How is Turkey in January? A Guide to the Weather, Attractions, and Tips

Turkey is a fascinating country to visit any time of year but January brings its own unique advantages. As the dead of winter in Turkey, January offers cheaper prices smaller crowds, and the chance to experience a whole different side of popular destinations. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Turkey in January.

Weather in Turkey in January

Average temperatures in Turkey in January range from around 4°C (39°F) to 12°C (54°F). The coastal regions, especially in the south, tend to have higher temperatures, with averages from 8°C (46°F) to 15°C (59°F) Inland and mountainous areas are colder

Istanbul sees average highs of 8°C (46°F) and average rainfall of 102mm. Antalya on the Mediterranean coast is warmer at 14°C (57°F) but also wetter with 216mm of rain. Ankara and Cappadocia have below freezing average lows but less precipitation.

Snowfall and winter storms are possible throughout the country. Mornings can be foggy and daylight is limited, with the sun setting around 5pm at the start of January. Overall the winter weather is quite moderate compared to much of Europe.

Crowds and Costs in January

As Turkey’s off-season, January is less crowded and cheaper for flights, hotels, and attractions. Coastal resort towns essentially shut down for the winter months. But Turkey’s cities and historic sites remain open and can be seen without summertime crowds.

For cultural travelers focused on museums, architecture, and UNESCO sites like Ephesus and Cappadocia, January offers an appealing opportunity to visit Turkey’s most famous attractions at lower cost and with fewer people.

Where to Go in Turkey in January

Istanbul

Turkey’s largest city offers indoor and outdoor attractions like the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, and ferry rides on the Bosphorus Strait. Retreat indoors when it’s cold and wet.

Ephesus & Pamukkale

Ephesus’s ancient Greek and Roman ruins and Pamukkale’s mineral hot springs and white travertines are year-round sights, less busy in January. The natural hot pools at Pamukkale are especially nice in winter.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s unique landscape of rock formations and underground cities carved out of volcanic rock are other-worldly. Hiking and hot air ballooning can be done year-round.

Ankara & Izmir

Turkey’s capital and third largest city both have cultural attractions like museums and historic sites. Izmir is a bit warmer being on the coast.

Skiing

Turkey has a few ski resorts like Palandöken and Erciyes Dağı that offer decent skiing, though they are smaller than European resorts.

What to Do in January

Focus your itinerary on indoor museums and attractions in the mornings and evenings, spending mid-day outside when it’s a bit warmer. Istanbul, Cappadocia, and coastal cities all have great indoor sites.

Turkish cuisine and café culture also provide the perfect refuge from cold weather. Try warming dishes like lentil soup, börek pastries, kebabs, and Turkish coffee or çay (tea).

Events in January

• Orthodox Christmas on January 6th and 7th
• Camel wrestling festivals from January to March near Selçuk

Tips for Visiting in January

• Bring warm clothes including hat, gloves, scarf, and winter coat
• Pack waterproof boots and an umbrella
• Book hotels with good heating and amenities
• Take advantage of lower prices but book in advance when possible
• Spend mornings and evenings indoors at museums, cafés, restaurants
• Go outside during midday when warmer and dry

While January is low season and you’ll need to bundle up, visiting Turkey in winter has its own unique rewards. You’ll beat the crowds at famous sites and may just find a new side to places like Istanbul and Cappadocia blanketed in snow.