Winter in Turkey

Winter is a splendid time to visit Turkey. Take advantage of cheaper transatlantic airfares and discover Turkey as most tourists never do. Snow transforms the countryside, while traditional and modern comforts enhance life in the cities. To really appreciate a Turkish bath, a steaming glass of tea, a cup of salep, or a shop full of fine carpets, experience them in January. Restaurants offer delicious winter foods, while concert halls, clubs, galleries, and museums present a rich buffet of cultural events.
But in the provinces, activity around the most popular coastal areas and archeological sites slows down with the frosts of late autumn.

Winter ballooning over Cappadocia’s lunar landscape

Nonetheless, the crisp cold and bright sun of Anatolian winter are invigorating and inspire adventure.

Winter breakfast of Kaymak & Wildflower Honey
The richest cream is made from water-buffalo milk. Photo by Nilgun Erzik

Take a four-wheel drive Jeep trip into the Toros Mountains or make a sunrise balloon safari above the eroded volcanic terrain of Cappadocia. (All Cappadocia winter photos displayed here are courtesy of our fellow traveller and photographer, Dan)

Cappadocia’s tufa cones are even more eerie with a dusting of snow

It’s easy to imagine the days of Marco Polo and caravans moving across the steppes of Central Asia when one encounters a thick-coated camel.

Two-humped Bactrian camels offer alternative cargo transport

Whether you are inclined to luxuriate in the cities or strike out into the countryside, winter provides us with the opportunity to show you facets of Turkey that most visitors never see.

Erciyes Dagi Volcano: part of the geologic picture of Cappadocia

When you find yourself crossing the vast open plateau, you no longer wonder that Turkey has been a cradle of intellectual debate and spirituality for millenia. Whether you trace the footsteps of Alexander, St. Paul, or Rumi, or simply take a bus across the mystical plain, Turkey’s layers of history are palpable. And in the quiet months of winter, it is easier to hear the echoes of those who passed here before us.

Land of Mystics: Winter on the High Plateau

Let us help you discover Turkey this winter…

Although Istanbul is often classified as having a Mediterranean climate, winters are slightly harsher than in some southern Mediterranean cities.

Snow is quite common in Istanbul, usually falling some time between December and March and it can be heavy when it does fall for a week or two at a time. Having said that, Istanbul is a wonderful city in the winter too, and compared with some European cities, the temperatures are quite mild. March has an average high of 11C (52F), whilst November is 14C (57F).

Many of the higher end hotels in Istanbul have their own spas and Turkish baths which are definitely a well deserved treat for winter visitors. Even if your Istanbul hotel doesn’t have a Turkish bath (or Hammas) there are plenty of public ones which you can try!