Not sure when to visit Bodrum? Generally, the best time to visit Bodrum is the end of April and early May. These months are spring in Bodrum, which sees the winter rainfall and cold temperatures leaving and the sunny, clear skies opening up. It’s still also reasonably quiet as most visitors like to travel to Bodrum in the summer.
Although April and May are generally considered the best months to visit Bodrum, the other months can offer an incredible experience as well. For example, you might find the beginning of Autumn desirable as the temperatures are warm and the crowds have dispersed.
After visiting Bodrum in different seasons, we have written this comprehensive guide on when is the best time to visit Bodrum so you can make an informed decision when planning your Bodrum itinerary and get the most out of your trip!
Planning a trip to Bodrum last-minute?
Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!
Here is our recommended airport transfer in Bodrum:
- Airport Shuttle From Bodrum Airport To City Center (Best way to get into town!)
Here are our recommended tours in Bodrum:
- Bodrum Private Gulet Tour (Best way to experience Bodrum’s beauty!)
- Full-Day Orak Island Boat Trip (A must-do in Bodrum)
- Bodrum Turkish Bath and Spa (Great for relaxing!)
Here are our recommended places to stay in Bodrum:
- Bodrum Sade Pension (Cute hotel in the town center!)
- METT Hotel & Beach Resort Bodrum (Insanely luxurious resort with private beach! Not too expensive!)
- La Luna Hostel (Most famous hostel in Bodrum!)
Climate and Weather in Bodrum
| Average Lowest Temperature | Average Highest Temperature | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days | Max Sustained Wind (km/h) | |
| January | 8°C, 46°F | 15°C, 59°F | 133 | 12 | 22.2 |
| February | 8°C, 46°F | 15°C, 59°F | 109 | 11 | 21.5 |
| March | 10°C, 50°F | 17°C, 63°F | 77 | 9 | 19.5 |
| April | 12°C, 54°F | 21°C, 70°F | 41 | 7 | 16.5 |
| May | 16°C, 61°F | 26°C, 79°F | 18 | 4 | 13.6 |
| June | 23°C, 73°F | 34°C, 93°F | 1 | 2 | 14.9 |
| July | 23°C, 73°F | 34°C, 93°F | 1 | 2 | 18.2 |
| August | 23°C, 73°F | 34°C, 93°F | 9 | 2 | 16 |
| September | 29°C, 84°F | 30°C, 86°F | 22 | 3 | 16.3 |
| October | 17°C, 63°F | 25°C, 77°F | 42 | 5 | 15.7 |
| November | 13°C, 55°F | 20°C, 68°F | 101 | 9 | 17.6 |
| December | 10°C, 50°F | 16°C, 61°F | 158 | 13 | 20.7 |
Bodrum has a Mediterranean climate, which means it is pretty much warm all year round with very little humidity. Even in the winter, the temperatures are not too cold, though because of the rainfall is can feel much colder.
Because Bodrum is all about beaches and watersports, choosing the right month for temperature and wind speed is really important. As you can see from the table above, the winter is very wet, cold, and windy, which doesn’t make for good beach weather.
Though Bodrum is a safe place, visitors will find the biggest danger is the sun. You must pack accordingly when visiting Bodrum in the summer. It has very little cloud cover this time of year and the sun is very strong. This means you’ll have to seek shade where possible, drink plenty of water and wear sun protection.
While sunny and dry weather is good for beaches, it can also pose some serious risks from the sun, so be mindful of this when visiting. The summer can also see forest fires so book travel insurance before you visit incase of any unforeseen circumstances.
Bodrum in Summer (June to August)
The summer months are the peak season in Bodrum. Visitors from all around the world come to the Turkish Riviera such as Antalya or Bodrum for their summer holidays. Everyone is looking to spend some time on the gorgeous Turkey beaches.
Though super busy, summer is not what we consider the best time to visit Bodrum. The sun is very strong, there’s little cloud cover, and the humidity is low. This creates a very dry climate and poses a risk of forest fires.
While forest fires tend to happen outside of the city, they can spread quickly and in some cases cause you to have to cancel your trip.
Visitors must make sure they are hydrated at all times and seek shade when they can. Wear sun protection and try to avoid the midday heat.
