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Climate - Turkey


Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine

Flag - Turkey

Map - Turkey

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Index


  • Introduction
  • 1- Eastern Thrace - Edirne
  • 2- Istanbul and Northern Coast - Istanbul, Trabzon
  • 3- North-east Coast - Rize
  • 4- West Coast - Izmir
  • 5- South Coast - Antalya
  • 6- Anatolian Plateau - Ankara
  • 7- Eastern Plateau - Van, Erzurum
  • 8- High Mountains
  • 9- Arid southeast - Diyarbakir, Cizre

Introduction



In Turkey, there is a noticeable variety of climates, with considerable differences between the areas, and also with some microclimates due to the different exposure of slopes and coasts.
The coastal areas have generally a mild climate, but the coast of the Black Sea is colder than that of the Mediterranean. The interior has a continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers, though nights remain usually cool.
Summer is dry and sunny throughout the country, except on the north-east coast. In all the inland and south-central regions, the driest months are July, August and September.
The map below shows the climate zones of Turkey.

Climates in Turkey

1- Eastern Thrace


Edirne

In this area of Turkey, south-east of Bulgaria, where the city of Edirne (the ancient Adrianople) is located, the climate is slightly continental: winters are quite cold, with a January average around 3.5 °C (38 °F), and summers are hot, though tempered by the breeze. Here, cold spells with snow and frost may occur in winter as well as heat waves in summer.
Here are the average temperatures in Edirne.
Edirne - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January073.4314538
February1105.4335041.8
March4148.9385848
April72013.6456856.4
May122618.8547865.8
June163023.1618673.6
July183325.5659177.8
August183325.7659278.3
September142821588269.9
October102115.4507059.8
November5149.9425849.8
December184.8344740.6
Year8.920.414.6548.168.858.5

Precipitation in Edirne is not abundant, and there is a relative minimum in summer, when, however, brief thunderstorms may occur. Here is the average precipitation.
Edirne - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January652.610
February552.210
March552.212
April451.811
May602.412
June451.810
July401.66
August2515
September401.66
October652.69
November652.610
December702.811
Year62524.6112

The sun in Edirne is seen quite rarely in winter, while in summer the sky is normally clear. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.
Edirne - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January2.575
February3.5105
March4.5145
April6.5190
May8.5265
June10295
July10.5330
August10310
September8235
October5160
November3.5100
December270
Year6.22270

2- Istanbul and northern coast



In the area of Istanbul and Bursa, in the small portion of European Turkey and in the area beyond the Sea of Marmara and the Straits of Bosphorus and Dardanelles, the climate can be described as transitional Mediterranean, with relatively cold winters and hot and quite sultry summers.

Istanbul

In Istanbul, the average temperature in January is around 6.5 °C (43.5 °F), but sometimes cold air masses from the Balkan Peninsula or Russia reach this area, bringing some cold and rainy days, and even snow (in Istanbul, there are about 15 days per year with snow, mostly from December to March). Summer, when the average temperatures are around 25.5 °C (78 °F) in July and August, is the least rainy season, and August is the driest month, while autumn and winter are the rainiest seasons. Here are the average temperatures.
Istanbul - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January396.2384843.1
February3106.5384943.7
March5128.7415447.7
April81712.7476254.8
May142217.9577264.1
June182722.8658173
July213025.5708577.9
August223025.8718678.5
September182621.8647871.2
October142017.1576962.7
November91512.2486054
December5118.1425246.6
Year11.819.215.4553.366.560

The sun in Istanbul is rarely seen in winter, partly because fog can sometimes form, while in summer, the sky is often cloudless.
Istanbul - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January2.570
February390
March4.5135
April6180
May8250
June10300
July10.5320
August9.5295
September8245
October5.5165
November3.5100
December270
Year6.12220

The sea in Istanbul, very cold in winter, becomes warm enough for swimming in July and August, as we can see in the following table.
Istanbul - Sea temperature
MonthCelsius (°C)Fahrenheit (°F)
January847
February846
March846
April1051
May1560
June2169
July2474
August2576
September2272
October1966
November1458
December1152
Year15.559.9

In the southern part of this climatic zone, the ruins of ancient Troy are found.
Along the coast to the east of Istanbul, winter is slightly milder, while summer becomes progressively rainier as you move to the east.

