Turkey is in a region where its climatic conditions are quite temperate.
The conditions mean that the country has some climatic differences between regions.
Istanbul : Turkey’s most famous city, and located around the Sea of Marmara, the climate here in winter is moderate. The temperature here is around 5°C. And sometimes it can drop below 0°C.
In the Aegean region ( Western Anatolia ), this region is mild, already influenced by the Mediterranean temperature. Winter here averages 9°C.
In the Mediterranean region, on the southern coast of Anatolia , the winter temperature is almost the same.
In the Central Anatolia region (Anatolian Plateau), the temperature has a large difference between day and night. There is little rainfall. And the temperature during winter is around -2°C.
So, if you want to find some places with more snow during winter in Turkey , the Central Anatolia region is the best option for your winter vacation in Turkey.
Turkiye in winter: where to go?
Here are some of the best places to visit in Turkey during winter:
1. Bursa
The Ottoman Empire’s first significant capital was Bursa, located in Turkey. Turkey’s fourth-most populated city is Bursa.
Istanbul is easily accessible due to its proximity. Bursa’s geographic location places it northwest of Mount Uludag.
Uludag, in Turkish means “great mountain”. Mount Uludag is the highest mountain in Bursa, precisely in the Marmara region, and its highest peak is Kartaltepe at 2,543m.
The easiest way to get to Uludag is by cable car. It is about 40 kilometers long from the city center. The first stop to the peak is at Kadiyayla (about 1,200m elevation) and ends at Sarialan (about 1,630m elevation).
Uludag has at least 20 ski slopes ranging from 300 to 980 meters in length. The conditions make Mount Uludag in Bursa listed as the most preferred place to visit during winter holidays in Turkey.
Besides the skiing things in Uludag, Bursa is also known for its hot springs. And facts told from many pieces of literature, hot springs were used before the Ottoman era. Soldiers of the Roman Empire used this site for medical purposes.
2. Cappadocia
Cappadocia is located in the heart of Turkey. This is what many people now call Anatolia. A better winter holiday destination here is Mount Erciyes near Kayseri in Cappadocia, Turkey.
But we need to tell you, not only skiing activity you can enjoy in Cappadocia during winter. First in the morning, you can ride the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon.
From the air, you can witness the beautiful nature of Cappadocia. The natural fairy chimneys are turning white because they are covered with snow. After that you can go to Mount Erciyes.
Here, you can do lots of things with snow. Not just for professional skiers but also for amateurs. In the total of 102 kilometers of ski slope, it is said that Erciyes has 34 slopes which stretch out there.
Not far from Erciyes, you can enjoy hot springs after skiing on the mountain. It only takes an hour from Erciyes, and the hot springs are located in the Nevsehir area, precisely Kozakli.
3. Bolu
Bolu is a small city in Türkiye. This city can be reached during your trip from Cappadocia to Istanbul. The city is also close to Ankara.
It is Yedigoller National Park, Bolu, Turkey. You can relax, enjoy, play with snow in the Yedigoller National Park during your winter vacation in Türkiye.
On the other hand, Bolu also has a ski resort. Since it is located between Istanbul and Ankara, many skiers who visit Ankara for a tourist trip will definitely visit this ski resort as well.
4. Eskisehir
In Turkish, Eski means “old” and Sehir means “city”. The city has existed since the Byzantine era, formerly called Dorylaeum.
Eskisehir is rebuilt after the Turkish War of Independence from 1919 until 1923. Eskisehir is known nowadays for its beauty, dynamics, and modernity of the city.
It is located between two very famous cities of Turkey: Istanbul and Ankara. Now, if we talk about measuring distances, it is then, approximately, 350 kilometers from Istanbul and 233 from the capital of Turkey: Ankara.
5. Kars.
Kars is different from other city in Türkiye, especially in winter.
When summer arrives in Kars, the weather is warm and cool at night.
On average, the maximum temperature in summer is in August, which is 26°C.
If we feel like this in the summer, surely you can imagine how it feels when winter comes to Kars, right?
