December is the wettest month of the year and the least likely to see visitors in Dalyan. It is also one of the coldest months, however, this means that there are deals to be had and the lines will be shorter and no waits for the more popular restaurants. Because about half the month will experience wet conditions, visitors must look at an extended forecast to make sure that they are packed correctly for the trip.
This month is the third coldest of the year with the average daily temperature dipping to 11°C (52°F). The early morning is the coldest time of the day with average overnight lows dipping to 6°C (43°). This is definitely cold enough for vacationers to bring a jacket and gloves while exploring the region. The average afternoon high is not much warmer with temperatures climbing to 15°C (59°F). Visitors will need to have a jacket handy both during the morning and the afternoon hours to ward off the chill.
Water temperatures are also very cool and cold enough to drive vacationers off of the beach. Water temperatures for this time of the year are an average of 18°C (64°F). Thanks to the chilly water temperatures, now is the time to explore the region on land rather than on sea.
Vacationers will also need to bring some raingear with them as the region receives an average of 147mm of precipitation over the course of the month. This is by far the highest amount of rain expected over the year. This rain will fall over an average of 14 days. As a result, some of the precipitation can be heavy at times. Additionally, the amount of sun is much lower during this time of the year. The region will receive only 7 hours of sunshine each day for the last month of the year.
WHERE TO STAY
The Metin Hotel is a 3-star establishment that is close enough to the main sites, but set back far enough to allow visitors some peace and quiet. The hotel features a lush garden as well as a large pool. In addition to two hotel room buildings, there are also fully furnished and appointed apartments for those who need a little more room. Guests can enjoy breakfast on a rooftop terrace and all evening meals are served by the pool. Guests will enjoy the attention from this family run hotel and most come back again and again.
The Sedir Resort contains bungalows, apartments and traditional hotel rooms for guests to choose from. While on a December holiday, this extra space can come in handy for additional winter weather gear. There is a pool to enjoy during the warmer months, but guests can still enjoy the gardens and nearby forest. A short 20-minute walk will put guests right in the heart of the city with plenty of sites to see and restaurants to enjoy.
The Jumali House will have visitors relaxing in complete comfort and luxury. The house is constructed out of the finest materials including marble and decorated with some of the finest Turkish antiques. There are only four rooms to choose from, two with kingsize beds and two with twin beds. The rooms also have a private bath and offer tremendous views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. Guests can also relax by the pool and take a short stroll to the center of town.
THINGS TO DO
December in Dalyan is a great time to relax as it is likely that there will not be many other visitors around.
New Years is celebrated in the usual way here and visitors will be treated to the traditional celebrations of the season amongst the locals. Most of the mainstream, touristy type places are closed but all of the local restaurants and bars are open.
Although it is cool in December, if visitors are prepared with warmer clothing, then they can experience a wonderful guided tour through the Saklikent Gorge, the deepest, longest gorge in the country. There is a wooden walkway with handrails the length of the gorge and visitors will have the opportunity to explore inside of the canyon but only if they are prepared to cross the icy waters to get to the other side. It is advised that visitors wishing to take this tour pack extra dry socks and shoes for the return trip from the canyon.
RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE
With outdoor seating right on the water Jimmy's No Name has certainly created a name for itself as being one of the best restaurants in Dalyan. With large portions and an extensive menu, there is a lot to like about this spot. It is a great choice for lunch or dinner and an ideal location for enjoying a drink either before or after a meal. While it might be slightly more expensive, the extra funds are well worth it for the atmosphere and great service.
Those looking for a mouthwatering experience will want to try out the Limon Café. With a large selection of dishes, including those for vegetarians, there is something on the menu for everyone and for all ages. Guests can sit outside and enjoy either a lovely dinner or lunch for a great price. The service is outstanding and this is one spot not to be missed.
With nights being long and chilly during this time of the year, now is a great time to head indoors and warm up with a cocktail and some music. Sofra Bars is just the place to do both of those things and as one of the liveliest bars in the city, guests are always assured of a good time. There is karaoke as well as live music and the bartenders are always ready to mix up a good drink. For a good time, this is one spot that should be on everyone's list.
