Weather Lowdown
August in Alanya, Turkey is still full summer with blazing daytime temperatures and balmy nights. The beaches and pools explode with travelers trying to beat the heat. The average temperature is about 28°C (78°F), reaching a high of around 31°C (88°F) and low of 21°C (70°F), which only occurs at night. This makes for incredibly warm, sunny days all month long.
There are about 13 hours of average daily sunshine, which stays fairly constant throughout the month. The longest day is August 1 with 14 hours of daylight; the shortest day is August 31 with 13 hours.
The average sea temperature in August is about 28°C (82°F)--so be sure to pack your swimming gear as the water's perfect. Tourists should definitely check with their hotels or with tour agencies about the watersports and excursions offered in the area.
There is very little rainfall in August, with only 4 days with chance of precipitation. The average monthly rainfall measures around 5mm. When it does rain, it may be as light rain or the rare summer thunderstorm.
The skies above Alanya in August are typically mostly clear or partly cloudy. Humidity ranges from comfortable (30%) to humid (82%). Daily wind speeds vary from light air to moderate breeze. Winds typically blow in from the north or northwest, though sometimes from the south.
August is characterised by fairly consistent temperatures, with a slight drop over the course of the month. In the beginning, the average is about 30°C (86°F), with highs of 35°C (95°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F). By that end of the month, averages are about 29°C (84°F), with highs of 34°C (93°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F).
Where to Stay
Kleopatra Dreams Beach Hotel is one all-inclusive hotel that offers many great amenities. The entertainment is very good compared to some hotels' standards. On the 'Turkish night', for example, there are excellent and enchanting dancers. Just across the street is KleopatraBeach. All-inclusive guests are welcome to beer and soft drinks from the hotel's bar right on the beach. Booking a sun bed at reception is recommended as they are cheaper there than at the beach.
Another great hotel is Mola. This accommodation is perfect for those who are not looking for a luxury apartment but would rather have a clean, comfortable place to sleep with friendly service. The hotel itself has no swimming pool, but guests can arrange to use the pool directly across the street if this is something that they desire. Also, the beach is a very short walk from the hotel's doors.
Hit the Beach
Other than the famous Cleopatra Beach, there are a few beaches of note just outside of Alanya city proper. Ulas Beach is located 5km west, and you can take bus no. 1 from the centre of Alanya. The beach is sandy, with small white stones and breathtaking turquoise water. Most visitors are here to relax--there is a market, toilet and picnic area with BBQ grills for public use.
Eating & Drinking Out
White n White Beach Club is a bit of Europe in Turkey. Great wines, pepper steaks, burgers--and top off the evening with a mojito.
For more diverse Mediterranean fare, try Lokanta Su, a tasty restaurant in an old Ottoman house. The menu showcases succulent pizza and wines.
Kale Bar is a popular venue for experiencing the Alanya nightlife. It is a part of the Tütav Turk Evi Hotel. The lower level seems to be an extension of the peaceful old city, while the upper level is an open-air bar with a great view of the harbour and sea.
Things to Do
Adventurous tourists can not pass up the opportunity to raft in Koprulu Canyon, just 1.5 hour drive from Alanya. The full-day excursion is led by an experienced instructor. Tourists revisit this area year after year for the chance to whitewater raft here. The scenery that the canyon provides adds to the thrill of the rapids to make for an enjoyable time. Plus, the instructors are well trained and make guests feel very secure. They also have wonderful, entertaining personalities. On these all-day excursions, lunch is provided and there are restrooms available. The area is good for simply exploring or ziplining as well.
Another fun excursion outside of the city is Syedra, the ancient ruins about 18 km away. Syedra was once a large port town, established in the 3rd century B.C.E. You can wander the remains of a colonnaded square, temple, bath and city gate.
