Ankara weather in December
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 9 rainy days across the month, on average.
December in Ankara is cold and crisp, with average highs of 7.8°C (46°F) and lows dropping to -0.5°C (32°F). Expect around 45.6mm of precipitation spread across 8-9 rainy days, so wet weather is common. You'll get roughly 6.7 hours of sunshine daily, creating short but pleasant afternoons. Mornings and evenings are particularly chilly, and frost is possible on clear nights.
This is Ankara's quieter season, perfect for travelers seeking fewer crowds at major sites like Anıtkabır and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. The city takes on a festive atmosphere in late December as locals prepare for New Year celebrations. Turkish families gather indoors over warm meals, and holiday markets add charm to the streets. Tourist numbers drop significantly compared to summer months.
December suits visitors who don't mind cold weather and appreciate authentic local culture. Book accommodations early for the New Year period in 2026. Bring layers and waterproof gear—the unpredictable weather demands flexibility. Shorter daylight hours mean planning indoor activities alongside sightseeing.
What to pack for Ankara in December
- •A properly warm coat — not a fashion piece
- •A merino base layer for the cold evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for Ankara in December
- →Lightweight fleeceAmazon · shop this
- →Merino travel socksAmazon · shop this
- →Compact travel umbrellaAmazon · shop this
- →Universal travel adapterAmazon · shop this
- →Compression packing cubesAmazon · shop this
- →Anti-theft crossbody bagAmazon · shop this
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Where to stay in Ankara
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Ankara across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Things worth doing
Visit Anıtkabır mausoleum and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, explore Ankara Castle for city views, browse Kizilay district shops and cafes, warm up at traditional hammams.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Ankara. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Ankara
While December has its own character in Ankara, the data-backed best months to visit Ankara are April, May, June, September. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across a ten-year climate record.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for AnkaraOther places with a similar climate right now
Ankara in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Ankara?
Is December a good time to visit Ankara?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Ankara averages a high of 8°C (46°F) and a low of -1°C (31°F), with 46mm of rainfall across roughly 9 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in Ankara in December?
What is the average temperature in Ankara in December?
The average high temperature in Ankara during December is 8°C (46°F), with an average low of -1°C (31°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does Ankara have in December?
How many rainy days does Ankara have in December?
Ankara averages approximately 9 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 46mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Ankara in December?
What should I pack for Ankara in December?
For Ankara in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is Ankara in December?
How crowded is Ankara in December?
Tourist crowds in Ankara during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.