Aegean TravellerWith its constant sunshine and inviting turquoise waters, summer in Bodrum is the perfect time for a relaxing and unforgettable vacation. It’s the peak tourism season when beaches, entertainment spots, and hotels burst with both domestic and international guests who seek seaside pleasures after a year of hard work.
The locals rely mainly on tourism for their livelihoods. Considering that the tourism season lasts for roughly 4 months, they work hard to secure enough money for the rest of the year. Consequently, as the streets fill up with visitors, it becomes a time of busy days and long nights for them. As a result, you will see mostly tourists and travellers on the streets.
Many establishments like hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes open exclusively during summer in Bodrum. With so many alternatives around, it’s impossible to explore everything, no matter the length of your stay. My first recommendation for the summer is to take your time to choose the best available option for each activity.
In This Article
Summer in Bodrum
During the summer, you might occasionally spot solitary clouds on hot days. Rain is infrequent, and when it does occur, it’s usually brief and doesn’t disrupt beach activities.
I have only witnessed rain twice during the summer in Bodrum, and one of those occasions is still fresh in my memory. It was quite strange! One typical summer afternoon, while enjoying ice-cold beers with friends at a café on Bars Street, the sky became covered with the darkest clouds I had ever seen. They just appeared out of nowhere.
As a heavy downpour began, we hastily grabbed our drinks and ran in the indoor area of the café. With no available seats, we had to request the bill. The rain lasted for only 3 or 4 minutes. When we stepped outside, the sky had cleared, and the bright sun greeted us, leaving no trace of the dark clouds or rain. Instead, a bright sun shining in a blue sky greeted us. If the streets weren’t still damp, I would have doubted what I had just witnessed.
Summer in Bodrum is known for being the driest and hottest season, as confirmed by seasonal weather data. While rainy days are rare, days with strong winds are even scarcer. Personally, I like the wind during summers. I can’t even remember how many times I have escaped to the mountain villages just to feel the refreshing breeze on my face. Although the weather along the south coast of the Bodrum Peninsula tends to be calm and humid, towns like Gumusluk and Yalikavak in the north occasionally enjoy pleasant winds that make the weather more tolerable for people like me!
Monthly Average Temperatures for Summer in Bodrum
The Turkish State Meteorological Service (TSMS) is a government agency that gathers, analyses, and disseminates weather data across the country. I have compiled the following table based on the weather statistics provided by TSMS. The data covers two distinct weather analyses conducted between 1927-2022 and 1991-2020.
| June | July | August | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Temperature (°C) | 25.7 | 28.3 | 28.0 |
| Average Highest Temperature (°C) | 31.2 | 34.2 | 34.0 |
| Highest Temperature (°C) | 42.3 | 44.2 | 45.0 |
| Average Lowest Temperature (°C) | 20.8 | 23.3 | 23.3 |
| Lowest Temperature (°C) | 12.6 | 17.8 | 18.5 |
| Average Sea Temperature (°C) | 22.0 | 24.0 | 26.0 |
| Mean Monthly Sunshine Hours (hr) | 10.4 | 10.5 | 10.3 |
| Number of Average Rainy Days (day) | 1.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Monthly Average Total Rainfall (kg/m2) | 5.0 | 0.2 | 0.9 |
The above data tells us that summers in Bodrum are pretty hot, dry, and almost always sunny. This makes it a perfect destination for those who wish to relax on the beach and enjoy the sunshine.
Weather Tips for Summer Season
Summer in Bodrum can get very hot. When we check the average monthly hours of sunshine in the above data, we can see that it is always sunny too. These conditions pose a risk of heat stroke. During a visit to Bodrum State Hospital, I learned that it’s the primary complaint from visitors during summer days. To protect yourself, avoid spending too much time under the sun, especially in excessive temperatures. Wear a hat, light-coloured t-shirts and shorts, as they help in reflecting sunlight to keep you cooler. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses too.
Always use sunscreen to block harmful UV radiation from being absorbed by the skin. Remember that UV rays can reflect off any surface they contact. Even if you are in the shade of an umbrella or a tree, you can still be exposed to UV lights reflected from the beach sand or water surface. You can buy sunscreens at markets, cosmetics shops, and pharmacies in Bodrum if you don’t have any with you.
Local nature sports groups limit their activities to boat trips, dinners, and breakfasts due to high temperatures in summer in Bodrum. Think twice before engaging in compelling activities like long walks and hikes. Exposure to temperatures exceeding 30°C can significantly impact your health, especially during extended periods outdoors or at historical sites.
Stay Hydrated, Stay Safe
Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking lots of liquids, preferably water. When choosing your beverage, keep in mind that drinks with high sugar, salt, or alcohol are not the best for your health. Stay away from drinks containing sugar and alcohol.
High temperatures, especially when coupled with humidity, can seriously affect people with heart conditions or high blood pressure. If you have such conditions, consult your doctor before visiting Bodrum to check if your medication needs adjustment for dealing with high temperatures.
Locals are familiar with the scorching temperatures of the summer in Bodrum. However, they tend to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities due to high temperatures. Naturally, you wouldn’t want to spend the whole day cooped up in your hotel or pension just to escape the heat. Remember to take necessary precautions to safeguard yourself from any health problems that could arise due to the Aegean weather.
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