December in Antalya is wet. That is the single most important thing to know. With 173mm of rainfall spread across roughly 11 rainy days, this is the city's joint-wettest month alongside January, and a far cry from the bone-dry summers that draw millions to the Turkish Riviera. Daytime highs sit around 17°C (63°F), dropping to about 8°C (47°F) after dark. Pleasant enough for walking, genuinely too cold for swimming. The Mediterranean has cooled to around 18°C (64°F), and Konyaaltı Beach, which in July you can barely find a towel's width of space on, sits nearly empty.
That said, there is a case for December. Kaleiçi, the Ottoman-era old town, is at its most atmospheric when the cobblestones are slick with rain and the tourist crowds have thinned to a trickle. Hotel rates in Lara, which in August might run 200-300 euros per night for a mid-range all-inclusive, drop to 50-80 euros. The ancient ruins at Perge and Termessos, punishing to explore in 37°C July heat, become comfortable day trips. And the Taurus Mountains behind the city start collecting snow, opening Saklıkent Ski Center for a short season.
But let's be honest. Antalya is fundamentally a beach city. If you are coming for turquoise water and sunbathing, December is the wrong month. If you are coming for archaeology, food, mountain scenery, and low prices with the understanding that you will get rained on, it works. Pack accordingly and lower your expectations for blue-sky days.
Why visit in December
- Hotel rates across Lara and Konyaaltı drop 50-70% from August peaks, making four-star resorts genuinely affordable at 50-80 euros per night
- Ancient sites like Termessos, Perge, and Aspendos are comfortable to explore in 17°C weather with almost no other visitors, a stark contrast to the July crowds and 37°C heat
- Citrus season peaks across the Antalya province. Roadside stands sell fresh-picked mandalina (tangerines) and portakal (oranges) for 5-10 lira per kilogram
- The Taurus Mountains receive their first reliable snowfall, opening Saklıkent Ski Center about 50km from the city, one of few places in the world where you can ski within an hour of Mediterranean coast
Worth knowing
- 173mm of rainfall across 11 rainy days means you should expect rain roughly every third day, sometimes steady and all-day rather than brief showers
- Beach tourism is effectively off the table. Water temperature around 18°C and overcast skies make swimming unappealing for all but the hardiest
- Many beachfront restaurants and bars in Lara and Konyaaltı close entirely from November through March, reducing dining options outside Kaleiçi and central Muratpaşa
- Daylight is limited to roughly 10 hours, with sunset around 17:15, cutting into afternoon sightseeing time at outdoor ruins
Best for
Think twice if
December brings Antalya's coolest and wettest conditions alongside January. Daytime highs average 17°C (63°F), comfortable for walking in a light jacket. Nights drop to 8.4°C (47°F), genuinely cool. Rainfall reaches 173mm across roughly 11 days, arriving as Mediterranean fronts that can settle in for a full day or two before clearing. Humidity sits at 71%, noticeable but not oppressive. You might get 3-4 consecutive sunny days mid-month, then a stretch of grey. Wind off the sea picks up, particularly along the exposed Konyaaltı shoreline. The Taurus Mountains behind the city collect snow above 1,800m, which you can see from the waterfront on clear mornings.
Seasonal caution
- Rainfall of 173mm is the annual peak alongside January. Individual storms can dump 30-40mm in a single day, occasionally causing localised flooding on lower roads near the Düden river channel
- Temperatures in the Taurus Mountains above 1,500m regularly drop below freezing. If you drive to Termessos or Saklıkent, carry chains and check road conditions, as ice forms on shaded mountain roads overnight
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 | 7 | 157 |
| Feb | 16 | 6 | 91 |
| Mar | 18 | 8 | 71 |
| Apr | 23 | 11 | 60 |
| May | 27 | 16 | 59 |
| Jun | 33 | 21 | 21 |
| Jul | 37 | 25 | 10 |
| Aug | 35 | 24 | 7 |
| Sep | 33 | 21 | 21 |
| Oct | 27 | 16 | 45 |
| Nov | 22 | 12 | 83 |
| Dec | 17 | 8 | 173 |
Headline events
Yılbaşı (Turkish New Year's Eve)
December 31
New Year's Eve is the biggest secular celebration on Turkey's calendar. Antalya marks it with fireworks over the harbour at Kaleiçi Marina, live music stages in Cumhuriyet Meydanı, and elaborate dinners at the remaining open resort hotels. The countdown draws thousands of locals to the waterfront. Restaurants require reservations weeks ahead.
