Temperatures soar in Turkey in June, making it a perfect time to hit the beaches of the Aegean or Mediterranean coasts. If culture and history are more your thing, Istanbul is relatively free of tourists and you won't have to queue for hours. Here are some tips for visiting Turkey in mid-summer.

Weather

Wherever you go in Turkey in June, the temperatures are likely to be hot, and average rainfall low. Southern and coastal regions tend to be hottest, with Bodrum and Antalya averaging 86°F (30°C). Istanbul in the northwest and inland Ankara and Cappadocia are a few degrees cooler but still pretty warm: expect average temperatures of between 75 and 78°F (24-26° C).

Crowds & Costs

Many people find the weather in June to be ideal for hitting up the beach but less ideal for walking around a city all day, and the crowds, costs, and availability of flights and accommodation reflect this. Big cities like Istanbul and Ankara won't be too busy with tourists and you may be able to find some accommodation deals.

That's less likely along the coast, as Turkey is a popular beach destination with travelers from all over Northern Europe. June may be less busy than later in the summer, though.

Where to Go

If you're into beaches and sailing, head straight to the Aegean or Mediterranean coasts. The port city of Fethiye, on the southwestern coast, is particularly appealing as from there you can hop on board a sailboat for an island-hopping adventure. Bodrum is also a good jumping-off point for some of Turkey's most popular beaches and the city itself has some interesting ancient sites as well as a Crusade-era castle.

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What to Do

What you can do in Turkey in June will largely depend on how comfortable you are in the heat. If you just want to lounge on a beach, cooling off with a dip in the ocean periodically, then go for it. On the other hand, if you're comfortable walking around in the sun and want to check out a wider range of cultural, historic, and natural sites then you can do so in Istanbul, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, or Ephesus.

Events in June

International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, in June and July. Held in a well-preserved 2000-year-old Roman theater near Antalya, this festival is organized by the Turkish State Opera and Ballet and welcomes international acts.

The Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival takes place in June, in the northwestern town of Edirne. It was inscribed in UNESCO's intangible world cultural heritage list in 2010. Thousands of people travel to the town every year to compete for the Kırkpınar Golden Belt.

Cappadox, held in mid-June. Hundreds of cultural events are held throughout the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia over several days.

Istanbul Jazz Festival, from late June to mid-July. Despite its name, this music festival isn't limited to jazz and visitors can also listen to rock, pop, reggae, and more.

Traveling to Turkey in June? Check out these great itineraries

Ancient Greek & Christian Sites in Turkey - 5 Days. History buffs can experience well-preserved ancient Greek, Roman, and early Christian sites on this 6-day tour through western Turkey. 

Cappadocia & Southeastern Turkey - 8 Days. Marvel at the mosaics of Gaziantep, explore the sunken city of Halfeti by boat, see the archaeological wonders of Sanlıurfa, and much more over 8 days.

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