September is when Antalya's 37°C (99°F) July furnace finally drops to a more manageable 32.5°C (90°F), and the Mediterranean reaches its warmest point of the year at roughly 27-28°C (81-82°F). For beach travelers, this might be the best month on the Turkish Mediterranean. The water is warmer than the June average by 3-4 degrees and will stay warmer than October's.
The real shift is in the crowds. European school holidays end in the first week of September, and by mid-month, places like Konyaaltı Beach and the Kaleiçi old town feel noticeably different. Charter flights from Frankfurt, London Gatwick, and Moscow drop in frequency. Hotel rates in Lara's all-inclusive strip typically fall 20-30% from their August peak by mid-month. That said, the first 10 days still carry August energy, particularly along Lara's beachfront.
Rainfall is negligible at 21mm across roughly 3 rainy days. You might get a brief afternoon shower that clears within 20 minutes. The real autumn rains don't arrive until late October, when the monthly total jumps to 45mm. September still belongs to the dry Mediterranean summer, and outdoor excursions from Perge to Aspendos won't get rained out.
Why visit in September
- Mediterranean sea temperature at its annual peak of 27-28°C (81-82°F), warmer than June or October, making September arguably the best swimming month of the year
- Crowds drop sharply after the first week as European schools resume, particularly noticeable at Konyaaltı Beach and Kaleiçi's rooftop restaurants
- Only 21mm of rainfall across 3 days means near-guaranteed dry weather for outdoor plans at Termessos, Perge, and coastal boat tours
- Hotel rates in Lara and Konyaaltı typically fall 20-30% from their July-August peak by mid-September, with late September bringing deeper discounts
- Evening temperatures around 20.7°C (69°F) make Kaleiçi's terraces and Karaalioğlu Parkı genuinely pleasant after months of 24°C overnight lows
Worth knowing
- Daytime highs of 32.5°C (90°F) still feel properly hot at exposed archaeological sites like Perge or Side, especially between 11:00 and 15:00 when shade is scarce
- Early September (first 7-10 days) still carries full August-level crowds and pricing at Lara's all-inclusive resorts before the European school effect kicks in
- UV index remains high at 7-8 throughout September, and reflected glare off the sea on boat tours from the old harbor can cause burns even through cloud cover
- Fewer cultural events than October, when the Altın Portakal Film Festivali and cooler weather bring the city's arts calendar to life
Best for
Think twice if
September in Antalya is the tail end of a long, dry summer. Daytime highs average 32.5°C (90°F), dropping to 20.7°C (69°F) at night. Humidity sits at 50%, which tends to feel less oppressive than coastal cities further east along the Turkish Riviera. Rainfall is minimal at 21mm, spread across roughly 3 days. When it does rain, it tends to arrive as a brief late-afternoon burst rather than a sustained downpour. Clear blue skies dominate most of the month. The sun sets around 19:15 at the start of September and 18:30 by month's end, giving you long beach days but noticeably shorter evenings than August.
Seasonal caution
- Early September can still produce individual days above 35°C (95°F), particularly in the first week. If visiting Perge or Termessos during this window, start before 09:00 and carry at least 2 liters of water per person.
- UV index averages 7-8 throughout September. Reflected UV off the sea during boat tours from the old harbor is strong enough to burn exposed skin in under 30 minutes, even on hazy days. Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes on the water.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 | 7 | 157 |
| Feb | 16 | 6 | 91 |
| Mar | 18 | 8 | 71 |
| Apr | 23 | 11 | 60 |
| May | 27 | 16 | 59 |
| Jun | 33 | 21 | 21 |
| Jul | 37 | 25 | 10 |
| Aug | 35 | 24 | 7 |
| Sep | 33 | 21 | 21 |
| Oct | 27 | 16 | 45 |
| Nov | 22 | 12 | 83 |
| Dec | 17 | 8 | 173 |
Best things to do in September
Swimming at Konyaaltı and Lara beaches
beachAntalya's two main beach strips. Konyaaltı runs 7km west of the old town with a pebbly shoreline backed by the Beydağları mountains. Lara stretches east with golden sand and the all-inclusive resort strip. Both have lifeguards, sunbed rental, and waterfront cafes.
