Turkey. A tapestry filled with rich history, spanning over 2500 years. The regions of modern Turkey, both on the European and the Asian side have been under the control of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. We visited this vast country on a 10 day Turkey trip in September. (Those were the days when the school schedule did not restrict us to holiday in June / July!). This post covers weather, travel tips, best places to visit, things to do in Turkey in September.
Turkey has so many ancient ruins and historical monuments that you to research and choose the spots to visit on your itinerary. It also has varied natural landscape and flavourful food.
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Weather in Turkey in September
The summer months (June through to August) are very hot. Typically, spring (April, May) and fall (September and October) are pleasantly warm, with temperatures of 20°C to 30°C. So these are the best months to visit the grand array of Turkey’s historical landmarks and sites.
Turkey is a vast country so weather varies in different regions in September. The days in September are still long, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day. Istanbul, the capital, experiences warm days with temperature around 24ºC (75ºF) during the day and comfortable nights at 17ºC (63ºF). Cappadocia faces more stark weather with warmer days (27ºC, 81ºF) and cooler nights (8ºC, 46ºF). Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean destinations have typical Mediterranean weather, and you’ll get high temperatures and sun in September with not much rain.
What to wear in Turkey in September
Weather is still hot in September. Keeping the daytime temperature in mind, you should wear light-colored clothing made of natural fabrics. Cotton or linen clothes will work well, whether it is shirts / T-shirts or comfortable trousers / skirts. It is also necessary to use sunglasses or a sun hat and good-quality sunscreen.
Do remember to cover your shoulders and knees, to show respect when you are visit any mosque or religious site. This is an important tip amongst others on how to dress in Turkey as a woman. A scarf or stole to cover your head is a good idea.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must as you need to walk a lot exploring the historical monuments in Istanbul and outside the capital city, be it Ephesus or Pamukkule. We really needed walking shoes on our Ephesus day trip from Izmir.
For those visiting Cappadocia, do pack a light jacket or a jumper for the mornings and evenings, when the temperature is lower. If you are visiting the beaches at the Turkish Riviera, it is ok to dress however you would like. Bikinis and swimsuits are absolutely fine to wear in beach resorts in Turkey.
What to expect regarding crowds and cost
While September is still part of the tourist season, it is far less crowded as compared to the peak summer months (June to August). Hotel and internal flight prices are lower as well, though the cheapest season to visit Turkey is the winter season (January to March).
So make the most of better weather in September and lesser crowds at major attractions to put some of the famous Turkish landmarks on your itinerary.
Best places to visit in Turkey in September
September is the best time of the year to visit if you’re hoping to visit both the beaches and see the cultural sights that Turkey has to offer. So the entire country is open for you.
Visit the cultural and historical sites of Istanbul, make sure you spend enough time in this beautiful city. Just so many places to visit in Istanbul and things to do. It would be a shame to spend just a day in this incredible city. 3 to 4 days in Istanbul would be a good time in my opinion. Istanbul is a good choice amongst European cities to visit in autumn.
There are too many landmarks in Istanbul to visit on one trip, but you can do a trip to some of the best preserved sites such as Ephesus and Pergamum near Izmir, Bodrum Castle and ancient tombs in Dylan if you are visiting the southwest coast. There is Anitkabir in Ankara, which has the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation, Ataturk.
With September still being a great time of the year to visit one of Turkey’s beaches, you can visit any of the beach towns in Turkey for relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing. Fethiye, Kas, Bodrum, Antalya, Marmaris, there are some stunning beach towns at the Turkish Riviera.
And don’t leave out the surreal landscape of Cappadocia which is unbearable in the summer months. The unusual landscape of Cappadocia is home to many interesting valleys. You can put underground cities, monasteries, and open air museums on your Cappadocia itinerary.
Things to do in Turkey in September
Marvel at the history of this ancient land: Be it the famous monuments in Istanbul like Hagia Sophia and the Sultanahmet Mosque, or the classical sites as Ephesus and Aphrodisias, Turkey has a stunning array of historical monuments to marvel at.
Take a boat ride on Bosphorous: You can gaze at the sprawling city of Istanbul from Bosphorus. This is a marvellous view especially at sunset time.
Shopping at Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar: Istanbul is a treasure chest of unique things and there’s a lot to buy, especially if you are shopping for Turkish souvenirs.
Indulge in Turkish food: Don’t miss out on the fantastic variety of Turkish food. And try Turkish coffee, tea and sweets as well. I highly recommend a food tour in Istanbul.
Hot air balloon in Cappadocia: If you do visit Cappadocia, don’t miss out on a hot air balloon ride. The views of the Mars-like landscape have to be seen to be believed from the top.
Hiking and other outdoor activities: With brutal summer months away, it is a good time to go for hikes in the Ilhara valley, Pigeon valley in Cappadocia.
Relax at the Turkish beach towns: A stay at the Turkish Riviera is the perfect and relaxing ending to a cultural tour of Turkey’s highlights. You are bound to fall in love with those turquoise waters, Turkish hospitality, and delicious food.
Festivals and Events in Turkey in September
In September for the next 3 years, Turkish Muslims celebrate Milad un Nabi, the annual celebration commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. This is based on lunar calendar so dates changes each year.
Izmir celebrates 9th September as its Day of Liberation, so expect celebrations and speeches in Izmir province in mid-September.
Summary: Pros and Cons of visiting Turkey in September
Pros
Regular crowds in Istanbul and Cappadocia, but less crowds in all the coastal cities.
Daytime temperature is great for both historical sightseeing and relaxing at beach resorts.
Shoulder season so prices at hotels, especially at beach towns and for internal flights are lower.
Cons
The weather can sometimes be unpredictable, with occasional rain or cooler temperatures.
Have I convinced you to visit this breathtaking and diverse country in spring or fall?
Planning a trip to Turkey?
Check out this Classic Turkey Itinerary: Places to visit in Turkey: Explore the Classic Turkey Itinerary
See Istanbul Itinerary suggestions and Istanbul Food Tour to explore the capital city
For Cappadocia, do read What to Do in Cappadocia: Highlights in 3 days
Explore the stunning ancient ruins at Ephesus walking tour: Visiting the ancient city of Ephesus
If you are figuring what to buy in Turkey, check out this post on Best souvenirs from Turkey
Also, check out Landmarks in Turkey and Packing Guide for Turkey
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Have you visited Turkey? What has been your favourite month or season to visit?
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if I could overcome my fear of heights, I would love take a hot air balloon to see Turkey from this perspective.
The hot air balloon is (mostly) a gentle ride. You could try looking at the horizon than straight down. But taking it in Cappadocia is an exceptional experience.
I didn’t realize that Turkey would be so warm during September. Off to plan a Turkey diving trip thank you lol!
I would love to go diving there
Lovely post! I’ve visited Turkey multiple times and every time I want to go back. The weather is perfect, the food is delicious… September is definitely the time to go. One place which I have not visited yet is Cappadocia. It looks really attractive with these colorful hot air balloons. Not sure if I’d actually get on a hot air balloon, but would love to see them from the distance.
If you ever get on a hot air balloon, Cappadocia is the place to be. The landscape is so unique.
Turkey sounds like a fascinating destination and turkish food is amazing. I can’t wait until I get to plan a trip to the region.
You will have a feb time.