Turkey in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Turkey

18°C (64°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

95mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Istanbul's museums and covered bazaars shine in cool weather - the Tehran stays comfortable at 15°C (59°F) while outside temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F)
Hot springs and thermal baths reach peak season - Pamukkale's terraces create impressive contrast against winter skies, with 36°C (97°F) water perfect for 18°C (64°F) days
Cappadocia balloon flights have highest success rates (85% vs 60% in summer) due to stable winter air currents and crystal-clear visibility extending 50km (31 miles)
Winter pricing drops 40-60% on accommodations and domestic flights, with luxury cave hotels in Cappadocia available for ₺800-1,200 ($27-40) versus ₺2,000+ in peak season

Considerations

Mediterranean beaches are too cold for swimming - water temperatures drop to 16°C (61°F) and many coastal restaurants close until March
Mountain regions like Uludağ and eastern Anatolia experience heavy snow, with roads above 1,500m (4,921 ft) requiring chains or becoming impassable
Daylight hours shrink to just 9 hours (sunrise 7:45am, sunset 5:15pm), limiting outdoor sightseeing time and making early morning balloon flights start in darkness

Best Activities in December

Istanbul Historic Peninsula Walking Tours

December's cool temperatures make multi-hour walking tours through Sultanahmet comfortable, while rain creates dramatic lighting in Hagia Sophia and Yerevan. Indoor sections of Topkapi Palace provide perfect shelter during the 12 typical rainy days. Crowds are 70% smaller than summer, allowing better photography and genuine interactions with local guides.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead for small group tours (typically ₺400-600 per person for 4-6 hour experiences). Look for tours that combine indoor attractions with covered bazaars as rain backup. Winter guides often provide deeper historical context with fewer time pressures.

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flights

Winter air stability creates ideal balloon conditions with 85% flight success rates. December's clear skies offer 50km (31-mile) visibility revealing snow-dusted fairy chimneys and distant Mount Erciyes. Flights launch later (7:30am vs 5:30am summer) due to shorter daylight, making wake-up calls more reasonable.

Booking Tip: Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead as winter has fewer daily flights but higher success rates. Premium baskets cost ₺2,500-3,500 versus standard ₺1,800-2,200. Choose operators offering full refunds for weather cancellations and free hotel transfers.

Pamukkale Thermal Pools Experience

Pamukkale's calcium terraces shine brightest against December's moody skies, while 36°C (97°F) thermal waters provide perfect contrast to 18°C (64°F) air temperatures. Winter lighting creates ethereal steam effects for photography, and the site receives 80% fewer visitors than peak season.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Istanbul include flights and cost ₺1,200-1,800 per person. Multi-day Pamukkale-Ephesus combinations offer better value at ₺2,200-3,200. Book tours including Hierapolis ancient city, as walking the ruins is comfortable in cool weather.

Turkish Bath and Hammam Experiences

Traditional hammams feel especially rejuvenating during December's damp, cool weather. Historic baths like Cemberlitas maintain perfect 40°C (104°F) temperatures while outside temperatures hover around 10°C (50°F). The contrast enhances the authentic warming experience locals have enjoyed for centuries.

Booking Tip: Quality hammam experiences cost ₺350-800 depending on location and services. Book morning sessions (10am-2pm) to avoid evening crowds. Look for packages including massage, soap scrub, and relaxation time. Historic baths offer more real feels than hotel spas.

Underground Cities and Cave Explorations

Cappadocia's underground cities like Derinkuyu maintain constant 13°C (55°F) temperatures, feeling warm compared to surface conditions. December's cooler weather makes the 8-level descent more comfortable, and smaller crowds allow thorough exploration of the intricate tunnel systems carved by early Christians.

Booking Tip: Combined underground city and cave church tours cost ₺800-1,400 per person for full-day experiences. Book tours including Ihlara Valley for variety. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip - cave floors can be slippery. Tours typically last 6-8 hours with lunch included.

Cooking Classes and Food Market Tours

December brings seasonal ingredients like fresh chestnuts, pomegranates, and winter squash to Turkish markets. Cooking classes move indoors, creating cozy atmospheres perfect for learning traditional techniques for dishes like mantı (Turkish dumplings) and warming soups that locals actually eat during winter months.

Booking Tip: Half-day cooking experiences cost ₺450-750 per person including market visit and meal. Book classes featuring seasonal winter recipes rather than generic tourist menus. Morning classes (9am-1pm) align well with market shopping when ingredients are freshest.

December Events & Festivals

December 31

New Year's Eve Celebrations

Istanbul transforms for Yılbaşı with spectacular fireworks over the Bosphorus and street celebrations in Taksim Square. Hotels and restaurants offer special menus featuring traditional Turkish mezze alongside champagne toasts. The celebration blends Turkish hospitality with international New Year traditions.

December 21

Winter Solstice at Ancient Sites

Archaeological sites like Göbekli Tepe and Ephesus take on mystical qualities during the shortest day. Many sites offer special winter tours highlighting how ancient civilizations marked seasonal changes, with dramatically different lighting revealing architectural details invisible in bright summer sun.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots for wet cobblestones in Istanbul's historic areas and slippery cave floors in Cappadocia

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing 10°C (18°F) between morning (8°C/46°F) and afternoon (18°C/64°F)

Compact umbrella that fits in day pack - December rain comes in quick 30-45 minute bursts rather than all-day drizzle

Warm hat and gloves for early morning balloon flights and mountain regions where temperatures drop to -5°C (23°F)

Quick-dry pants for thermal pool visits - many sites require walking between outdoor pools in cool air

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster, crucial for navigation and photography

Moisturizing lotion - indoor heating and winter air create dryness, especially after hammam treatments

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - wet marble in mosques and museums becomes extremely slippery

Light down jacket that compresses small - perfect for 65% humidity and wind chill near the Bosphorus

SPF 30 sunscreen - UV index of 3 still requires protection, especially with snow reflection in mountain areas

Insider Knowledge

Locals flock to shopping malls like Istinye Park and Zorlu Center during December rain - follow them for excellent food courts featuring regional specialties and warm shelter

Turkish Airlines offers 60% discounts on domestic flights in December - book Istanbul to Cappadocia for ₺400-600 versus summer's ₺1,200+

Many restaurants switch to winter menus in December featuring hearty dishes like lamb stews and lentil soups - ask for 'kış menüsü' (winter menu) for authentic seasonal eating

December 29-January 2 sees Turkish domestic tourism spike as locals travel for New Year - book accommodations before December 15 or after January 3 for better rates and availability

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for Istanbul's mild climate without considering mountain regions can be 15°C (27°F) colder with snow above 1,000m (3,281 ft)

Assuming all tourist sites maintain summer hours - many reduce operating times in December, with some closing at 4:30pm instead of 7:30pm

Booking beach hotels along the Mediterranean coast where pools are unheated and most restaurants close from December through February