Quick Answer
What is winter like in Antalya?
Antalya winter is mild and often sunny with some rainy periods. Average January high is 15°C — cold by Turkish standards but dramatically warmer than Northern Europe. Rain arrives in November-February. The city is quiet, prices drop and outdoor cafe life continues on dry days. Most expats consider Antalya winter one of the main reasons to live there.
Month-by-Month Winter Weather
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Sun hrs/day | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 22°C | 13°C | 78mm | 7h | 21°C |
| December | 17°C | 9°C | 152mm | 5h | 18°C |
| January | 15°C | 7°C | 203mm | 5h | 17°C |
| February | 16°C | 7°C | 162mm | 6h | 16°C |
| March | 20°C | 10°C | 85mm | 7h | 16°C |
Mild and mostly sunny. First real rainfall of the season. Tourists gone; city belongs to locals. Outdoor cafe season fully active.
Coolest month. Rain arrives properly. Occasional cold snaps (8-10°C at night). Still mild by Northern European standards — no frost. City very quiet.
The "cold" month. Highest rainfall of the year. Average highs of 15°C with some cold days dropping to 5–7°C at night. Snow visible on Toros mountains above the city.
Similar to January but days slowly lengthening. Still rainy and cool. Clear days in between rain are beautiful — bright blue sky, crisp air, empty beaches.
Spring arrives. Rain decreasing. Wildflowers appear. First beach days possible by late March. Outdoors becomes fully active again.
Antalya Winter vs Northern Europe — January Comparison
For most expats moving to Antalya, the winter comparison with home is dramatic:
| City | Jan High Temp | Rainy Days/month | Sun hrs/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| London, UK | 8°C | 15 days | 2h |
| Amsterdam, NL | 6°C | 17 days | 2h |
| Stockholm, SE | 1°C | 10 days | 1h |
| Paris, FR | 8°C | 14 days | 2h |
| Frankfurt, DE | 4°C | 12 days | 2h |
| Antalya, TRYou are here | 15°C | 10 days | 5h |
What You Can Do in Antalya in Winter
Outdoor Cafe Culture
AvailableOutdoor seating remains in use throughout winter in Antalya. On dry days at 15-18°C, cafes are busier than many in summer. Blankets and heaters provided by better establishments.
Beach Walking
AvailableKonyaalti and Lara beaches are empty and beautiful in winter. Walking, running and cycling along the promenade are popular. Swimming is for the hardy (16-18°C sea temp) but the beach itself is gorgeous.
Old Town (Kaleici) Exploration
AvailableWithout the summer crowds, the old town is dramatically more enjoyable in winter. Restaurants are quieter, prices lower, and the atmosphere more local.
Day Trips to Historical Sites
AvailablePerge, Aspendos, Termessos — all easier to visit in winter with no queues, cooler temperatures and much cheaper tours. Aspendos sometimes hosts winter concerts.
Skiing (Day Trip)
AvailableThe Saklıkent ski resort is a 90-minute drive from Antalya city centre. Day trips from the sea to snow are a unique Antalya winter experience. Operating December-March.
Swimming in the Sea
Not AvailableSea temperature drops to 16-18°C — not comfortable for most people. Some hardy expats swim through winter. Local pools remain open. Summer beach clubs close October-April.
Heating Costs in Antalya
Antalya apartments typically have natural gas central heating (doğalgaz). Winter heating bills are very affordable compared to Northern Europe.
| Property Type | Monthly Heating Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment, gas central heating | €25–45 | Most modern apartments in Antalya have natural gas heating (doğalgaz). Very affordable. |
| 2-bed apartment, gas central heating | €40–70 | Larger space but still very cheap vs Northern European heating bills. |
| Older building, electric heater | €50–80 | Older buildings may lack central heating — electric heaters are less efficient. |
| Villa or ground floor property | €60–100 | Higher ceilings and more external walls increase heat loss. |