The Turkish Riviera in winter: sun, rain and long stays

From November to March the coast around Antalya swaps beach crowds for quiet promenades, snow-capped mountains behind the sea and daytime highs that are still well above most of northern Europe. It is not summer: you will get rain, cool evenings and closed resorts. But for winter sun seekers and long-stay overwinterers from Germany, Scandinavia, the Netherlands and Britain, it is one of the most affordable and liveable places within a few hours' flight.

Best bases for a winter stay

In winter, choose a place that is a real town, not just a resort strip: somewhere with year-round shops, cafés, buses and people. These bases stay alive from November to March.

Transfer times are from the nearest airport shown in the table: Gazipaşa-Alanya (GZP) for Alanya and Mahmutlar, Antalya (AYT) for Antalya and Side, Dalaman (DLM) for Fethiye and Kaş. In winter Gazipaşa and Dalaman have fewer flights; Antalya has flights all year (Antalya Airport transfers, Gazipaşa Airport transfers).

What the weather is really like

Month by month, November to March

These are long-term averages for Antalya. November is the gentle start: highs around 21°C, lows around 10°C, a sea of about 22°C, roughly 8 rainy days and 6 hours of sunshine a day. December turns wetter and cooler, with highs near 17°C, lows near 7°C, the sea at about 19°C and around 12 rainy days.

January is the coolest month: highs about 15°C, lows about 6°C, sea about 17°C, around 12 rainy days and 5 hours of sun a day. February is similar but drier (16°C, 10 rainy days, 6 hours of sun), and March brings spring: highs around 18°C, lows around 8°C, about 8 rainy days and 7 hours of sun, while the sea is still about 17°C. Alanya is usually a degree or so warmer than Antalya in winter. Details for each month: November, December, January, February, March.

Rain fronts and sunny spells

Winter rain on this coast comes in fronts: a day or two of heavy showers and wind, sometimes thunderstorms, then several clear, sunny days. Sunny winter days often feel warmer than the numbers suggest, warm enough to sit outside at a café in a T-shirt at midday. Evenings and nights are cool, and indoors can feel cold.

Snow on the Taurus

From December to March the Taurus Mountains behind the coast are often white, and the view of snowy peaks above palm trees and a blue sea is one of the sights of a winter stay. Snow on the coast itself is very rare.

Swimming in winter

In November the sea is still pleasant for many people. From December to March it is about 17–19°C: fine for a quick, bracing dip on a sunny day, but too cool for most to swim for long. Some hotels and apartment complexes have heated indoor pools; check before you book if swimming matters to you. Compare all months on our weather by month page.

What is open in winter

Resorts close, towns stay open

Many of the big all-inclusive resorts in Belek, Side and Kemer close from November to March or run with reduced service, and resort strips can feel empty. Some stay open all year, often with golf, spa or sports groups as their main guests, but check what is actually running at the hotel (pools, restaurants, entertainment).

Towns with a real local population stay alive: Antalya city, Alanya, Mahmutlar, Fethiye and Kaş have shops, markets, cafés and restaurants open all year, although fewer restaurants than in summer and some beach bars closed.

Boat trips and excursions

Boat trips run only occasionally in winter and depend on the weather; many tour boats are out of the water for maintenance. Land excursions to ancient sites, canyons and towns continue, with smaller groups. Ask locally what is running that week. Ideas on our day trips page.

Long stays: practical

Monthly apartment rentals

Most overwinterers rent an apartment by the month, mainly in Mahmutlar, Alanya and Oba, a residential district just east of Alanya centre. Winter is low season, so monthly rents are much lower than holiday weekly rates in summer, and longer stays usually get a better price. Many complexes have a pool, gym and sauna. Get a rough idea of costs with our holiday budget calculator.

Stays beyond 90 days

Visitors from many European countries can usually stay in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a residence permit. If you want to stay longer, you need a residence permit. Rules and requirements change, so always check the official Turkish government sources before you travel.

Heating and warm layers

Apartments here are built for summer heat: tiled floors, thin windows and often only air conditioning for heating. On rainy or cool days, indoors can feel colder than outside. Ask how the flat is heated before renting, and bring warm layers, socks and something for the evenings.

Healthcare

Antalya and Alanya have public and private hospitals and many clinics, often with staff used to foreign patients. Take out travel or health insurance that covers a long stay abroad, and keep a supply of any regular medicines.

Things to do in winter

City life and museums

Winter is the best time to explore Antalya itself: wander Kaleiçi's lanes, spend a morning in the archaeological museum and watch sunset from the cliffs. See our Antalya city guide.

Ancient sites without crowds

Perge, Aspendos, Side, Termessos and the Lycian cities are pleasant to explore in the cool air, with few other visitors. In Alanya, the castle walk is far easier than in summer heat. Find the main sites on our day trips page.

Hiking and golf

Winter and spring are the hiking season on the Lycian Way between Fethiye and Antalya: cool, clear days and green hillsides, though trails can be muddy after rain. Golfers come to Belek all year, and winter is a popular time for golf breaks; see our golf in Belek page.

St Nicholas and Christmas in Demre

Saint Nicholas was bishop of Myra, today's Demre, and his church there draws visitors around his feast day on 6 December and over Christmas. Combine it with Kekova; see our Demre and Kekova guide.

Oranges and pomegranates

Winter is citrus season: orange and mandarin trees are heavy with fruit, markets are piled with them, and fresh-squeezed juice is everywhere. Pomegranates are in season in late autumn and early winter. Check our market days page for weekly markets.