Weather in Dalaman in December

How December compares

December is the 10th warmest month of the year in Dalaman. Within Turkey it is 7th of 18 (Turkey in December). Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Dalaman is 7.5°C warmer by day and 5.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Dalaman peaks at 15.2°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 18.3°C or more. Days over 25°C are rare. Nights average 8.4°C; one night in ten drops to 5.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings - it is genuinely cool after dark. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 21.8°C (2010-12-03) and the coldest night 0.9°C (2002-12-21).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 11 days with 1 mm or more, 153 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 2001 with 407 mm, the driest 2015 with 2 mm. Humidity averages 74%.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 19.5°C - bracing (18-22°c). Depending on the year it ranges from 18.5°C to 20.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (27.5°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 9.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 08:10 and sets about 17:50 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 49%.

Is December a good time to visit Dalaman?

December is not the strongest month here: mild days and frequent rain. The best months for Dalaman on our scoring are September, June, October; months averaging 25°C or more: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Mild afternoons, but pack for cold evenings

The daytime temperature is comfortable for being outdoors in layers rather than dressing for summer. A warmer spell can bring highs of 18°C or more, making a sheltered spot in the sunshine appealing, but that is not the everyday expectation. Once the sun goes down, you will want a proper outer layer: average overnight lows are around 8°C, and the coldest nights can fall to 5°C or below. Pack long trousers, closed shoes and a jumper, with a jacket that works after dark. This suits travellers who prefer gentle warmth to midday heat, provided they do not expect evenings outdoors in shirtsleeves.

Rain is the main compromise

December is wet enough that fixed outdoor plans can be frustrating. About 10 rainy days means waterproof clothing deserves space in your luggage, rather than being an afterthought. It does not mean every day is a washout: there are about 4.9 hours of sunshine a day on average, within 9.5 hours of daylight. Keep your schedule flexible and use brighter spells for time outside, with an indoor option when the weather turns. A waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet ground are more useful than packing only for sunshine. The shorter daylight window also favours getting out earlier rather than leaving outdoor plans until late afternoon.

The sea is bracing, not comfortably warm

At an average of 19.5°C, the sea is bracing rather than comfortably warm for a leisurely swim. It may suit someone used to cooler water, but it is not a strong reason to choose December for a holiday centred on swimming. The sea can range from 18°C to 20°C between years, so even a relatively mild December does not turn it into warm-water swimming. Bring something warm to put on afterwards if you do take a dip. For most travellers, time by the water is better treated as a fair-weather extra than the centre of the trip, especially when rain interrupts the sunshine.