There are many locations around Turkey where you may still get some sun or even dip in warm coastal waters in December, the mildest winter month there. But as the rainy season comes, a large portion of the country is covered in darkness. This also means that the ski season is here to stay and that this incredibly underestimated location continues to present excellent vacation choices at this time of year. Discover why you should travel to Turkey in December by reading on.

TURKEY’S WEATHER IN DECEMBER

Turkey’s December weather varies from north to south. By December, Istanbul begins to get cold, but there are still enough warm days in Antalya, in the south, to give you a vacation from the winter. December weather typically ranges from a low of -3°C to a high of 5°C.

However, Antalya on the coast of the Mediterranean gets substantially higher temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 16°C. In December, Istanbul rarely experiences lows below freezing and regularly experiences highs around 11 °C. The Aegean and Mediterranean regions have milder weather without as much rain as the Black Sea shoreline does at this time of year.

Visit our page to apply for a turkey visa online and the best time to visit Turkey for additional information on travelling to Turkey at various periods of the year.

WHY VISIT TURKEY IN DECEMBER

Travelling to Turkey in December, the start of winter has its appeal and temptation that cannot be ignored. Here are a few benefits of visiting this country that sits on two continents this month.

Better rates: You’re in luck if you like to travel on a limited budget. This month, most tourists are staying away from Turkey so that you can benefit from lower prices.

Fewer crowds: Most of the country’s famous locations see fewer visitors at this time of year. Without having to deal with crowds, take in the wonders of Istanbul and Antalya in your own time.

Ski season: Turkey, which has beautiful, rough mountains with excellent slopes, is quickly becoming a favourite destination for skiers. In addition, rates are significantly lower here than in other well-known ski resorts.

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO

Turkey is a large nation with diverse scenery, from high mountains and Mediterranean coastlines to desert regions. Turkey’s south coast gives a break from the coming winter because the sea still has warm water flowing through it and a lot of sunshine. Visits to Antalya, Fethiye, and Alanya are lovely at this time of year and are highly recommended.

A trip to Cappadocia is the kind of vacation that Instagrammers live for. Hot air balloons fly above the jagged desert mountain peaks in this location. This is one of the locations in Turkey where it snows at this time of year. Discover this beautiful location’s other side while there are few people around. If you’re fortunate, you can get a deal on first-class accommodation in famous cave hotels.

In December, skiing is quite popular in Turkey, and ski resorts can be found close to Istanbul, the country’s capital. Uludag, Palandoken, and Kayseri are a few of the most well-liked alternatives. Because Kayseri is close to Cappadocia, you may easily combine a trip to both places. Even though the majestic Kackar Mountains are covered in snow in December, they provide many trekking options and breathtaking views of the valleys below.

If you want to see Pamukkale’s snow-covered hills and various Roman remains before people descend, go there in the winter. Its warm springs provide much-needed relief from the cold, and its blue and white pools are as stunning in December as at other times of the year.

The Whirling Dervishes Festival, a week-long cultural spectacle celebrating Rumi, a well-known Islamic figure, is held in Konya. Although it has occasionally been held in November, this event follows the Islamic calendar and is most frequently conducted in December. Dancers perform intricate movements while wearing broad, billowing skirts that flare up as they spin around the stage during the seven-day festival.

Even though less than 1% of Turkish people identify as Christian, big cities like Istanbul have a festive mood in December. This month leads to grand celebrations, large feasts that celebrate the end of the year, and enormous fireworks displays. The town of Demra holds a colourful event at the start of December to honour Noel Baba, the term used locally for Santa Claus, as the Turkish people also belief that Santa Clause was born in Antalya. The magnificent Church of Saint Nicolas, built in the fourth century, celebrates his birth.

Discovering Turkey’s stunning landscape, as well as its vibrant culture, is still worthwhile in December. This month occurs in the middle of the low season so that you may take in the nation’s most notable attractions with a lot fewer tourists present.

To receive a unique tour and ensure you don’t miss a step in Turkey, contact our visa specialists immediately for your turkey e visa to turkey.