Turkey is well known for its many glittering beach resorts, which are packed during the peak summer months. If you're looking for guaranteed hot, sunny weather, a large range of activities, friendly locals, and a culture that is totally different to any other mainstream Mediterranean holiday resort, then Turkey is for you.
Despite this, many of Turkey's beach resorts along the south coast are very touristy, and the crowds and neon lights can become a little tiresome if you're not wanting a loud beach break. If a quieter time is your requirement, then Kalkan is the perfect destination for your break in the Turkish sunshine, and if you can avoid the peak summer months of July and August, there are certainly some very cheap deals to be found if you look in the right places.
The resort has retained much of its authenticity, making it a very Turkish, but very accessible resort. Whilst there is still plenty to see and do, and more than enough nightlife around, you can expect a more laid-back, traditional experience from your holiday, and a guaranteed suntan during the summer months.
Summer Weather in Kalkan
The traditional summer season in Kalkan lasts from May until October, however the peak months in terms of temperature and crowds are July and August. You can easily find great value breaks during the early months of summer, and the weather is still very mild during October. If however you don't enjoy heat and large amounts of sun, and you prefer milder temperatures, you would be better avoiding July and August.
The temperature on average doesn't drop below the high 20°Cs for the duration of summer, with sunshine a constant feature you may even wish for rain if you stay for a prolonged period of time! May is a great time to visit, with a high temperature of 24°C, and less in the way of crowds, although evening times can be a little chilly, and you will probably need a cardigan or light jacket. The great news however is that even in peak season, when temperatures rise to an average in the 30°Cs, humidity is low, with an almost constant sea breeze, to make it feel much less unbearable than some of the other nearby resorts.
The beach will be a wonderful place to visit during the summer season in order to get some of that sea breeze and also enjoy a cooling dip in the sea. With a glorious 13 to 14 hours of sunshine throughout summer you will certainly have plenty of time for this! From May until August the sea temperature rises quickly from 23°C to its peak of 27°C, remaining a lovely 26°C through September.
Rain is almost unheard of during peak season, unless there is a freak thunderstorm, which does happen occasionally, but these are very short-lived. August is the driest month of the year with only 5mm of rain across 3 rain days in the month. During the beginning and end of the summer season, there is slightly more chance of rain, however certainly not prolonged, and it will leave behind blue skies and sunshine. For example, May seems slightly more rain with 26mm across 7 days, although this is unlikely to affect your holiday plans.
Autumn Weather in Kalkan
Autumn is a very brief affair, as is spring, and it generally only lasts for a transitional period in the month of November. This month is still quite warm, although evenings are certainly colder, dropping to 7°C, and there is a higher chance of rain. The average temperature is around 18°C, and you will find that most tourist attractions and restaurants are closed during this time. Despite that fact, if you want to experience more in the way of authenticity, then autumn is a great time to explore.
Winter Weather in Kalkan
Whilst you certainly won't see snow in Kalkan during the winter months, you will see rain and cold temperatures. The months of December to February are mild in some respects, when you compare them to most other European destinations, with 8°C as the lowest average in January and highs of 13°C by February, so a winter trip can be pleasant.
December and January are the wettest months of the year overall with 167-168mm of rain across 12 days each, before it begins to reduce as February arrives. On top of this, sunshine hours are reduced, to around 8 per day, but when the sun does shine, it is certainly dazzling. Winter is a good time to explore Kalkan away from the busier times, as you will see a more authentic way of life, away from tourism.
Spring Weather in Kalkan
The months of March and April, before summer arrives, are wonderful months to visit Kalkan. Temperatures are slowly creeping up, with highs of a very mild 19°C in April. Again, evenings may be cooler, but it means you can sleep much easier than in the hotter months.
Kalkan offers the perfect blend of a beach holiday with all the modern amenities, and plenty of 'real' Turkey too. Kalkan began as an old fishing town, and still has many examples of that today, with white-washed houses and dramatic slopes down to the clear waters of the sea.
With around 300 days of sunshine per year on average, Kalkan is a great blend of fantastic weather, culture, and a good old summer holiday. There are many surrounding resorts to explore on top of this, meaning you get the best of both worlds quiet and loud, brash and subtle.