Mediterranean CoastThe further south toward the ocean (and west) you head the climate begins to develop into a Mediterranean climate. The weather conditions in the area are fairly typical Mediterranean conditions of hot summers and mild winters.

On the north side of the coast you will find the Taurus mountain ranges that lie on the east side of theAegean and the North side of the Med. The southern shore is also fringed by these high mountain ranges which has a large affect on the climate.

These coasts have a typical mild Mediterranean climate with no huge temperature extremes. The swimming season becomes shorter as one travels North West. Because of the mountains, the east side of the Aegean and the North side of the Mediterranean have regionally different climates.

Antalya, in the middle of the coast line, is the most popular resort on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Situated upon a cliff overlooking the sea, Antayla is home to some of the Mediterranean's cleanest beaches which make it a perfect holiday destination. Antalya, which is often known as the Turkish Riviera, is protected from cold northerly winds as a result of its proximity to the near by mountain ranges.

As you head east from Antalya toward Alanya you will pass through rich plain of Pamphylia. The plain nestles between the Taurus mountain range and the Mediterranean and is dominated by fertile terraces and the white chalk faces of the foothills. The Taurus mountain range in the north has the effect of causing fog filled mornings and a high presence of visible, spectacular rainbows. The height of the mountains creates an extraordinary visual as snow can often be seen on the peaks even on hot days in the cities below.

Alanya has a moderate continental Mediterranean climate. Most rain in the region falls in the winter months as it is influence by the Mediterranean Basin. The difference as you head further east is that the winters are slightly shorter making the summer longer. Alanya really only has 2 distinct seasons of summer and winter, with winter running from November through until February. The sea around Alanya has an average annual temperature of 21.4° with an average August temperature of a bath-like 27.9°. Alanya itself has an average annual temperature of 28 degrees.

Heading further east along the coast toward Syria you will reach the cities of Adana, followed by Antakya. In this region you will find the mountains again coming down to the sea which makes for a very picturesque coast line. This also has the effect of keeping the region very hot and humid in the summer months, reaching highs of a sweltering 45 degrees.

This area is undoubtedly the hottest and driest area of Turkey, the conditions are very typical of theMiddle East and the area along the border of Syria experiences a semi-arid steppe climate with rainfall only in the winter months.

Aegean Region (Western Turkey)The final region of Turkey is the Aegean region which is located north of Antalya and encompasses 11% of the total area of Turkey. The Aegean coastal plain enjoys an exceptionally mild weather conditions- characterized by fertile springs, hot summers, sunny autumns and warm winters that are interrupting by occasional showers. The Aegean provides the perfect escape from the rigors of a northern winter: even in January and February, the days are sunny and pleasant.

Rainfall in the region averages 645mm per year and the temperatures can range from an absolute minimum of -8 degrees to a sweltering maximum of 43 degrees Celsius. The Aegean Sea to the west and the Western Taurus mountain range which runs perpendicular to Izmir (the regions largest city) each has a huge effect on the climate. The Aegean Sea keeps the summers cool by providing refreshing sea breezes. The mountains which run down to the shores and the many valleys between them permit the sea climate to reach inner parts of the region.