Sometimes the desire to just see the sea, combined with the prices of air tickets, encourages atypical decisions. That’s how my vacation in Turkey happened in February. I traveled along the southern coast — stayed in Cesme, Dalaman, Dalyan and thermal springs.
And next year… I visited Turkey in February again, but this time Antalya and Istanbul. And I realized that it was this month that I love the country almost the most. Here I will explain why, and I will try to win you over to my side (or at least convince you that Turkey is taking place in February).
Weather in Turkey in February — where is warmer?
One thing you need to know about the weather in Turkey in winter is that it is unpredictable. In February, it was on my arrival day that our plane landed in Antalya instead of Istanbul, because the first (and last) snow storm of the entire winter occurred in the city of two continents. And also that it’s either sunny and warm outside at this time of year, or windy and chilly because of the rain. Here, alas, you can not predict.
In February, of course, it is better to choose the southern coast of Turkey for recreation — there the average daytime temperature is approaching +15 ° C, the sun is an order of magnitude more, and snow falls once a century (we have enough of it at home).
Water and air temperature in Turkey
February in Turkey does not sound as dreary as in Russia — here it is greatly diluted by green palm trees in Antalya, the absence of severe frosts (and therefore the need to wear thirty-three layers of clothing covered with a down jacket) in Istanbul and the sun, free from clouds for almost half a month, throughout the country.
The average temperature of water and air:
| City | Air temperature, ℃ | Water temperature, ℃ | |
| in early February | at the end of February | ||
| Istanbul | +10 | +9,6 | +8,5 |
| The Mediterranean Sea | +14,5 | +17,9 | +16,8 |
| The Aegean Sea | +14,6 | +17,8 | +16,8 |
Is it possible to swim? Definitely not. It is unlikely that the +17-degree stormy sea in Turkey in February will delight you. In addition, the beaches are closed, and the most you can do on the shore is to see off the sunset. But the sea can be replaced with an outdoor heated saltwater pool at the hotel — I will definitely tell you about such finds below.
Turkish resorts — where is the best place to relax in February?
Istanbul:
✔️The number of rainy days in February is 3
✔️Sunny days — 10
✔️The average temperature is +10°Happy day, +7.3°C at night
The best weather scenario for Istanbul in February is +17°C. You can throw on a jacket, take a hat just in case and walk around the main attractions in the sun (if it doesn’t rain, of course). Winter showers in Istanbul are very unpleasant, it immediately becomes cloudy and chilly outside. And if you suddenly find snowfall, wait for a road collapse — the city is not adapted to such phenomena. From the pleasant: in February it is still green in places! Lawns, even some trees — you walk, and the eye is happy.
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Our useful materials on Istanbul:
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Antalya coast (Mediterranean Sea):
✔️The number of rainy days in February is 5
✔️Sunny days — 16
The average temperature is +14.5°C during the day, +9.1°C at night
Not all of Turkey is prone to weather vagaries in winter. The same coast of Antalya can be called suitable for full-fledged wintering (for example, I do not like the constant heat and humidity of Thailand or Bali). Days when the daytime air temperature reaches +20 ° C are not rare, and there is snow here except in the mountains. But despite the plus temperature, you need to be prepared for strong winds and cold nights. For the same reason, it is better to choose housing that is well heated. If there is no gas in it, then an air conditioner or an electric heater will replace it.
A separate charm of Turkey is the small resort towns on the Mediterranean coast. However, in February, life freezes there. Therefore, if you are not by car, then in the name of shopping, walking space and outdoor coffee shops, it is better to include larger points in the route — Antalya, Fethiye, Alanya.
Ski resorts:
✔️The number of snow days in February is 1-2
✔️Sunny days — 12-13
✔️Average temperature — from -3.6°C to +10°During the day, from -11.9°C to 3°C at night
You have to go to ski resorts for snow — yes, there are several slopes in Turkey for lovers of downhill skiing and snowboarding. And it is also important to adjust the amount of precipitation here: there is little snow in early January, not even all the tracks are open, and puddles are already appearing in early March. In this case, February is the ideal month for descent. In Palandoken — the mountain and the ski resort of the same name near the city of Erzurum — it is cold enough so that the snow does not melt, and at the same time it is sunny. It is not so cold in Uludag, so it is worth keeping an eye on the forecast and snow cover before the trip.
