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Holiday in Turkey in September: which region to choose

Seasonal guide · Aegean coast & Antalya · 2026

Holiday in Turkey in September: where to go for the "velvet season"?

No sweltering July-August heat, but the sea is just as warm. Admiral.Travel analysed the weather, prices and charter flights for September 2026, so you pick the right region, not just the hotel.

✅ Quick answer

September is officially considered the "velvet season" in Turkey: temperatures of 28-32°C during the day, sea warmed to 26-28°C on the Antalya coast, and none of the July-August crowds. The key difference between regions: charter flights to the Aegean coast (Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye) thin out after 15 September, while flights to the Antalya coast keep running unhindered all month.

Ready to discover an authentic Turkey, without the crowds and the stifling heat of high season, but with a sea just as inviting? September is, without doubt, the ideal month for a holiday in Turkey from Chisinau, a well-kept secret among experienced travellers, rightly nicknamed the "velvet season".

At Admiral.Travel, we analysed the latest trends for the 2026 season and put together a complete guide to help you pick the perfect destination for a beach holiday in Turkey, making sure you get excellent weather, great deals and memorable experiences, from golden beaches to cultural exploration.

The reason behind it

Why choose September for a holiday in Turkey?

September combines the perks of summer with the comfort of autumn: 28-32°C by day, mild evenings, and sea heated to its peak after months of building warmth.

September turns Turkey into a dream destination, combining the perks of the summer season with the comfort of autumn. Average temperatures dip slightly, sitting between 28-32°C during the day, while evenings turn mild and perfect for relaxed strolls.

Unlike July and August, when the blazing sun can be overwhelming, in September you can enjoy the beach, the pool and various outdoor activities without any discomfort. This period is excellent for families with young children, who avoid the hot midday hours, and for couples looking for a calmer, more romantic atmosphere.

Another major benefit is sea temperature. After soaking up heat all summer, the Mediterranean and Aegean waters reach peak thermal comfort. So you can swim in excellent conditions, with water temperatures holding between 26°C and 28°C on the Antalya coast, and slightly below that in the first half of the month on the Aegean coast.

What's more, September often brings more attractive all-inclusive stay deals, especially towards the middle and end of the month, as demand starts to drop, letting you enjoy premium hotels at more affordable prices. This combination of perfect weather and optimised costs makes a holiday in Turkey in September a smart decision and an investment in an unforgettable experience.

Quick orientation

Aegean coast or Antalya coast: what's the real difference?

🌊 Aegean coast

Bodrum · Marmaris · Fethiye

  • Lively atmosphere, without the summer crowds
  • Idyllic bays, green scenery, boutique hotels
  • Charter flights thin out after 15 September
  • Last-minute opportunities at 5-star hotels

☀️ Antalya coast

Antalya · Alanya · Side · Kemer · Belek

  • Turkey's longest summer season
  • Charter flights unhindered all month
  • Impressive all-inclusive resorts
  • Ideal for families, wide fine-sand beaches
Turkey's coastline in September, with turquoise sea and sunny beaches along the Aegean and Antalya coasts
The "velvet season" transforms the Turkish coastline: mild temperatures, warm sea and none of the summer crowds.
The detail that could save your holiday

When do charter flights stop in September?

Charter flights to the Aegean Sea (Bodrum/Dalaman) thin out significantly after 15 September. To Antalya, charter flights keep running unhindered until the end of the month.

🌊 Aegean ☀️ Antalya Sep 1 Sep 15 Sep 30 Frequent flights Rare flights / last-minute
After 15 September, last-minute deals appear at 5-star Aegean hotels, but with fewer flight options. To Antalya, flexibility stays at its peak all month.
Bays and a cosmopolitan atmosphere

The Aegean coast: why the early-month deals are worth it?

The Aegean region (Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye) shines in the first half of September, with idyllic bays, fine-sand beaches and luxury boutique hotels.

The Aegean region, with gems like Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye, shines in the first half of September. The atmosphere here is lively, but without the stifling crowds of July-August.

This area is renowned for its green scenery, idyllic bays and fine-sand beaches, as well as boutique and luxury hotels that blend harmoniously into nature. There's one essential commercial detail worth knowing: charter flights to Turkey heading to Aegean destinations, particularly Bodrum/Dalaman, start thinning out noticeably after mid-September. This can, however, open up excellent last-minute deals at 5-star hotels, turning a premium holiday into a far more affordable one.

Bodrum: luxury and quiet bays

A quiet bay in Bodrum, Turkey, with a beach platform on the rocky terrain and boutique hotels
Bodrum, "Turkey's Saint-Tropez": intimate bays, cliff-side swimming platforms and picturesque harbours.

Bodrum is a fascinating mix of history, luxury and buzzing nightlife. Known as "Turkey's Saint-Tropez", it offers exclusive resorts, private beaches and a refined social scene. In September, temperatures are perfect for exploring Bodrum Castle or strolling through the picturesque harbour.

