Winter (December to February) brings icy cold temperatures and snowfall to some parts of Turkey. Accommodation rates drop in these cold months, when far fewer tourists fly in. Hot air balloon rides are far less frequent in Cappadocia during this time, but the region is a different kind of beautiful blanketed in pristine white snow. For those who enjoy winter adventures, this is a great time to go skiing in Turkey. Most don’t think of Turkey as a skiing destination but there are several ski resorts in its high-elevation regions, including Mount Erciyes, the Ilgaz Ski Center in northern Anatolia, Davraz Ski Center in Isparta, and the Sarikamiş Ski Center in Kars. Pamukkale is also covered in snow in these months, but if you can brave the cold, the natural heat of the springs is a rewarding winter experience with breathtaking views.
How many days are enough for a trip to Turkey?
Give yourself a generous seven to-10 days in Turkey to explore the region. If you just plan to visit Istanbul, a shorter five-to-six-day trip should suffice, but if you plan to visit Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale, and more, you will need at least 10 days to two weeks.
Do Americans need a visa to visit Turkey?
American tourists traveling to Turkey can do so without a visa so long as their stay does not exceed 90 days.
A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller India.