Travelers who reach Turkey during winter will be in for an absolute delight. Although Turkey sees most of its visitors during the summer, winter visitors are in for a real treat.
If you are in Turkey to view the main archaeological and historical tourist sites, you will discover that the most important ruins, monuments, and museums are devoid of crowds and lines, making for a more pleasurable experience while engaging in in-depth sightseeing.
The coastal area of Turkey is the only one with a moderate winter, and here is also where many of the most renowned ruins in Turkey are located. When winter comes, the interior regions of Turkey, including the center and the east, are covered in a thick layer of snow.
During the colder months in Turkey, two regions, in particular, stand out as the most incredible destinations to visit due to the winter wonderland sceneries that can be found there. People go all the way to Cappadocia, which is smack in the middle of the nation, and Kars, in the extreme northeast of the country, to take pictures of the snowy terrain there.
However, skiing is the activity of choice for those enthusiastic about winter sports during December and February. Skiing and snowboarding in Turkey are becoming better and better every year.
Compared to the cost of skiing in European and North American ski resorts, the ski pass rates offered at several ski centers located around the nation provide an excellent bargain. These ski centers offer contemporary amenities.
Utilize our list of the top best destination for Turkey in December to get some ideas for organizing your vacation.
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When is the best time to visit Turkey?
The most significant time to go to Turkey is most suited to your particular interests. The temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius throughout these months; April, May, September, and October are often considered the most acceptable periods to explore Turkey’s vast collection of historic ruins.
Temperatures on the south coast may reach the middle of the thirties during the summer (June through September), a boiling time of year. While this is ideal for relaxing by the water or in a pool, it makes seeing historical places extremely unpleasant.
In the latter half of October, the temperature starts to drop. It may become rather chilly from November through March, so many hotels in coastal locations lock their doors during that time.
Nevertheless, despite the cold weather, the winter months are often the least crowded times to visit the attractions, making it the ideal time to go sightseeing. The temperature may dip below 0 degrees Celsius in Cappadocia, even though the snowy scenery is beautiful to look at.
How is turkey weather in December?
November marks the beginning of winter in Turkey, and the season continues through December. Although the temperature is cool everywhere in Turkey, the people are pretty kind and will make you feel at home no matter where you go. When you travel to the Mediterranean Coast, you will find that the temperature is moderate, and you will be able to take pleasure in the warm sunshine while strolling along the beaches.
Turkey’s weather in December is also the time of year when it is possible to have overcast days with little precipitation. You should also be prepared for the possibility of experiencing severe rain in some regions of Turkey.
At higher elevations, snowfall is possible in many areas of eastern Turkey, particularly those closer to the Black Sea.
Prices in December month
Turkey’s weather in December is often rather chilly. Not nearly as many visitors visit the country as there are in the late spring, summer, or early fall. Due to this factor, prices fall, and travel agencies and hotels begin offering excellent bargains.
Prices in Istanbul fall, making it much simpler to locate one-of-a-kind, five-star accommodations at reduced rates.
Turkey weather in December is an excellent travel destination for individuals who are trying to save money or are interested in getting more value for their money.
Another benefit is that there won’t be any big lines for you to wait in, and you’ll have plenty of time to unwind without disturbing anybody else.
Places to visit in Turkey in December
#1. Kars and Ancient Ani
Kars is a popular starting point for winter adventures around Turkey. In recent years, this formerly sleepy city in Turkey’s far northeast has developed into a popular tourist destination, particularly during winter. It is the nearest place to stay when you want to launch yourself off on excursions to Lake Alder and the many other tourist destinations of the northeast, which is a large part of its surging popularity.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ani, a fascinating ruin to explore at any time of the year but appears especially magnificent when its monuments are coated with snow, is the most popular place to visit.
#2. Palandöken Skiing
The Palandoken Ski Center sometimes referred to as Ejder 3200, is located on the slopes of Mount Palandoken in the northeastern region of Turkey, just seven 4kilometres from the city of Erzurum. This ski resort is often considered the greatest in Turkey due to its high-quality amenities and extensive terrain, which spans 43 kilometers (making up 22 pistes).
The ski lines are connected by a total of 13 ski lifts, the most important of which is a significant cable car. Since the resort area is at an elevation of 2,200 meters, this is Turkey’s highest-altitude ski center. As a result, it draws many daring and skilled skiers who wish to ski off-piste down the treeless high-altitude slopes.
#3. Yedigöller National Park
Yedigoller (Seven Lakes) National Park is the place to go if you want to see unspoiled natural landscapes consisting of densely wooded hills and lakes. Located inland in the Black Sea region, this protected wilderness area provides a yearly retreat for anyone passionate about nature. People come here to walk and camp during the summer, but during the winter, it is an ideal location for snowshoe trekking and photography.
