The city of Istanbul, where East meets West provides an enchanting experience during December. With the onset of the winter season, the city encapsulates the rich history, merry decorations, and warm feelings of coziness. Be it the numerous sights that compel you to visit the city or the mouth-watering Turkish food that you wish to relish, a trip to Istanbul in December is a memory of a lifetime. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring Istanbul in the winter month of December.
1. December Weather in Istanbul
Temperature and Conditions
The temperature in Istanbul does not fall below 10 degrees Celsius. Most often the temperature in December is from 6 degrees, 43 degrees Fahrenheit to 12 degrees, 54 degrees Fahrenheit. It does not snow most of the year, but there is a chance of light snow towards the end of the month. Chances of rain are high so you will need to brace yourself with the cold and wet weather at times.
Daylight Hours
December is a month with shorter days in terms of sunlight, lasting for only about 9 to 10 hours within which sunlight is available. The sun sets too early and this adds beauty to the city by creating artificial lights at night and the cityscapes visible inside it. Even with the cold, the energy of the city does not seem to wane.
2. Activities to Engage within Istanbul Throughout December
Visit Historical Sights: No Need for Long Queues
December is the most appropriate month when one can lay sights on great monuments found in most cases in Istanbul such as the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque. Unlike the summer season where most tourists throng these places, one can appreciate the ancient history of these places. Take your time after waiting in long lines to visit the vast area of Topkapi Palace or take a slow look at the splendid mosaics located inside the Hagia Sophia.
Soak up the holiday Vibe of Istanbul
Despite Istanbul not being mostly a Christian city, it has a lot of Christmas and New Year holiday theme celebrations. Thus, most of the major streets such as Istiklal Avenue are busy with sparkling decorations and within many parts of the city, Christmas markets can be easily found. Picture, for example, the Municipal Christmas Fair situated in Sultanahmet Square which is ideal for unique gift shopping and delicious food.
Go for a Bosphorus Cruise
Of course, a cruising experience of the Bosphorus is one of the imperative things to do in Istanbul, however, the season does affect the views seen either in summer or in December. The chilling air and the fog that covers the surface of the water during the trip add some sort of crystal winter value to the trip. One shall cruise along the following tourist areas Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy mosque, and Rumeli Fortress while sipping hot tea or Turkish coffee on board.
Traditional Turkish Baths (Hammams) as the Alternative of Saunas
Bundling up in coats and scarves is not the only option for tourists in Istanbul– they can spend time in a traditional hammam instead. These Turkish baths also serve health purposes and enjoy great popularity among visitors who wish to warm up their muscles after a long day of exploring the city. Among such luxurious experiences within the city include Cemberlitas Hammam and Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hammam which are usually regarded to be the best in the city.
Enjoy the Hearty Seasonal Dishes
Istanbul cuisine is so variable delicious throughout the year, however, winter offers a different range of food types. In December, do not forget to try the street food roasted chestnuts and the warm drink salep served in most of the corners; salep is a thickened drink made from orchid root. And last but not least, indulge yourself with plenteous kebabs and spicy stews so that you do not get cold.
Explore Indoor Markets and Shopping Complexes
Istanbul seems to offer a lot of outdoor activities even in the wet and cold months of December. Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are ideal for an enclosed exotic shopping experience with all kinds of Turkish carpets, spices, and other items on offer. Posh shopping centers like Istinye Park and Zorlu Center offer more shopping and dining opportunities besides fashions from the most popular global brands.
Why You Should Consider the Option of Traveling to Istanbul in December?
Low Tourist Influx Tends to be More Appealing for Travelers
The first and perhaps the most important positive aspect of coming to Istanbul in December is the reduced tourist influx. You can look at the best sights in the city and not worry about long queues and packed places. Be it wandering around the Grand Bazaar or finding solitude in the Blue Mosque, winters will provide you with more peace and space.
Warm Ambiance
The chilliness of the weather brings about melting romantic tendencies in the city. Imagine you are having Turkish tea in a little Bosphorus view cafe after a long day's sleep with hours of strolling. The city itself also has its beautification with hanging crystals due to the holiday season and with warm people, hence making it more difficult not to love the place during December.
Interesting and Fun Activities for Winter
Though it is safe to say that summer in Istanbul is full of life and motion, the passive season comes in handy too but differs in striking the cord more deeply. The fog across the Bosphorus, a Turkish steam bath, and the stillness of the historic buildings of Istanbul in winter create an unforgettable travel nostalgia that differs from summer or any other time of the year.
Conclusion:
Istanbul in December is a city of contradictions - where the past coexists with the present, and the cold is interspersed with the heat of Turkish hospitality. As all these beautiful aspects come together in the correct balance: low season, bright decorations, and many activities both indoor and outdoor, this place is great for a winter break. Whether it is visiting age-old sites, eating mouth-watering cuisine, or relaxing at a hammam, winter in Istanbul is a fairy tale that you would wish for more.
