When to go · December

Turkey in December

Workable but with caveats

Christmas isn't officially observed but Istanbul hotels and shops embrace New Year decor; expect year-end price bumps.

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Daytime high

11°C

52°F

Overnight low

5°C

41°F

Rainfall

115 mm

moderate

Crowd levels

medium

manageable

Prices

medium

shoulder

What to expect in Turkey in December

December brings cool weather to Turkey, with daytime highs around 11°C (52°F) and overnight lows near 5°C (41°F). Skies are typically moderately wet, with about 115 mm of rainfall on average. Christmas isn't officially observed but Istanbul hotels and shops embrace New Year decor; expect year-end price bumps..

Crowds are manageable in December — busy in popular areas but not overwhelming. Prices sit in the shoulder-season range — not the cheapest, but well off peak. Peak season runs July–August, for context.

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