Sea temperature peaks at 27-28°C (81-82°F), warmer than any other month. Crowd density drops noticeably after the first week as European holidays end.Booking tipKonyaaltı's public beach sections are free. Sunbed rental at private beach clubs runs 150-300 TL per day. No booking needed in September.
Exploring Termessos antik kenti
historyA mountaintop Pisidian city at 1,665m elevation in the Güllük Dağı Termessos Millî Parkı, about 30km northwest of central Antalya. The theatre sits at roughly 1,000m with views across the forested peaks. The site is steep, unrestored, and eerily quiet compared to Ephesus or Perge. Alexander the Great reportedly decided it wasn't worth besieging.
September's 32.5°C at sea level means roughly 25-27°C at Termessos's elevation. In July and August the lower-altitude approach trail is dangerously hot. September is the first month the full hike becomes comfortable.Booking tipNo booking needed. Arrive before 09:00 to have the site largely to yourself and avoid afternoon heat on the descent. Park gate closes at 17:00.
Old harbor boat tour from Kaleiçi Marina
boat tourWooden gulet boats depart from the Roman-era harbor below Kaleiçi for day trips along the coast. Routes typically loop past the Düden Şelalesi (Lower Düden Waterfall, which drops directly into the sea), then continue east toward the cliffs. Some boats stop for swimming at small coves inaccessible by land.
Fewer boats running than August means less wake traffic and more peaceful anchorages at swim stops. Operators negotiate on price more readily once the first-week rush ends.Booking tipWalk the entire marina and compare prices morning-of. September captains will often knock 20-30% off posted rates if the boat isn't full. Full-day tours run approximately 500-800 TL per person.
Day trip to Perge antik kenti
historyOne of the best-preserved Hellenistic-Roman cities in Pamphylia, 18km northeast of central Antalya. The colonnaded street, Roman baths, 12,000-seat stadium, and agora are substantial. Many of the finest sculptures from Perge are now in the Antalya Müzesi.
At 32.5°C, September is 4-5°C cooler than July's 37°C peak. That difference matters at an open-air site with almost no shade. Still hot at midday, but manageable with an early start.Booking tipDrive or take a dolmuş from the Antalya otogar. Arrive at opening (08:30). The site is fully exposed, so plan to finish by 11:00.
Evening walk through Kaleiçi
sightseeingAntalya's Ottoman-era old town sits inside Roman walls on a cliff above the harbor. Narrow lanes connect restored stone houses, rooftop restaurants, boutique hotels, and the 13th-century Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret). Hadriyanüs Kapısı (Hadrian's Gate, built around 130 AD) marks the eastern entrance.
September evening temperatures drop to around 20.7°C (69°F). This is the first genuinely comfortable evening walk since May. August's overnight lows of 24°C kept the stone streets radiating heat well past sunset.Sunset at Karaalioğlu Parkı
natureA long, cliff-top park running south from Kaleiçi along the Mediterranean edge. Shaded by pines and palms, with benches facing the water and the Beydağları mountains to the west. The Hıdırlık Kulesi, a 2nd-century Roman tower, sits at the park's northern end.
September sunsets shift from 19:15 to 18:30 over the month, landing at the sweet spot between the day's heat fading and the sky coloring. The 50% humidity means cleaner sunset light than hazy August evenings.Visiting Aspendos Antik Tiyatrosu
historyThe best-preserved Roman theatre in the world, built around 155 AD during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Seats 15,000 and still has its original stage building intact. Located 47km east of Antalya near Serik. The acoustics are famous. A coin dropped on stage can be heard in the upper rows.
If the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival extends into September (it varies by year), you might catch one of the final performances in a 2nd-century theatre. Even without a performance, September's lower crowds mean you can sit in the upper tiers without competing for space.Booking tipIf festival performances are scheduled, book tickets through the official site at least 2 weeks ahead. General admission to the theatre requires no advance booking.
Day trip to Çıralı and Yanartaş (Chimera flames)
natureÇıralı is a low-key 3.2km crescent beach about 80km southwest of Antalya, backed by the Olympos ruins. Yanartaş sits on the hillside above, where natural gas vents have produced eternal flames from the rock for at least 2,500 years. The walk up takes about 20 minutes.