These months see the least precipitation throughout the year. Combined with low sustained winds, it can be a great time for swimming. In July, the wind speed picks up which makes it better for kite surfing.
Bodrum in Fall (September to November)
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Bodrum. The temperature is starting to cool down after the summer and it’s still dry and calm, which is perfect for hiking, camping, and swimming on the beach.
Most tourists tend to leave in September, so you can enjoy a reasonably quieter atmosphere and cheaper accommodation prices.
The end of October and November does start to see more rainfall coming in and the wind speed picks up. It’s still not as cold as winter climate, but you might find you have one or two rainy days on your trip this time of year.
Bodrum in Winter (December to early March)
Winter is a not the best time to visit Bodrum. It can get very rainy and windy, almost stormy weather, and the temperatures drop to as low as 10
It’s not a good time for swimming as the waves are rough and it’s too wet to do any hiking. If you enjoy kite surfing or surfing in general, you might find winter a good time to visit (as long as you don’t mind some rain).
Some hotels and attractions also close down during the winter, as there are very few visitors. While there are always hotels open, you might find fewer options.
Christmas is not widely celebrated in Turkey so you won’t find many people visiting over the holidays.
If you’re looking for places to visit in Turkey in the winter, then winter in Cappadocia is something else. Consider visiting this region during December – February instead.
Bodrum in Spring (Late March to May)
Spring is possibly the best time to visit Bodrum. The temperatures are moderate but not too hot, which makes it perfect for hiking and camping in the outdoors.
There’s very little rain and the open-air events start to operate again. The scenery is just gorgeous and the month of May has a lot going on, from dance festivals to the Kite Festival.
Spring is also reasonably quiet, with the exception of the Easter holidays which bring in family travelers from overseas.
Best Time to Visit For Beaches
If you are visiting Bodrum, chances are you want to experience the epic beaches. The best time to visit the beaches are in Spring and Summer, when the wind is calm and the weather is hot. The sea temperature is also a similar temperature to the outside, so you’ll find it refreshing to cool off in the waves.
We would say Spring is better, just because there are fewer crowds and less chance of your trip being ruined by forest fires, which can sometimes happen during the summer.
In the winter, the waves are too strong for swimming and the weather is very rainy – not great beach weather. Autumn is hit-and-miss. The beginning of October usually sees nice beach weather, but at the end of the season, it feels more like winter.
Best Time to Visit Bodrum For Watersports
Another activity that bring people to Bodrum is watersports. Whether you’re into surfing, wake boarding or kite surfing, the bigger the waves the better.
The best time to visit Bodrum for watersports is July. In July, the wind picks up and this can be great for kite surfing. In some areas on the Bodrum peninsula, the waves can be quite big as they are not sheltered from the bay.
Akyarlar Beach is a great place to surf in Bodrum, and has decent waves pretty much all year round.
We don’t recommend visiting in the winter unless you’re a professional, this is because the weather can get quite stormy and the waves are strong.
Best Time to Visit Bodrum To Avoid The Crowds
Without a doubt, the best time to visit Bodrum to avoid the crowds is the end of September and the beginning of October, or the end of April and early May. These are considered the shoulder seasons in Bodrum as it’s when the tourist crowds are less likely to visit.
They also have the best weather in terms of temperature, wind speed, and the least amount of rainfall.
You’ll find Bodrum is pretty empty in the winter, and it’s easy to see why. There’s a lot of rainfall, the wind is strong, and a lot of hotels and attractions close for the season.
Best Month to Visit Bodrum, Turkey
Below is a month-by-month analysis of the weather in Bodrum. Make sure you check it out before planning your Turkey itinerary!
Bodrum in January
- Average Temperature: 8°C (46°F) Lows, 15°C (59°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 133 mm in 12 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 22.2 km/h
January is the heart of winter in Turkey. While the weather is mild during the day, it can get very cold at night. It’s also one of the rainiest months in Bodrum, with an average of 133mm (5.2 inches) of rain in the month.
The water temperature is a modest 18°C, but it has the highest wind speed of the year. This means the waves are often rough so it’s not ideal for swimming, but great for watersports like kite surfing and surfing on a dry day.
Tourism is low this time of year after the New Years’ holiday crowd goes.