Yes, winter in Kars is excellent. Winter is very cold. The average temperature in January is -16°C. And it can suddenly drop to -35°C.
6. Antalya
Formally known as Pamphylia, Antalya has hordes of historical sites, long coastlines, and fascinating landscapes. The Antalya Aquarium is known to be family-friendly. You would find loads of things to do in Antalya, which will keep you fascinated.
Rinse off the day’s fatigue in the famous Turkish resorts in the Antalya region. Antalya is known for its ancient harbors with yachts and beaches with grand hotels. This Turkish city totally deserves a place at the top of every itinerary for your winter vacation in Turkey.
7. Istanbul
It would even be a crime not to mention Istanbul as a winter destination in Turkey. So many places of interest are found in this key city of Turkey: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and ancient churches. Shop at the local markets, explore the prehistoric era and the fusion of East and West. Regardless of the weather in Turkey during winter, this place welcomes visitors from all over the world, all year round.
Why winter in Türkiye?
Turkey is mostly associated with summer vacations, this country will be great for your winter holidays. It is much quieter in winter in Turkey, and you won’t face too many tourists. This also brings us to another important point, which is the expense. The place is cheaper, especially accommodation, and the options are also wide. Another important aspect of your trip is to experience the culture of this Turkey. During the winter, because of the less crowds, you will have better access to public places and people.
1. Less crowds!
Winter tours in Turkey are ideal for those who are averse to madding crowds and tourist traps. Turkey’s beautiful natural landscapes, sublime churches and mosques, stunning landmarks and monuments, and intoxicating cities like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Izmir are best explored during the winter, when you don’t have to worry about endless queues and annoying tourists wherever you go. These are all places worth visiting in Turkey, regardless of the season.
2. Cheaper rates!
There’s nothing like a cheap getaway. Traveling during the off-season screams nothing but discounts, discounts, and more discounts! Visiting Turkey in December is truly a blessing from a financial perspective. Since winter is the low season, you can enjoy the country at incredibly cheap prices. Hotels are discounted, restaurants are significantly cheaper, and there are great deals on tours and activities in Turkey’s winter – traveling doesn’t get any better than this!
3. Fascinating variety of things to do in Türkiye in winter!
Visiting Turkey during winter has a whole different charm. This is the time when you can experience Turkey like most tourists never do. Watch the countryside transform under a soft, snowy façade. Immerse yourself in a cool sunrise balloon safari in Cappadocia. Visit several historical winter landmarks, such as the frozen Lake Cildir and the beautiful Lake Abant. Admire the fascinating Sumela Monastery, without the annoying crowds. There are literally endless things to do in Turkey in winter.
4. Amazing ski resorts
Why go all the way to Switzerland when you also have breathtaking ski resorts in Turkey! Turkey’s mighty mountains are dotted with magnificent winter resorts that can easily give Europe a run for its money. Depending on your location and skiing preferences, there are a variety of ski resorts you can visit, including Uludag (located in Bursa), Kartepe (in Izmit), Palandoken (Turkey’s highest peak) and more!
5. Panoramic views
Most people see Turkey as a bustling destination with rocky beaches, chic rustic villages, breathtakingly beautiful streets and endless sunshine, but the place has many other good sides. In the winter season, the country is hit by heavy snowfall, and the experience is nothing short of magical. All you get to witness is an absolutely serene and peaceful ancient land, completely devoid of people and landscapes adorned with fresh, soft snow.
6. History
A visit to Turkey in winter will allow you to witness the incredible Greco-Roman sites when the crowds and heat evaporate. You can also head to the travertine hills located above the city of Antalya and wander around the ghostly sarcophagi of Termessos.
7. Activities
If you are an adventure lover and want to go skiing, then Turkey in winter is a good choice for you. You thought that you can enjoy snow and skiing only in Europe. During winter, Turkey offers a lot of snow and skiing activities. There are amazing ski resorts in Uludag, Izmit and Palandoken. These resorts can certainly compete with Switzerland. Together, this answers your questions about “where to stay” and “what to do” in Turkey. Make sure to follow the safety rules while skiing and also carry or rent the ski equipment.