Does it snow in Turkey? Yes, yes, it does. Here is where to find snow in Turkey – or how to avoid it.
When you picture Türkiye in your mind, you’ll probably have beaches pop into your brain. For that reason, it is quite a shock whenyou tell people that, yes, it does snow in Turkey!
During the summer months, temperatures can exceed 40 degrees and, in the last few years, have gone even higher still. Yet, the mercury plummets during the winter, and even the south coast can be very chilly. Even the usually very warm Antalya sees snow-capped mountains as its backdrop during winter.
So, what do you need to know if you want to see snow in Türkiye or perhaps you want to avoid it?
Turkey is a large country spanning diverse landscapes, so its winter weather varies dramatically by region. While some areas get heavy snowfall, others remain relatively snow-free. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of when, where, and why it snows in Turkey.
Overview of Turkey’s Winter Climate
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The eastern regions of Turkey, including Eastern Anatolia, tend to get the most snow. Cities like Erzurum and Kars can see substantial snowfall from November through March.
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Central Anatolia, where Ankara and Cappadocia are located, also gets consistent snow in the winter months, especially December through February.
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Istanbul and the Marmara region get occasional snowfall during winter, but it is sporadic rather than persistent
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The Mediterranean and Aegean coastal regions have mild, wet winters with little to no snow. Cities like Antalya and Izmir rarely see snow.
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The Black Sea region can see heavy precipitation and snowfall, particularly in mountainous areas. Cities like Rize and Artvin often get ample snow.
Typical Snowfall Timeline
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November: The first snowflakes start appearing in Eastern Anatolia and high-altitude Central Anatolia. Coastal areas remain snow-free.
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December: More consistent snowfall develops, especially in Eastern and Central Turkey. Istanbul may get light snow.
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January: The peak of winter sees heavy snow pile up in Eastern Anatolia. Even Western cities like Izmir may get a dusting.
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February: Snowfall continues heavily in interior regions but starts declining on the coasts. Istanbul often warms up this month.
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March to April Eastern mountains remain snowy but snow starts receding in most of Turkey
Where Does It Snow the Most in Turkey?
Eastern Anatolia
The coldest, snowiest winters happen in Eastern Anatolia due to high elevations and a continental climate Cities like Erzurum and Kars regularly get buried under feet of snow
Central Anatolia
Ankara and Cappadocia in Central Anatolia get reliable snowfall and freezing temperatures in winter. The fairy chimneys of Cappadocia look magical with snow cover.
Black Sea Region
The Black Sea region’s wet climate leads to substantial snowfall during winter, especially in the mountains near cities like Rize, Trabzon, and Artvin.
Istanbul and Marmara
Istanbul only occasionally gets a light dusting of snow that can stick for a day or two. Winters here are often just cold and wet instead of snowy.
Why Does It Snow More in Some Regions?
Turkey’s diverse geography and location between Europe and Asia contribute to its variable winter climates:
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Eastern/Central Anatolia: High altitudes and landlocked location create cold, continental climates.
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Coastal regions: Proximity to temperate seas lends a milder Mediterranean climate.
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Black Sea: Influence of the Black Sea brings wetter weather and precipitation.
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Istanbul/Marmara: Sitting between the Black Sea and Aegean Sea leads to a blend of climates.
What to Expect When Visiting Turkey in Winter
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Prepare with warm clothes and winter gear, especially in snowy areas.
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Check weather forecasts frequently as snow can disrupt travel plans.
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Drive carefully as roads get slippery. Use snow chains and winter tires.
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Take part in winter activities like skiing, snowboarding and hot air balloon rides.
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Sightseeing is magical, but opening hours may be reduced.
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Enjoy warm, hearty Turkish dishes and hot drinks to warm up.
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Have proper footwear, skin protection and medications for health and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of Turkey has the most snow?
Eastern Anatolia, especially Erzurum, sees the most snow because of its very high altitude causing frigid winters.
What is the snowiest month in Turkey?
January is typically the peak snow month across most of Turkey. However, Eastern Anatolia can remain very snowy from November through March.
Does it snow in Istanbul in December?
Istanbul may get light snow in December, but more often than not, its Decembers are just cold and wet without much snow accumulation.
Can you ski in Turkey when it snows?
Yes, Turkey has excellent ski resorts in Uludag, Palandoken, and other mountainous areas that get abundant snow for winter sports.
Does it snow on the Mediterranean coast?
No, the Mediterranean coast around Antalya almost never gets snow because of its warmer winter climate. But some inland parts of Mediterranean Turkey can get occasional snow.
Best Places To Enjoy The Snow
If you want to see snow when you visit Turkey in the winter months, you should undoubtedly head to Bursa, Ankara, the Black Sea coast, Kayseri, and the east of the country, including the southeast, around Van. These areas won’t disappoint you in your hunt for white powder. However, if you want beauty, then Cappadocia will more than serve.
In particular, Konya and the area around Cappadocia can get very cold during December and January. While the rest of the country may experience rain, especially on the Aegean coast, this area will see that rain turn to snow.
Istanbul sees snow, but not to the same degree as it used to. And if it does snow in Istanbul, it usually turns to rain and doesn’t stick around for too long. So, if you want snow, perhaps don’t bank on it in Istanbul – unless you’re fortunate and the time you visit well!
Where Does It Snow In Turkey
It can snow anywhere in Türkiye if it gets cold enough! Over the last two years, we’ve seen even more extreme weather, probably due to climate change, which has meant snow in even the most unlikely of places. Even the usually mild beach resorts on the south coast saw a covering of snow last year.
But some places regularly see snow when the winter comes around.
Istanbul usually sees a covering of snow at least once during the winter months, but we’ll get onto that shortly! However, the central part of the country, including the area around Ankara, often sees snow during the winter, and sometimes it can be heavy. That means it can snow in Cappadocia, and it looks utterly magical when it does!
The east and southeast of Turkey also receive good snowfall every winter, and even the Black Sea Coast, including Samsun and Trabzon. Bursa is another city that often sees snow during the winter.