Weather in Turkey in December

The weather in Turkey in December is wintery, with shorter days and colder temperatures. Istanbul is often rainy and foggy, while Cappadocia experiences frosty mornings and occasional snow. The Aegean coast stays cool, while the Mediterranean, especially Antalya, remains mild. Eastern Turkey is deep in winter, with snow-covered landscapes ideal for skiing. December is perfect for festive city breaks, thermal spa retreats, and winter sports.

Turkey in December at a glance

December sees the onset of winter, with chilly temperatures, shorter days, and a festive atmosphere. While coastal areas remain relatively mild, central and eastern regions experience cold weather, with snow becoming common in higher altitudes. It’s an excellent month for winter sports, city sightseeing, and vacation celebrations.

• Average temperatures vary across the country. Istanbul ranges between 43°F and 54°F (6°C and 12°C), while Cappadocia sees colder conditions at 28°F to 45°F (-2°C to 7°C). The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, including Antalya, stay milder at 46°F to 66°F (8°C to19°C), while Eastern Turkey experiences sub-zero temperatures, especially in cities like Erzurum and Kars.
• December is a good time to visit if you enjoy festive lights, cozy cafés, and picturesque winter landscapes. Istanbul’s markets and historic sites are beautifully decorated, and Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys look magical under a light dusting of snow.
• Travel costs remain low outside of Christmas and New Year’s, making December a budget-friendly month. Ski resorts in Erciyes and Uludağ start their season, attracting winter sports enthusiasts.
• Vacation celebrations, including New Year’s Eve fireworks in Istanbul, add to the charm of visiting Turkey in December, making it a memorable time to explore.

Is December a good time to visit Turkey?

The weather in Turkey in December is wintry, with snow in central and eastern areas. It’s a festive month, ideal for exploring cities or partaking in winter sports with all top-notch ski resorts fully open. December brings festive lights, New Year’s Eve fireworks in Istanbul, and budget-friendly travel outside of the vacations. Hot thermal baths and snug cafés all add to the winter charm. If you're wondering about the best time to visit Turkey, December offers a unique mix of seasonal celebrations and snowy adventures.

Average daily temperatures in December

December marks the start of winter in Turkey, bringing cold temperatures, especially inland. In Istanbul, highs average 50°F (10°C), with lows around 41°F (5°C). Rain is frequent, adding a wintery feel. On the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, including Antalya, daytime temperatures hover around 61°F (16°C), with nights dropping to 46°F (8°C). While too cool for swimming, the region remains pleasant for sightseeing.

Ankara experiences chilly days at 45°F (7°C) and cold nights at 30°F (-1°C). Cappadocia sees similar daytime temperatures but frigid nights at 23°F (-5°C), with occasional snowfall enhancing its fairy-tale landscape. Southeastern Turkey, including Diyarbakır, stays relatively mild, with highs of 54°F (12°C) and lows around 36°F (2°C).

The Black Sea coast, including Trabzon, experiences highs of 55°F (13°C) and lows of 45°F (7°C), with increased precipitation. If you're looking for the best places to visit in Turkey in winter, Cappadocia and Istanbul are especially magical in December, with winter lights and seasonal festivities.

What about the crowds and cost?

Aside from the ski resorts and New Year’s celebrations in Istanbul, December is a quiet month for tourism in Turkey. Most coastal areas see minimal tourist activity, while major cities remain calm. With the vacation season fast approaching, flights to Istanbul and Cappadocia may become more expensive, but hotel rates remain affordable.

Ski resorts begin to see an increase in visitors, leading to higher accommodation costs in places like Uludağ and Palandöken. If you're planning a trip to Turkey, December offers budget-friendly options for those who enjoy winter landscapes, inviting cafés, and seasonal city decorations — even if it's not the cheapest month overall.

Things to do in Turkey in December

December in Turkey brings winter beauty and charm, from snow-covered landscapes to stimulating cultural experiences. Whether exploring historical sites, taking to the mountains, or enjoying invigorating and warming traditional baths, December offers a wide variety of activities to add to your Turkey itinerary.

Go skiing in Erciyes

Erciyes Ski Resort near Kayseri offers excellent alpine slopes for all levels of ability, state-of-the-art facilities, and stunning views of Mount Erciyes, an inactive volcano whose summit is 12,851ft above sea level. This is one of Turkey’s premier winter destinations for skiing and snowboarding.

Enjoy Istanbul’s winter charm

Istanbul in December is filled with festive lights and cozy cafés. Visit the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, packed with arts, crafts, clothes, rugs, jewelry, and all manner of curiosities — haggling is all part of the experience. The city has many historic sites, museums, and galleries that are also worth a visit, and with fewer crowds, this is a good time to explore them.

Local treats like coffee, Turkish delight, and a variety of street foods can all be enjoyed in the many cafés scattered across the city. If you're wondering how many days to spend in Istanbul, make sure to give yourself enough time to soak up city’s layered history and lively street culture.

Explore Gaziantep’s culinary scene

Gaziantep, Turkey’s food capital, is perfect for a winter visit. Warm up with a bowl of traditional beyran soup, taste authentic baklava, and explore the city’s vibrant markets filled with spices and foodstuffs, including the prized pistachios for which the city is famous.

Skiing in Uludağ

Uludağ, in the Marmara region near Bursa, is Turkey’s top ski resort. It offers well-groomed slopes, scenic mountain views, and a lively après-ski atmosphere. With trails to suit all skill levels, it’s an excellent destination for skiers, snowboarders, and hikers and is accessible by road or cable car.

Take a thermal bath in Afyonkarahisar

Afyonkarahisar, located in western Anatolia, is known for its thermal baths and natural hot springs, which have warmed and helped heal people since the Bronze Age. A visit to one of the region’s luxurious spa resorts provides relaxation and warmth, making for a perfect winter escape. The city is also known for its gastronomy, especially its Turkish delight and clotted cream.

Festivals and events in Turkey in December

Several festive celebrations, including traditional performances, take place in December adding to the season’s charm.

• Mevlana Whirling Dervish Festival (Konya): This spiritual event honors the Sufi poet Rumi and features mesmerizing Sufi dances and poetry readings.
• Istanbul Christmas Markets: While Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, Istanbul hosts Christmas markets featuring lights, decorations, and seasonal treats.
• New Year's Eve in Istanbul: The city comes alive with fireworks over the Bosphorus, rooftop parties, and celebrations in Taksim Square and Ortaköy.