Renting a Car in Antalya in Winter: November to March

November to March is the cheapest and most relaxed time to rent a car in Antalya. A few things work differently from summer, though.

What changes in winter

Rates drop noticeably out of season. The same car for the same number of days costs far less than in August. Availability is easy too: automatic classes that book out weeks ahead in summer are usually free in winter.

The roads are empty. The half-hour crawl out of Kemer in August simply is not there. The D400 towards Kaş turns into a genuinely enjoyable drive.

Ancient sites are uncrowded. You can walk around Termessos, Side or Myra without heat or queues. Some sites switch to winter hours and close around 5 pm, so plan the day around that.

The weather

Daytime temperatures usually sit between 15 and 18 degrees. On sunny days you can sit on the seafront without a jacket, but evenings drop to 8-10 degrees. Layers are the practical answer.

Most of Antalya's annual rainfall arrives in these months. Rain tends to come for a few days and then clear. Downpours can be heavy, leaving standing water in the city and occasional rock or mud on mountain roads. Avoid mountain routes while it is actually pouring.

The sea sits around 17-18 degrees. Cold for swimming, ideal for walking the coast.

Snow in the highlands

While the coast is mild, there is snow at 1500 metres. The Saklıkent ski centre operates in winter and is only 50 km from central Antalya. Walking on the beach and standing in snow on the same day is entirely possible.

But think twice before taking a standard rental up there without winter tyres. After snowfall the gendarmerie may require chains. If the highlands are on your plan:

• Mention it when booking so a suitable car can be arranged
• The Dacia Duster 4x4 is the sensible choice for these routes
• Check the forecast again on the morning you set off
• Keep the tank above half; highland fuel stations are sparse

Which car

For coastal and city trips a Renault Symbol or Fiat Egea is plenty: economical and easy to park. For larger families, the Ford Tourneo Courier or Mercedes Vito. For mountain and highland plans, the Duster 4x4.

When you collect the car, look at the tyres and the wiper blades; both matter more in winter than in summer. Check the lights work, since it gets dark early.

The rental conditions stay the same

Airport delivery and collection remain free and available 24/7 through winter, with unlimited mileage and traffic insurance included. There is no prepayment, no deposit and no hold on your card; you pay when you collect the vehicle. Give us your flight number and we track the flight, so the car waits through the delays that are common in winter.

Most winter visitors complain less about grey skies than about an unplanned mountain road. Deciding the route in the morning and checking the forecast solves most of it.