How warm is Istanbul in December? (2024)

How warm is Istanbul in December?

Istanbul, which is coastal but in the north, averages around 52°F (11°C). In contrast, the inland cities of Ankara, Konya, and Cappadocia are quite a bit colder, with average temperatures of 43-44°F (6-7°C). Rainfall is moderate in December and throughout the winter.

Is Istanbul too cold in December?

Average highs are 11C and lows are 5C (that is 51F to 41F). On average December sees over 17 days of rain and snow is not uncommon. While the South of Turkey has much warmer temperatures, do not expect Istanbul in December to be a warm weather getaway!

Is Turkey hot enough in December?

Average daily temperatures

It can be quite cool at this time of year, so visitors are recommended to take warmer clothes especially for venturing out after dark. The average daily maximum is 17 C and the average daily minimum is 7 C.

Is December best time to visit Istanbul?

The shoulder season is best for sightseeing and cultural events. The long, mostly pleasant spring and fall seasons (March to May and September to November ) are ideal for seeing the sights and wandering the neighborhoods of Istanbul, a city that rewards exploration by foot.

What should I wear in Istanbul in December?

In the winter months of November, December, January and February it gets really cold and wet (and it snows) so wrap up – take a coat, warm hat, scarf and gloves. In the summer – June, July, August and September – wear plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection), sunglasses and a sunhat.

Which city of Turkey is warm in December?

The warmest cities in Turkey in December are Antalya, Alanya, Belek, Side, and Kemer.

Is Istanbul nice for Christmas?

Advantages of Celebrating Christmas in Istanbul

The most notable advantage of travelling to Istanbul for Christmas is that on the 25th of December, you'll find business as usual. Shops, banks, and restaurants will all remain open, with them even operating their standard opening hours.

Is it worth going to Istanbul in winter?

With long days and warm weather, summer is the peak tourist season in Istanbul, meaning long lines and packed out attractions. Also, the weather can be super hot during the summer too. That's why, if you're looking for a more authentic and less crowded experience, I recommend visiting Istanbul in winter.

What to wear in Istanbul in winter?

Dressing for Winter in Istanbul means you'll want to be fully covered in a coat or jacket, jeans, jumper and even a woolly hat if you're visiting Istanbul in Winter like December to February.

Is it worth it to go to Turkey in the winter?

Turkey has always been perceived as a summer holiday destination, but this country is a good choice for your winter getaways too. Turkey is quieter in winter, so you won't have to deal with a lot of tourist crowd. This also brings us to the second most important point, which is expenses.

What is Turkey like at Christmas?

Christmas really isn't celebrated in Turkey. December 25th isn't a public holiday - it's just a normal day! Only 0.2% of the Turkish population are Christians, and many of those are migrants/refugees from countries such as Syria and Iran, etc. Christians in Turkey will go to Christmas services at their churches.

What is the warmest place in Europe in December?

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (Spain)

Gran Canaria is possibly the hottest place in Europe in December! It is the third largest Canary Island and is located in the Atlantic Ocean west of the African continent. Like the other Canary Islands, it is of volcanic origin and was colonized by the Spanish in the 15th century.

Is Istanbul cheap in December?

The cheapest month to fly to Istanbul is usually December.

Do tourists visit Turkey in December?

Tourist Places in Turkey in December

Turkey is a traveller's paradise with so much to see and do. Most tourists prefer to visit Turkey between June to October which is the peak season for a Turkey trip. However, the winter months are ideal to see some of Turkey's gems as the crowd is less and so is the heat.

How many days are enough for Istanbul?

Istanbul demands a minimum of two days, but we'd suggest at least four days to do it justice. Even with a week, you'd find yourself running out of time trying to tackle everything the city has to offer.

Is it snowing in Istanbul in December?

Istanbul typically experiences snowfall in the winter months, between December and February. On occasion, it may also snow in November or March. However, the majority of snow falls in January and February.

What shoes to wear in Istanbul winter?

