If Kalkan had a month it kept quietly for itself, it would be September. The air still hums with heat, the grapes spill voluptuously from the vines, and the sea holds the warmth of summer. Those who know return year after year, certain that this is, quite simply, the best month of all.
Weather in Kalkan in September
For those wondering about the weather in Kalkan in September, expect some of the hottest, sunniest days of the year. Temperatures hover in the high 20s to late 30s, softened by cooler evenings perfect for rooftop suppers without a jacket. The sea is at its warmest — silky and inviting — while villa pools remain a blissful retreat for long, lazy afternoons. Even walks along the Lycian Way are manageable at 7am, without the punishing heat of July and August.
A More Relaxed Atmosphere
September is when Kalkan exhales. The school-holiday rush is over, and while beach clubs and restaurants are still open, they feel calmer, more refined. Sun loungers don’t need to be claimed at dawn, and your favourite rooftop tables can be reserved without a battle. For couples, small groups, and seasoned travellers seeking a slower rhythm, this is when Kalkan’s elegance shines brightest.
Seasonal Pleasures Unique to September
Part of what makes September so alluring are the details you’ll only find at this time of year:
Grape Season – The hillsides and gardens around Kalkan are draped with vines, heavy with ripening grapes. In nearby Üzümlü (literally “place of grapes”), the harvest is everywhere, spilling into markets and villages with voluptuous abundance.
Pekmez Making – September is the start of pekmez season, when grapes are boiled down into a rich molasses known as the “healing syrup of Anatolia.” Long prized as a natural tonic — said to cure colds, boost energy, and even act as an aphrodisiac — pekmez is as much a cultural tradition as a health food. Watching villagers stir bubbling copper pans is to glimpse a ritual that has nourished generations.
Patara Turtle Hatchlings – On late September evenings, tiny loggerhead turtles break free from their sandy nests at Patara and make their way to the sea, guided by moonlight and conservationists. To witness this spectacle is unforgettable — a fleeting, fragile miracle of nature.
Cinema by the Sea – Thursday evenings still bring open-air screenings at Indigo Beach Club, where films are projected against a backdrop of stars and the gentle wash of the Mediterranean.
Islamlar’s Long Lunches – Just a short drive into the mountains, the cooler air of Islamlar makes it perfect for long, lazy lunches at rustic trout restaurants shaded by vines and pine trees, where streams bubble alongside your table.
What to Do in Kalkan in September
The season’s heat and gentler crowds make things to do in Kalkan in September especially rewarding:
Gulet Cruises – Easier to book than in midsummer, gulet charters offer lazy days of swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing in hidden bays. Shared trips are sometimes available at the last minute.
Exploring Ancient Sites – The ruins of Patara, Xanthos, Letoon, and Tlos are all more enjoyable to explore in September’s warmth, when the midday sun doesn’t feel quite so punishing.
Beach Clubs & Rooftop Dining – Both retain their buzz, but with space to breathe. It’s a pleasure to linger at sundown without the press of August crowds.
Multi-Centre Adventures – September is also perfect for combining Kalkan with Istanbul or Cappadocia. The city’s humidity has eased, Cappadocia’s skies are clear for ballooning, and the coast remains dazzlingly warm.
Why Guests Return in September
Many of our guests plan their holidays around September year after year. They know this is when Kalkan strikes its perfect balance: hot but not oppressive, lively but not overcrowded. Villa life feels especially effortless — afternoons by the pool, shaded lunches under olive trees, and sunsets best savoured with a glass of local wine.
There’s also a shift in the atmosphere: with the summer rush behind them, restaurant owners, bartenders, and beach club hosts have more time to chat, share stories, and reconnect with familiar faces. September feels not just more relaxed, but more personal — a month made for returning guests.
Planning Your September Escape
Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic hideaway, a family retreat, or a stylish base for entertaining friends, September in Kalkan never disappoints. Our handpicked collection of Kalkan villas and boutique hotels combines sea-view terraces, private pools, and elegant interiors with the reassurance of our dedicated local concierge. From intimate hotels with rooftop dining to spacious villas made for long, lazy afternoons, September is the perfect time to experience Kalkan at its best.
Ready to plan your September escape?
Enquire now for personal travel recommendations — from the most romantic hotels to spacious villas for families and friends. Our team know Kalkan inside out and will help tailor your stay around the season’s highlights, whether it’s a gulet cruise, a long lunch in Islamlar, or catching sight of turtle hatchlings at Patara.
Call us: 01784 817720 or email: [email protected]
