Antalya in Winter: Things to Do, Weather and Tips

Winter in Antalya is not beach weather, but it is far from off-season. On a typical December day it is around 15°C and sunny on the coast, while the Taurus Mountains behind the city are white with snow. It is the best time of year to explore ancient sites without the heat, the ski centre at Saklıkent opens about an hour from the city, and Belek's golf courses have their busiest months.

This guide explains what winter weather is really like, what is open and what closes, and the best things to do in Antalya from December to February.

What Is Antalya Like in Winter?

• Temperatures: daytime highs are usually around 15°C from December to February, with cool nights, often around 5–8°C.

• Rain: winter is Antalya's rainy season. Expect some wet days, often with sunny spells in between.

• The sea: usually around 17–19°C. It is too cool for most people, though some swim on sunny days.

• Snow: rare on the coast, but the mountains behind the city are usually snow-capped from around December to March.

What closes in winter: many seasonal resort hotels, beach clubs and water parks close. Most daily boat trips also stop running, and outdoor evening shows run to a reduced schedule. The city itself, Kaleiçi, the museums and the ancient sites stay open. Antalya city and Lara are the easiest places to stay, because they are lived-in all year.

One exception: Antalya Museum closed in July 2025 for rebuilding. At the time of writing, the new building was due to be completed at the end of 2026.

Things to Do in the Mountains

1. Go Skiing at Saklıkent

Saklıkent Ski Centre sits in the mountains behind Antalya, roughly an hour's drive from the city. Its lifts run from a base at around 1,850 m to about 2,400 m. The season usually runs from mid-December to late March or early April, depending on snow. There are around 10 km of runs, many of them suitable for beginners, plus a sledding area and equipment rental on site.

In late winter, when the coast is already mild, you can ski in the morning and be back by the sea for a walk in the afternoon.

• Snow chains or winter tyres are required on the mountain road.

• Check conditions before you go, because opening depends on snowfall.

• Do not confuse it with Saklıkent Canyon, a gorge near Fethiye with the same name.

2. Ride the Tahtalı Cable Car

The Olympos cable car above Kemer climbs to the 2,365 m summit of Tahtalı. In winter the top is often snowy, and on clear days you look down over the coastline from the snow. Cable car services can be suspended in strong wind or bad weather, so check the day before and bring warm layers. It is much colder at the top.

Ancient Sites Without the Heat

3. Perge, Aspendos, Side and Termessos

Winter is the most comfortable time to explore Antalya's ancient cities, which have little shade and are exhausting in summer.

• Perge and Aspendos are easy to combine in half a day east of the city.

• Side has its Temple of Apollo by the sea.

• Termessos, in the mountains, can be cold, wet or icy in winter, so check conditions and wear proper shoes.

Maxtoria's Side, Aspendos and Manavgat Waterfall day trip covers two of them with a guide and entrance fees included. See our guide to historical places in Antalya for more.

Tip: if you plan to visit several sites, the 7-day Museum Pass Mediterranean covers most of the major ones.

4. Demre, Myra and the Church of St Nicholas

In Demre, the Church of St Nicholas marks the place associated with the bishop of Myra who became the figure behind Santa Claus. His feast day, 6 December, gives a winter visit extra meaning. Nearby are Myra's Lycian rock tombs. See the Demre, Myra and Kekova tour, and check the booking calendar for winter dates, since the Kekova boat section depends on the sea.

In the City

5. Walk Kaleiçi and the Old Harbour

The old town is at its best without summer crowds. Walk through Hadrian's Gate, the lanes of Ottoman houses and the old harbour, and stop for tea in a courtyard café. Maxtoria's city tour with falls, sea and old town combines Kaleiçi with the Düden waterfalls.

6. See the Düden Waterfalls at Their Fullest

After winter rain, the Düden waterfalls carry much more water than in summer. The Upper Düden falls are in a park north of the city, and the Lower Düden falls drop from the cliffs at Lara into the sea.

7. Antalya Aquarium

This is a good plan for a rainy day. Antalya Aquarium has a long tunnel under the shark tank, and there is a snow-themed attraction on the same site, sold separately. The aquarium ticket with hotel transfer includes pickup from Konyaaltı, Lara, Kundu and Belek.

8. Warm Up in a Turkish Bath

A hammam, with its steam room, kese scrub and foam massage, is ideal on a cool, grey day. The Turkish bath with classic massage collects from hotels in Kundu and Belek.

Outdoor Activities

9. Play Golf in Belek

Winter is Belek's peak golf season. Mild temperatures bring golfers from colder parts of Europe, when courses at home are closed or frozen. Book tee times well ahead for February and March.

10. Walk Part of the Lycian Way

The cooler months are good for walking sections of the Lycian Way, the long-distance trail along the coast west of Antalya. Choose short, well-marked sections, check the forecast, and avoid rocky paths after heavy rain.

Day Trips

11. Pamukkale

The white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis are a long day from Antalya, but winter means no crowds and no heat on the exposed terraces. You walk barefoot on parts of the terraces, so expect cold feet. See the Pamukkale tour from Antalya, and check the booking calendar for winter dates.

Tips for Visiting Antalya in Winter

• Pack layers: a warm jacket for evenings and the mountains, and a waterproof for rainy days.

• Plan flexibly: keep a rainy-day option, such as the aquarium, a hammam or a museum, and move outdoor days around the forecast.

• Check opening before you travel: many seasonal businesses close, and hours are shorter at ancient sites and cable cars.

• Choose where to stay carefully: Antalya city and Lara are active year-round, while some resort areas are very quiet in winter.

• Book ahead for golf and ski weekends, the two busiest winter activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Antalya worth visiting in winter?

Yes, if you are not looking for a beach holiday. Winter is ideal for ancient sites, the old town, golf, skiing and day trips, with mild weather and far fewer crowds.

What is the weather like in Antalya in January?

Mild on the coast, with highs usually around 15°C and cool nights. It is the rainy season, so expect some wet days.

Can you swim in Antalya in winter?

The sea is usually around 17–19°C. That is too cool for most people, although some swim on sunny days, and many hotels have indoor or heated pools.

Does it snow in Antalya?

Rarely on the coast, but the mountains behind the city usually have snow from around December to March, and you can ski at Saklıkent.

When is the ski season at Saklıkent?

Usually from mid-December to late March or early April, depending on snowfall.

Is the Tahtalı cable car open in winter?

It generally operates in winter, but services can be suspended in strong wind or bad weather. Check before you go.

What is closed in Antalya in winter?

Many seasonal hotels, beach clubs and water parks, and most daily boat trips. Antalya Museum is closed for rebuilding.

Plan Your Trip

See our guides to the best time to visit Antalya and places to visit in Antalya, or browse all tours in Antalya.