Prices for tours to Turkey in February — 2024
The main reason why reviews about Turkey appear in February is simple and clear: cheap tours. Many hotels on the Mediterranean Sea continue to operate in winter, but since beach holidays are not included in the program, the cost of tours in February drops by almost 50% compared to summer. Moreover, you can catch a profitable ticket not a week before departure, but 2-3 months in advance.
In order not to be unfounded, let’s see what online tour search engines offer:
- Travelata
- Level.Travel
- or Online Tours
✔️Prices in February for tours to Turkey start from 65,000 rubles for 7 days for two, if you fly from Moscow. Most airlines remove flights from the Russian Federation—Antalya region from the winter schedule, so it’s cheaper to get from the capital.
✔️An all-inclusive week in a 5-star hotel in February costs from 90,000 rubles for two.
✔️For a three-person vacation with a child, you need to plan expenses from 80,000 rubles in 7 days.
At the same time, you can relax in February 2024 in Turkey on your own — airlines make generous discounts on air tickets. Moscow is not the only one among the privileged ones: Airsales finds direct flights to Istanbul for 4000-5000 rubles from Sochi and Mineralnye Vody (it is more expensive and less frequent to Antalya). Well, where Istanbul is, there is a flight to any corner of Turkey — to ski resorts and to the sea.
A selection of 8 good hotels in southern Turkey with a heated pool
The weather in Turkey in February is not about swimming in the sea at all. More like swimming in the pool. And if the pool is also outdoors, heated and filled with sea water for a full set … you need to take it.
The good thing about February for finding hotels is that some of them (including five stars) it costs less than in season. At the same time, it is worth considering that not everyone works in winter. But there are still enough advantages without the sea: These are huge spa centers, heated pools, hammams, a chic buffet, and rooms with sea views. Some hotels are equipped so well that there is no need to go beyond them.
If you are flying to Turkey on your own, you can book a room with a Russian bank card through Ostrovok or Yandex.Journeys.
Here are eight hotels for winter in Turkey that have a heated pool:
- 5* Trendy Lara is a hotel 15 km from Antalya, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, next to the Aksu River and the coniferous forests of Lara and Belek. It is suitable for those who want to retire against the background of nature. There are several pools here, including an outdoor heated one. And there is also a spa.
The cost of a 7-night tour: from 130,000 rubles for two - The 5* Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort is a hotel that looks like a peaceful island, surrounded by greenery and located on the picturesque coast in Belek. There are indoor heated pools for adults and separately for children. And that coveted heated saltwater pool.
The cost of a 7-night tour: from 300,000 rubles for two - 5* Titanic Luxury Collection Bodrum is a hotel in one of the most beautiful bays of Bodrum — a city in white and blue tones. There is an indoor and outdoor heated swimming pool (the second one is located in the middle of the garden overlooking the Aegean Sea), a spa, a hammam.
The cost of a 7-night tour: from 300,000 rubles for two - 5* Akka Antedon is a hotel in the village of Beldibi near Kemer. There is a lot of greenery, there is an indoor heated pool, a spa center and various sports activities. For example, in winter, those who wish can go hiking with a guide to the Goynyuk Canyon, enjoying views of forests, waterfalls and mountain rivers along the way.
The cost of the tour for 7 nights: from 200,000 rubles for two - 5* Rixos Downtown Antalya is a hotel in the center of Antalya, surrounded by greenery. Ideal for those planning trips to the city: Antalya has a lot to see. At the same time, you will not get bored in the hotel itself: a heated swimming pool, a spa with a hammam and all inclusive.
The cost of the tour for 7 nights: from 150,000 rubles for two - 5* Voyage Belek Golf & SPA is a hotel in Belek, where there is a lot of entertainment for every taste. Two large heated pools: outdoor and indoor, a spa, a variety of food and activities for children and adults. The reviews for 2023 are excellent, the hotel keeps the brand.
