August (Ağustos) is the last month of summer in Turkey. It's hot and sunny all month, with weather averaging 28°C (82.4°F) and crowded at the beach resorts in coastal cities, where prices are at their highest.
Where to Travel in August
The weather is still hot, and the beaches are welcoming during August. Many people visit coastal resorts and enjoy the blue flag beaches. Some of the most popular cities during August are Antalya, Bodrum, Kemer, and Izmir.
If you want to avoid beaches and crowds, it is the best time to be in Eastern Turkey when the weather is fine and crowds are smaller than along the western coasts, but the Southeast is blazing hot.
Popular Activities in August
For many visitors, beaches are the main attraction, offering a relaxing day on a sunbed and drinking cold drinks at night. Coastal cities are bustling with people enjoying the nightlife. The most popular activities in August include:
- Enjoying the blue flag beaches of of Antalya, Çeşme and Bodrum.
- Water sports such as windsurfing and rafting, visited by many in the cities scuh as Manavgat, Antalya, Bodrum and Çeşme.
- Taking tours of historical sites such as the Roman Agora, Ephesus Archeological Site, Aspendos, Perge Ruins and more.
- Strolling in lively Aegean and Mediterranean cities, famous for their beauty.
Common Events, Festivals, and Holidays in August
Each local town in Turkey holds a unique festival during this month. While the date and type of celebration can depend on the city, there are also well-known festivals in August. The Assumption of the Virgin Mary mass is held at the House of the Virgin Mary (Meryemana) near Ephesus on August 15th, with the Catholic archbishop of İzmir officiating.
Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı, August 30th) is the national holiday commemorating the decisive victory at Dumlupınar of the Turkish Republican armies over the invading Greek army during Turkey's War of Independence in 1922. Towns and cities in western Turkey celebrate their own Kurtuluş Günü (Day of Liberation).
Zeytinli Rock Festival is also another festival well-known throughout Turkey. And in mid-August, Hacı Bektaş Veli, founder of the Bektaşi order of dervishes, is commemorated in the town named after him in Cappadocia.
Note that if you want to attend the Rumi Commemoration Ceremonies (Şeb-i Aruz) in Konya in December and see the Whirling Dervishes, it's not a bad idea to make your reservations now! Flights and hotel rooms are in very high demand, so we've teamed up with Argeus Tourism & Travel to organize travel programs to make it easier for you to participate in this unforgettable event.
Percentage of Tourists in Turkey in August
August is the last month of high season in Turkey, so a small percentage of tourists start leaving Turkey during this month. However, you can still expect bustling cities and lively nights, especially in coastal regions such as the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.
What to Know Before Traveling to Turkey in August
While August is the last month of summer in Turkey, it is still scorching hot, and cities are crowded. So, it is important to plan ahead, and book your hotel in advance.
Enjoy Turkey This August!
August is as popular as ever, and the sea is warm. Coastal cities are among the favorite spots full of local and international visitors, enjoying the beaches and world-famous restaurants and hotels. There are many festivals and holidays throughout the month to attend.
Remember to plan well and enjoy your trip to Turkey.
—by Tom Brosnahan, updated by Can Turan
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