Trabzon

For example, in Trabzon, the monthly average temperature ranges from 7.5 °C (45.5 °F) in February to 25 °C (77 °F) in August. Here are the average temperatures.
Trabzon - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January5117.9415246.3
February4117.6405245.7
March6139.2425548.6
April91511.9476053.4
May131916.3566761.3
June182421647569.9
July212724708075.2
August222824.8718276.6
September192521.6657670.8
October142117.6586963.6
November101613496155.4
December7139.9445649.8
Year12.318.615.454.165.559.5

In Trabzon, 885 millimeters (34.8 inches) of rain fall per year, with a minimum in summer. Here is the average precipitation.
Trabzon - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January853.311
February702.811
March652.610
April652.610
May5028
June5027
July351.45
August602.46
September803.19
October1204.710
November1003.99
December953.710
Year88534.8108

In Trabzon, the sun does not shine very often, as can be seen in the following table.
Trabzon - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January2.575
February390
March3100
April4.5130
May5.5175
June7205
July6180
August5160
September5150
October4.5135
November3.5110
December270
Year4.31570

In Trabzon, the sea is slightly warmer than in Istanbul and is warm enough for swimming from July to September.
Trabzon - Sea temperature
MonthCelsius (°C)Fahrenheit (°F)
January1050
February847
March947
April1152
May1661
June2271
July2577
August2679
September2475
October2068
November1660
December1254
Year16.661.8

Trabzon

3- North-east Coast



In the easternmost part of the Turkish coast of the Black Sea, east of Trabzon, from Rize to the border with Georgia, the climate can be defined as almost oceanic: the average temperature is similar to that of Trabzon, but the rains are abundant in all seasons, so that even more than 2,000 mm (80 in) of rain fall per year. However, the summer rains are not continuous, but they are concentrated in periods of bad weather which last a few days.

Rize

Here is the average precipitation in Rize.
Rize - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January2258.916
February1706.714
March1556.117
April903.516
May953.716
June1505.916
July1656.514
August1957.715
September26510.415
October3051216
November2459.614
December2509.815
Year231090.9184

In Rize, winter is milder than in the area of Istanbul, with less frequent snowfalls. Here are the average temperatures.
Rize - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January4117.4395245.4
February4117.4395245.3
March5139.2425548.5
April81612.2476154
May132016.7566862.1
June182521.2647770.2
July202724698175.1
August212824.6708376.4
September182521.5647870.8
October142117.6577163.8
November91712.8486255
December6139.3425548.7
Year11.71915.3553.166.359.5

In Rize, the sun does not shine very often, even in July and August, when there are only 5/5.5 hours of sunshine a day.
Rize - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January260
February385
March3.5115
April5145
May6180
June6.5195
July5.5175
August5160
September5155
October4125
November385
December260
Year4.21550

4- West Coast



Along the west coast of Turkey, overlooking the Aegean Sea, where the remains of ancient Greek cities like Pergamum and Ephesus are found, the climate is Mediterranean, with mild, relatively rainy winters and hot and sunny summers. The summer is tempered by the breeze along the coasts and the islands of the Aegean Sea, though at times the breeze is replaced by a strong and persistent wind from the north, called Meltem.

Izmir

In Izmir (or Smyrna), winter is mild, with an average in January around 8 °C (46.5 °F); cold waves may still occur, but they are shorter and rarer than in the area of Istanbul. There are on average only 3 days with snowfall per year.
Summer is sunny and hot. High-temperature records are around 43 °C (109.5 °F). Here are the average temperatures.
Izmir - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January4128395446.4
February4138.8405647.9
March71711.6446252.8
April92115.1497059.2
May142620.3588068.6
June183124.9658976.8
July213427.4699381.4
August213427.3709381.2
September173023.1628573.5
October132518.7557665.6
November81913.5476556.2
December5149.5425749.1
Year11.82317.3553.373.463.5

The sun in Izmir shines regularly in summer, while in winter there is an alternation between cloudy and sunny days.
Izmir - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January4.5135
February5140
March6.5195
April7.5220
May9.5295
June11.5340
July12375
August11.5355
September10300
October7.5225
November5.5160
December4125
Year7.82865

Owing to the north wind that prevents the sea from warming in summer by mixing the water layers, the sea near Izmir is never very warm.
Izmir - Sea temperature
MonthCelsius (°C)Fahrenheit (°F)
January1660
February1559
March1559
April1661
May1966
June2272
July2474
August2476
September2374
October2170
November1865
December1762
Year19.266.6

The amount of rainfall on the west coast goes between 700 and 1,000 millimeters (27 and 40 inches) per year, with a maximum in winter and a minimum in summer, when it almost never rains.

5- South Coast



Along the southern coast of Turkey, and in the short stretch of coast north of Syria, the climate is still Mediterranean, though warmer than on the west coast, and even more so than on the Black Sea coast. Winters are quite mild, with average highs around 15 °C (59 °F), while in summer, the maximum temperatures are definitely hot, ranging between 30 and 35 °C (86 and 95 °F). Rainfall is concentrated from mid-October to mid-April, when it can be abundant, and can sometimes be torrential, particularly on the slopes facing west and southwest.