Winter boots

While it occasionally snows in Istanbul, you really don't need full-on snow boots. Comfortable waterproof boots like these adorable Blondo leather boots will suit you perfectly — great for the rain, occasional snow, and for looking sleek during the winter while keeping your feet toasty warm!

Is Istanbul busy at Christmas?

Though it is predominantly a Muslim country, many Istanbulites celebrate Christmas, and New Year's is one of the biggest events of the year. If you may have never considered spending the holidays in Istanbul before, it may be time to take a trip to this surprisingly festive city during December.

How busy is Turkey in December?

November and December are generally considered low-season months, which means that popular destinations and attractions are less crowded. November and December are festive months in Turkey, with several events and celebrations taking place during this time.

How is Cappadocia in December?

December in Cappadocia

It has a decent amount of precipitation, which is often turned to snow because of the cold temperatures. During the day, the temperature stays in the single digits but plummets to below zero almost every night.

How warm is Turkey at Christmas?

The temperature in December ranges from an average low of -3°C to a high of around 5°C. Antalya on the Mediterranean coast has much higher temperatures though, ranging between 10°C and 16°C. Temperatures in Istanbul rarely dip below the freezing point in December and highs of 11 °C are not uncommon.

Are things open in Istanbul on Christmas?

December 25th is just another normal day in Istanbul. Shops, banks, businesses, restaurants and tourist attractions will have their usual opening hours for that day of the week. Some larger shops might include Christmas music in their playlists but there's no super-saturation with it as we experience in the West.

Do you eat Turkey during Christmas?

Traditional Christmas dinner features turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. Other types of poultry, roast beef, or ham, are also used. Pumpkin or apple pie, raisin pudding, Christmas pudding, or fruitcake are staples for dessert.

Can you eat Turkey on Christmas?

Turkey is one of the most iconic features of a Christmas dinner. For many families, it simply isn't a Christmas dinner without a turkey. However, most people don't know where this tradition started, or why it is that turkeys - rather than goose, chicken or beef - are the most popular option on Christmas Day.

Is Istanbul safe for American tourists?

While Turkey may have a not-so-good reputation (especially because of its proximity to dangerous areas near the Syrian border), it is predominantly safe in Istanbul for the majority of tourists, whether it's solo travelers or family travelers.

Is Istanbul cheap or expensive?

A generous budget of 276 USD per person per day (or 1932 USD/week) is more than enough for Istanbul.

Is Istanbul colder than Paris?

Istanbul is a little warmer than Paris in the summer. The temperature in Istanbul is usually 24°C (74°F) in July, and Paris stays around 20°C (68°F).

What should female tourists wear in Istanbul?

What should female tourists wear in Istanbul? Fitted trousers, or jeans, and a nice top are the perfect combination for female tourists in Istanbul. Since the city is a lot more liberal than other destinations in the country, it is okay to wear long skirts or modest, knee-length dresses here.

Can tourists wear shorts in Istanbul?

In Turkish cities, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. There is no problem wearing shorts for comfort, except when you visit mosques.

Should I cover my hair in Istanbul?

I recommend dressing more formally when traveling there, with shoulders and knees covered, a high neckline (no cleavage please), and no transparent or form-hugging clothing. You'll show respect and get more respect in return. Female travellers do not need to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque.

Is Cappadocia nice in winter?

If you are undecided whether it's a good idea to visit Cappadocia in winter - don't! This beautiful region in Turkey is worth visiting at any time of the year, and in winter you'll enjoy lower prices, fewer crowds, and an even more magical landscape.

How is Istanbul in December?

Weather in Istanbul in December

The daily maximum temperatures are around 10°C/ 50°F which goes down to 6°C/43°F during the night. There are only 3 hours of sunshine a day and approximately 17 rainy days. As you see, Istanbul's December weather is nothing extreme but annoying enough to mess with your plans.

Is winter harsh in Turkey?

Turkey is generally is not too cold or too hot in winter but the dramatical changes can be observed moving from one region to another. There are seven geographical regions in Turkey including Aegean, Black Sea, Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, Marmara, Mediterranean and Southeastern Anatolia.