September's heat makes the hike to Yanartaş better done at dusk, and the flames are far more dramatic in darkness anyway. The beach is noticeably emptier than August, and the sea is still 27-28°C for swimming. Loggerhead turtle nesting season continues along this protected stretch through September.Booking tipStay overnight at one of Çıralı's small pensions to see the flames after dark and swim early the next morning. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for September weekends.
What to eat in September
In season: fruit
Taze incir (fresh figs)
September is peak fig season along the Mediterranean coast. The dark-skinned Bursa siyahı and green Sarılop varieties appear on every market stall in Muratpaşa's neighborhood pazarı. Sweet, soft, and typically gone by mid-October.
Nar (pomegranates)
Early-season pomegranates start appearing at juice stands across Kaleiçi and Konyaaltı from mid-September. Antalya province is one of Turkey's top growing regions. The first pressing of fresh nar suyu tends to run tarter than the fully ripe October fruit.
Üzüm (table grapes)
Grape harvest peaks in September across the Antalya region. Razakı and Çavuş varieties show up at weekly street markets, often sold by weight direct from Elmalı district farms at 15-25 TL per kilogram.
On menus now
Piyaz
Antalya's signature dish. White beans dressed with tahini, lemon, parsley, and sliced egg, served cold or at room temperature. Especially refreshing in September's warmth. Every lokanta in Kaleiçi and Muratpaşa serves its own version, typically 80-120 TL for a generous plate.
Tandır kebabı
Slow-roasted lamb cooked in a stone-lined pit for 4-6 hours. The outdoor tandır restaurants in Döşemealtı district (on the road toward Termessos) are at their most active in September when tour buses still run the route daily. The smell of wood smoke and rendered fat reaches the road.
What to drink
Keçiboynuzu şerbeti (carob sherbet)
Carob pods are harvested in September from the groves around Antalya province. The traditional cold sherbet made from the pods appears at Kaleiçi's old-town cafes and some juice stalls near Hadriyanüs Kapısı. Sweet, earthy, served over ice.
Regular events in September
Aspendos Uluslararası Opera ve Bale Festivali (closing performances)
Turkey's premier outdoor performing arts festival at the 2nd-century Aspendos Theatre, 47km east of Antalya. The festival typically runs June through September, with final opera and ballet performances in the first two weeks of September. International companies perform under the stars in a venue with near-perfect acoustics that seats 15,000.
Early to mid-September (varies by year; check the Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi schedule)İlköğretim Haftası (Primary Education Week)Free
National observance marking the start of the Turkish school year on September 1. Not a tourist event, but it visibly shifts Antalya's crowd composition as Turkish families with school-age children leave Lara's resorts. The domestic tourism demographic shifts toward retirees and couples within days. You'll notice the difference at the all-inclusive pools and on Konyaaltı Beach by September 5-7.
September 1 (week of events and ceremonies at schools across the city)Muratpaşa Cumartesi Pazarı (Saturday street market)Free
Antalya's largest weekly rotating neighborhood market, with September stalls loaded with harvest produce at annual peak. Figs, pomegranates, grapes, Antalya's long green peppers, and eggplant by the crate. Locals shop here rather than supermarkets. The Lara Çarşamba Pazarı (Wednesday) is the second-largest option for visitors staying on the eastern side.
Every Saturday in Muratpaşa; every Wednesday in LaraAntalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi açık hava konserleri (open-air summer concerts)Free
The metropolitan municipality programs free open-air concerts through the summer season, typically extending into September before wrapping up for autumn. Performances range from Turkish pop to classical Turkish music, held at various parks and public squares across Konyaaltı and Muratpaşa. Schedules are posted on the Belediye website and local notice boards.
Weekends through September (schedule varies annually)Best places this September
Kaleiçi
neighborhoodAntalya's walled old town perched on cliffs above the Roman harbor. A maze of Ottoman-era stone houses, many converted to boutique hotels and rooftop restaurants. September evenings at 20.7°C make the narrow lanes comfortable for the first time since May. Enter through Hadriyanüs Kapısı on the east side for the full effect. The smell of jasmine and grilled meat drifts from the courtyard restaurants.
