In the cold month of December in Istanbul, you’re likely to see a wonderful blend of cultural festivities and winter weather that creates an amazing and cozy atmosphere for travelers. With the inclusion of Istanbul’s landmarks and wonderful bustling life in the city both on the east and west of the Bosphorus, the December weather in Istanbul, Turkey, can have a wonderful effect in enhancing one’s Istanbul traveling experience. For those thinking of traveling to Istanbul right on the cusp of December, we’ve made this guide to help them understand and know what to expect on their trip to Istanbul in December.

Overview of December Weather in Turkey Istanbul

December in Istanbul, Turkey, is a magical time of the year when you’ll likely see the city’s full winter beauty. It offers a chance to see the festiveness in its streets and experience some peaceful times compared to its usual bustling environment one can normally see in the summer. Here are some typical weather conditions in Istanbul you’re likely to run into in December:

• Rainfall: The December weather in Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the rainiest times of the year where you’ll find overcast weather with light showers typically for around half a month. For those traveling at that time of the year in Istanbul, bringing a raincoat should be one of your top priorities.
• Daylight Hours: Daylight hours in December are one of the shortest of the year, with just up to 8 hours of sunlight, with rainy weather and foggy conditions more frequent.
• Light Snow: Another common weather condition in Istanbul during December is relatively light snow. The city doesn’t receive much snowfall compared to others in Turkey, but it still gets a decent amount towards the end of the month.

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Average Temperature in December Weather in Istanbul, Turkey

The average temperature in Istanbul is relatively cold, going as high as 11 C, and can go as low as 6 C. It still is somewhat warm as compared to January, which is considered its coldest month. Weather can remain cold at night, close to nearly freezing.  However, during the day the temperature can go up 13 C, making exploring the city in normal to cold weather clothes a possibility.

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Best Activities to Try in December Weather in Istanbul, Turkey

The cold weather in Istanbul, Turkey, presents an excellent opportunity to take a long tour of the city’s historical landmarks and dive into its many cultural havens. Being Istanbul’s tourist off-season, it doesn’t have much tourist traffic, making it possible to take long and relaxing trips to many of Istanbul’s cultural havens and historical landmarks. Here are some of the best activities in the December weather in Istanbul:

• Drink Traditional Turkish Tea in the December cold
• Board a Bosphorus Cruise on New Year’s Eve
• Visit the Whirling Dervishes Performance
• Go to the Operas and Concerts in December in Istanbul
• Spend some time at the Istanbul Winter Festival

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Tips for Traveling in December in Istanbul

December in Istanbul is one of the wettest and coldest times of the year. So, you’re likely to have to wear a sweater and gloves while out in the streets, especially near the water. While out visiting its landmarks in December, it’s important to take some precautions and know some tips while traveling, which are mentioned below:

• Dress Appropriately

While traveling in the December weather in Istanbul, Turkey, the weather can go as high as 13 C and as low as 6 C so bringing sweaters, scarves, thermal tops, and gloves is a must if you’re near the water in the streets. Another tip to keep in mind is that December is Istanbul’s wettest month, so keeping a raincoat in your luggage can do wonders in the weather.

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• Visit Indoor Destinations As Much As Possible 

Rain is more frequent in December in Istanbul. So, visiting indoor attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and other various attractions is one of the best things one can do to avoid getting pelted by rain.

• Visit Turkish Teahouses to Keep Yourself Warm in the Cold Weather

Another wonderful tip is to keep visiting Turkish tea houses for the Kahvas or Tea or drink it from local street vendors. This presents an opportunity to keep yourself warm in the cold weather and also explore the local tea culture of Istanbul.

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December Weather in Istanbul, Turkey: A Wonderful Time to Discover the City’s Various Charms

Traveling in December in Istanbul is one of the best journeys one can embark on in Turkey’s Most Vibrant City. It is one of the best times in the year to explore the city’s natural beauty and historical landmarks with little to no tourist distractions to get a more personal and serene experience of the city’s attractions. Whether you’re drinking delicious and warming Turkish Tea in Istanbul’s tea houses or visiting various festivals and events in the cold weather, you’re unlikely to have a more beautiful and fantastic time visiting the city’s attractions any other time than in December.

So are you ready to embark on a wonderful journey to Turkey’s Cultural Capital, where you’ll experience wonderful cultures, and rich culinary delicacies, all with pre-booked accommodations, and guided tours? iLinkTurkey offers a diverse range of guided tour packages for destinations in Turkey. Head over to our packages and book one of our top-rated Turkey packages now. 

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