Antalya sea temperature: when can you swim?

The sea around Antalya is warm for a long season. Long-term averages run from about 17°C in January to about 29°C in August, and the water stays warm well into autumn because it cools much more slowly than the air. Below you will find the average sea temperature for every month, who each season suits, simple safety rules for the beach and where to swim. All figures are long-term averages for Antalya; a given week can be a degree or two warmer or cooler.

Sea temperature month by month

January: 17°C

The sea is about 17°C, among the coolest of the year, with daytime highs around 15°C. Only hardy winter swimmers go in, usually for a few minutes on a sunny, windless day. More in Antalya in January.

February: 17°C

Still about 17°C, and the air is barely warmer at around 16°C by day. A month for walks on the beach rather than swimming; most people use a heated hotel pool instead. See Antalya in February.

March: 17°C

The water stays at about 17°C even as the air warms to around 18°C. On a sunny afternoon a quick dip is possible if you are used to cold water, but it feels fresh. Details: Antalya in March.

April: 18°C

The sea creeps up to about 18°C while days reach around 22°C. Some visitors from northern Europe swim, short and brisk; most stick to sunbathing. See Antalya in April.

May: 21°C

About 21°C: the month the sea becomes properly swimmable for many adults, though the first plunge still takes a breath. Highs are around 26°C. More in Antalya in May.

June: 25°C

About 25°C and warming fast, with highs around 31°C. Pleasant for long swims and for children; the real summer heat has not quite arrived. See Antalya in June.

July: 28°C

About 28°C, bath-like for many, with daytime highs around 34°C. The water barely cools you down, so plan swims for the morning and late afternoon. Details: Antalya in July.

August: 29°C

The warmest sea of the year at about 29°C, and highs around 34°C. Peak season on the beaches; the midday sun is the main thing to manage. See Antalya in August.

September: 28°C

Still about 28°C, as warm as July, while the air eases to around 31°C. For many people the best month for swimming. More in Antalya in September.

October: 25°C

About 25°C, the same as June, with highs around 27°C. Swimming is comfortable all month, although evenings get cooler and the first rainy days return. See Antalya in October.

November: 22°C

About 22°C, warmer than the sea in May, but the air is cooler now at around 21°C by day and 10°C at night. Many people still swim at midday on sunny days. Details: Antalya in November.

December: 19°C

About 19°C, and the air around 17°C. The sea is often warmer than the air in the morning; a short swim is for the determined. See Antalya in December.

Which months suit whom

Families with small children

For most children the sea is comfortable from about 25°C, which means June to October. July and August are the warmest, but also the hottest on land, so shade and a midday break matter more than the water temperature. Late May can work for older children who do not mind a fresh start.

More tips on beaches, kids' clubs and getting around with children in our family guide.

If you like the water cool and refreshing

If a 29°C sea feels like soup to you, come in May (about 21°C) or November (about 22°C). Both have warm enough days, fewer people on the beach and water that still cools you down.

Long swims and the best of both

September and October are the favourite months of many regulars: the sea is still about 28°C and then 25°C after the summer, while the air is no longer at its peak. Good for long swims, snorkelling and boat days.

Winter swimmers

From December to April the sea sits at about 17–19°C. Some locals and long-stay visitors swim all winter, usually briefly and around midday. If you are not used to cold water, go in slowly, stay close to the shore and never swim alone. Life on the coast in the cooler months: Turkish Riviera in winter.

Heated pools in the cool months

Many larger hotels heat at least one pool, often an indoor one, from late autumn to spring; others close their outdoor pools entirely. If swimming matters to you, ask the hotel before booking whether the pool is heated, indoor or outdoor, and in which months.

East and west of Antalya

These figures are for Antalya. Alanya, further east, is often a little milder in winter. Wherever you are, sheltered bays and shallow beaches warm up faster in spring, while open coasts, river mouths and spots where cold mountain springs reach the sea feel noticeably cooler. Check the forecast for your resort if the exact temperature matters.

Staying safe in the sea

Sun and the midday hours

From May to September the sun is strong, and the water reflects it. Swim and sunbathe in the morning and late afternoon, use a high-factor sun cream and reapply after swimming, wear a hat and drink plenty of water. Children burn quickly even when the water feels cool.

Currents, waves and flags

Most beaches on this coast are calm, but on windy days waves and currents can be strong, especially on long open beaches. Where there are lifeguards and flags, follow them: a red flag means no swimming. Do not swim far out alone, stay away from boat lanes and jetties, and keep an eye on children at all times. A Blue Flag is an environmental award for the beach, not a guarantee that swimming is safe on a given day.

Sea urchins and rocky shores

On rocky coves and around stones in shallow water you will often see sea urchins. Stepping on one is painful. Water shoes solve the problem and also protect against hot pebbles and sharp rocks. Occasionally jellyfish appear in summer; if you see many, swim elsewhere or wait a day.

Water shoes and pebble beaches

Many beaches, for example around Kemer and on parts of the Fethiye coast, are pebbly. Cheap water shoes are sold in every resort and make getting in and out much easier. Sandy beaches like those around Belek, Side and Lara usually do not need them.

If something goes wrong

For an emergency in Turkey call 112. For anything beyond a minor scrape, see a doctor or pharmacy; we cannot give medical advice here.

Where to swim

The best beaches

Sandy family beaches, pebbly bays with clear water and wild nature beaches: our best beaches guide compares them along the whole coast, from Alanya to Ölüdeniz.

Swimming from a boat

Some of the clearest water is in bays you can only reach by boat. Swimming stops are part of most boat trips; what to expect, how to choose and when to go: boat trips guide.

Weather for your dates

Air temperature, rain and sunshine for every month are in our Antalya weather guide.