Most people associate Alanya with scorching 40-degree heat, melting ice creams, and packed beaches in August. But there is a growing secret that savvy travelers (and a huge community of British expats) have known for years: Alanya is possibly better in the winter.
If you are tired of the grey skies and freezing rain in the UK, and you are wondering if you should book a cheap flight to Antalya this January or February, this guide is for you.
In 2025, with the cost of living still biting in Europe, Alanya offers a warm, budget-friendly escape. But let’s be real—it’s not the Caribbean. Here is the honest truth about what winter looks like on the Turkish Riviera.
The Weather: T-Shirts or Raincoats?
This is the number one question. "Can I sunbathe in January?" The answer is: Often, yes. But don't count on it every day.
Alanya is protected by the Taurus Mountains, which blocks the cold northern winds. This creates a microclimate that makes it the warmest part of mainland Turkey.
- December & January: These are the wettest months. When it rains in Alanya, it pours. We are talking tropical-style downpours that last for a day. However, the days between the rain are often crystal clear, sunny, and hit around 16°C - 18°C. In the sun, it feels like a pleasant English June day.
- February & March: Spring starts early here. The almond trees blossom, the orange groves are full, and daytime temperatures start creeping up to 20°C.
- The Evenings: As soon as the sun drops behind the castle, it gets cold (around 8°C - 10°C). You will definitely need a proper jacket and jeans for the evenings.
The "Ghost Town" Myth: Is Everything Closed?
If you go to smaller resorts like Marmaris or Bodrum in winter, they are boarded up. Ghost towns. Alanya is different.
Alanya is a functioning city with a population of over 350,000 people, including thousands of foreign residents (Brits, Scandinavians, Germans) who live here year-round.
- Shops & Bazaars: The main shopping streets (Ataturk Blvd) and local markets remain fully open.
- Restaurants: While the purely "tourist trap" bars on the beach might close up shop, 90% of the restaurants in the center, harbor, and neighborhoods like Mahmutlar and Oba remain open. In fact, winter is when you find the best food because the chefs aren't rushing to feed thousands of tourists.
- Hotels: Many gigantic All-Inclusive hotels close for renovations, but plenty of city hotels, boutique spots, and apartment rentals stay open specifically for the winter crowd.
2025 Winter Prices: A Bargain Hunter’s Dream
This is the biggest draw. In Summer 2025, prices in Turkey have risen. But in winter, the laws of supply and demand work in your favor.
Accommodation
You can rent a luxury apartment with a heated indoor pool in places like Mahmutlar or Kargicak for a fraction of the summer cost. Many hotels offer "Long Stay" discounts for retirees looking to escape the UK heating bills for a month or two.
- Expectation: You can find decent hotel rooms for as little as £25-£30 a night (Bed & Breakfast).
Shopping & Dining
End-of-season sales are real. The "genuine fake" shops are desperate to clear old stock before the new summer season, so haggling is much easier. You have way more leverage in January than you do in July.
What is There to Do? (If You Can't Swim)
The sea temperature is around 17-18°C. Brave souls (and Vikings) swim every day, but for most of us, it’s a bit nippy. So what do you do?
- Explore the Castle without the Sweat: Hiking up to Alanya Castle in August is a death wish. In January, it’s a delightful walk with stunning views and no heatstroke.
- The Yayla (Highlands) and Snow: This is the weirdest part of Alanya. You can drink coffee by the sea in the sun, drive 45 minutes up into the Taurus mountains, and play in the snow. There are restaurants on the Dim River that turn into winter wonderlands.
- Turkish Bath (Hamam): Winter is the perfect time for a hot steam bath and massage. It warms your bones.
- Dental & Health Tourism: Since you aren't rushing to the beach, many Brits use winter trips to get their teeth done or eyes checked. Appointments are easier to get.
The Verdict for 2025
Don't come to Alanya in winter expecting a guaranteed beach holiday. You might get three days of rain in a row. However, if you want to escape the grey UK skies, enjoy plenty of sunshine, eat fantastic food at half price, and experience a calm, local version of Turkey, it is unbeatable.
Pro Tip: Pack layers. T-shirts for noon, hoodies for 4 PM, and a waterproof coat just in case. And bring your sunglasses—you will need them!