Turkey in January
 

After 6 months touring SE Asia I'm currently in Bangkok organising flying my bike and myself to Istanbul in early January. Can anyone give me a hint on what the ridieng weather will be like this time of year. Because of my bad weather timing I'm planning on staying west and south in Turkey before heading to Greece and hanging around the mediterranean until it warms up. Just after some forewarning on how cold I will be (have to buy some warmer clothes in Istanbul anyway), what the roads will be like or any helpful hints anyone has to offer. Thanks in advance.

Steve

hi steve,

the weather on january is usually cold (-5 to +8 degree celcius) in istanbul, rainy and/or snowy. however, this year we have here in turkiye an extraordinary winter season. it is mid december and no snow-cold in ankara or in any other part of turkiye. not even rain. all the dams are nearly empty.

anyway, in normal conditions, istanbul might be -5 to +8 degree celcius , the middle and the east part of turkiye (anatolia) are cold, snowy and ice on roads during the night (temperatures varing from -40 to +5 degrees celcius depends the parts). the west part (egean costs), the north part (black sea costs) and the south part (mediteranian costs) are mild and no snow (0 to 12 degrees celcius). get some winter cloths and waterproofs.

if you come to ankara we can have a beer/coffee. and also i may supply you free accommodation after 15th of jan.

all the best. ride safely

Izmir - Western Turkey
 

In and around Izmir, which is the western Anatolia, there is no concept like "storing the bike for winter". The weather never goes below 0 degree Celcius even in night time and if it rains, it is usually mild. I feel like living in the best conditions for 12 months motorcycle riding here in Izmir.

If you happen to pass by, and even stay for sometime, drop me a line.

Best wishes

can ozcan

Thanks to both of you for the information. After 6 months in SE Asia I äm not used to the cold so will probably freeze for the first few weeks. I will probably be going through both Ankara and Izmir so will catch up for coffee/beer and more information.

Steve

I've had a change of plan. I''m now heading south again to enjoy sunny Malaysia for another month or so and will freight the bike from Kuala Lumpur. My Bangkok shipping plans got affected by New Year long weekend, lack of visa time and getting around Bangkok sucks. One big advantage is that at least Turkey and Greece will be getting closer to being warm.

Steve

Chinese New Year is on Feb. 18th.
 

Why not stay in SEA for the festivities. Should be bustling around Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Back on topic, if you intend to venture around Eastern Turkey, bring warm gear. We rode through rain, hail, and snow around Kars. That was last June!

The Highlands
 

Welcome back to Malaysia, Steve. Should you travel south try not to go beyond Melaka (historic city) as the state of Johor is experiencing a rare flood. But things should be back to normal in a week or so.

Go up to the hills, like Frasier's Hill or Genting Highlands. Nice curves and cooler too. And they are not too far from Kuala Lumpur. :biggrin:

And no... I didn't forget Cameron Highlands
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tst...isa/000948.php
(The above link is from Richard Parkinson and Lisa Godfery's HU travels - thanks guys :thumbup1:)

I spent a month in Malaysia in July/August when I first came to SE Asia and did enjoy riding around the highlands, almost as good as around Northern Thailand. Since I will have 3 months to play with I probably will hang around until Chinese New Year, should be fun. Definately have to go shopping for warm clothes, think it's best to do that in Europe though as Asian stuff isn't designed with cold weather in mind. Same with tents, I'll have to get one of them too as I've been spoilt by the accomodation costs in Asia and that will blow the budget in Western Europe.

Steve

Hi,
In January you can easily meet snow and very cold weather in Turkey.
Be ready for the discomfort.
Wearing warm clothes may be not enough for the bike if you intend to ride.
If there is snow you wait a bit and ride afterwards.

Be ready for the bones shivering colds