Why is turkey so expensive at Christmas?

Prices for the poultry category that includes turkey surged nearly 18%. The most recent increases come on top of higher protein costs across the board during the pandemic, as high feed costs and labor shortages throughout the supply chain drive up prices.

Does Istanbul have Christmas markets?

Winter Bazaar, Handmade Istanbul Holiday Market, IWI Winter Festival, and Zubizu New Year's Shopping are Istanbul's most popular Christmas markets. Since Christmas isn't a public holiday in Istanbul, all the restaurants are open.

Is Italy hot in December?

Temperatures in the north range from 25 – 45 degrees Fahrenheit (though the mountains have their own microclimate) while the south easily enjoys an average of 50 degrees and in Sicily it may get as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit in December.

Is Greece hot in December?

Average daily temperatures

It can pretty chilly at this time of year so visitors should take warm winter clothing. The average daily maximum is 9 C and the average daily minimum is -2 C.

Which European country is best for December?

Do you need a visa for Turkey?

Ordinary and service/official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Türkiye. Holders of such passports may get their 90-day multiple-entry visas from Turkish missions abroad or obtain their 30-day single-entry e-visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr.

Why is it so expensive to fly to Istanbul?

As we all know, Istanbul is a popular tourist destination due to its magnificent views and rich culture, and as a result, airline tickets are in high demand, as shown by the fact that flight tickets are in high demand throughout the summer.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Istanbul?

High season is considered to be June, July and August. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is January. Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Istanbul flight deals.

How many days do you need to see Turkey?

I would say an ideal amount of time for a first trip would be 10 to 14 days. This will give you plenty of time to get a taste of Turkey and see some of the country's most famous cities, historical attractions, and beaches.

Which country is best to visit in December?

What is the best area to stay in Istanbul?

How much is a typical meal in Istanbul?

What airport do you fly to for Istanbul?

Istanbul has two airports: the most common and bigger one is Istanbul airport (IST) on the European side. The smaller one is Sabiha Gokcen Airport ( SAW) on the Asian side. Both are quite far from the city center where your accommodation will be. Unfortunately, there is no train service.

What is the coldest month in Istanbul?

Winter in Istanbul

January is the coldest month with daily average highs of just 8.6°C. December is warmer, with average temperatures of 10.8°C, but sees the highest levels of rainfall, with an average of 85mm.

How cold is Cappadocia in December?

How cold is Cappadocia in December? The average temperature in December is as low as -3°C, 25°F and as high as -6°C, 43°F.

Do they celebrate Christmas in Istanbul?

With a predominantly Muslim population, the birth of Jesus is not celebrated. However, many neighbourhoods in Istanbul, with Christian or more European populations, decorate their facades with Christmas decorations.

Which month is best to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is mid-spring, in April and May, and also fall, from September to October. During these times the Turkish capital enjoys pleasantly mild weather, with temperatures running from the around 62℉ or 47℃ to 77℉ or 62℃.

What clothes to wear in Turkey?

In Turkish cities, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable. There is no problem wearing shorts for comfort, except when you visit mosques. As for Turks, most of them will be wearing "smart casual" clothes: sleeved summer dresses or sleeved top and skirt for women, short-sleeved shirt and long trousers for men.

How long should you stay in Istanbul?

So, how long should you stay in Istanbul? Give the city, at least three days if you're coming for the first time. Three days in Istanbul will enable you to see the city's most renowned sights — but anticipate a jam-packed schedule if you want to make the most of your time there!

What clothes to wear in Cappadocia in December?

If you go to Cappadocia in the winter;

Thick woolen clothes, coats, thermal underwear, scarves, gloves, berets, thick socks and boots, outdoor clothing that keeps warm during the daytime and wool fleece for evening hours. It will certainly be suitable for this region and seasons.

How much does hot air balloon ride cost in Cappadocia in December?

2023 Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride Prices

“How much does it costs a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia?” is the most questions for the ones visiting Cappadocia. Average cost of hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is around €150-250 per person.