One of the first questions guests ask when planning a Blue Cruise is:
“When is the best time to charter a gulet?”
The honest answer: there isn’t just one “best” month.
It depends on what you care about most – warm sea, quiet bays, school holidays or budget.
In this guide, we look at the gulet season from April to October and help you choose the right time for your group.
Gulet Season at a Glance
The main gulet charter season in Turkey and the nearby Greek Islands runs from April to October.
- April – early May:
Cool nights, mild days, very quiet, best for hiking & exploring. - Late May – June:
Warmer weather, sea is heating up, still peaceful, great balance of price and comfort. - July – August:
Hottest months, warmest sea, school holidays, peak demand and highest prices. - September:
Still very warm, sea at its best, fewer crowds than August, a favourite for many repeat guests. - October:
Softer sun, sea still swimmable (especially early October), quieter and often better value.
Now let’s look at each period in a bit more detail.
Spring – April & May: Quiet, Fresh and Great for Exploring
Weather:
- Days are usually mild and sunny, evenings can still be cool.
- Sea is cooler than in summer but fine for many guests, especially from late May.
Who is it best for?
- Couples and small groups who enjoy walking, photography and sightseeing.
- Guests who prefer quiet bays and soft sunshine rather than intense heat.
- Those who want to benefit from lower rates and more yacht options.
If you’re happy with a slightly cooler sea in exchange for peace, space and value, late April and May are excellent months.
Early Summer – June: The Sweet Spot
Many experienced guests quietly agree that June is one of the best times for a gulet charter.
Why?
- Weather is properly warm, but not at full July–August intensity.
- The sea is already pleasant for long swims.
- Bays and harbours are lively but not overcrowded.
- Prices are still below peak season levels.
Who is it ideal for?
- Families with younger children (depending on school calendars),
- Couples and groups of friends who want a summer feel without peak-season crowds.
If you like long days, warm water and good energy without too much noise, June is a very strong choice.
High Summer – July & August: Peak Heat, Peak Demand
July and August are the classic summer holiday months.
Weather & sea:
- Hot days, warm evenings, very warm sea.
- Perfect for guests who want to be in the water as much as possible.
Pros:
- The most reliable beach weather of the year.
- Ideal for families tied to school holidays.
- Lively atmosphere in towns and marinas.
Points to consider:
- This is the busiest and most expensive period of the season.
- Popular yachts and weeks can sell out many months in advance.
- Bays and villages will naturally be more crowded.
If you are bound to travel in school holidays and you love the classic summer atmosphere, July and August are the right choice – just be sure to book early.
Late Summer – September: Warm Sea, Softer Tempo
For many repeat guests, September is their absolute favourite month.
Weather:
- Still very warm, but the sun is slightly gentler than in August.
- The sea has had all summer to warm up – often at its most pleasant temperature.
Advantages:
- Fewer families with small children (schools have started),
- Harbours and bays feel more relaxed,
- Sunsets and evenings on deck are especially comfortable.
Ideal for:
- Couples, groups of friends and adult families,
- Guests who prefer summer conditions with a calmer mood.
If you enjoy long swims, warm evenings and a slightly more grown-up atmosphere, September is hard to beat.
Autumn – October: Soft Light and Excellent Value
October is the quiet closing chapter of the gulet season.
Conditions:
- Air temperatures are mild and pleasant, especially in the first half of the month.
- The sea is usually still warm from summer, though evenings can be cooler.
Why choose October?
- You can enjoy peaceful bays and anchorages with far fewer boats.
- Prices are often more competitive than in high summer.
- It’s a beautiful time for guests who like reading, resting and slow travel on board.
If you don’t need high-season buzz and prefer calm beauty and softer light, early October can offer a wonderful – and underrated – Blue Cruise.
Best Time for Families with Children
For families, the best months depend on school calendars and the age of the kids:
- Late May & June: great for families with younger children or flexible schedules.
- Late June, July, August: best for school-age children, but also the busiest and most expensive.
- Early September: perfect for families with older children or from countries where school starts later.
If you can travel outside the absolute peak weeks, you’ll often get:
- More choice of yachts,
- Slightly better rates,
- And a bit more space in popular bays.
Best Time for Couples and Quiet-Seekers
If you don’t have to follow school holidays and you love quiet anchorages, consider:
- May & early June – fresh, colourful, peaceful.
- Late September & early October – warm sea, soft sun, relaxed atmosphere.
These periods are perfect for:
- Honeymoons and romantic trips,
- Yoga, reading, photography and long conversations on deck,
- Guests who want to feel like they have the coastline almost to themselves.
So… When Should You Book Your Gulet Charter?
In summary:
- May & October: quieter, better value, cooler but still beautiful.
- June & September: the sweet spots – warm, lively but not extreme.
- July & August: peak summer, peak warmth, peak demand.
Once you decide what matters most – budget, quiet, school holidays or maximum heat – it becomes much easier to choose your month.
From there, the next step is simple: share your preferred period, group size and rough budget with your broker, and let them suggest the best yachts available for your chosen time of year.