Spring arrives early on the Turkish Riviera. By March the orange trees are in flower, the Taurus mountains still carry snow and the days are warm enough to sit outside. It is the best season for walking, cycling and exploring, and by May the first beach days of the year begin.
Spring weather in Antalya
| Month | Day / night | Sea | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | about 19 °C / 8 °C | about 17 °C | Sightseeing, hiking, blossom |
| April | about 22 °C / 11 °C | about 18 °C | Hiking, rafting, Easter breaks |
| May | about 26 °C / 15 °C | about 21 °C | The first beach days, all activities |
Orange blossom and the city in spring
In spring Antalya smells of orange blossom. The city celebrates it with the Orange Blossom Carnival, a street festival held in spring around Kaleiçi and the city centre. It is also the best time to explore the old town, the Antalya Museum and the cliffs of Konyaaltı and Lara on foot before the summer heat arrives.
Active holidays: hiking, rafting and cycling
- Lycian Way: spring is the most popular hiking season, with wild flowers along the stages near Kemer, Olympos and Kaş.
- Köprülü Canyon: the rafting season usually starts in April, with lively water from the snowmelt.
- Tahtalı cable car: snow at the top and flowering meadows below, often in the same view.
- Cycling: quiet roads and mild temperatures around Belek, Side and the Taurus foothills.
- Golf: spring is the second peak season on the courses of Belek.
Ancient sites in the green season
Perge, Aspendos, Side, Phaselis and Termessos are at their most beautiful in spring, when the ruins are surrounded by green grass and wild flowers. Longer trips work well too: Pamukkale and Cappadocia have pleasant temperatures, and hot-air balloon flights over Cappadocia are frequent in spring when the weather is stable.
Easter and spring holidays
Easter and the spring school holidays in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and Scandinavia bring the first wave of families. More seasonal hotels open from April, flights increase, and by May most coastal resorts are fully operating. For Easter dates, book both hotels and transfers early.
Arriving in spring
- In March some resorts are still closed; from April the choice widens quickly.
- The terminal and roads are quiet, so published driving times are realistic.
- Hiking and golf equipment, bicycles and child seats should be mentioned when you book.
- The price is fixed per vehicle and does not change with the season.