Weather Lowdown
December is one of the coldest months in Alanya, Turkey with moderate winds blowing in from the Mediterranean. Dress warmly and bring your rain gear, especially if you intend to explore the exposed beaches. Although water sports are still active this time of the year, the weather may make you huddle up in the nearest cafe or museum.
The average temperature is about 12°C (56°F), reaching a high of around 17°C (63°F) and low of 9°C (48°F).
There are about 7 hours of average daily sunshine. The length of the day stays fairly the same all month. The longest day is December 1 with 9:49 hours of sunlight; the shortest is December 20 with 9:38 hours.
The average sea temperature in December is about 19°C (66°F). Some will still be swimming at this time of year, although others will find the water too cold. Divers may find this an ideal time to explore the underwater world just off the coast of Alanya.
December has about 11 days of rainfall, with measurements of about 224mm. Rain typically occurs as light rain or thunderstorm.
The skies above Alanya in December are typically partly cloudy. Humidity ranges from comfortable (42%) to very humid (86%). Daily wind speeds vary from light air to moderate breeze. Winds typically blow in from the north or northwest, though sometimes from the south.
December is characterized with fairly consistent temperatures, with a drop over the course of the month. In the beginning, the average is about 14°C (57°F), with highs of 20°C (68°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F). By averages are about 13°C (55°F), with highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F).
Where to Stay
Many hotels in Alanya are good for their prime purpose: providing a place to lay your head at night after a long day of touring, sightseeing and exploring. One great choice for this type of accommodation is the Selvi Hotel. The all-inclusive plan is a good value option for anyone looking for accommodation on a budget. Also, the staff is very friendly and helpful in informing guests about attractions and shopping in the area. This hotel has a two-hour transfer from the airport.
Utopia World Hotel is great for families and couples alike, offering a range of room options from villa rooms, connected rooms, junior suites, and disabled access. Each one of the 559 rooms are equipped with a minibar, wifi, satellite TV, A/C, safe deposit box, bathroom, balcony and tub. All-inclusive service covers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and a late night buffet of Italian, Ottoman, or seafood fare. Adults can enjoy live music and disco nightly at the Laguna Bar. The hotel has a Mini Club for ages 4-12, where parents can drop off their kids to enjoy games and cartoons. The jewel of this Utopia is the Aquapark, which offers a plethora of pools (some indoor and heated), 12 water slides, and 300m rafting--all available free of charge.
Hit the Beach
Alanya's Damlatas Beach is the eastern edge of the famed Cleopatra Beach. It's famous for its clear waters, even in winter, and the eponymous Damlatas Cave ("dripping cave"), with its stalactites and stalagmites, is just a few steps away from the shore.
Eating & Drinking Out
Kofte D Kofte is a fun, flashy fast-food joint with delicious meat and salad combinations. Open almost 24 hours, it tends to catch the crowd coming down from the fortress.
Eschew the glitzy harbor cafes for something a bit more close to home. Ottoman House offers elegant yet relaxed dining in a 100-year-old stone villa with luscious gardens. Try the grilled seafood or sautéed lamb with aubergine.
Folks looking to party should head to Robin Hood, open from 9pm to 3am. Each of the four floors offers different music, so you can keep moving as your tastes change over the evening. Chances to meet people are many--patrons tend to be from all over the world and everyone's sharing the festive vibe.
Things to Do
The Red Tower is a seaside fort built in 1226 to protect the harbor from invasions. Nearby stands the Alanya shipyard. Built in the same year as the tower by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I, it consists of five docks that remain remarkably preserved. Today it is a museum with archaeological exhibits and a small mosque.
Touring the nearby city of Antalya is a must for visitors who are already in Alanya, Turkey. The marina area has practically brand-new shops and restaurants, which mesh surprisingly well with the city's ancient landmarks.
Another place to visit on your vacation is Termessos. This ancient city has been perched precariously atop a tall mountain for hundreds of years. The views are amazing and provide breathtaking photographic opportunities. Its historic significance is that it was passed over by Alexander the Great as being too well defended to be conquered.
For a memorable scuba diving experience, tourists should consider Kas Explorers. Kas Explorers is a professional diving outfitter where tourists can feel secure among the friendly and very well-trained dive instructors who know how to make each dive worthwhile and exciting for beginners as well as experienced divers.
