Never seen the snow-capped Anatolian mountains? Come to the land of the four seas at the beginning of winter! We tell you about the weather in Turkey in December 2021, prices for tours and reviews of tourists. Find out where to relax and what to do during your winter getaway.
Weather in Turkey in December
In the first month of winter, the weather in Turkey is very mild. There is no slush, big snowdrifts and severe frosts to which Russians are so accustomed. In popular Mediterranean resorts, snow is generally a rarity.
The air temperature in Turkey in December differs in different parts of the country. It is much colder in the center and north than in the south. Even at the beginning of winter, Antalya and Kemer delight tourists with green grassy lawns and foliage. True, in the coastal parks you will not see flowers, and the leaves on many trees turn yellow.
| Resort | t ° С of air during the day | t ° С of water | Sunny days |
| Antalya and Kemer | +14 | +19,7 | 19 |
| Alanya | +17 | +19,8 | 22 |
| Side and Belek | +15,5 | +19,8 | 19 |
| Bodrum | +16 | +18,8 | 18 |
| Istanbul | +11,5 | +11,5 | 12 |
The weather in Turkey in December is quite changeable. The sun is covered with thick clouds from time to time. Despite the fact that it is warm during the daytime, at night the thermometer drops to +5 ... + 10 ° С.
Interestingly, the sea is always warmer than the air during the colder months. The water temperature in Turkey in December does not exceed + 19.8 ° С, and in the Aegean Sea it is lower by another 2-3 ° С. It often storms on the coast, and no one swims.
It is easy to catch cold in the cold wind, so we recommend that you dress warm for walks along the coast and for excursions. While on holiday in Turkey in December 2021, a sweater, windproof jacket with a hood, an umbrella and waterproof shoes will not be superfluous.
For lovers of skiing and snowboarding, it is important to know about the weather in December 2021 in the winter resorts of Turkey. With the beginning of winter, the sports season is just beginning. In ski centers, the temperature during the day is kept at around 0 ... - 1 ° С, and at night the thermometer drops to −12 ° С. These are very good skiing conditions!
Where to rest in December
Istanbul. The city has a rich history, so lovers of culture and architecture come here. Istanbul has many beautiful squares, pedestrian promenades, palaces, temples, mosques and colorful bazaars. Explore our guide to Istanbul.
Sea resorts. During the winter months, the beach season is closed, and most coastal hotels do not accept tourists until spring. However, large hotels are open all year round. Especially popular are comfortable 5 * hotels, which have swimming pools with heated water. Check out our selection of hotels with a warm pool. Most tourists choose the warm resorts of the Turkish Riviera - Antalya, Alanya and Side for their holidays in Turkey in December. Life does not stop there even in winter, so you will find a lot of entertainment: tourist attractions, zoos, aquariums, shopping malls and interesting museums. Read also about all-inclusive holidays in Turkey.
Ski resorts. At the beginning of winter, Turkish winter recreation centers open the season. They are located at an altitude of 1700-3000 m in the green mountains. In December, there is already enough snow on the slopes for skiing. The most developed ski resorts Uludag and Palandoken are in great demand among tourists, especially among families with children.
See also the 10 best thermal springs in Turkey.
How to choose a hotel
Our selections and reviews will help you choose an excellent hotel for your vacation in Turkey:
- Newest hotels in Turkey
- Which hotels in Turkey are open during the pandemic
- The 10 best hotels in Turkey with a warm pool
- The 6 best hotels in Turkey with pool access
- Antalya's 10 Best All Inclusive 5 * Hotels
- The 10 Best 5 * All Inclusive Belek Hotels
Look for hotels with discounts on the Rumguru service - it will compare the prices in different booking systems and find the best one. It is convenient and safe to rent apartments or villas on the Airbnb service. See also our tips: How to learn to book hotels cheaper.
Prices for tours to Turkey in December 2021
Due to the cool weather in December, not so many tourists travel to Turkey as in late spring, summer or early autumn. For this reason, the prices for tours are much lower than during the peak season. This also applies to expensive prestigious hotels! So in winter you can afford more for less. Find out how to choose a good trip to Turkey.
We advise you to look for profitable tours on Level.Travel and Travelata services - they will find the best deals among different tour operators. Want to save money? Check out 7 ways to buy a tour for less.
Current prices for tours to Turkey in 2021:
What to do on holiday in Turkey in December
Idle doing nothing will sooner or later get bored. How can you entertain yourself on vacation?
Excursions. During your holiday in Turkey in December, we recommend seeing Turkish sights. Bus trips are organized from all cities and seaside resorts. The most popular among vacationers are excursions to Pamukkale and Cappadocia. Find out what is worth seeing in Antalya.
Shopping. The beginning of winter is a great time to hike through outlets, boutiques and famous Turkish bazaars. Visit Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, a huge market that spans 66 streets in the city. Check out Antalya Central Market, Kemer Textile Market or Alanya Oriental Bazaar. Everywhere tourists are offered beautiful carpets, ceramics and tea sets. During your holiday in Turkey in December, we recommend stocking up on Turkish souvenirs: fragrant soap, rose water, coffee jams, spices, spices and delicious oriental sweets.
Wellness. Combine relaxation with relaxing treatments in SPA-salons, wellness massage and a visit to the famous Turkish hammams.
Festivals. In mid-December, the city of Konya in central Anatolia hosts the week-long Mevlana festival, which is dedicated to the medieval poet Rumi. Visit the colorful festival and watch the original dance of the rotating dervishes! And the city of Gaziantep in the south of the country in December pleases local residents and tourists with a cheerful holiday "Golden Pistachio".
Reviews of tourists about Turkey in December
pros:
- Prices for tours to Turkey in December are significantly lower than during the summer season or for the New Year.
- There are no crowds of tourists on the coast, and there are no queues at the ticket offices.
- In winter, Turkey has many opportunities for a varied holiday: wellness, shopping and skiing.
- It is not hot, so it is convenient to go on excursions and walk.
- Prices for excursions in winter are also lower.
- Many healthy citrus fruits are sold in the markets.
disadvantages:
- In winter, Turkish resorts are not suitable for a beach holiday, although some tourists go swimming.
- The weather in Turkey is changeable in December. The day often starts with a pleasant cool morning and ends with cloudy skies and rain.
- The choice of hotels is partly limited, because some of them are closed until spring.
Advice experienced tourists:
- Due to the winds in Istanbul, the humidity is up to 80%. To stay warm, do not forget about warm clothes, a windbreaker, a raincoat and a headdress.
- For relaxation on the Mediterranean coast, choose comfortable hotels with a sauna and indoor heated pools.
- Cold weather is conducive to dining. Spend your free time tasting delicious traditional Turkish cuisine. Explore our guide to food in Turkey.
