July is one of the peak summer months across Turkey. With school holidays and rising temperatures, travel plans gain momentum. However, various regions of Turkey offer different climatic conditions and holiday opportunities in July. In this article, we explore in detail what the weather is like in each region of Turkey, including activities to enjoy, top places to visit, and local delicacies to savour.
Best Places To Visit In Turkey In July
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Aegean Region: Meeting History and the Sea in the Heat
Weather:
In July, temperatures in the Aegean Region generally hover between 30-38°C. At night, temperatures range from 22 to 26 °C. Humidity is slightly lower than in the Mediterranean, which makes the heat more bearable. Especially around Izmir, Aydin and Mugla, it is the hottest period of the year.
Places to Visit & Activities:
The Aegean literally turns into a tourism paradise in July. It is full of ancient cities, beaches and cosy towns. Historical sites such as the ancient city of Ephesus, Pergamon, Aphrodisias and Didyma should be visited early in the morning. For those who want to swim in the sea, Bodrum, Çeşme, Didim, Kuşadası and Fethiye stand out. Especially Çeşme Alaçatı is ideal for those who want to windsurf.
Watching the sunset in the coastal towns of the Aegean, taking boat tours and exploring the bays are among the essentials of a July vacation. Çeşme's Ilıca Beach, famous for its gum trees, or the quiet bays of Datça are very popular during this period.
Food & Drink Recommendations:
Light and refreshing Aegean cuisine stands out in the July heat. Olive oil dishes, herb dishes, artichokes, stuffed zucchini blossoms, seafood (especially calamari, octopus and sea bass) are preferred with an ice-cold glass of white wine or raki. You should also try Bodrum's stuffed zucchini blossoms or Izmir's kumru sandwich.
Mediterranean Region: Blue Cruise in the Heat and a History-Infused Vacation
Weather:
Temperatures in the Mediterranean Region in July can range between 34 °C and 42 °C. Humidity is quite high, especially in cities like Antalya and Adana, where the heat can be sweltering. Even at night, the temperature is around 25-28°C.
Places to visit & Activities:
The coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea are at their most crowded during this season. The coastal areas of Antalya such as Kaş, Kalkan, Olympos, Phaselis, Side are perfect for sea, nature and history lovers. July is also one of the best times to go on a blue cruise. Boat tours on the Fethiye-Kekova-Kaş route offer the opportunity to explore ancient port cities from the sea.
In cities like Adana and Mersin, those who want to escape the heat head towards the Taurus Mountains. Plateaus such as Aytepe, Tekir Plateau and Zorkun are the escape points for those looking for coolness. At the same time, nature areas such as Saklikent Canyon and Koprulu Canyon can be preferred for rafting and nature walks.
Food & Drink Recommendations:
Local delicacies such as Adana kebab, tantuni, bici bici (a refreshing summer dessert) and cezerye must be tasted. In addition, Mediterranean appetisers, salads prepared with fresh herbs and cold ayran alleviate the heat.
Black Sea Region: Cool Highlands, Thousands of Shades of Green
Weather:
In July, the Black Sea Region is one of the coolest regions of Turkey. While temperatures on the coast range from 24 to 30°C, in the highlands, the days are cool, and the nights can drop to 10-15°C. July is one of the least rainy periods in the Black Sea region, although precipitation can occur from time to time.
Places to Visit & Activities:
July in the Black Sea is the middle of the highland season. Ayder, Pokut, Gito in Rize; Uzungöl and Haldizen Plateau in Trabzon; and Perşembe Plateau in Ordu are preferred by those looking for nature and coolness. The region is extremely suitable for nature walks, camping and photography. Cultural spots such as Sumela Monastery, Zil Castle, Amasra and Safranbolu are also worth seeing.
There are also places to swim on the Black Sea coast in July. The coastlines of Samsun, Ordu, Sinop and Bartın attract attention with their cool and clean seas during this period. Especially Sinop's Hamsilos Bay is ideal for swimming and relaxing with its natural harbour structure.
Food & Drink Recommendations:
Black Sea cuisine is also very rich in the summer. Kuymak (mıhlama), black cabbage rolls, green bean diblesi, corn bread, fried anchovies and Laz pastry are among the must-try flavours. In addition, the natural highland yoghurts and fresh ayran made in the region offer a cooling effect on hot days.
Marmara Region: The Most Enjoyable Escape from the City
Weather:
Temperatures in the Marmara Region in July range between 28-36°C. Humidity is high in cities such as Istanbul, Bursa and Tekirdag, which makes the temperature more oppressive. Especially in Thrace and Southern Marmara, temperatures are drier and around 20-24°C at night.
