Kayseri Weather in Winter: December to March, Month by Month

Kayseri sits on the central Anatolian plateau at roughly 1,050–1,100 metres above sea level, at the foot of Mount Erciyes. Winters here are cold and fairly dry, with clear frosty mornings, grey snowy spells and the occasional bitter cold snap. Up on the ski slopes, 1,000 to 2,300 metres higher, it is colder still.

Below are the official long-term averages for Kayseri from the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM), what they mean for a ski trip to Erciyes or a winter visit to Cappadocia, and how to dress for both.

Kayseri winter averages at a glance

These are MGM's averages for Kayseri for the measurement period 1931–2025:

• November: average high 13.2 °C, average low −0.8 °C, about 9 days with precipitation
• December: average high 6.7 °C, average low −4.2 °C, about 12 days with precipitation
• January: average high 4.3 °C, average low −6.7 °C, about 13 days with precipitation
• February: average high 6.3 °C, average low −5.1 °C, about 11 days with precipitation
• March: average high 11.6 °C, average low −1.3 °C, about 13 days with precipitation
• April: average high 17.8 °C, average low 3.3 °C, about 13 days with precipitation

January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of −1.5 °C. Total precipitation is modest, around 36–37 mm a month from December to February, and much of it falls as snow. Average daily sunshine is only about 3 hours in December and January and rises to around 5 hours in March.

These are averages. The coldest temperature ever recorded at the Kayseri station is −32.5 °C, in January, and the deepest snow cover on record in the city was 51 cm, in February 2008.

How much colder is it on Erciyes?

The Erciyes ski area runs from roughly 2,100 to 3,400 metres. As a rough rule, air temperature drops by about 6.5 °C for every 1,000 metres you climb. That means:

• At the lower lift stations, around 2,100–2,200 m, it is typically 6–7 °C colder than in the city.
• At the top lifts, around 3,300–3,400 m, it can be 14–15 °C colder.

So a January day of 0 °C in town can mean −10 °C or lower at the top. Wind makes it feel much colder still, and the upper slopes of the volcano are exposed. On clear days, though, the high-altitude sun can feel surprisingly warm when the wind drops.

Month by month

December

Early winter. Snow on Erciyes builds through the month and the season usually opens in December, but conditions depend on the year. The city is cold and often grey, with short days. Good for festive trips and New Year, with flexible expectations about snow in the first weeks.

January

The coldest month and usually one of the most reliable for snow on the mountain. Expect frosty mornings in the city, regular snowfalls and very cold upper slopes. Dress in proper layers, and protect your face and hands.

February

Still very much winter, with good snow cover on Erciyes in most years and days getting longer. Turkish school holidays fall in late January and early February, so weekdays are quieter than weekends.

March

Days get longer and sunnier, the city warms up noticeably and spring snow appears on the lower slopes in the afternoons, while the upper slopes can still have excellent conditions. A good month for relaxed skiing in the sun.

November and April

The edges of the season. November is cool and mostly dry in the city, and the slopes usually are not open yet. In April the city is spring-like, and skiing on the mountain depends on how much snow the winter has brought.

Our Erciyes ski season guide goes through snow conditions month by month, and how much snow you need to ski explains how to read snow depth reports.

What it means for Cappadocia

Cappadocia, about an hour from Kayseri, has a similar climate at a slightly lower altitude. Snow does fall there in winter and turns the valleys white, which we cover in does it snow in Cappadocia?. Hot air balloon flights depend on wind and visibility, so winter cancellations are more common; read do balloons fly in Cappadocia in winter? before you plan around a flight.

What to pack

• Base layers: Thermal tops and leggings in wool or synthetic fabric, not cotton.
• Mid layer: A fleece or light insulated jacket.
• Outer layer: A waterproof, windproof ski jacket and trousers.
• Accessories: Warm gloves, a neck warmer or balaclava, a hat for the city and ski socks.
• Sun protection: High-factor sunscreen, lip balm and goggles or sunglasses; the sun at altitude is strong even when it is cold.
• For the city: Warm, waterproof shoes with good grip for icy pavements.

Our what to wear skiing guide explains how layering works, and the ski holiday packing list has everything in one place. If you are worried about the cold, staying healthy on a ski holiday covers sun, cold and altitude.

Skiing Erciyes with everything included

On our Erciyes packages, ski equipment, a helmet, goggles, a ski jacket, ski trousers and gloves are all included, so you only need to bring base layers, socks and personal items. You stay at the five-star Wyndham Grand Kayseri in the city centre, with free shuttles to the slopes. Beginners can start with the 2-night First Steps package; experienced skiers can explore the mountain on the 4-night Experienced package. Please note that lessons are taught in Turkish.

• Kayseri
• Weather
• Erciyes
• Winter in Turkey