Best things to do in December
Explore the ruins at Termessos
archaeologyTermessos sits at 1,665m in Güllük Dağı National Park, about 30km northwest of central Antalya. The Pisidian city was never conquered by Alexander the Great, and its theatre, temples, and rock-cut tombs remain scattered through pine forest. The climb to the upper city takes 40-50 minutes on an uneven trail.
Summer temperatures above 35°C make the exposed uphill hike genuinely dangerous. December's 12-15°C at altitude is ideal hiking weather. Snow occasionally dusts the upper ruins, and you might have the entire site to yourself.Booking tipNo booking needed. Güllük Dağı National Park entrance is 60 lira. Go early to catch morning light through the theatre columns.
Walk the Perge colonnaded street
archaeologyPerge, 18km east of central Antalya near Aksu, was one of the richest cities of Roman Pamphylia. The 300m colonnaded main street, the stadium that seated 12,000, and the Hellenistic gate complex are remarkably intact. The on-site museum holds marble reliefs too fragile to leave outdoors.
The open, shadeless layout of Perge is brutal in July at 37°C. December's overcast skies and 17°C highs make a 2-3 hour exploration comfortable. Tour buses are rare, and the car park that holds 50 coaches in summer might have 3.Booking tipCombine with Aspendos theatre, 30 minutes further east, for a full day. Both sites close at 17:00 in winter, so start by 10:00.
Ski or snowshoe at Saklıkent
outdoorSaklıkent Ski Center sits at 2,000-2,400m in the Beydağları range, roughly 50km and 90 minutes' drive from Konyaaltı. The resort is modest by Alpine standards, with 3 lifts and a few runs, but the novelty of skiing an hour from the Mediterranean coast is real. Equipment rental is available on-site.
The first reliable snowfall typically arrives in December, though coverage varies year to year. By January-February the snowpack is deeper, but December offers the first chance of the season.Booking tipCheck snow conditions before driving up. The road can ice over, and the resort sometimes opens late in December if snowfall is delayed. No advance booking needed for lift tickets, which run around 200-300 lira.
Tour the Antalya Museum
museumThe Antalya Müzesi on Konyaaltı Caddesi is one of Turkey's finest archaeological museums. 13 exhibition halls cover finds from Karain Cave (Paleolithic) through Roman Perge, with an exceptional gallery of full-size marble statues from Perge's theatre and agora. The sarcophagus hall alone warrants an hour.
December rain makes indoor attractions essential backup plans. The museum is rarely crowded in winter, and you can spend 3-4 hours without feeling rushed or overheated. It pairs well with morning rain followed by an afternoon walk along the Konyaaltı cliffs if skies clear.Booking tipClosed Mondays. Admission is 200 lira (Museum Pass Turkey covers it). Audio guides available in English, German, and Russian.
Walk the Kaleiçi old town without crowds
sightseeingKaleiçi's maze of narrow Ottoman streets, stone houses converted to boutique hotels, and the restored Roman harbour is Antalya's historic core. In summer, the lanes between Hadrian's Gate and the marina are shoulder-to-shoulder tour groups. In December, you hear your own footsteps on the worn stone.
Peak-season crowds of 20,000-30,000 daily visitors in July-August drop to a fraction. Shops and restaurants in the old town stay open year-round (unlike Lara's beach strip), and the atmospheric quality of rain-slicked stone and empty lanes is genuinely compelling for photographers.Booking tipNo booking needed. Start at Hadrian's Gate on Atatürk Caddesi and walk downhill toward the marina. The Suna and İnan Kıraç Museum inside Kaleiçi is worth a stop.
Day trip to Aspendos theatre
archaeologyThe Roman theatre at Aspendos, 47km east of Antalya, is likely the best-preserved ancient theatre in the world. Built in 155 AD for 15,000-20,000 spectators, it retains its full stage building, galleries, and most of its seating. The acoustics still work. A coin dropped on the orchestra floor is audible from the top row.
Summer visitors contend with tour buses arriving every 10 minutes and temperatures above 35°C in the unshaded seating bowl. December offers the theatre nearly empty. Standing alone in the cavea with winter light angling through the upper galleries is a different experience entirely.Booking tipAspendos closes at 17:00 in winter. Pair with Perge (both east of the city) for a single day trip. A rental car gives more flexibility than tours, which tend to rush both sites.