The cost of the tour for 7 nights: from 200,000 rubles for two - The 5* Limak Thermal Boutique Hotel is the hotel option where it is better to go for those who want to relax in nature and soak up the hot springs near Istanbul. This is a hotel with a history: his first guest was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The rooms are cozy and elegant, each has a bath with thermal water. The hotel also has thermal pools, a hammam and a sauna, so it is not necessary to visit public springs.
The cost of the tour for 7 nights: from 200,000 rubles for two
Entertainment in Turkey — what to do in February?
In February, almost all the same entertainment is available in Turkey as in any other season, but, of course, with reservations. Instead of the sea, there is a heated swimming pool and a hammam, and you will have to take a pair of sweaters with your swimsuits. Instead of walking along the travertines of Pamukkale, there is admiring from the outside, because the slopes are cold, and you can only walk on them barefoot.
One of the obvious advantages is that the prices for excursions are lower than in the season, and there are fewer people. The Russian-language tour services Sputnik8 and Tripster have many different offers in all corners of Turkey.
✔️Istanbul
There are many places in Istanbul that are suitable for a February visit. Special attention should be paid to historical hammams — it’s beautiful, and you can warm up after a frosty walk. For example, in one of the ancient hammams Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami, built in 1580. You probably already know about the classic tourist route: the Blue Mosque, the Galata Tower, the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia. On my own, I advise you to walk around the Kadikoy district with its murals and Kuzgunjuk in Uskyudar (only it’s better to guess a sunny day) — there are cute colored houses and the atmosphere of a London street where everyone is sitting in cafes and not in a hurry.
And art life is in full swing in Istanbul and exhibitions are constantly taking place here (the peak is still in autumn). For example, you can take a look at Istanbul modern, which opened in 2023 after restoration — this is a huge exhibition space where you can get acquainted with modern art.
Where to warm up with a cup of coffee:
- Kronotrop Coffee Chain
- Hurry-coffee shop with an interesting selection of Probador Colectiva grains
- The country-famous roasters Petra
Near Istanbul there is the Yalova thermal resort, which can be reached by car, bus and sea transport. The journey will take about two hours. This place is famous for its mineral and salt springs. People come here to swim in the hot pool, go to the hammam, admire nature and spend time outdoors.
✔️Cappadocia
Good news: the program of the February trip can include the main business card of Cappadocia — hot air balloon flights. If you are lucky with the weather, it will be cheaper than in spring and summer (for comparison: my friends gave $90 per person in February 2023, we went in April, and this amount increased to $ 200). The price depends on the company that provides the services, but they keep about the same level. Before the flight, it is important not to forget to warm up — in general, this recommendation applies to all seasons, and then there is winter, subzero temperatures, wind and snow. Therefore, it is better to take thermal underwear, jackets, hats, gloves and warm boots.
In addition, there are many amazing places in Cappadocia that you can visit in February without fear of the scorching sun. These are all kinds of valleys, underground cities, cave churches, and ancient dwellings in the rocks. The sights are scattered from each other, and if in warm weather the distance between some can be overcome on foot, then in winter it is better to take care of a rented car. However, we must be prepared that it may not start because of the frost.
✔️Fethiye
A city of fabulous coves, ancient artifacts and sports activities, Fethiye is suitable for those who like hiking and other activities. It is next to him that the Lycian Trail begins — a route about 540 km long that runs along the Mediterranean coast of ancient Lycia. February is considered one of the best months to complete it. On the way you will encounter natural beauty and ruins of ancient cities.
Where to warm up with a cup of coffee or something delicious:
- The best kunefe (dessert) at Kunefe Hane
- Real cheesecakes at Love Breakfast&Eatery
- Good coffee at Cofhilus Coffee House or No48coffee
From Fethiye, for example, you can walk/drive to the village of Kayakey, which is called the “ghost town”. It has been empty since 1923, since the Greeks left it after the end of the Turkish war. It looks like an illustration for a movie about the post—apocalypse: empty skeletons of houses overgrown with grass, where you can wander – lovers of abandoned buildings will like it. Plus, in February you can paraglide in Fethiye (do not forget to warm up), ride a bike and play tennis.
