Is it cold in Turkey in winter? The short answer is yes. There is a longer answer, so please read on.
Most people are shocked by their first winter in Turkey, they have a moved to a country they probably knew in summer when it melts or in spring when it blooms or in autumn when the Indian summer runs and runs and runs on through a glowing October into sunlit November. January can be rather a surprise after all that heat. Particularly as the kind of houses most expats buy aren’t really designed for winter living and have all the insulation properties of a wet paper bag and the kind of wide open plan living layout that is a horror to heat in winter.
Yes it can get flipping cold in Turkey; last year my swimming pool had a skim of ice on it five times, two weeks ago my geraniums froze in a sudden frost and are now black and drooping and I’ll have to cut them back and my bougainvillea, that had bravely bloomed on into January, now has bleached papery blossoms and curled crispy leaves as the wind chill hit it hard.
But, and there is a but, our winters are short and those cold days are tempered with warm sunny spring type spells that remind you why you live here and you throw open the windows to let the heat in and you get out and about and do things and still enjoy it all, from valley walks to winter diving to keeping the garden under control.
I like having seasons, I find it stimulating, because every season brings something new and special and I think living with that naturally fluctuating temperature is actually good for you. If the cold does actually penetrate our thick stone walls then I put another jumper on and at night I snuggle down under my duvet with my best friend – the good old fashioned hot water bottle! It’s sort of comforting.
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- A thin skim of ice on the pool – winter 2012
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- The blue skies of winter in Turkey
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- A neatly stacked wood pile in the village
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- January gardening in Kirazli
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- The courtyard on a sunny winter day
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- windows open to let the fresh air in – January 2013
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- Kusadasi marina one bright warm January day
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- Going out diving, Kusadasi, January 2013
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- January 4th, boat diving off Kusadasi
If you are interested in scuba diving there are more pictures of our winter diving here – Winter Diving in Kusadasi
I would not swap it for the world. Marge x
We all moan a bit, particularly when the flipping power goes off (grrrr to Aydem this year!) but it is still brilliant. Hope Alfie is recovering well. xxxx
Well, doesn’t look like you got any snow yet like we did in Istanbul the previous week. And then this week has been mostly sunny with temps 11-15 C. Such a drastic change! But I like not having much snow here compared to the East Coast in America. 🙂
I understand that surprise people have to think that where you live is always hot and sunny – we get winter here in Andalucia too. Even so, your home and its surroundings are wonderfully photogenic in that winter sun! Only the pool looks uninviting with its icy layer.
We’re piling the logs on the burner today as the temperatures have dropped and the wind and rain are blotting out any possibility of sunshine…but it will come and come again soon.
Axxx
Yes the winters are mercifully short, I was looking at last years pictures to get the one of the frozen pool and by mid Feb we had cherry blossom and loads of almond blossom so we’re only three weeks off that now and then the back of winter will be broken. Mum and Dad were so pleased to get back to Andalucia last week, they both cheered up no end to be back to blue skies even if it does sometimes rain. Karyn
Electric blanket – the most important item in our winter house. If it gets very cold, a second electric blanket on the sofa is a great comfort.
I don’t get on with electric blankets, I find them too hot and I hate being too hot, particularly in bed, so I stick with my hot water bottle and fight the cat for sole access to it 🙂
There’s something special about those sunny days in the midst of winter after periods of heavy rain when you open the curtains and see the fog and clouds have lifted to reveal the snow line creeping further down the mountains. Coffee and a book on the balcony. Magical and unexpected moments like the coins down the side of the sofa or the paper money hidden in a forgotten handbag!
Blue skies ? What are blue skies? After so many weeks of cloud cover I really envy you those, Karen. Gorgeous photos, which clearly show some of the reasons you live there. I too like having four seasons and love my hot water bottle. 🙂
this is so true. after a lifetime in minnesota, iowa and new york, i still say my first winter in muğla was the coldest winter of my life – i just wasn’t prepared for it!