Konya Weather in December

December weather

December feels cold and often grey in Konya. Days reach about 9°C, while nights can fall to 0°C. Rain comes on several days, so wet pavements and chilly waits outdoors are part of the visit. It's a poor month for lingering in parks or taking long countryside walks, but the Mevlana Museum and the city's mosques give you rewarding indoor stops. Build your day around sights close to the centre, with a warm break for etliekmek, Konya's long, thin meat-topped flatbread.

Mevlana week

The main December event is Şeb-i Arus, the annual commemoration of Rumi's death, held around the middle of the month. Whirling dervish ceremonies and other events draw visitors to the Mevlana Cultural Centre and the museum area. Rooms and transport can feel busier during this period than in an ordinary winter week. Families who'd rather have a quieter museum visit may prefer to come outside the commemoration.

Crowds and practical tips

Outside Şeb-i Arus, December is usually quieter than spring and autumn, Konya's most popular travel seasons. Winter can also mean lower hotel prices, though rates may rise during the ceremonies. The weather is milder than January, but colder and wetter than November, so save outdoor sightseeing for clearer spells. For a useful local stop, visit the Mevlana Museum, then warm up nearby with a bowl of bamya çorbası, a traditional sour okra soup often served at Konya meals. Check ceremony times before heading to the cultural centre, since events can change how busy the surrounding streets feel.