November–March
Spend winter in the sun
Daytime highs around 15 °C, mandarins in the garden, a quiet village by the sea. Step out of the grey northern winter for a few weeks, or a few months.
In January, Oslo averages around −2 °C by day and Stockholm hovers near zero. Berlin manages about 3 °C, London about 8. On the west coast of the Bodrum Peninsula, December to February brings daytime highs of around 15 °C. Winter does not disappear here. It softens. Coffee on the terrace on a bright morning, a walk along the shore in the afternoon: both are entirely possible.
All three Hespera Suits homes are open twelve months a year. Winter may well be their calmest, loveliest season.
Daytime highs
Compare with home
Average daytime temperatures from October to April: the Gümüşlük coast against Oslo, Stockholm, Berlin and London. These are averages. Winter here also brings rainy and windy days.
Average daytime high (°C)
- +17°Gümüşlük / Oslo · January
- +16°Gümüşlük / Stockholm · January
- +12°Gümüşlük / Berlin · January
- +7°Gümüşlük / London · January
Approximate long-term averages.
A quiet village winter
Once the summer crowds leave, Kadıkalesi goes back to being itself. A few walkers on the coast road, locals talking over tea, the odd fishing boat out in the bay. No noise, no traffic. The sunset is still there every evening. There are just fewer people watching it.
The homes sit inside a large garden, each with its own entrance and terrace. You might say good morning to a neighbour among the trees, but your door is your own. For anyone staying several weeks, that balance matters.
Mandarin season
The Bodrum mandarin is the peninsula’s own fruit, harvested in winter, roughly from November to February. Citrus groves are everywhere here. Our garden has mandarin and orange trees too, and guests are welcome to pick them in season. Pomegranates and quinces in autumn, mulberries and pears towards summer. A mandarin picked straight from the tree for breakfast is a small pleasure, and a very clear one. Some say the golden apples of the old myth were citrus fruit; in midwinter, with the trees full of orange fruit, the garden of Hespera, whose name we carry, does not feel far away.
For remote workers and nomads
Every home has Wi‑Fi and a dedicated workspace. Morning calls on the terrace, a walk by the sea after lunch, back at the desk in the evening. If connection speed is critical for your work, just ask and İrfan will share the current details. The minibus stop, about 100 metres from the complex, connects you to the whole peninsula, and Turgutreis is 5–7 minutes away by car.
Sunshine
Daily hours of sun in winter
Bodrum is commonly credited with around 300 sunny days a year. See how much daylight you get here during the darkest months of the northern year.
Average daily sunshine (hours)
- +3.7 hGümüşlük / Oslo · January
- +3.4 hGümüşlük / Stockholm · January
- +3.2 hGümüşlük / Berlin · January
- +2.8 hGümüşlük / London · January
Approximate long-term averages.
November to March
A winter in Kadıkalesi
Winter here is not one season. Every month feels a little different.
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Summer lets go
The crowds have gone and the sea slowly gives up its summer warmth. The mandarin harvest begins. In Gümüşlük, the tables on the sand are yours.
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Quiet days
Highs around 15 °C. Long walks on the shore, the Saturday market in Turgutreis, fish cooked at home in the evening.
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Midwinter
Snow up north, a sunny lunchtime here. Take a day in Bodrum: the castle, the windmills, the marina at its quietest.
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The last mandarins
The final fruit on the trees, and the days start to stretch. Work at the desk, sun on the terrace, sunset from the old village of Karakaya.
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Spring on the way
The garden wakes up and the hills turn green. The best month for the cycle paths and the village lanes.
Monthly and long stays
One month, three months, the whole winter. Long stays are arranged directly with the host, so dates, terms and details can be shaped around you. The kitchen is equipped for long stays, and there is a shared laundry room and free parking on site. Your dog or cat is welcome too. All you need to do is message İrfan.
Getting here in winter
Bodrum–Milas Airport is about 55 km from Kadıkalesi, roughly an hour by car. In winter, though, there are fewer flights into Bodrum than in summer. When planning, it is worth looking at connections via Istanbul, or at flying into İzmir instead. From the airport, take a taxi, a transfer or a hire car; the details are on our guide page. If you get stuck anywhere along the way, İrfan will help.
Winter questions
Are the homes warm and comfortable in winter?
Ask us about winter comfort. İrfan will explain exactly how the homes are kept warm and what is worth packing for your dates.
How mild is winter, really?
From December to February, daytime highs average around 15 °C. There are plenty of sunny days, but rainy and windy ones too, and evenings are cool. Bring layers.
Can you swim in winter?
The sea is around 16–18 °C in winter. If you like cold water, short swims are quite possible. Most guests prefer walking along the shore.
Are restaurants and shops open in winter?
The village is quieter than in summer and some seasonal places close. Turgutreis stays lively all year, with supermarkets, shops and the Saturday market. İrfan always knows what is open.
Can I stay for a month or longer?
Yes. Monthly and longer stays are arranged directly with the host. Send a WhatsApp message and we will talk through your dates.
Is it suitable for remote work?
Each home has Wi‑Fi and a dedicated workspace. If connection speed matters for your work, ask and we will share the latest details.
Do I need a car?
Not necessarily. The minibus stop is about 100 metres away and serves the whole peninsula, and there is a walking and cycling path to Turgutreis. A car makes exploring easier, and parking on site is free.
Winter escape
Spend this winter here
Tell us your dates and how long you would like to stay. İrfan usually replies within the hour.