Turkey Weather in January

Season: Winter

In short: Cold, abundant rainfall

Topkapi Palace in Istanbul

January is the coldest month of Turkey, with an average temperature of 0-8°C (32-46.4°F). Lowest temperatures occur in central and eastern regions, where the average temperature range between -3-7°C (26.6-44.6°F). And the extreme low temperature in the eastern mountainous areas once dropped to -37°C (-34.6°F). Adjacent to the Black Sea, northern Turkey is very wet in January. The western and southwestern regions have a mild climate with average temperatures between 10-15°C (32-46.4°F). The average monthly precipitation is 93mm in January, mostly falling in the coastal regions. 

The warmest cities in Turkey in January

Adana: 5-15°C (41-59°F); Antalya: 6-15°C (42.8-59°F); Izimir: 6-12°C (42.8-53.6°F)

The coldest cities in Turkey in January

Kars: -17-3°C (1.4-26.6°F); Erzurum: -13-4°C (8.6-24.8°F); Van: -8-2°C (17.6-35.6°F)

Packing List for Turkey Trip in January

Considering the low temperature in January, dressing warmly is necessary. A padded overcoat or a down jacket is very useful in central and eastern Turkey. Besides, wool overcoat and thin downcoat are more suitable for those who wants to travel in western and southwestern Turkey. For the inner layers, thermal underwear, hoodie, cardigan and sweater are all suitable options. Fleece leggings and winter pants are recommended for bottoms. And a pair of comfortable outdoor shoes or snow boots could cope well with the slopes in cities. Rainfall or snowfall is abundant in January, so please pack raincoat or umbrella. Last but not least, don’t forget to add vibrant vibe to your winter outfit with bright scarves, gloves and hats.

Top Attractions to Visit in Turkey in January, 2026

Tourism Rate: 
January is the low travel season in Turkey. Although the weather is not tourist-friendly, but the travel cost is. In case you wish to travel to Turkey in January 2026, below are a few recommendations:

1. Istanbul

Compared with the eastern mountainous areas, it is not extremely cold in Istanbul in January. Besides, it is a city standing out for abundant historical heritages rather than natural scenery, so the cityscape is no less amazing even in cold winter. It was once the capital of the Roman (27 BC–1453 AD), Byzantine (395-1453 AD) and Ottoman Empires (1299-1923 AD), leaving rich historical and cultural heritages. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are great examples of Byzantine architecture. And in Topkapi Palace you can witness the glory of the Ottoman Empire, while Basilica Cistern allows you to admire exquisite Roman engravings. Grand Bazaar provides a variety of coffee shops and snack bars, so it’s also a great place to experience traditional Turkish culture. Remember to take a boat ride across the Bosporus Strait to see the diverse sceneries separating Europe and Asia.

Bosphorus Strait Cruise

2. Canakkale

Located in southwestern Turkey, Canakkale has relatively mild climate. If you are interested in the story of the Trojan War, be sure to come here and take a photo with the iconic Trojan Horse. At the same time, you can see unique artifacts from the ancient city of Troy at the Troy Museum and nearby Archaeological Site of Troy. By taking a ferry across the Dardanelles Strait, you can interact with seagulls while overlooking the landscape across the sea. Furthermore, you can visit war sites and memorials at the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park, which was built to commemorate the Battle of Gallipoli during WWI. 

3. Antalya

Antalya is one of the warmest cities in Turkey in January, and you can appreciate rich cultural sites here. Your first impression of this city will come from Hardrian’s Arch and the Old Town with exquisite buildings. At Perge Ancient City, you can witness the civilization of Ancient Greek, Ancient Roman, and Christian eras. Additionally, Ancient City of Side allows you to appreciate the spectacular Temple of Apollo. Another attraction you can’t miss is well-preserved Aspendos Theater, built in ancient Rome, still in operation today. Come to the Roman Harbor at dusk, you will feel very relaxed when you walk along the dikes. And you can also enjoy stunning sunset here.

Aspendos Antik Tiyatrosu Theater

January Weather of Major Turkey Travel Destinations

City	Temp.	Rainfall (mm)	Humi- dity(%)	Sunrise/ Sunset
Istanbul	3-9°C (35.6 - 53.6°F)	87	78	08:14-08:27 / 17:47-18:20
Ephesus	8-14°C (46.4 - 57.2°F)	124	72	08:16-08:26 / 18:01-18:32
Antalya	6-15°C (42.8 - 59°F)	207	68	08:00-08:10 / 17:51-18:20
Cappadocia	-6-5°C (21.2 - 41°F)	37	78	07:47-07:58 / 17:29-18:00
Pamukkale	3-11°C (35.6 - 55.4°F)	128	69	08:09-08:19 / 17:54-18:25
Canakkale	3-11°C (35.6 - 55.4°F)	101	78	08:24-08:36 / 17:59-18:31
Fethiye	6-15°C (42.8 - 59°F)	189	70	08:06-08:15 / 17:58-18:27
Konya	-4-5°C (24.8 - 41°F)	39	82	07:55-08:05 / 17:41-18:11
Pergamon	4-12°C (39.2 - 53.6°F)	74	71	08:19-08:30 / 17:58-18:30
Ankara	-4-4°C (44.6 - 60.8°F)	39	80	07:56-08:08 / 17:35-18:07
Trabzon	5-11°C (41 - 55.4°F)	80	70	07:31-07:44 / 17:04-17:37

3-Day Weather Forecast of Major Destinations

Istanbul

Antalya

Ankara

Canakkale

Konya

Izmir