I would like to know if traveling in Turkey in winter (december,january,february and march)is a good idea.

Marie, I hope so. I am going to Istanbul Jan 1-10. It may be rainy, dreary and cold (sounds like London in summer) but at least I will miss the horde of tourists. I won't be standing in line all day to tour the Hagia Sophia, etc. Wish me well. good luck to you too. phillip

Turkey in winter- brrr. big mistake

I have been to Istanbul in both August and December. Despite the cold and occasional rain of December, I have to say that December was a better trip. No lines for anything. Hagia Sophia completely to yourself. No tourists anywhere except for you. Newfound appreciation for mint tea. Lovely winter sunsets and sunrises. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. SPECTACULAR deals == I stayed at the Four Seasons, one of the best hotels I have ever been in, for something like $225 for two nights. I can't applaud it enough. <BR><BR>

I think it really matters where in Turkey... parts of central and eastern Turkey can get A LOT of snow and be very difficult to travel.

It's in bad form to eat Turkey in Winter! Particularly the dark meat.<BR><BR>Gobble Gobble.

Depends where you are going in Turkey--near the Mediterranean it will be much warmer compared to Istanbul--but as far as tourists goes it doesn't matter when you travel to Turkey these days. Lack of tourism to Turkey since the Sept. attacks has gone down the toilet. A shame, because their economy is so pathetic and they really depend on tourism. Plus, it is perfectly safe to be over there--some of the hysteria has been mis-directed towards this fascinating country.

I was in Istanbul Nov 12-18- had mixed weather- some cool rain - some hazy but mild fall days. I enjoyed it very much- a very lively modern city, and the historical district was nearly empty of tourist's. <BR><BR>I much prefer the off season for travel.

tp

Only if you consider the third Thursday in November,winter.

Second half of March is not really winter but more spring in most parts of the country

I just got back from Istanbul a week ago 18 Feb. The weather was sunny and cool temps. It really was beautiful. It was a little windy on the Bosporus but still it was a great time. Take a warm jacket along.