The beaches here vary: some are intimate, tucked away in bays, while others are set up as a beach platform, a clever solution for the rocky terrain that gives easy access to crystal-clear water. For anyone after a European-style experience, with a touch of elegance and relaxation, Bodrum in early September is the ideal choice.

Want a deal for Bodrum from Chisinau? See Bodrum offers →

Fethiye and paragliding flights over Oludeniz

Fethiye and its famous Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz are a paradise for nature and adrenaline lovers alike. Picture a day on a fine-sand beach, followed by an unmatched adventure.

September, with its mild temperatures, is the perfect month for paragliding off Babadağ Mountain, offering spectacular views over the turquoise lagoon. Unlike the summer heat, the mountain air is fresh, making the whole experience far more enjoyable.

Want a deal for Fethiye and Oludeniz? See Oludeniz offers →
Turkey's longest season

The Antalya coast: where's the guarantee of warm weather?

The Antalya coast has Turkey's longest summer season. September remains high season, but a far more relaxed one, with charter flights running unhindered all month.

If the boutique charm of the Aegean coast has won you over, but you'd rather have a firmer guarantee of warm weather well into autumn, the Antalya coast is the answer. This region prides itself on Turkey's longest summer season, and September remains high season, albeit a much more relaxed one.

Here, Antalya's weather in September means sunny days and steady temperatures, with minimal chances of rain. Charter flights to Turkey keep running to Antalya unhindered throughout the month, giving you maximum flexibility when planning your holiday. This area is ideal for families thanks to impressive all-inclusive resorts and wide, fine-sand beaches.

Want a general offer for Antalya? See Antalya offers →

Alanya and Side: the safest bet for late September weather

A fine-sand beach with a gentle entry into the sea in Alanya or Side, Turkey, ideal for families with children
Alanya and Side remain the warmest and driest resorts in late September, with wide beaches and fine sand.

For anyone wanting to stretch summer as far as it goes, Alanya and Side are the jewels of the Antalya coast in late September. This is where it's warmest in Turkey in September, with sea temperatures that can reach as high as 27-28°C, and pleasant air around 28-30°C.

These resorts offer fine-sand beaches and a gentle entry into the sea, ideal for a family holiday with children in Turkey. Alanya, the southernmost resort, benefits from a privileged microclimate that lets it hold onto high temperatures even into October. Beyond the beach, you can explore Alanya Castle or the Damlataş Cave.

Side, a town with a rich history, blends the beach perfectly with ancient archaeological sites, offering an ideal combination of relaxation and culture, especially with temperatures in Alanya and in Side staying so pleasant in the autumn.

Want a deal for Alanya or Side? See Alanya offers →

Kemer: mountain scenery (and rain risks)

Kemer is a destination of unique beauty, sitting at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, with dramatic scenery where mountains meet the sea. The luxury resorts are surrounded by pine forests, and the atmosphere is calm and sophisticated.

That said, it's worth knowing that the mountainous terrain, while picturesque, can bring an increased risk of short, sporadic showers towards the end of September, particularly compared with Alanya or Side. If guaranteed sun right to the last ray is your priority, Admiral.Travel recommends looking at the more southerly resorts on the Antalya coast for the second half of the month.

Want a deal for Kemer? See Kemer offers →
Quick decision

Which region of Turkey suits you in September?

Families with young children: Alanya, Side or Belek. Couples after romance: Bodrum. Adventurers after nature: Fethiye or Kemer. Guaranteed weather well into autumn: Alanya.

Families with children

Choose Alanya, Side or Belek: fine-sand beaches, gentle sea entry, all-inclusive resorts.

Romantic couples

Choose Bodrum: intimate bays, boutique resorts, an elegant and refined atmosphere.

Adventurers and nature

Choose Fethiye or Kemer: paragliding, mountain trails, spectacular green scenery.

Guaranteed sun

Choose Alanya: a privileged microclimate, the lowest rain risk at the end of the month.

Beyond the beach

Which excursions are more enjoyable in Turkey in autumn?

Mild temperatures of 25-28°C turn any excursion into pure pleasure, far from the sweltering summer heat.

September is the ideal month to explore Turkey's cultural and natural treasures, far from the sweltering summer heat. Here are a few unbeatable suggestions, available through Admiral.Travel's organised excursions:

Pamukkale

A trip to Pamukkale means the white limestone terraces and thermal waters of the "Cotton Castle", a wonder of nature. Picture walking barefoot through the mineral waters, without worrying about sunburn.

Cappadocia

A hot air balloon flight over the "fairy chimneys" at sunrise is a transformative experience. September's stable weather boosts the chances of a successful flight.

Ephesus

Discover the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities. Walking among libraries, theatres and temples is far more pleasant under a gentle sun.

