Turkey is considered to be exclusively a seaside resort. And this is not surprising, given the presence in the country of four seas with gorgeous beaches, and fairly loyal prices for holidays. However, we will try to prove that visiting Turkey in December will also be interesting for any tourist.
December weather in Turkey
In the resorts of Turkey, the winter is very mild, and you will not see snow here. On average, air temperature ranges from +10….+15°C, at night it can drop to +5°C. In coastal regions, the weather changes rapidly, the sun is replaced by clouds, there are heavy rains and strong winds.
An interesting fact, sea water temperature in December is higher than air temperature. In the Aegean Sea, it can reach +16°С, in other seas - up to +20°С. But, of course, due to strong storms, swimming in the sea is prohibited.
Important! In December, air humidity in Turkey can reach 80%. Be sure to dress warmly, wear a hat and bring a raincoat.
Prices in December
December in Turkey is considered the low season, so the prices for housing, travel and excursions are more than loyal. And you are guaranteed to enjoy the lack of queues, and the opportunity to relax in seclusion.
Where to relax in Turkey
To have a great December vacation, the main thing is to choose the right place to relax.
Istanbul
A beautiful old city. We recommend stopping here if you want to experience the true flavor of Turkey. Istanbul has a special atmosphere:
Giant skyscrapers, towers and shopping centers give way to narrow streets, ancient temples, mosques and bazaars.
Bosphorus is the main decoration of the city. A real pleasure is to ride a boat around the bay, drinking hot tea and feeding the seagulls.
Sea resorts
Most hotels on the coast of Turkey are closed in winter. But in Alanya, Kemer, Side and Antalya there are 5 * hotel complexes, which have closed heated pools and SPA centers.
Also, these cities have a well-developed tourist infrastructure, you can visit an aquarium, a zoo or an amusement park.
Exciting shopping awaits you in shopping centers.
For connoisseurs of history, there are several interesting museums.
Ski resorts in Turkey
In the central part of Turkey, it is colder in winter than on the southern coast. And in December, ski resorts begin to take tourists. In the mountains, at an altitude of 1700-3000 meters, there is enough snow for skiing and snowboarding. Camp sites on the Uludag and Palandoken mountains are popular, they are great for families with children.
Festivals
In December, two traditional festivals are held in Turkey.
The Mevlana festival lasts a week. It takes place in the city of Konya in central Anatolia. The most interesting sight is the unique dance of whirling dervishes.
The Golden Pistachio festival is held in the town of Gaziantep in southern Turkey.
Health
Winter is a great time to take care of your health. Moreover, you will find here many spa centers, massage parlors and a Turkish sauna - a hammam.
Restaurants
In Turkey, there are many establishments with traditional dishes, sweets and drinks. We recommend that you try salep. This viscous drink, a bit like semolina, is made from grated orchid tubers with the addition of milk and spices.
New Year in Turkey
Until 1935, the Turks celebrated the New Year on the first Saturday of January. It was not considered a day off, and it was not customary to put up a Christmas tree in Turkey according to Muslim traditions. But now the New Year is celebrated on a grand scale, especially in Ankara and Istanbul. The city is decorated with festive illuminations, Christmas melodies sound from everywhere and fireworks thunder.
Most hotels offer their guests a New Year's show program and a chic dinner. And the celebration at the ski resorts is more like our traditional New Year, with snow and Christmas trees.
In Turkey, even in the low season, you can find a lot of interesting things and have a great rest. Plus, affordable prices and lack of crowds of tourists await you.
