What December feels like in Ankara
Early winter arrives in Ankara with December. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights hover around freezing, so frost is common and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Ankara in December
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Wet days average about 5.6 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. The yearly figure is similar, around 5.3 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Ankara gets 9 h 22 min of daylight, from sunrise near 8:03 am to sunset near 5:24 pm. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 39 min. Measured sunshine covers about 73% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 2nd coolest month in Ankara. Afternoons run 5.7°C (10.3°F) cooler than in November, with 14 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. January averages a high of 5.6°C (42.1°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Ankara in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Ankara in December?
Afternoons average 7.8°C (46°F) and nights about -0.1°C (31.8°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Ankara in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 50 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Ankara in December?
Pack rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Ankara?
December scores better on our climate ranking (#11 of 12 vs #12), rated Fair against Fair. January is cooler and has more rainy days.