Turkey in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Turkey

33°C (91°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

35 mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

60% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for Cappadocia hot air balloons - August has the most reliable flying conditions with only 2-3 cancellation days per month due to minimal wind
Peak season for Turkish Riviera swimming - Mediterranean reaches ideal 27°C (81°F), warmest water temperatures of the year
Best time for high-altitude hiking in Eastern Turkey - Mount Ararat and Kaçkar Mountains are snow-free with 14+ hour daylight
Festival season peaks with major events like Bodrum Music Festival and International Izmir Festival bringing world-class performances

Considerations

Extreme heat in central and southern regions - Istanbul averages 30°C (86°F) with 85% humidity, making midday sightseeing uncomfortable
Peak tourist season means 40-60% higher accommodation prices and crowds of 15,000+ daily visitors at major sites like Hagia Sophia
Afternoon thunderstorms along the coast can disrupt outdoor activities for 1-2 hours, typically between 2-4pm

Best Activities in August

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Rides

August offers the most reliable balloon weather with 95% flight success rate due to minimal wind and clear morning skies. Dawn temperatures of 18°C (64°F) make the 5am starts comfortable. Book the sunrise flights which launch at 5:30am when winds are calmest.

Booking Tip: Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead as August slots fill completely. Standard flights typically cost ₺8,000-12,000 ($275-415). Look for operators with CAA certification and weather guarantee policies. Check current availability in booking section below.

Turkish Riviera Beach Activities

Mediterranean waters reach peak warmth at 27°C (81°F) in August, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. Antalya and Kas regions have 11+ hours of sunshine daily with minimal rainfall. Afternoon sea breezes provide natural cooling.

Booking Tip: Boat tours typically cost ₺2,500-4,000 ($85-140) and should be booked 7-10 days ahead. Morning departures (8-9am) avoid afternoon heat and choppy afternoon waters. See current tour options in booking widget below.

Eastern Turkey Mountain Trekking

August is the only month when high-altitude trails above 3,000m (9,840 ft) are completely snow-free. Mount Ararat climbing season peaks with optimal weather windows. Kaçkar Mountains offer cooler temperatures, 15°C (59°F) at altitude versus 35°C (95°F) in cities.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks typically cost ₺4,500-7,500 ($155-260) including guides and permits. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for Ararat expeditions which require special permits. Licensed mountain guides essential for safety.

Istanbul Early Morning and Evening Tours

Beat the heat and crowds with dawn tours starting 6am when temperatures are comfortable 20°C (68°F). Evening tours after 6pm avoid peak heat and catch golden hour lighting at Hagia Sophia and Yerevan. Bosphorus dinner cruises offer cooling sea breezes.

Booking Tip: Early morning tours typically cost ₺1,800-3,200 ($60-110). Book 5-7 days ahead for popular sunrise tours. Evening Bosphorus cruises range ₺2,200-4,500 ($75-155). Skip-the-line tickets essential in August crowds.

Underground City Explorations

Cappadocia's underground cities maintain constant 13°C (55°F) year-round, providing perfect escape from August heat. Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı offer natural air conditioning 85m (280 ft) below ground. These sites are less crowded in early morning before 10am.

Booking Tip: Guided tours typically cost ₺1,200-2,400 ($40-85) including multiple underground sites. Book through licensed operators familiar with narrow passages and safety protocols. Combine with above-ground valley walks in early morning.

Aegean Coast Cultural Sites

Coastal breeze makes Ephesus and Pergamon more comfortable than inland sites in August. Sea proximity keeps temperatures 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than central Anatolia. Early morning visits at 8am avoid both heat and tour bus crowds arriving after 10am.

Booking Tip: Site entry plus guide typically costs ₺1,500-2,800 ($50-95). Book first entry slots at 8am when available. Afternoon visits after 4pm also feasible with cooling sea breezes. Private guides offer flexibility for heat breaks.

August Events & Festivals

Early to Mid August

International Izmir Festival

Turkey's premier arts festival featuring world-class orchestras, opera, and theater performances in historic venues like Ephesus Theatre. Evening performances start after sunset to avoid daytime heat, creating magical atmospheric concerts.

Mid August

Bodrum Music Festival

Classical music and jazz performances in Bodrum Castle's medieval courtyards. Sea breezes and stone walls create natural cooling, making evening concerts comfortable despite August temperatures. International artists perform alongside Turkish musicians.

August 15

Assumption Day Celebrations

Greek Orthodox communities in Istanbul and Cappadocia hold traditional ceremonies marking Mary's assumption. Particularly significant in historic churches like Hagia Sophia and cave churches of Göreme, offering insight into Turkey's Christian heritage.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and hat - UV index reaches 10, strongest of the year requiring reapplication every 90 minutes

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in cotton or linen - protects from sun while allowing airflow in 60% humidity

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable mesh - expect 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) walking daily on hot pavements

Insulated water bottle holding 1.5L (50 oz) - dehydration happens quickly in 33°C (91°F) heat

Light rain jacket or umbrella - evening thunderstorms occur 5 days per month, typically lasting 45-90 minutes

Modest clothing for mosque visits - long pants and sleeves required, lightweight fabrics essential in heat

Portable phone charger - batteries drain 30% faster in extreme heat, especially during long sightseeing days

Electrolyte tablets or powder - sweating increases significantly in Turkish summer heat and humidity

Cooling towel or bandana - soak in cold water for instant neck and face cooling during midday activities

Flip-flops or sandals for accommodations - feet swell in heat and need breathing room after full sightseeing days

Insider Knowledge

Turkish people take siestas 1-4pm in August - shops close, restaurants empty, and streets quiet. Plan indoor activities like underground cities or museums during peak heat hours.

August is Turkish vacation month - coastal towns fill with domestic tourists paying local prices, not tourist prices. Learn basic Turkish greetings to access local rates at family-run establishments.

Morning markets (6-9am) offer the freshest produce before heat spoils items. Locals shop early for best selection and cooler shopping experience, especially in Istanbul's Tehran.

Hotel air conditioning costs extra at many properties - confirm cooling costs upfront as August electricity bills can add ₺500-1,200 ($17-42) daily surcharge to accommodation.

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities 11am-4pm when temperatures peak at 35°C+ (95°F+) causing heat exhaustion and ruining sightseeing plans

Underestimating water needs - tourists require 3-4L (100-135 oz) daily in Turkish August heat, double normal consumption

Wearing dark colors or synthetic fabrics that trap heat and show sweat stains prominently in humid coastal areas