Side and Manavgat in Winter: What's Open, Weather and Sea
Side and Manavgat are worth visiting in winter: Side Ancient Theatre is open 08:00–17:00, Side Museum 08:30–17:30 and Manavgat Waterfall 08:00–18:00, and the local markets run on the same days all year. From December to February daytime highs average 15–17 °C and the sea is 16–18.5 °C (MGM). Night openings and rafting are summer-only.
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November to March: weather and sea temperature
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Rainy days | Sunshine (h/day) | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 21.4 °C | 10.9 °C | 7.5 | 6.3 | 21.4 °C |
| December | 16.7 °C | 7.7 °C | 11.9 | 4.8 | 18.5 °C |
| January | 15.0 °C | 6.1 °C | 12.4 | 4.9 | 16.7 °C |
| February | 15.6 °C | 6.4 °C | 10.4 | 5.7 | 16.0 °C |
| March | 18.0 °C | 8.1 °C | 8.5 | 6.7 | 16.6 °C |
Weather: Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM), Antalya station, 1930–2025 averages (MGM); MGM does not publish separate tables for Alanya or Manavgat. Sea: MGM, Mediterranean sea-surface temperature, monthly averages 1970–2025 (MGM).
Open in winter: fees and hours
| Place | Entry | Hours | From Side |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Ancient Theatre | €7 (Museum Pass Türkiye valid) | 08:00–17:00 (ticket office closes 16:30); night visits in summer only (1 June–1 October, 19:00–22:00) | in town |
| Side Museum | €5 (foreign visitors); combined ticket with Side archaeological site €10 | 08:30–17:30 daily (ticket office closes 17:00) | in town |
| Temple of Apollo, Side | Free (open site) | Open 24/7; illuminated at night | in town |
| Manavgat Waterfall | 50 TL, students 10 TL (municipally run) | 08:00–18:00 in winter, 08:00–19:30 in summer | 12 km · about 21 min by car |
| Seleukeia (Lyrbe) Ancient City | Free | No fixed hours (unfenced site) | 18 km · about 30 min by car |
| Titreyengöl Lake | Sorgun beach free; Titreyengöl picnic area paid | — | 9 km · about 11 min by car |
| Green Canyon Manavgat | Boat tour about €30–45 (lunch included) | Tours usually depart 09:00–10:00 | 21 km · about 35 min by car |
| Altınbeşik Cave | Park entry + boat about €5–8 | 09:00–18:30 (summer season) | 53 km · about 1 h 18 min by car |
| Köprülü Canyon Rafting | Rafting tour about €15–25 (transfer + lunch included) | Tours run 09:00–16:00 | 68 km · about 1 h 19 min by car |
| Aspendos Theatre | €15 (foreign visitor rate) | 08:00–17:00 (ticket office closes 16:30); night visits in summer only (1 June–1 October, 19:00–21:30) | 34 km · about 32 min by car |
Fees and hours are taken from each place page and update with it. The 2027 ministry fees start on 1 April 2027 — see the 2027 fee table.
Closed or limited in winter
- Night visits are summer-only (1 June–1 October): in winter the ticket offices at Side Ancient Theatre and Aspendos close at 16:30.
- Köprülü Canyon rafting largely stops from November to March and some operators close for the season (source).
- We found no published winter schedule for Green Canyon boat trips or the Altınbeşik Cave boat tour — ask the tour company or your hotel before you go.
- Manavgat Waterfall closes at 18:00 in winter (19:30 in summer).
The markets run all winter
The neighbourhood markets are for locals and keep the same days in winter: Monday Manavgat Monday Market, Wednesday Çolaklı Market, Thursday Manavgat Thursday Market, Saturday Side Market (plus the smaller Tuesday market in Side). In winter there are fewer souvenir and textile stalls, but fruit, vegetables and clothing carry on; in heavy rain some traders pack up early. All days and addresses: Manavgat markets.
For a rainy day
- Side Museum is indoors; a single ticket covers it and the ancient city.
- The bazaars and shopping centre in Manavgat work well on a wet day.
- If you are heading to Antalya, Antalya Aquarium is open every day.
More winter guides
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the sea in Side in winter?
According to MGM averages for 1970–2025, the Mediterranean is 21.4 °C in November, 18.5 °C in December, 16.7 °C in January, 16.0 °C in February and 16.6 °C in March. A short swim works in November and on sunny December days; from January to March most people find it cold.
What is open in Side in winter?
The ministry sites keep winter hours: Side Ancient Theatre 08:00–17:00 (ticket office closes 16:30), Side Museum 08:30–17:30 (ticket office 17:00). The Temple of Apollo is open-air and accessible around the clock. Manavgat Waterfall is open 08:00–18:00 and the local markets run all year.
What is the weather like in Side in December?
According to Antalya weather station averages for 1930–2025, December has an average high of 16.7 °C and an average low of 7.7 °C, with 11.9 rainy days and 4.8 hours of sunshine a day. MGM does not publish separate figures for Side.