Antalya is defined by a classic Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa), characterized by long, hot, and dry summers alongside mild, wet winters. This region, often gọied the "Turkish Riviera," is uniquely sheltered by the Taurus Mountains, which act as a massive thermal barrier, blocking cold winds from Central Anatolia and ensuring the city remains significantly warmer than its inland neighbors.
Daily and Seasonal Rhythms
- Summer (June – September): High summer in Antalya is intense. Daytime temperatures frequently exceed 35°C (95°F), sometimes reaching 40°C+ during heatwaves. Humidity stays high (averaging 60%—65%), making it feel much muggier than other Mediterranean spots. The day follows a strict rhythm: a brief morning coolness (around 22°C–25°C) gives way to a blistering midday sun. The "feel" of the weather is heavy and still, with very little wind to break the heat.
- Autumn (October – November): Locals often call this the "mellow season." The oppressive heat break-up in October, leaving warm days (26°C) and comfortable nights. The sea remains warm enough for swimming until late November. Historically, late autumn marks the return of the rains, which can arrive as sudden, intense Mediterranean thunderstorms.
- Winter (December – February): This is the wettest period. Antalya receives massive amounts of rainfall—December alone can see over 250mm. Unlike the gray drizzle of Northern Europe, winter rain here often comes in torrential bursts followed by bright, clear sunshine. Temperatures are mild, rarely dipping below 5°C (41°F) at night, and often hitting a pleasant 15°C (59°F) during the day.
- Spring (March – May): Spring is a rapid transition. The landscape turns lush as the snow on the Taurus peaks begins to melt. Rain showers become sporadic and quick, and by May, the daily highs are already climbing into the mid-20s (70s°F).
The Taurus Mountain Influence & Microclimates
The geography of Antalya creates dramatic weather variations within short distances. While it may be 18°C and sunny on the Konyaaltı beaches in February, the Saklıkent ski resort—just 45 minutes away in the mountains—can be covered in meters of snow. This proximity allows for the rare phenomenon of "skiing in the morning and swimming in the afternoon" during early spring. Inland areas and higher altitude districts like Döşemealtı are typically 3-5 degrees cooler than the coastal city center and significantly less humid.
Specific Weather Phenomena
- Föhn Winds: Occasionally, warm, dry winds descend from the Taurus Mountains. These can cause sudden spikes in temperature and a dramatic drop in humidity, making the air feel unusually parched.
- Lodos Winds: Strong southwesterly winds can bring high waves and warm air from the sea, sometimes carrying Saharan dust that gives the sky a hazy, orange tint.
- Tropical Transition: In mid-summer, the combination of high sea surface temperatures (peaking at 29°C in August) and stagnant air creates a "sauna effect" where nights offer little relief from the daytime heat.
Local Adaptation
Antalya residents have a distinct way of navigating their environment. During the peak summer heat, the city goes quiet between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM; locals avoid going outside, preferring the shelter of heavy stone walls in the Old Town (Kaleiçi) or modern air conditioning. Many families move to "yayla" (highland summer houses) in the mountains to escape the coastal humidity. In winter, the rainy days are embraced as a time for restorative indoor socializing, as the city’s drainage systems are frequently tested by the sheer volume of water.