December brings Istanbul's shortest days of the year: highs are usually around 8–13 °C, rain is frequent and the first half of the month is very quiet for tourism. Gift hunting in spice-scented bazaars, cups of hot salep and illuminated mosque skylines on early-dark evenings set the tone.
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December weather: cool, damp and short days
Typical highs are around 8–13 °C, with nights of 4–7 °C. Rainy days are common; the lodos brings milder spells, while the poyraz delivers the first real winter chill. Snow is rare in December, though some years see it late in the month.
These are the shortest days of the year and the sun sets early. Start your mornings early; as dusk falls, the floodlit mosques and bridge lights make an early-evening stroll well worth it.
Crowds and year's end
- First half of the month: One of the quietest periods of the year, with almost no waiting at museums and mosques.
- Holiday week: Visitor numbers rise with the Christmas and New Year holidays in Europe, so book your stay ahead for that period.
- New Year's Eve: Taksim and the Bosphorus waterfront squares get extremely crowded, with some road and transport changes. Families wanting a calm evening may prefer a short walk among the illuminated mosques of the Historic Peninsula. 1 January is a public holiday.
- Mevlana week: The main ceremonies for the anniversary of Rumi's death, around 17 December, take place in Konya. In Istanbul, venues such as the Galata Mevlevi Lodge may also host sema (whirling) ceremonies; programmes vary by year.
What to wear
A warm coat, scarf and hat, waterproof shoes and a compact umbrella. You will be moving in and out of bazaars all day, so layers that open and close easily are the most comfortable. A small foldable backpack is handy for your shopping.
Shoes come off at mosque entrances, and on December's cold floors thick socks are essential. For women, a wool shawl worn around the neck works as a head covering inside, and moving quietly across the carpets is part of good mosque etiquette.
Things to do: gifts, bazaars and warm drinks
December is the perfect time to browse Istanbul's historic markets for gifts. The 17th-century Spice Bazaar overflows with spices, Turkish delight, nuts, dried fruit and teas. Our souvenir guide helps you decide what to buy and where.
On a cold afternoon, a cup of Turkish coffee or cinnamon-dusted salep is the best way to slip into the city's winter rhythm; we explain the rituals in our guide to Turkish coffee and tea culture. Street stalls offer roasted chestnuts, boza, pickles and winter fish, while milk puddings and candied quince lead the dessert list.
Two December plans
The first is a gift-and-views day in Eminönü; the second makes the most of a short day in the lesser-known streets around the Grand Bazaar.
- Gift day, morning: Tram to Eminönü and spice and Turkish delight shopping in the Spice Bazaar.
- Gift day, midday: The New Mosque beside the bazaar and Sirkeci Station, famous as the historic terminus of the Orient Express.
- Gift day, late afternoon: Cross the Galata Bridge at dusk for the illuminated silhouettes of Süleymaniye and the New Mosque, then warm up with salep.
- Bazaar quarter day: Walk from the Column of Constantine at Çemberlitaş to the Nuruosmaniye Mosque, the first great example of Ottoman Baroque, and on to Beyazıt Square, ending with books and old prints in the Book Bazaar.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Istanbul?
Yes, especially in the first half of the month. It can be cool and wet, but museums are quiet, the bazaars have a festive feel and there is plenty of choice for accommodation.
What is New Year's Eve like in Istanbul?
Huge crowds gather at Taksim and along the Bosphorus, and some transport arrangements change. If you prefer a calmer night, stay on the Historic Peninsula. 1 January is a public holiday.
Does it snow in December?
Snow is rare in December, though it occasionally falls late in the month. The chance of snow is usually higher in January and February; see our Istanbul in January guide.
