54 | 54 | 47 | 38 | 31 | 27 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 40 | 30 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 20 | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 60 |
| Jun | Jul | Aug | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 25 | 28 | 28 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 9 | 12 | 12 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 77 | 83 | 83 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 49 | 54 | 54 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 20 | 10 |
Why Visit Turkey in July
If you are wondering where to head for a perfect summer vacation, Turkey should be on the top of your list. Here are some reasons why:
- Festive occasions: Turkey hosts some high-quality events and festivals in July, including the International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, staged in a 2000-year-old Roman theater; the Istanbul Jazz Festival, a jazz extravaganza that also includes musical genres like rock, pop and reggae; and the Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim, where you can watch thousands of competitors swimming across the strait.
- Water sports: July is an ideal month to take part in water sports like parasailing, canoeing, rafting, scuba diving and whitewater rafting in several places along the Mediterranean coast and key rivers of Turkey. Top sites include Gokova, Akyaka, Fethiye Manavgat and Firtina.
- Hit the road: July is a great time to embark on a road trip in Turkey. You can drive the entire length of the beautiful Aegean coastline, stopping at the many little towns along the way during this time. Take a road trip from Istanbul to Ephesus through the changing landscapes and sceneries for a memorable experience.
- Glorious trek: Explore the Turquoise Coast by trekking a part of the spectacular Lycian Way. This 540-kilometer path from Fethiye to Antalya passes through coastal cliffs, ancient ruins and quaint towns, showing trekkers many sides and sights of Turkey.
Where to go and what to do
Still wondering where to go while visiting Turkey in July? Well, start from Istanbul, Turkish economic and cultural hub. The city is a year-round destination for travelers. A trip to Istanbul is incomplete without seeing its architectural wonders like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. But there are many other delights too, like shopping for spices, sweets and dried fruits at the 16th-century Spice Bazaar; witnessing the whirling dervishes do their magic; and getting nostalgic at the Museum of Innocence, an ode to Nobel Prize-winning writer Orhan Pamuk’s novel of the same name.
Cappadocia is a must-visit destination when visiting Turkey in July. Go for an early morning hot-air balloon ride and soar above its magical landscape; visit the lovely rock-cut churches of Göreme Open-Air Museum; and explore the region’s fascinating underground cities like Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, some dating back to the Bronze Age.
Antalya is a great summer destination, and not just because of its beautiful beaches. While there, make it a point of exploring Kaleici, Antalya’s well-preserved Old Town; have a romantic lunch at a site overlooking the ancient harbor; enjoy the collection at Antalya Archaeological Museum, which has more than 5,000 exhibits on display including artifacts from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Another famous natural wonder that you should visit in July is Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) in western Turkey, known for its strikingly white travertine terraces that look like snowfields.
In the town of Gaziantep in southeastern Turkey, you can stroll along the charming alleys of the old city district and visit the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum, which houses one of the world’s most important collections of mosaics.
Explore the length and breadth of Turkey in July, including its scenic beaches, old towns, brilliant architecture and romantic Roman-era ruins. The high tourist season and summer weather make this country one of the best holiday destinations for visitors of all preferences. Contact our local travel experts to plan a customized holiday in Turkey.
