Lying upon the Gulf of Antalya on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey is the idyllic sea side resort of Kemer. Just like the rest of the Turkish Riviera, Kemer enjoys a Mediterranean climate which is characterised by long, hot summers, short, mild winters and enjoyable shoulder seasons of spring and autumn in between.
Located just 40km from the city of Antalya, it was once a sleepy village but in recent years, it has become a vibrant and busy centre for tourism and as a result, is well-catered for holiday makers, with many hotels, restaurants and attractions dotted around the town.
The area is most famous for its natural beauty and you will find some of the world's most amazing Blue Flag beaches here, with golden sand and clear blue waters that set the scene for a relaxing holiday. The chic and picturesque marina is also a popular setting for tourists with its luxury yachts and sophisticated eateries.
Kemer is within close proximity to the Taurus Mountains which provide a beautiful backdrop and are also a major influence on the climate. While the Gulf of Antalya and the Mediterranean Sea provide a major moderating effect on the climate (keeping winters considerably mild), the Taurus Mountains act as a barrier to any cold winds and changeable weather that come up from the south of Turkey.
All in all, Kemer has much to offer as a tourist destination in terms of sights, activities and an enviable Mediterranean climate to match.
The weather is generally predictable throughout the year, but holiday makers can find up-to-date information before they travel by checking the weather forecast.
Summer
Summer is peak tourist season in Kemer and the area becomes a hub of activity. Tourists from Turkey and from all over the world flock to the region to take in the picturesque, soothing natural beauty of the region. The wonderful Mediterranean climate is also at its best at this time of the year, which is another big attraction.
Temperatures are at their highest in summer and you will find that it can get extremely hot. The daily high temperature ranges from a blistering 30°C to 33°C this season, with averages of between 24°C and 27°C. July and August are the hottest months of the year, while June and September are a little more comfortable, with night time lows of 17°C to 18°C. Summer temperatures continue well into October, which still sees an average high temperature of 25°C.
Fortunately, the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea provide some relief from the heat and are perfect for swimming. Average water temperatures range between 20°C and 28°C at this time of year.
As well as high temperatures, tourists can expect glorious sunshine and bright days for the whole of their stay. In fact, Kemer records 300 days a year of sunny, clear blue skies - heaven! Rainfall levels are very low at this time of year, with less than 10mm of precipitation for most of the summer months.
Summer is the most popular time of the year to visit Kemer, so if you're travelling at this time it's recommended to book ahead.
Autumn
Following the swelteringly hot summer season, things cool down a little as the short autumn season arrives in the town. From October to November, temperatures are mild, with an average of between 15°C and 19°C and highs still reaching up to 25°C at the start of the season. By the end of November, night time temperatures start to get a little chilly as winter approaches visitors can expect lows of 9°C, so some warm layers are recommended.
Luckily, average sea temperatures remain warm throughout the whole season, ranging from 21°C to 24°C, so autumn is still a great time to visit the resort if you want to swim or take part in water sports comfortably.
After the dry summer season, the chance of rainfall increases slightly, but not too much. October sees 65mm of rainfall, which rises to 115mm in November. This averages at between 6 to 8 wet days a month. Despite a small chance of rain, Kemer is still very sunny at this time of year, with between 8 and 10 hours of wonderful sunshine every day. Perfect beach weather!
Winter
Winter arrives in Kemer in December as temperatures drop and the lovely summer weather is left behind. That doesn't mean that the weather is unfavourable though. Temperatures remain mild compared to many other countries, with daily high temperatures of 14°C to 16°C between December and February.
January is the coldest month of the year, though the mercury will almost never drop below freezing. Average lows at this time of year are just 5°C.
Sea temperatures also drop as winter descends, and with average water temperatures of between 16°C and 19°C, it is often considered too cold to swim.
Late autumn and winter are the wettest times of the year in Kemer and, as the locals will tell you, when it rains, it pours. December and January see the most rain, each recording in excess of 200mm of rain each month on average and around 13 wet days. However, the skies will open for a pretty short amount of time and soon after you will see the return of clear sunny skies. Kemer still sees plenty of sunshine in winter, with an average of 7 sunny hours a day.
While the weather can be unpredictable, winter is much less crowded and more peaceful than any other month in Kemer, making it a great time to travel if you're looking for a relaxing break.
Spring
Spring, between March and May, offers some near-perfect Mediterranean weather that's much more comfortable than the hot and sticky summer months. As a result, it is an extremely popular time to visit the resort, especially for those travelling with children.
While the beginning of the season can be quite cool, from the beginning of April temperatures in the low 20s can be seen on sunny days and towards the end of spring they are guaranteed; May has an average high of 25°C. Low temperatures do drop on an evening though, with lows between 7°C and 13°C throughout the season, so holiday makers should pack with this in mind.
Rain is still possible in spring but rapidly decreases as the season progresses. March sees 93mm which falls to just 27mm in May. Any spring showers that do occur should pass quickly though, so holiday makers shouldn't worry too much about wet weather ruining their holiday.
Sunshine levels are consistently great in Kemer and days get longer and longer as spring turns into summer. April sees 11 hours of glorious sunshine every day while May sees 12 hours.
As the surrounding foliage bursts into bloom and the beautiful beaches become accessible after the winter months, spring time in Kemer offers a thoroughly enjoyable holiday.