Izmir (Cesme) weather in December

December in Izmir: cool, rainy, with muggy air — a good time to visit.

Updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis

Izmir🇹🇷 Turkey · Western Turkey · City67
  1. 62Jan
  2. 73Feb
  3. 82Mar
  4. 92Apr
  5. 91May
  6. 81Jun
  7. 74Jul
  8. 76Aug
  9. 85Sep
  10. 93Oct
  11. 78Nov
  12. 67Dec

#11 of 12 months in Izmir · #807 of 1413 destinations to visit in December · comfort 67/100 (tier C)

Days
14°C
Nights
8°C
Wet days
11
Sun
6.9 h
Humidity
83%
Daylight
10 h
Izmir, Turkey
Photo: Doğan Alpaslan Demir · Pexels

Traveller notes on Izmir in December

Other months in Izmir

Regulars are specific that summer along this stretch of the Aegean coast effectively starts now and runs through mid-September, normal daytime temperatures already in the 30-35C range with some of the hottest days of the whole season capable of landing this early rather than waiting for peak summer. Our row backs that hot, genuinely dry read, 31.4C reading as a hot 33C, over 21.1C nights, with rain minimal at 33.1mm across 5.9 days and humidity down to 56 percent. Regulars are consistent nearby coastal towns along the Cesme peninsula offer a cooler escape from the city heat, with water temperature varying noticeably by beach depending on undersea conditions. The sea sits at a warm, swimmable 23.2C. The record: 13.4 hours of sun, a 14.8 kph wind and AQI 61.
SummerArrivesEarlyHottestDaysCanHitNow · June · 1 month ago · Read more on Tripadvisor ↗
Regulars place March at the tail of a rainy stretch that runs from November, so while the sun is out more often than not on this coast, a day of steady rain or even a short storm is still a real possibility rather than a surprise. Our row backs that transitional read, 17.6C reading as 16C over 8.5C nights feeling 6C, with 79.4mm across 9.2 days. Snow can still sit on the inland mountains even as the coast itself has moved past winter, and evenings stay properly cold - layers, an umbrella, and shoes that can handle both dry pavement and a sudden shower. This is spring rather than beach weather, good for sightseeing but not yet for the sea, which sits at 14.7C. The record: humidity 74 percent, 9.8 hours of sun, a 14.3 kph wind and AQI 58.
TailEndOfANovemberToMarchRainSpell · March · 1 month ago · Read more on Tripadvisor ↗
Turkey-forum threads asking if the country runs warm in January (Izmir specifically among the coastal cities discussed) are direct that winter along the Aegean is mild only by comparison to the interior, not genuinely warm - posters describe conditions as windy, rainy and properly cold rather than a sunny escape. One traveler planning fifteen days here was warned to expect the real possibility of solid rain and wind for the entire stay, a worst-case regulars say does happen some years. Daylight itself is limited, effectively over by 4pm. The upside: January's quiet, crowd-free version of the city and its waterfront promenade suits anyone prioritizing peaceful sightseeing over decent weather. The sea is called far too cold for swimming regardless of how mild a given afternoon feels. The record: 12.7C days feeling like 10C, 5.8C nights, a notably high 146mm across 11.9 days, 4.3cm of fresh snowfall, a 14.6C sea, 81 percent humidity and 7.1 hours of sun.
KordonJanuaryRegular · January · 1 month ago · Read more on Tripadvisor ↗
September is the month regulars name for the Turkish Aegean, and the reason is the water: sea temperatures peak in September and October, which our row puts at 25C while the air has come off its August high to 29.8C. Their arc is 30C or more at the start of the month falling to 25 to 30 by the end, and they warn that without a breeze it still feels hot. The qualification is timing inside the month. The Izmir-area resorts can be blustery even when warm, and late September into early October turns noticeably cooler and more unsettled here than further south, so the first half is the safer half. The record: 20C nights, 2.6 precipitation days carrying 18.6mm, humidity 56 percent and 11.3 hours of sun.
SeaAtItsWarmestNow · September · 1 month ago · Read more on Tripadvisor ↗

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Izmir climate normals — December

Daytime high14°C / 58°F🙂 cool
Nighttime low8°C / 46°F
Feels like (high)12°C / 54°F
Sea temperature17°C / 62°F🧊 bracing
Rainfall108 mm / 4.2 in🌧 rainy
Rainy days11 days
Humidity83%💦 very humid
Dew point5°C / 41°F
Sunshine6.9 h/day
Daylight9.5 h
Wind12 km/h / 7 mph
Snowfall0.6 cm / 0.2 in
Air quality (US AQI)66🙂 moderate

Monthly averages from ERA5 reanalysis. AQI is the mean US Air Quality Index for the month.

Crowds in Izmir in December

How busy the place itself is — school and mass holidays, the months an editor tagged, and how sought-after the weather makes them. Never part of the comfort score.

Quietschool holidays in 5 of the markets that fill it, one of its worst months for weather(estimated)

JFMAMJJASOND

Peak crowdsBusyShoulder seasonQuiet

Best months for Izmir's weather

Ranked by this destination's own climate comfort score across the year — a different thing from how busy it gets (see Crowds above).

Toughest weatherIzmir's best weather comes in April, May and October — separate windows, not one continuous season.

JFMAMJJASOND

Best weatherFair weatherToughest weather

What's on in Izmir in December

Recurring seasonal events, natural spectacles, closures and holidays — curated and sourced.

  • Season

    Aegean olive harvest

    1 Nov – 20 Dec · usually

    The groves around Urla and Seferihisar are picked and pressed through November, and the new oil turns up green and peppery in the markets. It is the one reason to be here out of season.

What's on around the world in December →

Nearby, and something's on

Within 300 km of Izmir — a day trip or a short hop — with something on this month. Never part of the comfort score.

Where is Izmir?

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Izmir in December — FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Izmir?
December in Izmir: cool, rainy, with muggy air — a good time to visit. It ranks #11 of 12 months for Izmir on SeasonMap's comfort score (67/100).
What is the weather like in Izmir in December?
In December, Izmir averages a daily high of 14.4°C and a low of 7.6°C, with about 107.7 mm of rain over roughly 10.7 rainy days.
What is the air quality in Izmir in December?
Izmir has a mean US Air Quality Index of about 66 in December.

Within 300 km: Uludağ's Ski season around 15 Dec – 31 Mar, and Çeşme's Out of season around 1 Nov – 31 Mar.