The forest is still a riot of fall color early in the winter before the leaves have yet gone, but after the depths of winter have set in, snow covers the area, and the white-on-white panoramas here are fantastic. Early in the winter, before the leaves have yet fallen from the trees.
#4. Erimtan Museum
Spending time at a museum may make you more experienced and knowledgeable because of its ability to explain the tale of the development of civilization. The Erimtan Museum is an art museum that first opened its doors in 2009, intending to lure art enthusiasts from all over the globe.
Yuksel Erimtan, a civil engineer working on a building site when he discovered a significant number of historical items there, was honored with the naming of the museum, which bears his name.
This museum could not have been built without their collections and other lots. Most of these relics are antique diamonds, but there are also things made of ceramic and glass, seals, coins, and other items. In addition to seeing these relics, guests may also attend the performance that is held at the museum on the second Tuesday of each month.
#5. Eastern Express Train Trip
Winter is the most popular time to ride the Eastern Express (Dou Ekspresi), which runs from Ankara to Kars and is considered the most famous train line in all of Turkey. The panorama of high plateaus and jagged mountains that encompass Turkey’s northeast area is coated with snow during the depths of winter, which is the main attraction of this train excursion that lasts for 24 hours.
It is strongly advised that you make reservations in advance for this train excursion, even though it is not very popular with tourists from other countries but is quite popular with travelers from Turkey. It is not uncommon for the train to sell out its available seats many months in advance.
#6. Gobekli Tepe
An archaeological site in the Anatolia Region of Turkey is often called “Potbelly Hill.” Gobekli Tepe is the name of this hill. There is an artificial tell that researchers say dates back to the Neolithic period before the invention of pottery. This location has a significant amount of history, which may be learned from the local tour guide in excruciating detail.
It is speculated that when the history of Gobekli Tepe is finally revealed, it will disclose a great deal of previously unknown information on the development of human society, which will undoubtedly provide you with an exciting and intriguing feeling.
#7. Dolmabahce Palace
This historic palace, which can be found in the middle of Istanbul, formerly served as the primary administrative headquarters for the Ottoman Empire. There are elements of both baroque and neoclassical architecture that can be found throughout this palace; nevertheless, most of it is decorated in the baroque style. Certain areas of the court also have neoclassical elements.
It is an enormous palace in Turkey and has 285 rooms in addition to 46 halls, guests will eventually get bored wandering the castle. You may take a guided tour if you’d like to learn more about the history of this palace. During your time here, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to gaze at the Bohemian crystal chandelier that was a gift from Queen Victoria. This is the biggest of its sort that has ever been done globally.
#8. Aqua Vega Museum
A visit to this museum for the day is highly recommended for any vacation to Turkey that includes children as part of the travel party. It is one of the biggest aquariums and museums devoted to marine life in all of Europe. There are many different kinds of marine life to see at the Aqua Vega Museum, which features a tank that can hold up to 4.5 million gallons of water.
You will be amazed by the many areas of the museum, such as the Adrenaline World, The Jungle Corner, and the Sea Shell Museum, amongst others, in which you will have the opportunity to interact with various marine species, such as koi fish, sharks, clownfish, napoleon fish, and so on.
#9. Ankara Castle
Turkey in December is a nation rich in history; hence, you would want to start your adventure by familiarizing yourself with the Turkey of yesteryear. After seeing the historic Ankara Castle, you will have the opportunity to do so. During the reign of the Roman Empire in the 7th century, construction began on this fortress.
The castle is situated on a land area that is 43000 square kilometers. Inside this region, there are various mosques and ancient Ankara homes that are outstanding examples of the architectural achievements of their respective eras.
#10. Fairy-Chimney Rock
Visit the vast fair-chimney rock during the winter, when it will be coated with a light coating of snow, for an unusual and unique experience. During the colder months, the scenery is even more beautiful. A portion of the Goreme National Park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site may be found here.
This location, which can be found in Cappadocia, is known for its many medieval rock cathedrals, underground towns, open-air museums, and other attractions. You might even go on a hike through the valley if you want to add some extra action and adventure to your vacation.
Conclusion:
You will find here a comprehensive description of traveling to Turkey in December. Since there are so many attractions around the nation, it isn’t easy to see everything in a single trip. Despite this, you should try to compile a list of sites that are absolute musts and have a good time!
Now that you know what this nation has to offer, you should start packing your bags and getting ready to enjoy an incredible holiday in Turkey in December among the creative buildings and many other things that are not often seen.
