Antalya in Spring: Weather, What to See, and Costs
April and May are the best time to see a different side of Antalya. While Europeans have not yet flooded the resort, you walk through Kaleici without elbowing through crowds, haggle at the bazaar without rush and photograph the Duden waterfalls without strangers' heads in the frame.
April weather holds at 18-22C - ideal for walking. May adds a couple of degrees, the sea warms to 20C, and swimming becomes possible. The mountains around the city are covered in green and flowers; the Taurus range looks particularly striking this time of year.
Hotel prices in spring run 30-40% lower than in July. Flights are cheaper too, with direct service from many European hubs operating year-round. If you want ancient ruins, nature and good food without crowds or heat, spring Antalya is exactly that.
Antalya Weather in Spring
March is still cool - 14-17C, with rain a few times per week. Good for sightseeing-focused trips rather than beaches. April is transitional: more sunny days, 18-22C, occasional evening rain. May is practically summer: 24-28C, sea at 20-22C, almost no precipitation. The Saklikent ski resort 50 km from the city runs through late April - you can ski in the morning and head to the beach after lunch.
What to See in Spring
The old city of Kaleici with the Roman Hadrian's Gate and its tangled streets is best explored in spring without the punishing heat. Termessos, the ancient city in the mountains 30 km from Antalya, drowns in green in spring and fully justifies the 12 km trek. Aspendos with its amphitheater for 15,000 spectators and the 2nd century aqueduct is mandatory. Kurşunlu waterfall with its fairytale forest and water cascades looks at peak beauty in April-May - snowmelt in the mountains boosts the flow.
Beaches and Sea
Swimming is comfortable from mid-May when water warms to 21-22C. In April you can sunbathe, but only the hardy get in the water. Konyaalti beach right in the city is pebble, 7 km long, with a Blue Flag. Lara Beach (about 12 km from the center) is wider, sandy, with a waterfall park nearby. Both beaches are nearly empty in spring - sunbeds and umbrellas are a pleasure to access.
Food and Markets
Spring in Antalya is the season for strawberries (April-May), young greens and fresh fish. At the Migros market or the Kaleici bazaar a kilo of strawberries costs almost nothing. Definitely try pide (Turkish flatbread with toppings) at local spots - about $2-3 per portion. A Turkish breakfast - menemen, cheeses, olives, tea - in any cafe runs about $4-5. In April restaurants haven't yet pivoted to tourist pricing and keep fair rates.
Budget and Logistics
Flights from European hubs to Antalya in April: from $180 round trip on charters, up to $300 on scheduled airlines. A 4-star hotel in April: from $50 per night with breakfast. Prices climb in May. Airport transfer to the center: taxi about 15 EUR, Havas bus 2 EUR. Car rental for tours of the ruins: from 30 EUR per day, and in spring you can find cars without booking a week ahead.
Frequently asked questions
When can you swim in Antalya in spring?
Do you need a visa for Turkey?
Which is better - spring or summer in Antalya?
Which tours are best in spring?
Are there direct flights to Antalya in spring?
Itineraries for Antalya
Want a custom itinerary?
Try it free