Turkey in August: Summer in Full Swing
Do Mediterranean beaches, long sunny days and mesmerizing sunsets sound like your kind of getaway? If yes, then you can expect all this and more during your trip to Turkey this time of year. This also means that this month is the height of Turkey’s tourist season, with lively markets, eclectic shows and numerous performances on offer. Read on to find out more about why you should book your holiday to Turkey in August.
- Lund
- From USA
Turkey Weather in August
August is the peak of the summer season in Turkey. The temperature in Turkey in August is very high. Therefore, it is next to impossible to escape the heat. However, on a positive note, this is also the driest month and, instead of clammy humidity, you can expect a much more comfortable climate. If you head to Bodrum and other coastal cities in the country’s south like Izmir and Antalya, you can experience some of the highest temperatures, ranging from a low of 23°C to a high of 35 °C.
Temperatures in Istanbul and central regions range from the low 20s to around 28°C, which is quite manageable. However, one must always take care as there is a high UV index present. Trabzon, on the Black Sea coast, has comfortable temperatures of around 26.7°C during this time of year, as much of the city sits in a lush valley where temperatures drop slightly in the evening.
Overall, Turkey’s weather in August is hot but not entirely uncomfortable, especially if you are close to the coast and able to take a dip in the waters. Find out when is the best time to visit Turkey with our month-by-month breakdown.
Weather in Turkey in August - 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 |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 28 | 28 | 25 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 12 | 12 | 8 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 83 | 83 | 77 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 54 | 54 | 47 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 20 | 10 | 20 |
Why Visit Turkey in August
Summer is the buzzword for August and Turkey is fast becoming one of the hottest destinations in the Mediterranean for exciting holidays. Here are some reasons why you should visit Turkey in August.
- Bustling beaches: Feel the buzz of summer on the country’s Mediterranean coast. Although holidaymakers line most of the popular beaches, it is not that difficult to find a quiet stretch of sand in places like Bodrum and Fethiye.
- Less-crowded inland: The interior of the country is less crowded during this time of year as people favor beaches over inland cities. Make the most of your stay in Bursa, Ankara and Konya with visits to their indoor attractions.
- Istanbul comes alive: Go on a trip to Istanbul as its street culture comes alive in summer with alfresco dining and rampant entertainment being the hallmarks of the season.
Where to go and what to do
In addition to long, lazy days on the beach, you can enjoy various cultural events and festivals during your stay in Turkey in August. On August 30, the whole country celebrates Turkish Victory Day with various military events. Ankara sees the largest celebration with the president laying wreaths in memory of the brave at Anıtkabir. Istanbul also hosts a military parade and various cultural events across the city on this day.
The second-holiest month of the Muslim calendar, Muḥarram, falls in August. And on the tenth day of this month, Ashura (an Islamic holiday) is observed. This is a commemoration of two significant occurrences. The first is a celebration of the day that Noah’s Ark came to rest on Mount Cudi and the second is the mourning of the day that Imam Hussein died. These events are important to Shia Muslims, most of whom live in the eastern parts of the country, in places like Kars.
Head to Ephesus where the assumption of the Virgin Mary is celebrated at the House of Virgin Mary with a high mass on 15 August. The Catholic archbishop of İzmir officiates the mass and it is open to the public. This unique blend of eastern and western religions gives you the opportunity to see a multitude of traditions in action in August.
Beach cities on the Mediterranean coast are at their peak capacity during this time, but the holiday buzz is undeniable and infectious. Take a picturesque sunset cruise to end off a long day on the beach and see a different side of the azure waters this region is known for.
Cappadocia is one of the few places in Turkey that does not see many people in August as travelers try to avoid desert regions. If you can stand the heat, then this is a great time to see emptier attractions in this usually overflowing destination. While in Cappadocia, you might also want to attend memorial ceremonies dedicated to Hacı Bektaş Veli, an Anatolian mystic. These events feature a range of dance performances and are an amalgamation of folklore, religion and culture of the area.
The weather in August might be hot and attractions busy, but there is an undeniable pull in the air that attracts travelers to this country from all over the world. Sunshine, azure waters and endless entertainment just hit differently this time of year.
Just in case you are interested in customized tours, our travel experts are ready to help you book a tailor-made trip to Turkey. Feel free to reach out to them.
Check out our tours to Turkey in August for more ideas.
