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Side is a Roman port turned beach resort on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast in Antalya province, where a 2,000-year-old amphitheatre and the columns of the Temple of Apollo sit a short walk from long sandy beaches. This guide covers Side’s weather by month, the best time to visit, things to do, events, neighbourhoods, and where to stay, with practical tips for your trip.
Welcome to Side
Side occupies a small peninsula in Manavgat district, about 65 km east of Antalya Airport, flanked by two beaches and backed by the pine forests and Taurus foothills of southern Turkey. Its name comes from the Greek word for pomegranate, and the town has been continuously inhabited since the 7th century BC, first as a Greek colony and later as the main port of Roman Pamphylia. Today the ruins, the harbour, and a strip of all-inclusive resorts share the same shoreline.
Side Weather at a Glance
Side has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with about 1,040 mm of rain a year, almost all of it falling from October to April. Summers are long, dry, and hot, with July and August averaging highs of 33 C and only 3 to 14 mm of rain a month. Winters are mild, with January highs around 15 C and nights near 7 C, but December and January are the wettest months at 241 mm and 236 mm of rain.
The sea warms from a February low of 17 C to an August peak of 29 C and stays swimmable from late May through November. Sunshine ranges from 5 hours a day in midwinter to 13 hours in June and July. The month-by-month guide has the complete table of temperatures, rainfall, and sea temperature.
Side Seasonal Snapshot
- Spring (March to May): warming from 18 C to 25 C with rain easing from 92 mm to 30 mm; ideal for sightseeing and the first beach days by late May.
- Summer (June to August): hot and dry, 30 to 33 C by day, sea at 25 to 29 C; peak beach season with the biggest crowds and prices.
- Autumn (September to November): 31 C in September cooling to 21 C by November; sea stays warm through October, but rain returns with 154 mm in November.
- Winter (December to February): mild days of 15 to 16 C, cool nights, and the year’s heaviest rain; many resorts close until spring.
Where to Stay in Side
Side’s three main lodging areas are the historic old town, the family resort strip of Kumkoy to the west, and the luxury all-inclusive zone of Titreyengol and Sorgun to the east. Boutique hotels in the old town start around 60 euro a night, while all-inclusive resorts run 100 to 400 euro in season. The full area-by-area breakdown with hotel picks is in the where to stay guide.
Suggested Hotels in Side
Barut Hemera – Ultra All Inclusive
A five-star ultra all-inclusive near Kumkoy Beach with multiple pools, several restaurants, and a spa. Best for families and couples who want a polished, food-focused all-inclusive. Check rates and availability
Side West Park Hotel
A four-star in Kumkoy with an aqua park, hammam, and private beach area about 800 m away. Best for families with children who want water slides on site. Check rates and availability
A Hotel Side
A compact three-star on the edge of the old town with a pool and below-resort pricing. Best for budget travellers who want to stay near the centre. Check rates and availability
Side Quick Facts
- Best beach months: June to September, when the sea is 25 to 29 C.
- Warmest month: July and August, both averaging 33 C by day.
- Coolest month: January, with highs around 15 C and lows near 7 C.
- Wettest month: December at 241 mm; driest is July at 3 mm.
- Sea temperature: 17 C in February to 29 C in August.
- Sunshine: 5 hours a day in winter to 13 hours in June and July.
- Airport: Antalya Airport (AYT), about 65 km and one hour away.
Location and How to Get to Side
Side sits on the Mediterranean coast of Antalya province, 65 km east of Antalya Airport and about 7 km south of the town of Manavgat. Most visitors fly into Antalya and transfer by private car, shared shuttle, or bus. The travel tips page has the full arrival and transport cost breakdown.
Explore Side Guides
- Side Weather by Month: monthly temperatures, rainfall, sea temperature, and sunshine with a comparison table.
- Best Time to Visit Side: the best months for weather, lower prices, fewer crowds, and events, plus the months to avoid.
- Things to Do in Side: the Temple of Apollo, the Roman theatre, the beaches, and the best day trips.
- Side Events and Festivals: the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, the Side Culture and Art Festival, and national holidays.
- Best Neighborhoods in Side: the old town, Kumkoy, Titreyengol and Sorgun, and Manavgat town explained.
- Where to Stay in Side: recommended hotels in each area with luxury, mid-range, and budget picks.
- Side Travel Tips and FAQ: airport transfers, getting around, money, visas, safety, and answers to common questions.
