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.
Ankara is a civil servant town, so restaurants like Kalbur or the Hamamonu Ottoman houses fill at 12:30 sharp and empty by 2pm. The Kizilay-Tunali axis is the real social spine, not the citadel. Locals argue Ankara doner beats Istanbul's, and the Cengelhan Rahmi Koc Museum is the underrated pick over Anitkabir queues.
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
We may earn a small commission on any purchase — it doesn't change the price you pay.
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→Estimated December trip to Ankara
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no cost to you. Estimates use rule-based averages; check partner sites for live pricing.
Delayed flight to Ankara?
Flights to Ankara in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
Check compensation eligibility →Free check · Only pay if you get paid · Powered by Compensair.
Plan your Ankara trip
Handpicked services from partners we trust. One tab for everything you'll need after the flight is booked.
Compare rooms in Ankara on Booking.com.
Skip-the-line tickets, day trips, food walks and guided tours.
Compare fares with cashback on every booking.
Instant data on arrival — no roaming charges, no SIM swap.
Flexible monthly coverage for trips of any length.
Compare 900+ rental brands with free cancellation.
Book a driver in advance — fixed price, no queue.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no cost to you.
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 an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for AnkaraOther places with a similar climate right now
Read more about Ankara
Turkey in winter is not one climate but five. Antalya at 15°C, Cappadocia balloons over snow, Konya's Şeb-i Arus — the honest regional breakdown.
Turkey isn't one climate — it's five. 11 complete years of data (2015–2025) on when to visit Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Bodrum, Fethiye and central Anatolia.
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. Mid-May before the Anatolian plateau bakes; Kizilcahamam pine forests bloom and Genclik Parki fountains restart after winter shutdown.
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 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). Real snow sticks January through February; Elmadag ski runs open weekends and Ulus tea houses fog up with cigarette smoke and sahlep steam.
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 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A wind-shell layer even in July; the 900m altitude plateau drops 15C after sunset when Istanbul stays humid.
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. Ankara is a civil servant town, so restaurants like Kalbur or the Hamamonu Ottoman houses fill at 12:30 sharp and empty by 2pm. The Kizilay-Tunali axis is the real social spine, not the citadel. Locals argue Ankara doner beats Istanbul's, and the Cengelhan Rahmi Koc Museum is the underrated pick over Anitkabir queues.