August - September
High season is in full effect by the beginning of August in Ankara, and it returns in Istanbul around this same time too. By September, Cappadocia also returns to high season. Kids return to school in Turkey in the first half of September, meaning crowds will finally decrease at many tourist attractions. Millions of visitors continue to enjoy the warm weather in the Aegean Islands and along the Turquoise Coast. Many tourist-oriented businesses and accommodations will begin to wind down operations along the Turquoise Coast by the end of September.
August temperatures in Istanbul are much like July`s, with highs in the low-to-mid 80s and lows in the mid-60s. It is similarly dry, with an average of just three precipitation days for the month of August. By September, the weather cools, as highs reach 80 with decreasing frequency and lows below 60 increase in frequency. It is also the last month of the dry season on the western coast. Highs in Izmir will average in the upper 80s and lower 90s, and lows at night will fall into the 60s. Antalya sees its driest air of the year in August, recording an average of zero precipitation days for that month. High temperatures peak in the low and mid-90s in Antalya in August and September, with lows in the upper 60s and low 70s.
August and September are the driest months of the year in Ankara, with just two precipitation days per month expected on average. Expect highs in the 80s and lows in the upper 50s and low 60s. Drier conditions persist in Samsun and other areas along the Black Sea coast, with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s and lows in the 60s. August is the driest month of the year around Lake Van and some say it is the most beautiful time of year to visit this region. Highs are in the upper 70s to low 80s and lows at night are cool in the low to mid-50s.
Holidays and Festivals:
August 10-14 (2019), July 31-August 3 (2020), July 20-23 (2021): Sacrifice Feast Days (Kurban Bayrami) (business closures nationwide)
August 15: Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana varsayimi), Ephesus. A special Mass conducted by the Archbishop of Izmir celebrates the Assumption at the House of the Virgin Mary. August 15.
Late August: Antalya International Folk Music and Dance Festival
Late August through September: Ankara Shopping Fest, a similar concept to the early spring event held in Istanbul, with discounts and tax-free shopping at participating retailers.
August 30: Victory Day (Zafer Bayrami) Commemoration of the victory at the final battle in Dumlupinar ending the Turkish Independence War in 1922, dedicated to the armed forces. (business closures nationwide)
September-November: Istanbul Biennial, a large-scale art festival held in odd-numbered years.
September: Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, Aspendos, Antalya Province
September: Konya International Mystic Music Festival
Early September: Rock`n Coke Music Festival, Hezarfen Airfield, Istanbul, the biggest open-air rock music festival in the country, sponsored by Coca-Cola.
Early September: Grape Harvest Festival, Bozcaada. Tens of thousands arrive on this Aegean island for a festival showcasing wine, art and culture.
Early-to-mid September: Izmir International Fair, the oldest trade show in Turkey, held every year since 1948.
Early September-mid-October: Urgup International Wine Festival, Cappadocia, one of the most famous wine festivals in the country.
Mid-September: Contemporary Istanbul Art Festival, the largest art fair in Turkey.
Late September: Istanbul Coffee Festival, for Turkish coffee lovers.
Late September-early October: International Antalya Film Festival
