Uzungöl in September: weather, crowds and what to pack

Is September a good time to visit Uzungöl?

Yes — for many travellers it is the best month. The peak Gulf-holiday crowds of July and August have thinned, the valley is still green, and the light is clearer than in midsummer haze.

Weather and temperature

Expect mild days and genuinely cold nights. Daytime highs in the lake basin are typically in the high teens to low twenties Celsius early in the month, falling as October approaches; nights can drop close to single digits. Uzungöl sits at around 1,100 m, so it is always several degrees cooler than Trabzon on the coast.

Rain and fog

The eastern Black Sea is wet all year and September is no exception: short heavy showers, low cloud and morning mist over the lake are normal. Fog usually lifts by late morning. Bring a rain jacket rather than relying on an umbrella in the wind.

What to wear

Layers: t-shirt, fleece or sweater, waterproof shell, and shoes with grip for wet wooden walkways and muddy trails.

Crowds

Weekdays are quiet; weekends still fill with domestic visitors. Hotels are easier to book and prices are usually lower than August.

Things to do in September

• Walk the full loop of the lake in the morning mist.
• Drive up to the Uzungöl viewpoints for the classic photo over the mosque and lake.
• Continue to the Çaykara plateaus such as Demirkapı and Şekersu while the roads are still open.
• Eat trout at a lakeside restaurant — the season's food is at its best.

Driving from Trabzon in September

The road via Of and Çaykara is open and paved; allow around 1.5 to 2 hours from the city or airport. Rain makes the last mountain section slower, so avoid driving it after dark if you can.

Where to stay

Lakeside wooden hotels, bungalows on the slopes, or a day trip from Trabzon centre if you prefer a coastal base.

Plan the rest of the trip

September suits the whole Çaykara valley, so add Şekersu Plateau to the same trip. Check the full Uzungöl area page, the month-by-month weather and how to get there.