Europe · December
Best time to visit Türkiye in December 🇹🇷
December in Türkiye is off-season — extreme weather or closures. generally a tough month — extreme heat, monsoon, deep cold or widespread closures. Plan carefully or pick another country.
Last updated June 2026
Is December a good time to visit Türkiye? Quick answer
Not ideal — consider another month or country.
| Verdict for December | Off-season — extreme weather or closures |
| Average temperature | 10°C high / 4°C low |
| Rainy days | ~12 days |
| Crowds | med |
| Prices | high |
| Events this month | NYE in Istanbul |
| Peak months overall | April, May, June, September, October |
| Insider tip | Book balloon rides for early in your stay — weather cancellations are common. |
Türkiye year at a glance
The absolute peak months for Türkiye are April, May, June, September, October. December isn't one of them — consider shifting your dates or seeing alternatives below.
What Türkiye is like in December
Cold and wet; Cappadocia snow magical; Istanbul atmospheric. Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct are ideal almost everywhere. Coast is great Jul–Aug but crowded. Cappadocia balloons are most reliable in dry months.
Insider tip
Book balloon rides for early in your stay — weather cancellations are common.
December by region in Türkiye
Istanbul
shoulderPleasant Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct.
Mediterranean & Aegean coast
off-seasonBeach Jun–Sep; pleasant May & Oct.
Cappadocia
shoulderBest Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct. Magical in snow but cold.
Where to go in December instead
Thailand in December
A tale of two coasts and three seasons.
Philippines in December
7,000 islands, one dry season.
Cambodia in December
Cool & dry for Angkor.
Laos in December
Mekong country, cool dry winters.
UAE in December
Desert winters are magical; summers brutal.
Switzerland in December
Two seasons, both spectacular.
FAQs: Türkiye in December
Is December a good time to visit Türkiye?
Not really — most travellers should shift dates or pick another country. December in Türkiye is off-season — extreme weather or closures. Expect average highs around 10°C and lows near 4°C, with roughly 12 rainy days.
What is the weather like in Türkiye in December?
Average daily high around 10°C, low around 4°C, with about 12 rainy days. Cold and wet; Cappadocia snow magical; Istanbul atmospheric.
What events or festivals happen in Türkiye in December?
Key events in December include NYE in Istanbul.
Are flights and hotels cheaper in Türkiye in December?
Prices in December are typically high — book early, with moderate crowds.
Should I book Türkiye in advance for December?
You can usually book closer to your travel dates in December — supply is plenty and prices stay reasonable.