The short answer to "when should I hike the Lycian Way?" is spring or autumn. Below you'll find which months hikers choose and what to keep in mind in each season.
Month by month
| January | 3.3% |
|---|---|
| February | 4% |
| March | 9.5% |
| April | 23.1% |
| May | 16.3% |
| June | 4.4% |
| July | 2% |
| August | 2.1% |
| September | 6.2% |
| October | 17.5% |
| November | 8.3% |
| December | 3.4% |
- April is the favourite month: about 23% of hikers choose it.
- October (about 17.5%) and May (about 16%) follow.
- July and August are the quietest months, together about 4%.
April is chosen more than 11 times as often as July.
By season
- Spring (March–May): about 49%
- Autumn (September–November): about 32%
- Winter (December–February): about 11%
- Summer (June–August): about 8%
Why is summer so quiet?
Much of the Lycian Way crosses open coastal ridges and rocky slopes with little shade. Summer heat cuts your daily distance hard, and some springs along the route can run low in summer. If you do hike in summer, start early, rest through midday and plan water before every stage.
Winter and early spring
People hike in winter too, but days are short and rain is more likely. The mountainous eastern stages around Hisarçandır and Göynük can change quickly. March is a good in-between month if you want to walk before the crowds.
Where to start
If you only have time for a few stages, the Lycian Way stages guide helps you choose by distance, ascent and difficulty.
On the trail
Follow this route on your phone
- Step-by-step route following
- Voice alert when you go off-route
- GPS recording and group planning
Tables and charts update automatically.