Turkey in December

Cities and resorts

Average air and sea temperatures, with the number of wet days per month.

All cities in this country in the catalogue

Is this a good month to visit?

December suits culture, relaxed days on the southern coast and a mountain trip. Choose Istanbul for walking and local food, or Antalya for sea views and time at a comfortable hotel. A heated indoor pool is useful for swimmers, while mountain outings call for a full winter wardrobe.

How does winter differ across Turkey?

Winter beside the Mediterranean is milder than on the inland plateau. December falls in Antalya’s wetter part of the year, so short walks work well around café and museum stops. Sitting on an open terrace feels cooler than walking. For a long lunch beside the sea, a warm jumper and jacket are useful.

Istanbul in December is cool, with precipitation and wind along exposed stretches of waterfront. Cappadocia and mountain regions can have freezing spells. These routes call for winter clothes, a hat, gloves and shoes with a good grip. Between walks, a long lunch indoors and a return to the hotel before late evening make the day comfortable.

The coast, a city or a ski resort?

On the southern coast, December suits sea views, walking and hotel relaxation. A heated indoor pool is the more comfortable place for a swim. A warm room, somewhere pleasant to relax indoors and a short route to a café or restaurant make a useful winter base. Head out to the shore by day and follow the walk with an unhurried lunch.

Istanbul combines neighbourhoods, museums and local food. Winter-sports enthusiasts can consider Erciyes and Uludağ; the start of the ski season depends on snowfall. Cappadocia suits a separate trip through valleys and rock-cut sites. A few nights in one place allow shorter outings to alternate with time in a warm hotel.

Choosing December dates

Early December is a little warmer than late December on the southern coast. In Antalya, average daytime temperatures fall from about 18 to 16 °C and night-time temperatures from 10 to 8 °C. Wet days are spread fairly evenly through the month, so pack a waterproof jacket for any dates. Choose early December for more time outdoors. For New Year, a city hotel near your evening plans or a hotel with a heated indoor pool makes a comfortable base after walks.

For walks, pack a warm middle layer, wind and rain protection, and closed shoes with a good grip. Mountain routes call for winter gear. On a short break, staying near cafés, transport and walking streets saves time in transit. Between a daytime outing and dinner, return to your room to dry clothes and take a rest.

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