✔️Antalya
What I liked about the February resort city is that there are few tourists there (apart from Europeans, who, like me, were sent here because they could not land a plane in Istanbul, and a couple of runners on the embankment).
Just imagine: a half—empty hotel on the first line with excellent rooms and delicious breakfasts, the sun and pleasant coolness – isn’t this a fairy tale? Of course, you can’t buy in the sea, but you can walk along it, admire the views without running under the air conditioner every minute, go shopping (Antalya is ideal for shopping, because there are many large shopping centers; plus, at this time, the peak of sales) and museums, take a city tour. Among the attractions are Hadrian’s Gate in the Old Town, the Museum of Archaeology, the Duden Waterfalls.
Where to warm up with a cup of coffee:
- My favorite coffee shop in the whole of Antalya is Cozy Coffee House in Konyaalti district
- Nearby there are amazing croissants from a Turkish woman who studied confectionery in Istanbul and Paris, at Vilanel Bakery
- Have a hot drink with a view of the February sea — at The Beaver Coffee Shop Kent Meydani
Ski holidays in February
Turkey in January and February is also good for outdoor activities. In Palandoken, you can rent equipment and clothes right by the mountain. There are several trails for beginners and professionals, although the latter can get bored quickly. If you want to take a break from the wheelchair one day, keep in mind: there is practically nothing to do in Erzurum itself — a city near Palandoken. This is a gray and tired city, where it smells of burning, because the locals heat their houses with firewood. You can go to a small hammam, sauna and swim in the pool.
What I really advise is to take a car (you can rent a car in Turkey using the Russian-language LocalRent service, where there is a large selection and easy navigation) and see the surroundings. On the way, you will find magnificent mountain views (this is the northeast of Turkey), and I recommend visiting the valley of the red fairies Narman Peribacaları Sosyal Tesisi – in addition to the fact that the structures themselves are beautiful, you can also climb to the top and look at the area from a height. You can also get to the highest waterfall in Turkey, the Tortum Waterfall, the road to which lies through a picturesque lake.
The story is the same in Sarykamysh. There is nothing to do in the city itself, but you can go to see the fortress in the city of Kars, which is an hour away. And next to the Uludag ski area there is a national park where you can admire nature, and the city of Bursa.
Tourist reviews about Turkey in February
Turkey in February is lemon trees in the south, snow caps on the mountains and frost in the north, walks by the sea in a down jacket under the sun and a traditional winter drink from the root of the orchid salep. An ideal month for those who love outdoor activities, nature and sightseeing, want to save money on accommodation (maybe visit a dream hotel) and spend time without too much noise. It is warm enough to walk a lot, ride a bike, play tennis and everything is just as beautiful around.
Before traveling, you should take into account the peculiarities of the region you are going to, check the weather forecast and take warm clothes with you, especially if you plan an active vacation. It is often windy and rainy in February. It is necessary to live in a place where the rooms are definitely well heated, because everything freezes over the winter and it can be cold to sleep at night. Some restaurants and hotels are closed, and if they are, not all services may be available. Although there will always be entertainment for tourists — go to cities with cultural heritage and choose hotels with a heated pool. A lot depends on the vagaries of the weather, but if you live in a place where it’s -30°C in February, then Turkey in February is a great way to bring spring closer.
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And where to go abroad in February, where it is unconditionally warm, the climate allows you to swim and planes fly from Russia?
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Advantages and disadvantages
+ There are direct low-cost flights from Russian cities to Istanbul and Antalya
+ 50% discount on the best hotels by the sea, which offer the same content as in summer
+ Lots of sun in the south of the country
+ Heated pools keep the chance of using a swimsuit
+ Few tourists,
— In February, the sea in Turkey is suitable only for meditation (if not blown away by the wind)
— There may be rainy days with not the most pleasant weather
— Limited choice of hotels: many are closed for the winter
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