Turkey's third-largest city, Izmir (ancient Smyrna) has been continuously inhabited for over 8,500 years, making it one of the oldest urban settlements in the Mediterranean. Homer is traditionally believed to have been born here. The city's waterfront Kordon promenade, vibrant Kemeralti bazaar, and nearby ruins of Ephesus — one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world — define its character.
Nights sit around 18°C and afternoons around 31°C, though some days reach 34°C.
Izmir has real seasons: summer afternoons sit around 34°C, winter ones around 13°C.
Some summer days reach 38°C, and some winter nights drop to 1°C.
Most of the rain falls in winter, least in summer. In December it rains about 10 days in 30; in July, 0.
Wind is rarely an issue; most months sit between calm and a light breeze. Air quality is worth watching: January averages an AQI of 79, while July clears to 60.
Days stretch to about 14.7 hours of light in June and shrink to 9.3 in December — something to weigh if you work to a fixed timezone.
For what you're after, the best months in Izmir are May – September. Expect fast internet (258 Mbps) and a moderate cost of living (about €1250 a month).
Affiliate links: if you book through them I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
