Turkey is famous not only for its beaches. Come ski and walk along the embankments of the seaside resorts! We tell you about the weather in Turkey in January 2021, tourist reviews and prices for tours. Find out what to do and where to relax during the height of winter.
Weather in Turkey in January
The weather in Turkey in January is a real gift for everyone who does not like winter slush and bitter frosts. The Mediterranean, Black and Aegean Seas make the region's climate very mild. There are no severe cold weather and heavy snowfalls here. However, exceptions to the rule do happen - in January 2013, it snowed for three whole days in Istanbul.
The middle of winter is the coldest time of the year. The average air temperature in Turkey in January is +10 ... + 14 ° С. In the north of the country and in the mountains it is much colder than in the resorts of the Turkish Riviera. Favorite tourist towns and villages on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea stand without snow and delight visitors with an abundance of greenery.
| Day air temperature, ° С | Water temperature, ° С | Number of sunny days | Number of days with precipitation | |
| Istanbul | +9,1 | +9 | 9 | 4 |
| Bodrum | +13,8 | +17,4 | 15 | 9 |
| Antalya | +12,5 | +18,8 | 15 | 7 |
| Alanya | +14,7 | +18,3 | 19 | 6 |
| Kemer | +11,2 | +18 | 15 | 6 |
| Side | +13,3 | +18 | 17 | 6 |
| Izmir | +10,7 | +15,5 | 14 | 7 |
| Marmaris | +12,6 | +17,8 | 16 | 8 |
As in the first month of winter, in January the weather in Turkey is capricious. In the morning the sun can shine, in the daytime it gets warm, and in the evening the sky becomes overcast and it starts to rain.
Sea water heated over the summer cools down slowly, so its temperature is always higher than the air temperature. The warmest sea in Turkey in January is the Mediterranean, the water temperature is about + 18 ° C. Turks do not swim in winter and are extremely surprised when Siberians who have come to rest or Scandinavians who are accustomed to cold weather enter the water.
Ski resorts are located in the middle mountains, and since December there has been a stable snow cover. At the height of the season in the mountains, the thickness of the snow reaches 3 m. The weather in January at the winter resorts of Turkey is comfortable for skiing - the average temperature is kept at between −2 ... −4 ° С. During the day, the air warms up to 0 ... + 1 ° С, and at night it cools down to −10 ... −12 ° С.
Advice. For a comfortable stay in Turkey in January, dress warmly! If you plan on vacationing at seaside resorts or in Istanbul, consider protection from the rain - bring waterproof shoes, a raincoat and an umbrella.
Map of resorts and beaches for holidays in Turkey in January
Where to relax in Turkey in January 2021
Istanbul. The largest city in the country is called the heart of Turkey. If you love history and architecture, choose Istanbul for your winter holiday. Visit ancient dramas and medieval palaces, view the old quarters from the height of the Galata Tower, and stroll along the Bosphorus. What to see in Istanbul →
Mediterranean resorts. In the winter months, warm resorts in southern Turkey are half empty. The January holidays are chosen by lovers of comfort and parents with children. In Antalya, Side, Belek, Kemer and Alanya, 5 * hotels operate all year round, aquariums, zoos, museums and amusement parks are open.
Winter recreation centers. Ski resorts in Turkey welcome skiers and snowboard fans from the beginning of winter to March. The complexes have modern infrastructure and good service. However, keep in mind that most of the tracks in Turkey are designed for beginners and intermediate athletes. Ski resorts in Russia →
Prices for tours to Turkey in January - 2021
Last Minute Tours search on the services Level.Travel and Travelata - they will find the best deals among different tour operators. Want to save money? Check out our 7 rules for buying tours online.
After the New Year holidays, the number of tourists in Turkish resorts is decreasing, so the vouchers are cheaper.
Prices for tours to Turkey in January 2021 (7 days for two when departing from Moscow):
| The cheapest tour | All inclusive tour | |
| Istanbul | 51 000 | 56 000 |
| Side | 29 000 | 34 000 |
| Antalya | 23 000 | 33 000 |
| Alanya | 27 000 | 31 000 |
| Kemer | 27 000 | 30 000 |
| Belek | 35 000 | 38 000 |
What to do on holiday in Turkey in January
We expect vivid impressions from traveling to another country. What entertainment is there in January Turkey?
Visit a colorful festival Not far from Ephesus, in the small town of Selcuk, camel battles take place in mid-January. The holiday begins with a procession of animals. Then competitions are held at the Ephesus hippodrome, and fairs open in the city. Since the end of January, the Turks have been celebrating the Nativity of the Prophet Muhammad. Mosques are illuminated with bright lights, and specialty baked goods appear in shops and cafes.
Take a guided tour. During your holidays in Turkey in January, we advise you to pay attention to the offers of local travel agencies. Vacationers like excursions to Cappadocia with a visit to the Goreme observation deck, a bus and walking trip to Miru and Demre, sightseeing tours in Antalya and Alanya.
Look for excursions on Sputnik8 and Tripster services. Individual and group, no crowds of tourists and in Russian.
Go shopping. In the middle of winter in Turkish shopping centers there is a season of big sales, and this is a great opportunity to purchase quality branded items. There are few tourists, so sellers in bazaars are more willing to agree to give up in price. Visit the craft rows of artisans and you are sure to find some nice souvenirs.
Take care of your health. Holidays in Turkey in January 2021 should be combined with wellness treatments. Hamams are open in any city - Turkish baths, which are built on the model of ancient Roman baths. In addition, the spa centers and thermal resorts of Pamukkale, Kangal Balykli and Yalova welcome tourists all year round.
Visit a Turkish restaurant. When it's cold outside, it's good to spend an evening in a cozy restaurant. True gourmets love traditional cuisine - pilaf, dolma, hot merjimek chorbasy soup and delicious Turkish sweets.
Reviews about the holiday in Turkey in January
A vacation in the middle of winter has a lot pluses:
- Prices for tours to Turkey in January are lower than vouchers for the New Year and even more so at the height of summer.
- The resorts are half empty, the staff are not overloaded, and the quality of service is higher.
- Excursions are pleasant during the winter months. Bus tour prices are low, there is no heat, and there are no crowds of tourists at the attractions.
- In winter, Turkish bazaars offer many inexpensive oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, avocados, kiwis, persimmons, pears, apples, herbs and vegetables.
Minuses recreation:
- In winter it is impossible to sunbathe and swim in the sea.
- About half of the hotels do not accept guests until the warm weather.
- Holidays in Turkey in January will not be suitable for fans of active nightlife, as most of the bars and clubs are closed.
Advice experienced tourists:
- Strong winds from the sea increase the humidity on the coast, and the cold is felt more strongly. To stay warm, wear a windproof hooded jacket and a warm hat. Try also the excellent warming Turkish drink - salep.
- Life in small resort villages in Turkey freezes until spring. Stay in major tourist centers for fun.
- In Mediterranean resorts, choose hotels that have saunas and heated pools.
