Best Places to Visit in Turkey During Winter

Visiting Turkey during winter is one of the most amazing experiences you can have. The city in winter reveals sparks of magic, turning it into a romantic and lovely city to visit with your family or friends. 

Turkey in winter enables you to do several activities, from skiing to hiking and exploring the city without many crowds, get your Turkey tourist visa for UAE residents and be prepared for an amazing trip.

In this blog post, we are going to reveal the best places to visit in Turkey during winter, how is the weather during winter in Turkey, what are the pros and cons of visiting it in winter, and answers to some questions related to traveling to Turkey. 

The first question that anyone would think about is the weather conditions in Turkey during winter, and if there is snow or not. 

Does it snow in Turkey? Turkey has variations in weather, depending on the location of each area. For example, there is snow in areas like Eastern Anatolia and the Black Sea region. Also, it snows in Istanbul during winter from December to March, the temperature rarely goes below -3 C.  

If you can stand the severe cold weather, you can avoid going to Ardahan, Kars, Ağrı, Erzurum, and Sivas, as they are the coldest during winter in Turkey. In case you are going to Turkey during winter to enjoy the snow activities and sports with moderate cold weather, then it’s better to visit the cities that we are going to talk about. 

When the winter comes, you should go to Cappadocia; it’s an amazing region, especially during winter months. Cappadocia is one of the best winter destinations in Turkey, as you can enjoy a ride on a hot air balloon over the snowy landscape of the region, where the valleys are hidden under the snow.

Istanbul offers something special each month all over the year, so it will be a great experience to visit Istanbul during winter. What makes Istanbul one of the best places to visit in Turkey during winter is that it offers beautiful winter displays in December, legendary winter sales (Kış İndirimleri) in January, and a snowy winter wonderland in February. If it’s your first time in Turkey there are other places you have to visit, to enjoy your trip to the max and one of them is Istanbul. 

Erciyes is an amazing Turkish ski resort, that isn’t popular among visitors, making it one of the most peaceful places to visit In Turkey during winter with fewer crowds. Erciyes has nearly 55 km of ski slopes, with more than 35 km of space reserved for advanced skiers.

Ephesus has lots of historical treasures that are waiting for exploration, and it’s classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During winter weather, you can enjoy your exploration journey in its sites and streets with fewer crowds; making it one of the best places to visit in Turkey during winter. You can reach Ephesus through a bus drive that taks nearly 9 hours from Istanbul or through a flight from Istanbul to Izmir.

Its popular sites that you should visit on your trip to Turkey during winter are: 

• The Great Theater
• Library of Celsus
• The Temple of Artemis. 
• The House of the Virgin Mary
• The ancient Agora.

Kartalkaya exists in the Black Sea region, allowing visitors to enjoy the cold weather by the sea. The city offers 40 km of tracks for skiing. Also, it offers some winter festivals which are filled with concerts, ice sculptures, and food stalls.

What makes Bursa one of the best places to visit in Turkey during winter is its unique mix of cultural attractions, besides its fancy snow resorts. Also, it’s an amazing city for explore-lovers because of its museums, landmarks, and food spots. 

The city has Mt. Uludağ, where you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding which are the best things to do in Turkey in winter. It’s a popular resort because it’s just a 1.5-hour drive from Istanbul.

1. Fewer Crowds: Winter is an off-peak season, meaning you will enjoy the city with fewer crowds. You can enjoy a more peaceful traveling experience at famous landmarks in Turkey during winter.
2. Affordable Travel Costs: Hotels, tours, and flights are generally cheaper in the winter, making your trip to Turkey during winter a budget-friendly option.
3. Winter Activities: Turkey is the perfect place for those who love winter sports and activities. Turkey has several ski resorts, such as Uludağ near Bursa, Palandöken in Erzurum, and Kartalkaya in Bolu. 
4. Mild Coastal Winters: If you can’t stand the severe cold weather, cities along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts in Turkey experience mild winters, allowing you to enjoy historical sites and scenic views without the intense summer heat.
5. Unique Cultural Experiences: Turkey has several winter traditions, such as thermal baths (like those in Pamukkale or the hot springs of Yalova), offering a traditional and local experience.

