Istanbul Weather in December 2026: Temps, Rain, New Year

Istanbul in December: The Short Answer

December is the start of winter in Istanbul. Days average about 11-12°C and nights 5-6°C, with rain on roughly 13 to 15 days, making it one of the wettest months of the year. Snow is possible but uncommon in December; when it does fall in the city it rarely settles for long. The sea is around 12-13°C, and the days are the shortest of the year: about nine and a quarter hours of daylight, with sunset around 5:40 pm.

It is a month for museums, hammams, warm cafés, winter food and the New Year atmosphere, and a starting point for snow trips to Uludağ once the ski season opens. The live seven-day forecast at the top of this page comes from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute (MET Norway) and refreshes every two hours; use it for your travel days and the averages below for planning.

December in Numbers

These are long-term averages for the city, rounded and shown as ranges because Istanbul's weather stations differ: the Black Sea end of the Bosphorus is colder and windier than the Marmara shore.

Turkey stays on UTC+3 all year, so winter mornings are dark until after 8 am. The earliest sunset of the year falls in the first half of December, at about 5:36 pm; by New Year's Eve it is already a little later.

How December Weather Behaves

December weather in Istanbul comes in spells. A few dry, bright days with a cold northerly wind (poyraz) are followed by grey, damp periods with steady rain. A south-westerly lodos can bring a sudden mild day of 15°C or more, but also strong gusts and high waves that delay or cancel some ferry crossings for a few hours.

Damp air and wind make December feel colder than the numbers suggest, especially on the water and on the hills of Beyoğlu and Çamlıca after dark. Morning fog sometimes settles over the Bosphorus; it usually lifts by midday, but it can slow shipping and occasionally flights.

Comparing December With November and January

For the month before, see the November weather guide, and for the mildest autumn month the October weather guide.

What to Wear in December

Pack for cold, wet days rather than freezing ones.

• A warm, water-resistant coat: a padded jacket or wool coat with a hood, or a coat plus a compact umbrella.
• Layers underneath: long-sleeved tops and a sweater or fleece, so you can adjust between cold streets and heated museums, malls and restaurants.
• Waterproof shoes with good grip: this matters more than any other item. Pavements, stairs and old stone streets stay wet for days.
• Scarf, hat and gloves: especially for evenings, ferry rides and anyone sensitive to cold.
• For children: a warm hat, gloves and a spare pair of socks in the day bag.

If you are coming from the Gulf, where December days are still in the mid-20s, the difference is large. If you plan a day in the snow at Uludağ, add thermal base layers, waterproof trousers and proper winter boots, or plan to rent ski clothing on the mountain.

Things to Do in December

Short days reward an early start. Plan outdoor sightseeing between about 9 am and 3:30 pm and keep the evening for indoor plans.

Outdoors on dry days: the Sultanahmet landmarks (Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace), a public ferry across the Bosphorus between Eminönü, Üsküdar and Kadıköy, and the Galata district with its views over the Golden Horn. Check current winter opening hours, which are usually shorter than in summer.

Indoors on wet days:

• Museums: Istanbul Archaeology Museums, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the Basilica Cistern, and the Rahmi M. Koç Museum on the Golden Horn, a good choice for families with children.
• Covered markets: the Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays) and the Spice Bazaar.
• A hammam: Çemberlitaş, Cağaloğlu or Kılıç Ali Paşa. A hot hammam is at its best on a cold, wet afternoon.
• Malls: İstinye Park, Zorlu Center and Emaar Square Mall for shopping, restaurants and children's play areas out of the rain.

Winter food and drink: roasted chestnuts from street carts, hot salep, and boza with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas at Vefa Bozacısı, which has served it since 1876. December is anchovy (hamsi) season, and Black Sea fish is easy to find on menus; fish is halal by nature. See the Istanbul halal food guide for where to eat.

New Year in Istanbul

New Year's Eve is the busiest night of the month. Christmas is not a public holiday in Turkey, but the city is decorated for the New Year throughout December: lights on İstiklal Avenue and in Nişantaşı, trees in malls and hotel lobbies.

What to know if you are in the city on 31 December:

• Book early. Bosphorus-view restaurants, New Year dinner cruises and hotels with a view fill weeks ahead, and prices for that night are much higher than the rest of the month.
• Expect crowds and closures. Taksim, Ortaköy and the Bosphorus shore draw large crowds, with heavy security and some road closures. Fireworks displays have often been held along the Bosphorus, but programmes change from year to year, so check official announcements close to the date.
• Plan your journey home. Taxis are scarce after midnight. If you are with family or staying far from the centre, a pre-booked private transfer is the simplest option.
• 1 January is a public holiday. Government offices and banks close and some attractions change their hours.

School winter breaks in several Gulf countries also fall around late December, so flights and family hotels can be busier than in November. Check your dates before booking.

Uludağ and Snow Trips from Istanbul

December is when snow trips start. Uludağ, above Bursa, is Turkey's best-known ski resort and the closest major one to Istanbul, about three hours by road. The season typically opens in mid to late December, but the exact date depends on snowfall each year, and early-season snow may be thin or partly machine-made on the lower slopes. Our Uludağ ski guide covers runs, lift passes and the route.

Practical points for the road:

• Winter tyres and chains: on heavy-snow days, chains can be required at the checkpoint on the mountain road, and cars without the right equipment may be held at the base. If you rent a car on our Istanbul car rental page, ask for winter tyres and chains.
• Transfer instead of driving: many families prefer a transfer from Istanbul with a driver used to winter roads, especially for the mountain section.
• Closer snow: Kartepe, above Sapanca, is nearer to Istanbul and can be combined with a lake stay; see the Sapanca and Maşukiye guide.

Common December Mistakes

• Light shoes. Wet feet ruin a day faster than cold air. Bring waterproof shoes.
• Leaving New Year bookings late. Restaurants, cruises and transfers for 31 December sell out.
• Planning a full outdoor day after 3 pm. It is dark by about 5:40 pm.
• Counting on snow for a fixed date. Ski opening and snowfall vary each year; keep the Uludağ day flexible.

FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Istanbul?

Yes, for museums, food, shopping and the New Year atmosphere, and if you do not mind rain. It is not a month for sunbathing or long days outdoors.

How cold is Istanbul in December?

Average highs are 11-12°C and lows 5-6°C. Wind and damp air make it feel colder.

Does it snow in Istanbul in December?

Sometimes, but it is uncommon and usually brief in the city. Snow is more likely in January and February.

When does the Uludağ ski season start?

Usually in mid to late December, depending on snowfall. Check the resort's announcements before you go.

What time does it get dark in December?

Around 5:40 pm throughout the month. The sun rises after 8 am.

How accurate is the forecast on this page?

It is an automatic model forecast from MET Norway, refreshed every two hours. The first two or three days are the most reliable; for official warnings, check the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM).

Related Articles

• Istanbul weather in November
• Istanbul weather in October
• Istanbul weather month by month
• Uludağ ski season guide

Sources

• Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM): provincial statistics
• Norwegian Meteorological Institute (MET Norway)
• Go Türkiye official tourism portal
• Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure: winter tyres

Istanbul weather by month: October · November · December · January · February · March