we're planning a family trip to Turkey over Christmas 2004 (advance planning stage!) Would like to hear ideas about travelling at that time of year and where especially we should go - youngest child will be 11. Is it worth visiting coastal areas despite the weather or should we stick inland more? Will it be too freezing to get to some places? Etc. etc. etc. Looking forward to some helpful ideas. Thanks.

Considering that Istanbul is on the same latitude at NYC - winters are relatively cold. There are places in Turkey where you have snow and there is skiing available.

You can visit wherever you wish, but realize that your time outside will require layers of clothing (if weather warms or cools) on any day. Just be prepared.

Friends were in Capadoccia area in March and it was cold.

Hi Piccolo,

I don't agree with Sandi about the temprature between NYC and Istanbul Because I am living in NYC and I believe NYC is colder (Much Much)then Istanbul or Ankara even if they are the same latitude. I would love to go to CAPPADOCIA in WINTER. I am sure you will love too. I don't know where are you from but if you love to be in hot you may go to Antalya or around antalya. DON'T GO TO MARMARIS or AROUND MARMARIS because of WINDS.

Sinan Akdeniz
[email protected]

I have traveled in business and pleasure extensively in Turkey, i am not willing to enter into an average temp competition with NYC, but I have being under the snow in Istambul and well below freezing point in Ankara. so be prepared for cold weather.
I will focus more in cities than coast and i am sure you realize that Turkey is not a Christian country therefore Christmas is not a big deal for them specialy outside Istambul.

We were in Istanbul mid-October and the temps at night were below freezing and the hotel boilers were running at full throttle. It was cold. And the days didn't warm up more than maybe 60 degrees F.

By the time we ended out trip in November, it was almost as cold in Antalya, though days warmed to mid-60s. And Ankara was just as nasty cold as Istanbul.

And as previous post, friends were freezing in Capadoccia in March.

None of this took away from the wonderful experience of Turkey, it's people, culture, history, food and the sites are amazing.

When you travel in December in the Northern hemisphere, you have to be prepared for anything - layer your clothing and throw in a thermal t-shirt, gloves, socks and a scarf (hat if you're inclined).

It can get down to freezing in Los Angeles in December; likewise there are known 80 degree temps in NYC in December (NYC was used as an example, not a definite, because even the weatherman doesn't know what the weather will be) - so go prepared. I doubt you'll experience a heatwave.

thanks for your help. We are travelling from Australia, so anything less that 15 degrees C. is freezing to us! Looking forward to some nippy weather. Will seek more advice about the best places to go closer to the time. Can't wait!

Southern coast will be over your freezing degree

Anything between Antalya to fethiye and further to Bodrum could be nice and cosy.