KaleiçiKonyaaltı Sahili
beachThe 7km pebbly beach strip running west from the cliffs below the Antalya Müzesi toward the Beydağları foothills. September's thinning crowds open up space on the public sections. The western end near the Boğaçayı river mouth is noticeably quieter than the central stretch near the Beach Park complex. Pebbles underfoot, warm enough to sit on by 10:00.
KonyaaltıAntalya Müzesi
museumOne of Turkey's finest archaeological museums, housing sculptures from Perge, Roman coins, ethnographic displays, and a children's section across 13 exhibition halls. The Hall of the Gods alone, with its Perge statuary, takes 30 minutes. An ideal midday escape from September's 32.5°C heat into full air conditioning. Located on Konyaaltı Caddesi at the western edge of the city center.
MuratpaşaDüden Şelalesi (Upper Düden Waterfall)
natureA 20m waterfall in a park-like setting about 10km northeast of the center, where the Düden River drops into a gorge. You can walk behind the falls through a cave, and the spray creates a cool microclimate that feels 5-6 degrees lower than the surrounding air. September flow is lower than spring but the surrounding park's pine shade makes it a good 2-hour morning visit.
KepezKaraalioğlu Parkı
parkA shaded cliff-top park stretching south from Kaleiçi along the Mediterranean. Pine trees, palms, the 2nd-century Hıdırlık Kulesi at the northern end, and unobstructed sunset views west toward the Beydağları range. September's 50% humidity means noticeably sharper sunset light than the hazy August evenings. The park's benches fill up around 18:00 in September.
MuratpaşaMermerli Plajı
beachA tiny beach at the base of the Kaleiçi cliffs, accessed by stairs from the Mermerli Restaurant above. Possibly Antalya's most scenic swimming spot, with the old harbor walls rising above you and the open Mediterranean ahead. Capacity is small, maybe 50 sunbeds. September afternoons are less of a scramble for spots than the August fights.
KaleiçiTermessos and Güllük Dağı Millî Parkı
ruinsThe mountaintop ruins at 1,000m+ elevation in a national park, 30km from the city center. September's cooler temperatures at altitude (roughly 25-27°C versus 32.5°C at sea level) make the steep 30-minute trail from the car park to the theatre much safer than a midsummer attempt. Wild mountain scenery, no tourist infrastructure, no gift shops. The silence at the top is striking.
Döşemealtı
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Insider tips
The Saturday pazarı in Muratpaşa sells figs and pomegranates at roughly half the price of the tourist-facing fruit stands near Hadriyanüs Kapısı. Go before 09:00 for the best selection. Locals buy by the crate.
Boat tour captains at Kaleiçi Marina post one price on the board and expect to negotiate. In September, with fewer tourists to fill boats, you can typically get 20-30% off without trying hard. Walk the entire marina before committing.
Skip the crowded central section of Konyaaltı Sahili and walk 15-20 minutes west toward the Boğaçayı end. Same beach, same water, but 10 meters between sunbeds instead of 2.
Antalya Müzesi is worth a full morning. The Perge gallery rivals the collections in Istanbul's Arkeoloji Müzesi, and on a September weekday you might have the Hall of the Gods entirely to yourself. Visit here before Perge and Aspendos, not after. It makes the ruins land differently.
For Yanartaş (the Chimera flames) near Çıralı, go after 19:00. The flames are barely visible in daylight. At night, dozens of small fires flickering from the rock face feel genuinely otherworldly. Bring a headlamp for the trail down.
Avoid these mistakes
- Visiting Perge or Aspendos between 11:00 and 15:00. Both sites are fully exposed with almost no shade. At 32.5°C, 3 hours of direct sun on stone ruins leads to heat exhaustion faster than people expect. Go at opening (08:30) or after 16:00.
- Assuming September means low-season prices from day one. The first 7-10 days still see near-August rates at Lara's all-inclusive resorts, because German and Russian package tours overlap with the school calendar transition. Real discounts appear mid-month.
- Skipping sun protection on boat tours because there's a canopy. Reflected UV off the water reaches under awnings. Passengers regularly return from a 6-hour boat trip with burns on their legs and the tops of their feet that they didn't notice until evening.