Antalya

In Antalya, about 1,050 mm (41.5 in) of rain fall per year, but it almost never rains from June to Spetember, while the rains are abundant in winter. Here is the average precipitation.
Antalya - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January2108.313
February1154.511
March953.710
April652.68
May351.47
June100.43
July40.21
August50.21
September200.83
October7536
November1505.98
December27010.612
Year106041.784

In Antalya, the monthly average temperature ranges from 10.5 °C (51 °F) in January to as high as 29 °C (84 °F) in July and August.
Antalya - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January51510.3425950.5
February61611.1436151.9
March81813.2466555.8
April112216.5527161.6
May152620.9608069.6
June203225.8688978.4
July233529749584.2
August243529.2749584.5
September203225.8688978.4
October162721.5608170.7
November102216517160.7
December71711.9456253.4
Year13.924.719.2556.976.566.5

In Antalya, the sun shines quite often even in winter, except in periods of bad weather, while in summer the sky is normally clear.
Antalya - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January5150
February6160
March6.5200
April7.5230
May9.5290
June11330
July11345
August10.5325
September9275
October7.5230
November6175
December4.5145
Year7.92865

Near Antalya the sea is warmer than in the north and west coast, and it's warm enough for swimming from June to October.
Antalya - Sea temperature
MonthCelsius (°C)Fahrenheit (°F)
January1763
February1762
March1762
April1864
May2169
June2476
July2780
August2883
September2781
October2476
November2170
December1966
Year21.771.1

6- Anatolian Plateau



In the vast inland plateau, the climate is continental, with significant variations both between night and day and between winter and summer. Precipitation is scarce, around 300/500 mm (12/20 in) per year, with a maximum in winter and minimum in summer, which is normally sunny. In this area, the climate is fairly uniform, and varies mainly with altitude, however, it becomes progressively more continental when going towards the east.

Ankara

The capital of Turkey, Ankara, is located in the center of the plateau, about 900 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level. Here, winter is cold and snowy, with a January average of 0.5 °C (33 °F), but the temperature can go down to -20 °C (-4 °F) during cold air outbreaks from Russia. Summer is hot and dry, sometimes scorching during the day, when temperatures can reach 38/40 °C (100/104 °F) in the worst moments, while nights remain generally cool. Here are the average temperatures.
Ankara - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January-450.5254132.9
February-372.1264535.8
March0126.1325442.9
April41710.6396351.1
May92315.7487360.3
June132720558168.1
July163123.5618874.3
August163123.7618874.6
September112718.8528065.8
October62113.3436956
November0136.4325543.6
December-272.2284436
Year5.518.411.954265.153.5

In Ankara, annual precipitation is around 400 mm (15.5 in), so it's not abundant. Here is the average precipitation.
Ankara - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January301.26
February351.47
March351.47
April552.29
May451.87
June351.45
July200.82
August150.62
September150.63
October301.24
November351.46
December451.88
Year39015.465

The sun in Ankara is rarely seen in winter, while in summer it shines regularly.
Ankara - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January2.570
February3.5100
March5160
April6.5190
May4120
June10305
July11345
August10.5320
September9275
October6.5195
November4125
December270
Year6.22265

In this area, at about 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level, we find the region of Cappadocia, where lies the city of Goreme, famous for the "fairy chimneys" or "earth pyramids". Here, the climate is similar to that of Ankara: the average January temperature is just below freezing (0 °C or 32 °F), and snow is quite frequent (the landscape of this region takes on an even more magical appearance under the snow), while the average in July and August is around 22 °C (72 °F), with highs around 29 °C (84 °F), but with possible scorching days.
Goreme

7- Eastern Plateau



In the easternmost provinces, near the border with Georgia, Armenia and Iran, the climate is really harsh, not only because of the higher altitude, which generally ranges between 1,200 and 1,600 meters (3,900 and 5,200 feet), but also because of the proximity to Russia, from which cold air masses can arrive; in fact, during winter this is one of the coldest areas not only of Turkey, but of the entire Europe. Lake Van, at 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) above sea level, is large enough to temper a little the climate, especially in winter, when the average temperature along its banks is around -4/-2 °C (25/28 °F), but further to the north, in the provinces of Erzurum and Kars, the January average drops to nearly -10 °C (14 °F) at 1,500 meters (5,000 feet).