1. Cold Weather: While coastal areas in Turkey remain mild, central and eastern Turkey can experience freezing temperatures and snowfall. Cities like Istanbul and Ankara often face rain, snow, and cold winds, which might make outdoor activities less enjoyable for many travelers.
2. Shorter Days: In winter, daylight hours are much shorter, limiting the time you can spend exploring the city and its landmarks.
3. Potentially Disrupted Travel: Sometimes there are road closures or delays in transportation because of snow, making it harder to get around the cities.
4. Limited Access to Some Attractions: Some seasonal businesses, such as beach resorts, outdoor cafes, or certain boat tours, might be closed during the winter.
5. Hot Air Balloon Cancellations: In Cappadocia, winter weather may lead to cancellations of hot air balloon rides due to unsafe flying conditions. It’s better to detect the weather before going to Turkey during winter.

Turkey can be a perfect place for cold weather-lovers, who are tired of the hot weather in the United Arab Emirates and want to experience something new. Contact us to get your Turkey Visa as a UAE Resident without worries, as our experts in TravNook travel can assist you in everything related to your trip to Turkey, from visa to customizing the programs that include the best places to visit in Turkey during winter. 

After discussing all the details you want to know about your trip to Turkey in winter, from the weather conditions to the best cities to visit and the pros and cons, you need only pack your luggage and let TravNook travel experts take care of the rest. 

1. What are the best ski resorts in Turkey during winter?

1. Palandöken: Located in Erzurum, it’s known for excellent snow quality and offers nearly 30 km of ski slopes.
2. Uludağ: It features 25 lifts and 28 km of slopes, making it popular for skiing.
3. Erciyes: Situated in central Anatolia, this resort has 55 km of slopes, offering more space and fewer crowds.
4. Kartalkaya: In the Black Sea region, Kartalkaya offers 40 km of tracks for skiing.

If you love skiing and snow activities, here are other destinations for skiing that you can visit this winter with your family and friends.

2. Is winter a good time to visit Turkey?
Yes, winter can be a fantastic time to visit Turkey. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds, lower prices, and stunning winter landscapes.

3. What are the average temperatures in Turkey during winter? 
Coastal areas like Antalya and Bodrum typically experience milder winters with temperatures around 10-15°C (50-59°F). Inland regions like Istanbul and Cappadocia can be colder, with temperatures ranging from 0-5°C (32-41°F).

4. What are the best winter activities in Turkey?

• Soar over snow-covered fairy chimneys by experiencing hot-air ballooning in Cappadocia for a magical experience.
• Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Uludağ Resort.
• Visit landmarks like Hagia Sophia, shop at the Grand Bazaar, and cruise along the Bosphorus.
• Try the thermal Pools in Pamukkale to relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters amidst snowy terraces.
• Go sleigh riding and ice fishing on the frozen lake.
• Take a scenic winter Eastern Express Train journey through snow-covered landscapes.
• Warm up in a Turkish Hammam for a relaxing experience.

5. What are the best places to visit in Turkey during winter for couples?

• Enjoy romantic dinners in historic restaurants in Istanbul, take a cruise on the Bosphorus, and visit the romantic neighborhood of Beyoğlu.
• Enjoy a romantic hot air balloon ride together in Cappadocia and you can stay in a cave hotel.
• Pamukkale has different thermal pools to relax and admire the white travertine terraces as a couple.

6. What are the best places to visit in Turkey during winter for solo travelers?

• Explore Istanbul on foot and visit historical sites there.
• Hike through the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia and visit its underground cities.
• Explore Ankara‘s museums, parks, and historical sites.