Hike the Lycian Way coastal section
outdoorThe Lycian Way, Turkey's first long-distance trail, runs 540km from Fethiye to Antalya. The eastern sections near Antalya, from Hisarçandır down to the coast, pass through pine forest with views over the Gulf of Antalya. Day-hike segments of 10-15km are well-marked.
December temperatures of 12-17°C at low altitude are close to ideal for Mediterranean coastal hiking. Summer heat makes the exposed sections dangerous. The trail is quiet, wildflowers begin appearing in sheltered spots, and the Taurus peaks have their first dusting of snow as a backdrop.Booking tipThe trail is free and open. Download GPX tracks from the Lycian Way website or cultureroutesinturkey.com. Carry rain gear and start early to maximise daylight, which ends around 17:15.
Visit Düden Waterfalls after the rains
natureLower Düden Şelalesi, where the Düden river drops 40m directly into the Mediterranean at Lara, is Antalya's most dramatic natural sight. Upper Düden, 10km inland in a park setting, is quieter and surrounded by walking paths. Both are fed by the same karst system.
December's 173mm of rain recharges the Düden river system after the bone-dry summer months when the falls slow to a trickle. The falls are at or near peak flow in December and January. The difference between August's thin curtain and December's full cascade is striking.Booking tipLower Düden is free to view from the clifftop park at Lara. Upper Düden park charges a small entrance fee (around 20 lira). Go on a clear morning after a rainy stretch for the best combination of flow and visibility.
What to eat in December
In season: fruit
Mandalina (Antalya tangerines)
Antalya province is Turkey's largest citrus producer. December is peak harvest for mandalina, the thin-skinned, intensely sweet local tangerines. Roadside sellers on the D-400 highway and Antalya Kapalı Pazar sell them by the crate. The fragrance of fresh-peeled tangerine is the smell of Antalya in winter.
Portakal (Antalya oranges)
December marks the start of the navel orange harvest across the coastal plain west of the city. Fresh-squeezed orange juice appears at breakfast buffets and street carts for 15-20 lira per glass. The fruit is sweet enough that sugar would be an insult.
On menus now
Tarhana çorbası
This fermented grain-and-yogurt soup is Turkey's definitive winter comfort food. Restaurants in Kaleiçi and Muratpaşa serve it as a starter from October through March. The sourness comes from weeks of sun-dried fermentation over summer, and each family recipe differs. Lokanta-style restaurants along Kazım Özalp Caddesi tend to make it from scratch.
Street food peaks
Kestane kebap (roasted chestnuts)
Street vendors with charcoal braziers set up along Atatürk Caddesi and near Hadrian's Gate from November onward. The chestnuts are local, harvested from Taurus Mountain forests. A paper cone costs 20-30 lira. The smoky-sweet smell carries half a block.
Balık ekmek (fish sandwich)
Winter brings seasonal fish like levrek (sea bass) and çipura (gilt-head bream) closer to shore. Fish sandwich vendors near the Kaleiçi Marina and along the old harbour serve grilled fillets in half-loaves with raw onion, lettuce, and lemon. The winter catch tends to be fattier and more flavourful than summer fish.
What to drink
Sahlep
This warm, thick drink made from ground orchid tubers and milk appears on every street corner once temperatures drop. Vendors along Işıklar Caddesi in Muratpaşa dust each cup with cinnamon. Sahlep season runs November through February, and Antalya's version tends to be thicker than what you find in Istanbul.
Regular events in December
Mevlana Week and Şeb-i Arus commemorationsFree
The annual commemoration of Mevlana Rumi's passing on December 17, 1273, centres on Konya but is observed across Turkey. Antalya's cultural centres and some mosques host Sema (whirling dervish) performances and Sufi music concerts during the week of December 10-17. The Antalya Kültür Merkezi on 100. Yıl Bulvarı typically programmes at least one evening event.
December 10-17Yılbaşı markets and New Year preparationsFree
In the last 10 days of December, temporary market stalls appear along İşıklar Caddesi and in the Migros and TerraCity shopping centres selling New Year trees, decorations, and seasonal sweets. The Turkish New Year tradition borrows Christmas aesthetics, with decorated pine trees and gift-giving, though it is a secular celebration.
December 20-31Republic of Turkey school winter break begins
Turkish schools break for approximately two weeks in late December through early January. Domestic families travel during this period, creating a modest bump in visitors at Antalya's aquarium and indoor attractions around the final week of December, though nothing approaching summer levels.
