You can all probably guess that the summers in Fethiye are hot and sunny with little or no rain from June to September. However, the winter is a different story and if you are planning to visit or live in the area you need to come prepared for the weather.

The Mediterranean winters are shorter than in UK but similar in that they can be wet and/or cold. Due to the relative strength of the sun at this latitude sunny days can raise the day time temperature to 18 - 20 degrees and warm you nicley if you are sat out in it.

However, the nights can be as cold as the UK with temperatures dropping below zero in areas outside the town or higher up such as Ovacik or Uzumlu.

A northerly or east wind blows from time to time, especially in January/February, spreading cold air over the area making day and night time temperatures feel much colder.

Winter is the time that the Mediterranean receives its watering! There are frequent thunder storms and the rain can be very heavy at times causing localised flooding.

This rain falls as snow at higher levels and snow can be seen on the surrounding mountains from November onwards.

The wind can also gust to high speeds when storms race over the area causing damage to property, people and bring down trees and powerlines.

Fethiye town is generally protected from the prevailing south westerly storms that can strike the area because of the surrounding mountains. But watch out if you are on a boat because even in the bay the wind can rip over the Yarim Adi penninsula with some force.

Most of the time the air is very still and this along with smoke from thousands of coal and wood heaters can cause fog / smog to engulf the town especially at night.

Do let us put you of though. The weather is better than worse for 95 percent of the time and bad weather, whilst spectacular at times, is short lived.

And....when the sun comes out you realise why you came here to live or visit....it's paradise to have that winter sunshine!!

Get Out

One of the great things about Fethiye is that the mountains behind the town get a regular fall of snow over the winter.

This has led some people to say you can 'Ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon'. We are not sure about the swimming - too chilly for us - but you can now ski at the small ski facility above Seki.

If you just want to frolic in the white stuff the closest spots are on the road above Arpacik on the wondeful road from Uzumlu

What Do You Need?

So, if you plan to visit or live here in the Winter you will need:

• Winter jumpers, vests, socks, boots (a must where roads aren't made up), hat, gloves and a waterproof coat.
• Good bedding, thick quilts, electric blanket and/or hotwater bottle etc
• Rugs to cover cold tiled floors.
• Central heating or other heating so you don't get cold at night.
• A method other than solar to heat water on cloudy days.
• Sun Block for those sunny days!