Antalya weather in December is mild by British standards but it is the wettest month of the year, so it is a winter-sun break rather than a beach holiday.
Quick answer: Antalya in December has daytime highs around 17°C, nights around 7°C and a sea of about 18°C. It is the wettest month, with roughly 270 mm of rain over about 12 days, usually in heavy bursts with bright, clear days in between. It suits sightseeing, walking and a quiet, cheap break rather than sunbathing.
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Antalya weather in December: quick facts
| Average high | About 17°C |
| Average low | About 7°C at night |
| Sea temperature | About 18°C |
| Rain | About 270 mm over around 12 days, the wettest month of the year |
| Sunshine | About 4–5 hours a day |
| Time difference with the UK | 3 hours (Turkey stays on UTC+3 all year) |
| Crowds | Very quiet, apart from Christmas and New Year |
What the weather is like in December
- Sunny days between the storms are crisp and clear, often warm enough to sit outside at lunchtime.
- Rain arrives in heavy bursts, sometimes with thunderstorms, and can last a day or two.
- Snow often covers the Taurus Mountains behind the city, a beautiful sight from the seafront.
Is December a good time to visit Antalya?
For winter sun seekers who want mild weather, culture and good value, yes; for a guaranteed beach holiday, no. Many seasonal hotels, beach bars and boat trips close in winter, but Antalya city and many of the big hotels in Lara and Belek stay open, often with heated indoor pools. Christmas is not a public holiday in Turkey, but many tourist hotels hold Christmas and New Year events, and New Year’s Eve is a big celebration.
Best things to do in Antalya in December
These well-reviewed trips work especially well in December:
- Perge, Aspendos and Side tour: perfect in cool weather. See our Aspendos tour guide.
- Antalya old town and Duden Waterfalls tour: the waterfalls are at their fullest after winter rain. See our Duden Waterfalls guide.
- Turkish bath: the ideal plan for a rainy afternoon. See our Turkish bath guide.
- Pamukkale day trip: cold on the terraces in winter, so bring warm layers. See our Pamukkale guide.
What to pack for Antalya in December
- A warm jumper or fleece and a proper waterproof jacket.
- Waterproof shoes for the rain and the slippery old town streets.
- Swimwear for the hotel’s heated pool or spa.
Tips for Antalya in December
- Check your hotel’s facilities. Ask about heating, an indoor pool and which restaurants are open in winter.
- New Year’s Eve is the big night out; restaurants fill up, so book ahead.
- Late arrivals. Winter flights from the UK are fewer and often land late; a pre-booked transfer saves waiting in the rain. See our Antalya Airport transfer guide.
Should you visit Antalya in December?
Antalya weather in December is mild but wet: a winter-sun break for sightseeing, good food and quiet resorts rather than sunbathing. Check the forecast before you fly, pack for the season, and get mobile data sorted so you can check maps, prices and the weather from the moment you land. For the whole season, including what is open and Christmas, see our guide to Antalya in winter.
Antalya weather by month
Planning a different month? Compare the weather month by month:
- Antalya weather in January
- Antalya weather in February
- Antalya weather in March
- Antalya weather in April
- Antalya weather in May
- Antalya weather in June
- Antalya weather in July
- Antalya weather in August
- Antalya weather in September
- Antalya weather in October
- Antalya weather in November
FAQ: Antalya weather in December
What is the weather like in Antalya in December?
Daytime highs average about 17°C and nights about 7°C, with around 270 mm of rain over around 12 days.
Can you swim in the sea in Antalya in December?
Only if you like bracing water: the sea averages about 18°C. Most visitors use heated pools instead.
Is December a good time to visit Antalya?
It is good for a mild, quiet and cheap winter break with sightseeing, but it is the wettest month and not a beach holiday.
How warm is the sea in Antalya in December?
The sea averages about 18°C in December.
More AYT Survival Guides
- Antalya Airport Transfers: Taxi, Shuttle or Private Car
- Aspendos Tour from Antalya: Perge, Aspendos & Side
- Pamukkale Day Trip from Antalya: Is It Worth It?
- Turkish Bath in Antalya: What to Expect & Prices
- Duden Waterfalls Antalya: Boat Trips, Tours & Prices
- Suluada Boat Trip: 6 Traps to Avoid
- Antalya Scams: 10 Tourist Traps to Avoid
- Do I Need a SIM Card in Turkey? eSIM vs Airport SIM
Sources: 1991–2020 climate averages for Antalya as published by the Turkish State Meteorological Service and summarised by Climates to Travel; sea temperatures from recent ten-year averages. Weather varies from year to year, so check the forecast before you travel. Checked on 10 October 2026.
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