Izmir weather

The best months to visit Izmir are March, April, May, October. May-June and September hit 26C sea temps for Cesme and Alacati windsurfing; Izmir International Fair late August packs hotels and doubles prices.

July runs the highest averages in Izmir, with typical daytime highs of 36°C (97°F). August 35C with imbat afternoon sea breeze; locals hit Ilica beach 6pm-11pm, and Kemeralti bazaar shifts to 7am opening.

January brings the lowest averages, with daytime highs near 13°C (55°F). January 8C rain; Kordon promenade empties, but Karsiyaka ferries still run 24/7 and pide oven district heats up.

January typically records the highest monthly rainfall — around 135mm on average. November brings sustained 3-day rains that flood Konak underpass and Basmane low streets; landslides shut Foca coast road.

Izmir, Turkey has very hot summers, mild winters, moderate seasonal rainfall. Izmir has a distinct 'Levantine' identity separate from Istanbul; Alsancak backstreets have hidden meyhane like Deniz Restaurant since 1976. The city is Turkey's most secular; women wear bikinis at Kordon and no one blinks. Boyoz pastry is Izmir-only, Jewish origin, best at Dostlar Firini on Kibris Sehitleri. Ferries across the bay cost 15 lira and beat 45-minute traffic. Konak clock tower was Wilhelm II's 1901 gift. You can read the detailed month-by-month breakdown on this page.