Winter sun tips for Turkey from our local experts

For a next big adventure or a chance to do nothing at all, Turkey is always a good idea. The heavenly resorts and crystalline waters of the Turkish Riviera, a wide array of ancient ruins, the dramatic draws of Istanbul that cast their reflections upon the Bosphorus Strait… Turkey is a definitive crowd-pleaser and a popular pick all year round, thanks to its sizzling summers and, better yet, its mild winter weather. We caught up with Atoofah, our local expert for Turkey, who shared with us the many perks of exploring Turkey in winter. Whether you’re hoping to plan a luxury Istanbul and Cappadocia tour, journey to Bodrum or Antalya and anywhere else in-between, read on for her top winter sun tips and recommendations.

Winter in Turkey: the best experiences for your winter sun vacation

Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself and the types of trips you offer to Turkey…

Here in Turkey, my agency offers trips for clients who come from all over the world. We primarily focus on private and customized tours, from luxury to family-friendly experiences. We plan trips for people who are interested mainly in culture and history, who want to get off the beaten track and get to know the country and its people at their most authentic, rather than just hitting the standard tourist sites.

For ideal winter sun conditions, when is the best time to visit? Are there any popular periods that should be avoided?

Of course, the best time to visit depends on your interests as a traveler. Anywhere from October to March is a good time to enjoy the winter season.

December to mid-January are peak months, because a lot of people travel for the Christmas and New Year holidays. But, I wouldn’t suggest avoiding this time just because it is busy. You’ll get to enjoy many of the special celebrations and events that happen in Turkey at this time: the beautiful New Year’s fireworks, the snowfall in major cities, and even hot air ballooning during the snowy season.

A lot of people think that hot air balloons don’t operate in winter, but they do. It’s actually really magical, to fly a hot air balloon while it’s snowing, and this can only happen some weeks in the year. It’s a really, truly special experience.

What are the average temperatures for Turkey in winter?

In Istanbul, temperatures would be around 41-50 degrees Fahrenheit (5-10 degrees Celsius), depending on which month you’re traveling. December to February tend to be the coldest months, when you might see snow storms. Temperatures are actually balmier and a lot better in other cities and towns on the coast, like Kuşadası, Izmir, Bodrum and Antalya. Then in the interior, for example Cappadocia, the landscape is rugged and open and temperatures will be around or lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 Celsius).

One of the best things about traveling to Turkey in winter is that you can, in the same trip, experience snow in one area then double-digit temperatures and beaches in another – the country offers a good balance of weather for travelers to enjoy.

What are the busiest areas that should perhaps be avoided when spending winter in Turkey?

Well, some areas are very busy, but they’re busy for good reasons. For example, Istanbul can be very, very crowded in winter, especially in December when the whole city is lit up and decorated for the New Year. Yet, it’s also very beautiful to experience: I myself don’t usually go out for walks at New Year’s, but the fireworks that you get to see, especially if you’re anywhere near the Bosphorus and its bridges, are just amazing. My advice, rather than avoid these crowds, is to come prepared and plan ahead, combining Istanbul with less busy locations for your itinerary.

Are there any particular end-of-year festivities that travelers should experience?

You do have New Year’s celebrations in Turkey, but because we follow the Islamic lunar calendar (which changes every year), you may also get to experience the Holy festivals of Eid. These may fall in the summer, but if you’re lucky, you can experience them during the winter months as well.

Visiting Turkey in winter also means you get to taste a lot of seasonal foods, including some really interesting drinks, dishes and street food that are only prepared during this time of year. One example is a drink freshly made from orchids, which is very warming, sweet and delicious. And, as you’re walking through town, you’ll see a lot of local vendors roasting fresh chestnuts, which are especially enjoyable when it’s snowing.

How far in advance should travelers look to plan their winter trip to Turkey?

December and January (especially around Christmas and New Year’s) tend to get booked out months in advance, so I’d recommend planning at least three to four months in advance. You may still find suitable hotels if you leave it til the last minute, but to enjoy the best selection, the earlier the better.

What are some must-visit places and highlights, especially for first-time visitors to Turkey in winter?

For first-time visitors to Turkey, Istanbul is a must-visit to experience all the historical sites and go sailing on the Bosphorus, enjoying all the colors from aboard a warm, cozy boat. I’d also definitely recommend Cappadocia, where you can witness the different rock formations covered in snow – the region’s beauty is magnified at this time of year, making hot air ballooning even more special.

Then, I’d of course recommend the natural expanses and higher temperatures of Antalya and Kuşadası: go to the beach, not necessarily for swimming, but to enjoy some sunshine.

What are some hidden gems that you enjoy taking travelers to visit during the winter sun season, somewhat off the beaten track?

Although not strictly a winter sun activity, winter sports are also an option in Turkey, which some don’t know about: Erciyes Kayseri and Bursa are two high-level international resorts, where you can enjoy skiing for a couple of days or even just a day trip. The great thing about them is they don’t come with the typical crowds you’ll find at resorts in western Europe. Because they are so close to Istanbul and Cappadocia, they’re worth adding to your trip to experience the best of both worlds in the wintertime.

In the eastern part of Turkey, places such as Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep are also very beautiful in winter. The latter is actually on the UNESCO list for its gastronomy, something that more and more people have started taking interest in, and combining it with trips to nearby Göbekli Tepe’s Neolithic structures. I think this is another very unique way to experience Turkey in the winter.

Could you share any personal favorites? As a local, where or what do you like experiencing around this time of year?

Aside from hot air ballooning, I enjoy visiting the ski resorts: even for people who don’t know how to ski, it’s worth a trip. My mom still really enjoys going there and having snowball fights! I also enjoy boat tours on the Mediterranean and Asian coasts. Another of my top favorites is paragliding, which is also available in winter and throughout the year.

Do you have any practical tips and guidance for first-time travelers who wish to visit Turkey in winter?

These are my tips for spending winter in Turkey, whether you’re a first-time or seasoned visitor:

• A lot of the water-related activities are closed from November to March, which is one thing to keep in mind. But even then, if you visit places like Antalya, you can still enjoy visiting its waterfalls as you tour the national parks.
• If there’s anything you’d like to do but aren’t sure if it’s available in the winter, do your research and ask your local expert: for example, the only time hot air balloons are grounded is during high winds, so you may not need to feel you’re missing out.
• For those who wish to visit Cappadocia, winter can be a great time to enjoy it without the crowds of travelers who prefer summer weather. This means that a lot of unique experiences that are usually fully booked become available, including cooking classes, pottery lessons, carpet weaving demonstrations, and more. This way you can have a more holistic trip that combines sightseeing with hands-on activities.
• As I’ve already mentioned, there can be a big difference in temperatures from one city to the next. So, pack accordingly and make sure to bring comfortable, water-resistant shoes in case of rain or snow.
• Lastly, some may assume that winter in Turkey is miserable, but it’s actually the opposite. It’s cold and crisp, but you still get a lot of sunshine. You’re not drenched in sweat, you can stroll and sightsee with a warm coffee in hand. It’s also less crowded depending on where you go, so you actually enjoy the attractions a lot more. Winter is one of my favorite times to go sightseeing in Turkey, and if I ever want to check out a new museum, I’ll wait for the winter season to do so.

Make it happen

Make Turkey your next winter sun destination, where you’ll enjoy a wide variety of temperatures and experiences all in the same trip. An unforgettable, personalized journey awaits: reach out to our local experts today.