When to Go

July and August are the high season, and Ephesus gets lots of tourists, especially those coming in from the cruise ship port at Kuṣadası. In June and September you’ll have the beaches mostly to yourself, though the water is cooler. If you want to visit the historical sights in mild weather, plan your trip between October and May—traveling at this time also guarantees fewer crowds and more affordable accommodations. The winter months can be rainy, but if you don’t mind a chill in the air, it’s an off-season treat to stroll through windy, deserted ancient monuments, then duck into a toasty kebab restaurant for lunch. Some hotels and restaurants close for the winter, and local bus services become less frequent, but almost all sites and museums stay open.