Places to Visit & Activities:
There are many options for those who want to get away from city life and spend time in nature in Marmara. In Istanbul, the Prince Islands, Belgrade Forest and the beaches of Şile-Ağva are ideal getaway spots. In Bursa, Uludağ stands out with its hiking, camping and cool weather in summer. Yalova's thermal springs and nature areas such as Erikli Plateau can also be preferred.
Assos and Bozcaada in Çanakkale are among the top summer destinations in Marmara. Likewise, in Thrace, Kırklareli's İğneada Floodplain Forests and Dupnisa Cave offer coolness and discovery. In Tekirdağ, Uçmakdere is a favorite for paragliding enthusiasts.
Food & Drink Recommendations:
Although Istanbul's cuisine is very varied, in the summer months, appetizers such as sea bass marin, stuffed mussels and fried calamari are preferred, especially in fish restaurants. Tekirdağ meatballs, Edirne liver, Bursa's Iskender kebab and the famous cheeses of Thrace (Ezine, Kırklareli) should also be tasted. Enjoy the evening with organic wines and seafood in Bozcaada.
Central Anatolia: History and Steppe under the Hot Sun
Weather:
Temperatures in Central Anatolia in July range from 30 °C to 38 °C. Humidity is quite low, so the temperature feels drier. The nights are usually cool (15-20°C). In big cities such as Ankara, Konya and Eskişehir, the sun is scorching during the day.
Places to visit & Activities:
Central Anatolia is waiting to be explored in summer with its historical and natural riches. Cappadocia is one of the most popular routes with its sunrise balloon tours and underground cities despite the hot weather. The Göreme, Urgup, Avanos triangle attracts a lot of attention in July with its sunset views and fairy chimneys.
In Eskişehir, walking along the Porsuk River and spending time in Sazova Science and Culture Park are among the favourites of both local and foreign tourists. Mevlana Museum and Karatay Madrasa can be visited in Konya. In Ankara, Atatürk Forest Farm, Lake Eymir and the historic Hamamönü neighbourhood are ideal for summer walks.
Food & Drink Recommendations:
Central Anatolian cuisine is also hearty in summer. Meat bread (Konya), tandoori kebab (Nevşehir), Ankara tava, pastrami with fenugreek (Kayseri), ravioli and gözleme are frequently consumed. In summer, ayran, turnip and homemade compotes are among the refreshing drinks.
Eastern Anatolia: Cool Highlands, A Geography Full of Adventure
Weather:
July is the hottest month in Eastern Anatolia. Daytime temperatures range between 28-35°C; in high-altitude cities such as Erzurum and Kars, they hover between 20-28°C. Night temperatures can drop considerably (10-15°C). Humidity is low and the air is dry.
Places to Visit & Activities:
July is the ideal time to explore Eastern Anatolia. You can visit Akdamar Island and Van Castle on the shores of Lake Van. Nemrut Crater Lake in Bitlis is a popular destination for nature lovers. Palandöken Mountain in Erzurum is suitable for summer walks and highland activities.
In Kars, Ani Ruins and Çıldır Lake stand out for history and nature lovers. Also, travelling by train with the Touristic Eastern Express, the summer version of the Orient Express, offers a different experience.
Food & Drink Recommendations:
Van breakfast is a hearty and traditional choice for summer mornings. Ayran aşı soup, tandoori kebab, Erzincan tulum cheese, kete, kashkaval cheese, roasted meat and honey clotted cream are the prominent flavours of the region. Highland buttermilk and pestil, which are consumed abundantly in summer, are also among the refreshing snacks.
Southeastern Anatolia Region: Thousands of Years of Culture in the Heart of the Heat
Weather:
In July, Southeast Anatolia is one of the hottest regions in Turkey. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 38 °C to 45 °C. Especially in cities such as Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Gaziantep and Diyarbakır, it is not recommended to go out at noon. At night, it usually ranges between 25-30°C.
Places to Visit & Activities:
Despite the heat, early morning or evening hours should be utilised during this period as it is a very rich geography in terms of culture and history. You can visit Göbeklitepe, Balıklıgöl and Halfeti boat tour in Şanlıurfa; stone houses, Dara Ancient City and Deyrulzafaran Monastery in Mardin; historical walls, Great Mosque and Hasanpaşa Inn in Diyarbakır.
In Gaziantep, cultural sites such as Zeugma Mosaic Museum and Bakırcılar Bazaar should be explored in the morning. Also, the sunset view on the banks of the Euphrates River is unforgettable.
Food & Drink Recommendations:
This region has the richest cuisine in Turkey in terms of gastronomy. Lahmacun, liver kebab, beyran soup, ali nazik, stuffed ribs, menengiç coffee, katmer and künefe must be tried. Despite the hot weather, spicy and meat-based dishes are consumed, accompanied by plenty of ayran and iced water.