Located on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, just 40km from the city of Antalya, Kemer is a popular centre for tourism. The seaside resort attracts tourists all year round thanks to its stunning mountain scenery, beautiful beaches and wonderful Mediterranean weather. Summers here are long and sunny while winters are mild and never get too cold.
Winter arrives in Kemer in December, but unlike other parts of Europe, you won't find freezing temperatures here. This is the reason why many head to Kemer to escape cold weather and soak up some winter sun.
Temperatures for this time of year are still pleasant, with an average of 12°C and highs that often reach a lovely 16°C during the day. However, visitors should be aware that temperatures do drop on an evening, with average lows of 7°C, so it is advisable to pack some warmer layers to wear while you're out and about on a night.
Sea temperatures are also dropping as December arrives. At just 19°C, most will consider this too cold to swim in.
Days are generally bright and sunny in Kemer even in December. There's an average of 7 hours of sunshine every day and a 22% chance of a sunny day, though there will be a few more clouds than the summer months.
You should also expect some wet weather when visiting Kemer in December as it is the wettest month of the whole year with an average of 13 wet days. Rainfall levels peak at 219mm of rainfall, a big jump from November's 115mm, so it is possible that you will get caught in a shower or two. We recommend that you pack an umbrella and some waterproofs if you're planning a winter trip to Kemer.
Despite this, the weather is much more favourable than the UK, and the resort will be very quiet and peaceful at this time of year, which means that December is ideal for a relaxing winter break.
December is a great time to visit Kemer if you're looking for a good deal on accommodation. As the resort is outside of peak season, many hotels offer favourable rates at this time of year.
Karmir Resort & Spa is located in the nearby resort of Goynuk and is a great choice for everyone, from couples to families. The large 5-star hotel complex has a clean and contemporary feel throughout and is fully-equipped with everything you need for a holiday, including a swimming pool, a range of fantastic restaurants and even a children's club to keep the kids entertained. Rooms are bright, spacious and sleep up to four.
If you're looking for a week of pure relaxation, make Nirvana Lagoon Villas Suites & Spa your first choice. This idyllic hotel is set among the pine trees of quiet Beldebi and offers breath-taking views of the surrounding sea and mountains. Guests can unwind at the full service spa on site or enjoy all-inclusive dining at one of the hotel's many restaurants.
For a unique stay in Kemer, Berke Ranch Hotel is an amazing choice. Here, guests have the opportunity to stay on a real ranch within the region's beautiful pine covered hills. The hotel offers all the usual facilities you would expect such as a sun terrace, a bar and a restaurant as well as some more unusual ones, such as horse riding facilities. Beginners and experienced riders are both welcome here.
Food lovers will not be disappointed in Kemer. No matter what time of the year you visit, the resort is filled with amazing eateries, from fine dining restaurants to traditional Turkish taverns.
Cekmen Restaurant is a popular choice located in the centre of Kemer. The friendly, family-run restaurant specialises in delicious and authentic Turkish food and the fresh seafood is particularly recommended. Past guests rate it highly for its welcoming hospitality.
For a unique dining experience, look no further than G.marine Restaurant and Bar. Here, guests can enjoy dinner in fun car-shaped tables, which range from pink Cadillacs to red Beetles. The best seating here is outdoors, so head here for lunch to avoid the cold December evenings.
Last but not least, finish off your night in Kemer with a drink at Captain Cook Bar. This popular venue serves a range of drinks and plays music for a lively atmosphere.
December's cooler temperatures make outdoor activities much more comfortable than the hot summer months.
One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Turkey is walking or hiking the Lycian Way. This path is 316 miles (509 km) long and includes beautiful and historic sites that allow the tourist to learn about Lycian culture, which is a combination of Greek and Roman influences. The path can be difficult at times, but the rewards are plentiful. If you're new to hiking, companies such as Lycian Adventures can help you along the way.
However, if you find your outdoor activities have been dampened by wet weather, there's plenty of fun things to do indoors instead. Kemer and the surrounding region is home to many traditional Turkish spas where you can relax and enjoy some treatments which purify the body and regulate the circulatory system. Turkish baths are rooted as far back as the Ottoman Empire and are an important part of the country's culture.
