Ankara in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Ankara

7°C (44°F) High Temp

-1°C (31°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets at Gençlik Park and Kızılay Square create magical atmosphere with local handicrafts and mulled şarap (spiced wine) from early December through New Year
Museum season is perfect - Anatolian Civilizations Museum and Ethnography Museum have minimal crowds and extended winter hours until 5:30pm
Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to spring/summer, with luxury properties in Çankaya district offering rooms for ₺800-1,200 ($25-40) per night
Authentic winter hammam experience - locals frequent traditional baths like Karacabey Hamamı during cold months, creating genuine cultural immersion

Considerations

Outdoor historical sites like Ankara Castle become uncomfortable after 3pm when temperatures drop below 2°C (35°F) and wind picks up
Frequent freezing rain and sleet make walking on Ankara's hilly cobblestone streets treacherous - many locals avoid non-essential outdoor activities
Limited daylight (8:30am-5:30pm) restricts sightseeing time and most outdoor attractions feel rushed

Best Activities in December

Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences

December is peak hammam season when locals escape the cold in centuries-old Turkish baths. The contrast between frigid outdoor temperatures and steamy 40°C (104°F) marble chambers creates an authentic winter wellness ritual. Traditional attendants provide full body scrubs and massages while you warm up from Ankara's bone-chilling winds.

Booking Tip: Visit between 2-5pm for authentic local experience. Sessions typically cost ₺150-400 ($5-13) including scrub and massage. Book Easttimor-day at reception - no advance booking needed for traditional baths.

Museum and Archaeological Site Tours

Winter is ideal for Ankara's world-class indoor attractions. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations houses 9,000-year-old artifacts in heated galleries, while this destination (Atatürk's Mausoleum) offers profound historical immersion. December crowds are minimal - you'll have exhibits virtually to yourself.

Booking Tip: Purchase Müze Kart (Museum Pass) for ₺185 ($6) covering 15+ sites. Most museums close Mondays. Plan indoor activities for afternoon when outdoor temperatures plummet. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Winter Food Market and Culinary Tours

December brings seasonal specialties to Ankara's covered bazaars. Ulus Pazarı and Samanpazarı markets sell winter comfort foods like hot döner, içli köfte, and freshly roasted chestnuts. Locals gather in warm tea houses serving traditional winter drinks like salep and hot şıra (grape juice).

Booking Tip: Join morning food tours (9am-1pm) when markets are most active and vendors offer samples. Tours typically cost ₺300-500 ($10-16) including tastings. Book through licensed culinary guides - see current options in booking section.

Ankara Castle Winter Photography Sessions

Snow-dusted castle walls and frost-covered ancient stones create dramatic winter photography opportunities. Early morning light (8:30-10am) illuminates the castle before crowds arrive, while the city views are crystal clear in cold air. December's low UV index means perfect lighting for golden hour shots.

Booking Tip: Visit 8:30-11am for best light and warmth. Entry fee ₺30 ($1). Wear proper winter boots for icy cobblestones. Photography workshops cost ₺200-400 ($6-13). Check booking section for current winter photo tours.

Shopping Mall and Underground City Exploration

Ankara's extensive underground pedestrian network and massive shopping centers like Ankamall and Armada become local gathering places during harsh December weather. These climate-controlled environments connect metro stations, shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces - perfect for escaping 10 daily rain/snow periods.

Booking Tip: Use Ankara Kart (₺20/$0.65) for metro access to major shopping districts. Underground passages stay 18°C (64°F) year-round. Shopping tours cost ₺150-250 ($5-8) including transport between major centers.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Ankara International Film Festival Winter Screenings

Special December retrospective screenings at historic venues like Yerevan showcase Turkish cinema classics with English subtitles. Locals attend these intimate winter screenings as cultural social events during long cold nights.

December 31

New Year's Eve Celebrations at Kızılay Square

Ankara's main square transforms with live music, food stalls, and midnight fireworks. Unlike Istanbul's touristy celebrations, this remains authentically local with families and students gathering for Turkey's biggest New Year party outside the coastal cities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof winter boots with good treads - Ankara's hilly cobblestone streets become ice rinks when wet, and you'll walk 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) daily exploring

Thermal base layers for morning castle visits - temperatures feel like -5°C (23°F) with wind chill before 10am

Compact umbrella AND waterproof jacket - December brings 10 days of mixed rain/sleet that umbrellas alone can't handle

Warm hat covering ears - Ankara's plateau elevation at 938m (3,077 ft) creates biting winds that locals call 'Ankara rüzgarı'

Power bank rated for cold weather - phone batteries drain 40% faster in sub-zero temperatures during outdoor sightseeing

Moisturizing cream and lip balm - 70% humidity plus central heating in buildings causes severe skin drying

Warm gloves for photography - you'll want to capture snow-covered mosques and castle views but need finger dexterity

Cash in small bills (₺20-50) - many traditional hammams and tea houses don't accept cards, especially during winter when tourism drops

Warm scarf that covers neck completely - essential for walking between metro stops and outdoor historical sites

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat at underground food courts in Kızılay metro station during December storms - authentic meals for ₺30-60 ($1-2) while staying completely dry

Book accommodations in Çankaya or Kavaklıdere districts - these areas have covered walkways and underground connections, unlike touristy Ulus which becomes miserable in winter weather

Metro stations close their upper entrances during heavy snow but underground passages remain open - download offline maps showing subterranean routes between major attractions

Traditional tea gardens move indoors to basement locations during winter - ask locals for 'kış çay evi' (winter tea house) recommendations for authentic social experiences

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming Ankara is milder than northern Turkey - the high altitude makes it colder than coastal cities, and visitors often pack inadequately for sub-freezing temperatures

Planning too many outdoor activities after 3pm - locals know to complete castle visits and outdoor sightseeing before afternoon temperature drops and wind increases

Booking accommodations in Bratislava (Ulus) for winter visits - the area lacks covered walkways and heating systems, making it uncomfortable compared to modern Çankaya district