- Packing only for summer heat and forgetting the evening drop. September nights in Antalya dip to around 20°C, and on a rooftop restaurant with a sea breeze after a 32°C day, that actually feels cool. One light layer saves a marked-up purchase from a Kaleiçi tourist shop.
Practical tips for September
Dolmuş (shared minibus) schedules shift from summer timetables around mid-September, with some routes reducing frequency and last departures moving roughly an hour earlier. Check current schedules at the Antalya otogar or ask your hotel. The AntRay tram connecting the otogar to the Müze stop (for Antalya Müzesi) runs the same schedule year-round and costs around 15 TL per ride. The museum keeps summer hours through September (closing at 19:00) before switching to 17:00 in October, so plan visits accordingly. If driving to Termessos, fill up in the Döşemealtı district. There is no fuel, food, or water at the national park. Restaurants in Kaleiçi stay open late through September, but some begin rolling back terrace seating by mid-month as evenings cool. Tipping in Turkey is typically 5-10% at sit-down restaurants. Day-trip operators to Pamukkale and Cappadocia may reduce departure frequency after the first week of September, so book these 3-5 days ahead rather than showing up morning-of. Currency exchange rates at the kiosks near Hadriyanüs Kapısı are reliably worse than the exchange offices on Işıklar Caddesi, a 5-minute walk north.
FAQ
Is September a good time to visit Antalya?
September ranks among the top 3 months for visiting Antalya. The Mediterranean sea temperature peaks at 27-28°C (81-82°F), making it arguably the best month for swimming. Air temperatures drop from July's 37°C to a more tolerable 32.5°C (90°F). Crowds thin significantly after the first week as European school holidays end. Rainfall is negligible at 21mm. The main trade-off is that 32.5°C still feels genuinely hot for midday sightseeing at exposed ruins like Perge, but for beach-focused trips it's hard to beat.
What is the weather like in Antalya in September?
Expect average highs of 32.5°C (90°F) and lows of 20.7°C (69°F). Humidity sits at 50%, which feels warm but not oppressive. Rainfall averages 21mm across about 3 days, typically as brief afternoon showers rather than sustained downpours. The sea temperature peaks at roughly 27-28°C (81-82°F). UV index is 7-8, still strong enough to burn in 30 minutes without sunscreen. Evenings are pleasant, particularly after mid-September when overnight cooling becomes more noticeable.
Is Antalya crowded in September?
Early September (first 7-10 days) still feels like summer peak, especially at Lara's all-inclusive resort strip where package tours overlap with the school calendar transition. After September 7-10, crowds drop noticeably. By mid-month, Konyaaltı Beach has open space midweek, Kaleiçi restaurants don't need reservations, and Perge sees a fraction of August's visitor numbers. Late September feels properly shoulder-season quiet.
Can you still swim in Antalya in September?
September is actually the best swimming month of the year in Antalya. The Mediterranean surface temperature reaches its annual peak of 27-28°C (81-82°F) after absorbing heat all summer. Both Konyaaltı and Lara beaches have lifeguards on duty through September. The water is warmer than June (around 23-24°C) and warmer than October (around 24°C). Conditions remain calm with minimal wave action on most days.
How much cheaper is Antalya in September compared to July and August?
It depends on the week. The first 7 days often mirror August pricing at Lara's all-inclusive resorts and package-tour hotels. By mid-September, expect rates 20-30% below the July-August peak. Independent hotels and pensions in Kaleiçi and Konyaaltı drop faster than the big resort chains. Flights from European hubs also decrease in price as charter frequency drops. Late September approaches proper shoulder-season value, though it doesn't match the deep discounts of November or December.
Things to Do in Antalya in September
Free cancellation Pamukkale Hierapolis and Cleopatra's Pool Tour with lunch from Antalya
Day trip — 12 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Antalya City Tour: Old Town, Waterfalls, Boat & Cable Car
City tour — free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Antalya Small Group Pamukkale Hot Springs & Hierapolis Tour
Day trip — free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Ancient Perge, Aspendos Amphitheater and City of Side Tour
Day trip — 10 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Antalya: City Tour with Boat Trip, Old Town & Waterfalls
Cruise — 8 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall Full Day Tour
City tour — free cancellation.
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