Late DecemberBest places this December
Kaleiçi
historic districtThe walled old town is Antalya's historic heart, with Ottoman-era houses, Roman-era Hadrian's Gate (built 130 AD), the Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret, 13th century), and a restored harbour. In December, the narrow lanes have a quiet, almost melancholy beauty. Boutique hotels here stay open year-round, unlike the Lara resort strip. Several tea houses and small restaurants on Hesapçı Sokak serve lunch to a handful of locals rather than tourist crowds.
KaleiçiAntalya Müzesi
museumOne of Turkey's top 5 archaeological museums, holding finds from across the Pamphylian and Lycian coasts. The Gallery of the Gods, with 2nd-century marble statues from Perge, is extraordinary. December's low attendance means you can photograph the sarcophagus hall without anyone walking through your frame. Allow 2-3 hours.
KonyaaltıKaraalioglu Parkı
parkThis cliff-edge park stretches south from Kaleiçi along the Mediterranean bluffs. Benches face directly out to sea, and on clear December days the Beydağları peaks across the bay carry fresh snow. The park's 170-year-old Hıdırlık Kulesi (a Roman-era tower) anchors the southern end. In winter, local families walk here on weekends while the summer tourist foot traffic disappears.
KaleiçiKonyaaltı Beach promenade
promenadeThe long paved walkway behind the pebble beach runs several kilometres from the Antalya Museum westward toward the Beydağları cliffs. Swimming is off the table in December, but the promenade is excellent for a winter walk. Cafes on the back row stay open, serving çay and menemen to a thin crowd of locals. The Taurus Mountains form a snow-capped wall to the north.
KonyaaltıKepez Dokuma Parkı
cultural parkA former textile factory in the Kepez district converted into a large cultural park with galleries, workshops, and event spaces. The park hosts rotating art exhibitions and craft markets through winter. It is more popular with local residents than tourists, which is part of the appeal. The indoor galleries make it a good rainy-day option.
KepezDüden Şelalesi (Upper and Lower)
natural landmarkTwo waterfalls on the Düden river, both at peak December flow. Lower Düden drops directly into the sea at Lara, visible from the clifftop park. Upper Düden, 10km inland, sits in a green park where you can walk behind the falls through a natural cave. The contrast with the trickle they become by August is startling.
Lara / VarsakTermessos
archaeological siteHigh in Güllük Dağı National Park, this Pisidian city at 1,665m is arguably the most atmospheric ruin in Turkey. The setting, wedged between two peaks with the Gulf of Antalya visible from the theatre, beats any coastal ruin for drama. December sometimes brings light snow to the upper city, and the pine forest smells sharp and cold. The trail is steep and rough in places.
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Insider tips
The Kaleiçi boutique hotels drop to their lowest published rates in December, but many will negotiate further for stays of 3+ nights since occupancy hovers around 20-30%. Ask directly at the front desk or by email rather than booking at the listed online price.
Locals eat their big New Year's Eve (Yılbaşı) dinner on December 31, not December 25. Restaurants in Muratpaşa and Kaleiçi fill up for Yılbaşı. If you want a table at a popular spot like the restaurants along the Kaleiçi harbour, reserve by mid-December.
The Antalya tram (AntRay) T1 line connects the Müze (Museum) stop to the edge of Kaleiçi at İsmetpaşa. In December the tram is nearly empty, and it costs 7.50 lira with an AntalyaKart. Far cheaper and simpler than taxis for the Museum-to-old-town route.
For the freshest citrus, skip the tourist-area grocers and find the weekly pazar (street market) in your neighbourhood. The Thursday pazar in Muratpaşa and Saturday pazar in Konyaaltı sell Antalya-province tangerines and oranges direct from the grower at a fraction of supermarket prices.
The road to Termessos (Güllük Dağı) can be icy in the early morning shade during December cold snaps. Drive after 10:00 when the sun has warmed the tarmac, or check conditions at the national park gate before committing to the climb.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking an all-inclusive Lara beach resort and expecting the full resort experience. In December, most Lara resorts either close entirely or operate at skeleton capacity with reduced restaurants, no pool heating, and empty beach clubs. A Kaleiçi boutique hotel or a city-centre apartment in Muratpaşa gives you better access to the parts of Antalya that actually function in winter.
- Planning a full outdoor itinerary without rain contingency days. 11 rainy days out of 31 means every third day is likely wet. Build the Antalya Museum, Kaleiçi's indoor cafes, and the Kepez Dokuma galleries into your schedule as flexible swaps for when the forecast turns grey.
