Summer Heat in Antalya: Air Conditioning, Orientation, Balconies and Cooler Homes

Summers in Antalya are long, sunny and hot. For a holidaymaker that is a blessing; for someone living here all year round it is a fact that shapes the choice of home, the electricity budget and the daily routine. Even two neighbouring flats in the same complex can differ noticeably in summer. This guide summarises the official climate data, passes on health authorities' advice for hot weather, and explains what to look for when choosing a cooler home.

Antalya's summer in numbers

According to the official climate statistics for Antalya published by the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM) for 1930-2025, July has a mean temperature of 28.6 °C, a mean daily high of 34.2 °C and a mean daily low of 22.9 °C. August is almost identical: 28.5 °C mean and 34.1 °C mean high. June averages 25.4 °C and September 25.3 °C, so the hot season runs roughly from June to the end of September.

The same data show almost no summer rain: 4.7 mm in July and 4.3 mm in August. Sunshine averages 11.7 hours a day in July. These are averages; during heatwaves values can exceed them. That is why, when choosing a home, you should look at how the unit receives the sun and not only at averages.

Health authorities' advice for hot weather

In the heat warning issued by the Turkish Ministry of Health and reported in the press in July 2025, the main points were:

• Avoid going out between 11:00 and 16:00 when the sun is strongest, if possible
• Drink at least 2.5-3 litres of water a day and limit tea, coffee and fizzy drinks
• Air homes and workplaces in the morning and evening and keep indoor temperature at 24-27 °C
• If you go out, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen and choose light cotton clothing
• Avoid heavy, fried and fatty food; eat more fresh vegetables and fruit
• Older people, pregnant women, children and people with chronic illnesses should take extra care

High fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat and confusion are listed as signs of heatstroke; the person should be moved somewhere cool and medical help sought.

How to choose a cooler home

Orientation and sun

A west-facing side gets strong, low-angle sun in the afternoon, which is often the most oppressive. An east-facing side warms in the morning and is shaded later. North gets the least sun; south receives the summer sun at a high angle and is easily shaded by an overhang or balcony. We recommend viewing a flat in both the morning and the evening.

Cross ventilation

Flats with windows or balconies on two different sides can pull cool air in at night and push warm air out by day. Single-aspect flats lack that advantage. During a viewing, open the windows and see whether a draught forms.

Roof and top floor

Top-floor flats and roof duplexes can be hotter in summer because the roof heats up all day; insulation quality is decisive. We discuss the pros and cons in duplex penthouses in Antalya: pros, cons and what to check.

Insulation and glazing

External wall insulation, roof insulation and good double glazing reduce indoor heating. According to press reports of June 2025, an amendment to the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulation removed the central-heating requirement in some districts of five hot-climate provinces, including Antalya, and ties new buildings to energy-performance criteria aligned with the updated TS 825 insulation standard. In older buildings, ask about and inspect the insulation. We compared new and older stock in new or second-hand (in Turkish).

Balcony, shading and landscaping

A deep balcony, overhang, awning or pergola stops the sun before it reaches the glass. Shading a window from the outside is far more effective than from the inside with curtains. Complexes with trees and landscaping have cooler common areas. In historic districts with narrow, shaded streets, such as Kaleiçi, buildings shading each other is a classic cooling approach.

Photo: Sharon Hahn Darlin / CC BY 2.0 — Wikimedia Commons

Staying cool in daily life

• Curtains and shutters: Closing sun-facing sides by day reduces heat entering; the Ministry of Health also recommends using curtains at home.
• Ventilation: Open windows in the morning and evening when the outside air is cooler than inside; keep them shut at midday.
• Air conditioning: Keeping the unit at 24-27 °C is a reasonable balance for comfort and bills. Clean the filters regularly.
• Fans: Useful in homes without air conditioning or as a supplement.
• Planning: Leave hot chores such as laundry and ironing for the evening.
• Shopping and exercise: Prefer early morning or late evening.

Estimate the summer bill in advance

Air conditioning noticeably increases the summer electricity bill. When you view a home to rent or buy, ask the previous occupant for the last twelve months of electricity bills; comparing summer with winter gives a realistic idea. The wider budget lines are in the real costs of owning a home in Antalya each year.

Villa or apartment?

Detached villas offer gardens, trees and shaded areas, but with four sides exposed to the sun they need proper insulation and ventilation. In apartment blocks, neighbouring flats contribute to insulation, but the roof and west facade make a difference. For a general comparison see villa or apartment in Antalya: how to choose.

Checklist

1. View the home both in the morning and in the evening and watch how the sun hits the facade.
2. Test cross ventilation by opening windows.
3. Ask about roof, exterior wall and glazing insulation.
4. Check air-conditioning provision (outdoor unit location, pipework).
5. Assess balcony depth and the possibility of an awning or overhang.
6. Ask for the last 12 months of electricity bills.

Conclusion

Summer in Antalya is long and hot, but with the right orientation, good insulation, cross ventilation and shading you can live comfortably. For the year-round picture see Antalya weather through the year. For your home search, our buying a home in Antalya and projects pages may help. Feel free to write to us with any questions.

Cover photo: Tanya Dedyukhina / CC BY 3.0 — Wikimedia Commons