Kaleici, Antalya

Antalya's historic centre, with its maze of narrow streets and Ottoman architecture, is perfect for a relaxed evening stroll.

The travertine terraces at Pamukkale or a hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey, in September
September's stable weather boosts the chances of a successful hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia.

These excursions take on a whole different flavour in September, when you can explore the ruins, terraces or valleys without fighting the daytime heat.

Expert tips

How do you book a stress-free September holiday?

Planning a holiday in Turkey in September can be simple and stress-free, especially with Admiral.Travel's expertise. Here are the essential steps to make sure you pick the perfect package:

01
Check the departure dates

Charter flights to the Aegean Sea thin out after 15 September. For the second half of the month, focus exclusively on flights to Antalya.

02
Pick the right climate region

For guaranteed heat, choose Alanya or Side. For greener nature, tolerating a small chance of showers, Fethiye or Kemer are excellent options.

03
Check the beach infrastructure

Travelling with little ones? In Bodrum and Marmaris, beaches can be on platforms. For families, Lara or Belek offer fine sand and a gentle sea entry.

04
Get in touch with Admiral.Travel

Confirm the finalised holiday package: charter flight from Romania, airport-hotel transfer and the meal plan that suits your budget.

💡 Tip: Our experts offer the freshest deals for the Aegean Sea and Antalya, tailored to your needs. Don't leave your choice of region to chance.

Already planning a 2027 holiday in Turkey, all inclusive? Book now and benefit from Early Booking rates. 2027 Early Booking →
🍂 Book the velvet season

September isn't an extension of summer, it's Turkey at its very best.

From the sunny beaches of Alanya and Side, to the spectacular scenery of Fethiye and the luxury of Bodrum, every region reveals its charm under a different sun.

Admiral.Travel is here to turn your September holiday dream into reality, making sure you pick the perfect destination. Don't miss the chance to discover the "velvet season".

Free consultation, no obligations. An Admiral.Travel specialist will get back to you quickly.

📌 Quick summary: September is the "velvet season" in Turkey: 28-32°C by day, sea at 26-28°C on the Antalya coast. Charter flights to the Aegean (Bodrum, Fethiye) thin out after 15 September; to Antalya they continue all month. Alanya and Side stay the warmest at the end of the month. Kemer carries a higher rain risk towards the end.
Direct answers

Quick questions about Turkey in September

Where is it warmest in Turkey in September? By the end of the month, it's warmest on the Antalya coast, particularly in Alanya and Side, where the sea is still around 27-28°C, and the chances of rain are much lower than in mountainous regions like Kemer or the Aegean coast.

Can you still swim in the sea in Turkey in September? Yes, September is considered the "velvet season". The Mediterranean is fully warmed up after the summer months, with water temperatures between 26°C and 28°C. In the first half of the month, the Aegean Sea also offers excellent swimming conditions.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about a September holiday in Turkey

Rain is rare in the first half of the month. Towards the end of September, short showers can appear, especially in mountainous regions like Kemer. Alanya and Side stay the driest.

Yes, though flight schedules differ. Charter flights to Antalya continue at full pace, but for the Aegean region (Bodrum/Dalaman), the last charters from Romania are usually scheduled for mid-month.

During the day, you'll only need light beachwear (temperatures of 28-32°C). For the evening, especially in Bodrum, Fethiye or Kemer, a blouse or light jacket is recommended.

It's the ideal month. Comfortable temperatures of 25-28°C make exploring the ruins at Ephesus, the terraces at Pamukkale, or a hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia far more enjoyable compared with the sweltering July-August heat.

The best Aegean Sea deals in September usually show up towards the middle and end of the month, as last-minute offers at 5-star hotels, as demand drops and charter flights become scarcer.

Yes. Turkey's velvet season is ideal for a holiday with children, since it avoids summer's hot midday hours. Alanya, Side and Belek offer fine-sand beaches and a gentle sea entry, ideal for families.

Yes, a valid passport is required for a holiday in Turkey. Citizens of the Republic of Moldova benefit from visa-free access for short tourist stays, based on a valid passport. Rules can be updated, so we recommend checking official information before travelling or confirming directly with an Admiral.Travel consultant.

Disclaimer: the temperatures, prices and charter flight schedules mentioned are confirmed estimates for the 2026 season; these may vary slightly depending on actual weather conditions and airline operators. We recommend confirming exact details with Admiral.Travel agents at the time of booking.

Bibliography
Documentary sources

  1. 01 Comparative analysis of air and sea water temperatures on the Aegean and Antalya coasts: Admiral.Travel, tourism specialist team, 2026 season.
  2. 02 Charter flight schedules from Romania and the Republic of Moldova to Turkey: partner airline operators, September 2026 season.
  3. 03 Information on the Pamukkale, Cappadocia and Ephesus tourist sites: Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.