Bodrum in February
- Average Temperature: 8°C (46°F) Lows, 15°C (59°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 109 mm in 11 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 21.5 km/h
The weather in Bodrum in February is much like the weather in January, though it can be a little colder. The water temperature drops to around 16°C, meaning it’s not great for swimming. Like January, the wind is strong and the waves are rough so are ideal for watersports.
February is still in the heart of winter, but 8°C is about the coldest it gets in Bodrum. You’ll find it’s much colder at night, so bring warm clothing and a jacket for nighttime.
Tourism is still low this time of year. This means visitors may find better deals and cheaper prices on hotels and tours, at least for the ones that are still operating.
Bodrum in March
- Average Temperature: 10°C (50°F) Lows, 17°C (54°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 48 mm in 12 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 19.5 km/h
March is the transition month between Bodrum’s winter and spring. In the earlier half of the month, the temperature remains quite cold but it warms up towards the end of the month when spring approaches.
Visitors are starting to be able to enjoy the outdoor attractions such as hiking and camping, and the water is warming up for swimming.
It’s still reasonably windy but the rainfall is starting to clear.
Bodrum in April
- Average Temperature: 10°C (50°F) Lows, 17°C (63°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 77 mm in 9 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 16.5 km/h
April is the official start of spring in Bodrum. Spring is when the rain clears and the weather warms up. The end of April is a great time to visit Bodrum because the weather is usually dry and a warm but not too hot climate.
Though it rains on average 9 out of 30 days in the month, the rainfall is quite low. This means it’s a good time to do some outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
The water temperature is a mild 16°C on average, so it’s a little cold for swimming but not too bad.
Life is starting to return back to Bodrum in Spring and it’s a popular place to visit for Easter break. As the temperatures warm the surrounding landscapes bloom, filling the surroundings with color and greenery.
It’s a beautiful time of year to visit.
April is also when you’ll start to see open-air events and festivals taking place, such as the Olive Blossom Festival, Slow Cheese Bodrum Festival and the start of the International Bodrum Dance Festivals.
Bodrum in May
- Average Temperature: 16°C (45°F) Lows, 26°C (73°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 18 mm in 4 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 13.6 km/h
For those looking for a warm climate but not too humid and sticky, then you’re enjoy visiting Bodrum in May. The temperature is warm, sometimes hot, throughout the month and there is very little rainfall.
The water temperature is around 21°C so it’s perfect for swimming. May is often quiet for tourism as it’s just after the Easter holidays and before the summer, so it’s a great time to visit for a beach holiday.
May is a big month for festivals as the whole month is dedicated to major international dance festivals, including International Bodrum Folk Dances Festival, International Bodrum Modern Dance Festival, and International Bodrum Latin Dance Festival.
May also hosts the Bodrum Kite Festival, which sees many kite enthusiasts take their kites to the skies.
Pedasa Festival also takes place in May and is a folk dance and music festival that has been operating for more than 20 years.
These are some of the oldest festivals in Bodrum so expect a lot of locals and tourists to visit in May to see the festivities.
Bodrum in June
- Average Temperature: 20°C (68°F) Lows, 31°C (88°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 7 mm in 2 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 14.9 km/h
June is the transition month between Bodrum’s spring and summer. You’ll find it’s starting to get hot this time of year, and there’s very little chance of rain. There is also very little cloud cover this time of year, with on average 319 hours of sun.
This means it’s great for swimming and outdoor activities, but you’re going to need to find shade throughout the day. Drink plenty of water and wear sun protection if visiting Bodrum in June.
You’ll also see lots of visitors flocking to the city to see the Summer Tango Fest Bodrum which happens at the end of June, or the Ortakent-Yahsi Spring Festival, which happens at the beginning of the month.
Bodrum in July
- Average Temperature: 23°C (73°F) Lows, 34°C (93°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 1 mm in 2 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 18.2 km/h
July is the high season in Bodrum and it is busy! You can pretty much guarantee dry weather all through the month and it’s always hot, perfect for those who enjoy swimming at the beach.
Since it’s the height of summer, July is one of the most popular times to visit Bodrum. If you’re planning to do any hiking, camping or biking, then you’ll need to make sure you bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Because it’s so dry this time of year, forest fires can sometimes happen so make sure to book travel insurance incase you need to cancel your trip.