- Assuming Turkey celebrates Christmas on December 25. Turkey is a secular republic with a 99% Muslim population. December 25 is a regular working day. Shops, museums, and restaurants follow normal hours. The holiday energy builds toward Yılbaşı on December 31, not Christmas.
- Underestimating the mountain drive to Termessos or Saklıkent. Both involve climbing from sea level into the Taurus range on winding roads. In December, elevation means colder temperatures, potential ice, and fog. Rental car insurance often excludes mountain roads, so check your coverage and carry emergency supplies.
Practical tips for December
December in Antalya requires flexibility. Check the 3-day forecast each morning and keep one indoor option on standby (the Antalya Museum, the Suna-İnan Kıraç Museum in Kaleiçi, or the AquaLand indoor sections). Most archaeological sites switch to winter hours (08:30-17:00) from October through March, so plan day trips to start by 09:00 to get the full window. The Konyaaltı and Lara beach strips see mass closures of seasonal restaurants from November through April. Eat in Kaleiçi, along Kazım Özalp Caddesi in Muratpaşa, or in the side streets off İşıklar Caddesi instead. Public transport runs normal schedules, but intercity dolmuş (minibus) frequency to outlying ruins drops in winter. Renting a car is worth considering if you plan more than one day trip. New Year's Eve (December 31) is the one night that books up. Reserve your dinner and confirm hotel availability for the 30th-1st window at least 2-3 weeks ahead. Turkish lira fluctuates, so check the exchange rate before your trip rather than relying on old guidebook prices.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Antalya?
It depends entirely on what you want. For beach holidays, no. The sea is cold at 18°C, rain falls on roughly a third of the days, and most beachfront infrastructure shuts down. For archaeology, food, and a quiet Mediterranean city at rock-bottom prices, December is genuinely appealing. You will need rain gear and flexibility, but the absence of summer crowds at sites like Perge and Termessos, combined with hotel rates 50-70% below August, makes it worthwhile for the right traveler.
What is the weather like in Antalya in December?
Expect daytime highs around 17°C (63°F) and lows near 8°C (47°F). Rainfall averages 173mm across 11 rainy days, making it the joint-wettest month alongside January. Humidity sits at 71%. You will get some pleasant sunny days mixed with grey, rainy stretches. Snow is possible in the Taurus Mountains above 1,500m but extremely rare at sea level. Wind can make it feel colder along the exposed waterfront.
Is Antalya crowded in December?
Not at all. December is deep off-season. The roughly 15 million tourists who visit Antalya province annually are overwhelmingly concentrated between May and October. December visitor numbers drop to a small fraction of peak. You will share the Antalya Museum with a handful of people. Kaleiçi has more cats than tourists. The only modest bump comes the final week when Turkish families start school holiday travel, and New Year's Eve draws local crowds to the harbour.
Can you swim in Antalya in December?
Technically, yes. Practically, most people would not enjoy it. The Mediterranean has cooled to about 18°C (64°F), and the air temperature at 17°C means you emerge into a cold breeze. A few hardy locals and Northern European tourists do swim year-round, but the beaches are unstaffed, beach bars are closed, and there are no sunbed rentals. If cold-water swimming is your thing, Konyaaltı Beach is accessible. Otherwise, wait until May.
What should I do on a rainy day in Antalya in December?
The Antalya Museum (Konyaaltı Caddesi) is a world-class 3-4 hour visit. Inside Kaleiçi, the Suna and İnan Kıraç Museum covers Ottoman-era domestic life in a restored mansion. Kepez Dokuma Parkı hosts rotating exhibitions in converted factory halls. The city's hamams (Turkish baths) are perfect for rainy afternoons. Sefa Hamamı in Kaleiçi is a historic option. For shopping, TerraCity and Migros AVM are full-scale malls 15 minutes from the centre. And frankly, sitting in a Kaleiçi tea house watching rain hit the harbour through a fogged window with a glass of çay and a plate of kestane is its own kind of perfect afternoon.
Things to Do in Antalya in December
Free cancellation Pamukkale Hierapolis and Cleopatra's Pool Tour with lunch from Antalya
Day trip — 12 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Antalya City Tour: Old Town, Waterfalls, Boat & Cable Car
City tour — free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Antalya Small Group Pamukkale Hot Springs & Hierapolis Tour
Day trip — free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Ancient Perge, Aspendos Amphitheater and City of Side Tour
Day trip — 10 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Antalya: City Tour with Boat Trip, Old Town & Waterfalls
Cruise — 8 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall Full Day Tour
City tour — free cancellation.
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