Bodrum in August
- Average Temperature: 23°C (73°F) Lows, 34°C (93°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 9 mm in 1 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 16 km/h
August is very similar to July in terms of rainfall and temperature. However, we definitely wouldn’t consider this the best time to visit. Why? It is simply too hot.
With little humidity, dry weather, and high temperatures that have been ongoing for the past two months, August can seem a lot hotter than it is.
It’s also incredibly busy with family crowds, which racks up the prices of hotels and attractions. Forest fires can also sometimes happen, which are usually away from the city, but can pose a threat to those looking to do some hiking or camping.
Over 4-5 consecutive days in August is the Bodrum Classical Music Festival. The dates change every year, but it is one of the biggest events in the city each year.
Bodrum in September
- Average Temperature: 20°C (68°F) Lows, 30°C (86°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 22 mm in 3 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 16.3 km/h
September is when the weather starts to cool down a bit but it’s still dry. Towards the end of the month, most of the summer holiday crowd has left and it gets a bit quieter. Prices come back down and the crowds disperse, which makes it one of the best months to go to Bodrum.
Some events are still organized for September such as Karsanat Baroque Music Festival, Bodrum Jazz Festival, and Sunsplash Music Festival, which hosts world-famous musicians and artists each year.
In the daytime, you will find it’s perfect for camping and hiking, and the sea temperature is still warm at 26°C, so it’s ideal for a beach holiday too.
In the evening, it is warm enough to walk around town without a jacket. September is the best time of year to visit for many reasons.
Bodrum in October
- Average Temperature: 17°C (63°F) Lows, 25°C (77°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 42 mm in 5 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 15.7 km/h
October is another great time of the year to visit Bodrum. The temperature is warm but not too hot, and it still receives very little rainfall. Exploring the outdoors of Bodrum is enjoyable in this cooler environment.
Compared to September, the crowd is even smaller, which means you have an even easier time booking accommodation and finding tours. October is one of the last months when everything in Bodrum is open, as some tour companies close throughout the winter.
Bodrum in November
- Average Temperature: 13°C (55°F) Lows, 20°C (68°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 101 mm in 9 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 17.6 km/h
November is the transition month between autumn and winter in Bodrum. November is not as mild as October but it’s not terribly cold either. It can get cold at night, so you should pack warm clothing to wear out to dinner in the evening.
The weather is still good for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, and because of the increase in wind speed compared to summer months, it’s a great time for watersports, too.
The water temperature is warm at 20°C on average, but the waves are a little stronger this time of year so it’s not ideal for those unconfident swimmers.
Bodrum in December
- Average Temperature: 10°C (50°F) Lows, 16°C (61°F) Highs
- Rainfall: 158 mm in 13 Days
- Maximum Sustained Wind: 20.7 km/h
December is the official start of winter in Bodrum. Tourism is relatively low in the beginning half of the month but starts to pick up towards the end due to the holiday season.
But unfortunately, it’s one of the wettest months of the year to visit with 13 days of rainfall. It can get very cold at night, and reasonably cold during the day.
The water temperature is around 19°C and the wind and the waves are strong, so it’s not a good time to visit Bodrum for swimming.
Best Time to Visit Bodrum FAQs
Does it snow in Bodrum?
No, it doesn’t snow in Bodrum. But it can get very rainy.
What is the best month to go to Bodrum?
The best month to go to Bodrum is May. During this time, the weather is dry with moderate temperatures, the sea is calm for swimming and there are a lot of festivals happening. April, September and October are also good months.
Is October a good month to visit Bodrum?
October is an excellent month to visit Bodrum. The weather is cooler but not too cold, it’s reasonably dry and the crowds have dispersed which means cheaper prices.
Final Verdict
Without a doubt, Spring is the best time to visit Bodrum. This time of year is when the rainfall clears and the scenery blooms. The outdoor events start opening up again and the sea is waiting to be swum in.
There are also fewer crowds as it’s not yet the summer period when most of the visitors come to Bodrum, however it can get busy over the Easter holidays.
Alternatively, September is another good time to visit Bodrum. The weather is still warm after summer but the crowds have disappeared.
We hope this guide has helped you figure out when to visit Bodrum and given you a good idea of what to expect each month.
Do you have any questions about any of the information you’ve read today? Let us know in the comments.