Van

These are the average temperatures of Van, located near the lake of the same name.
Van - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January-73-2.4193727.8
February-63-1.6203829.1
March-272.5284536.5
April3137.9375646.3
May71812.6456554.7
June112417.3527563.1
July152721588169.7
August142821.2588270.1
September102417507562.5
October51811.6426452.9
November0104.9315140.8
December-550234132
Year3.7159.3538.759.149

The rainfall pattern in the eastern part of the plateau is similar to that of the central-western part: precipitation is not abundant, there are snowfalls in winter, while summers are dry. Here is the average precipitation in Van.
Van - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January5028
February401.68
March50210
April652.610
May50210
June200.84
July100.42
August50.21
September301.22
October552.27
November5028
December602.48
Year47518.776

In Van, as often happens in Turkey, the sun shines regularly in summer, while in winter there is an alternation between cloudy and sunny days.
Van - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January5155
February6160
March6.5200
April7.5230
May9.5295
June11.5350
July12370
August11345
September10305
October7.5230
November6175
December4125
Year8.12955

Erzurum

In Erzurum, a city of 360,000 inhabitants in the north-east of Turkey, 1,700 meters (5,600 ft) above sea level, the average temperature in January is -10.5 °C (13 °F), so it's colder than in a northern Europe city like Helsinki. The absolute cold record is -37 °C (-34.5 °F), and that of April is still -22 °C (-7.5 °F). Summer is quite warm during the day, but nights remain cool, and sometimes even cold. There are, however, also hot days. The highest record is 38 °C (100.4 °F).
Precipitation is not abundant, only 400 mm (15.7 in) per year, with two minima in summer and winter and a maximum in spring. During winter, however, snowfall occurs quite often, and it can sometimes be abundant.
Here are the average temperatures.
Erzurum - Average temperatures (1991-2020)
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January-17-4-10.412513.3
February-16-2-9.132815.6
March-84-2.1173928.2
April-1125.5305441.9
May31810.3376450.5
June62314.3427357.7
July102818.6498265.4
August102819498366.2
September42413.8397456.8
October0178.2316246.7
November-770.2204532.4
December-13-1-7.283019
Year-2.512.85.1527.555.141

8- High Mountains



In Turkey, there are several mountainous areas, where the altitude exceeds 2,000 meters (6,500 feet). For instance, in the northwest, near Bursa, in the Olympus of Mysia (Uludag), you will find the most famous winter sports resorts of the country. In addition, there are much higher mountains in the north-east (Pontus), in the south-west (Taurus), and in the eastern region, where we find Mount Ararat, which stands out with its 5,165 meters (16,945 feet). In the map above, we colored the mountainous areas in brown. Here, the climate is Alpine, and of course the temperature decreases with altitude. At higher altitudes, for instance on Mount Ararat, glaciers are found.

9- Southern semi-desert areas



In the south-eastern provinces, near the border with Syria and Iraq, from Diyarbakir and Batman towards the south, the altitude ranges between 400 and 700 meters (1,300 and 2,300 feet). Here, the winter is quite cold, averaging a few degrees above freezing, but with possible snowfalls and frosts, which are more frequent in the northern part, but the main feature of this area is the hot summer, when temperatures can exceed 45 °C (113 °F).

Diyarbakir

In Diyarbakir, 680 meters (2,200 feet) above sea level, the average temperature ranges from 2 °C (35.5 °F) in January to 30 °C (86 °F) in July, when highs are around 38 °C (100 °F). The lowest recorded temperature is -23 °C (-9.5 °F), while the highest is no less than 46 °C (115 °F).
Diyarbakir - Average temperatures
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January-272.5284536.5
February-194304839.2
March2148365746.4
April72013.5456856.3
May112719528166.2
June163324.5619176.1
July2238307210086
August213829.57010085.1
September163324.5619176.1
October102517.5507763.5
November41610396150
December094.5324840.1
Year8.922.515.654872.560

Here too, precipitation is not abundant and is concentrated in the cold half of the year, while in summer, it rains very rarely. Here is the average precipitation.
Diyarbakir - Average precipitation
MonthMillimetersInchesDays
January702.814
February702.813
March652.613
April702.813
May401.610
June80.33
July101
August100
September30.11
October301.27
November552.210
December702.814
Year48018.999

In the south-east of Turkey too, the sun shines regularly in summer, while in winter, there is an alternation between cloudy days and sunny days.
Diyarbakir - Sunshine hours
MonthAverageTotal
January4120
February5135
March5.5175
April7205
May9.5300
June12365
July12.5390
August11.5365
September10295
October7.5230
November5.5160
December4120
Year7.82860

Cizre

Further south, in Cizre, at 400 meters (1,300 feet), near the border with Syria, the average maximum in July is as high as 41 °C (106 °F), while the daily average in January is 6.5 °C (43.5 °F), so winter is usually quite mild. Here are the average temperatures.
Cizre - Average temperatures
MonthMin (°C)Max (°C)Mean (°C)Min (°F)Max (°F)Mean (°F)
January2116.5365243.7
February4138.5395547.3
March71712456353.6
April112216.5527261.7
May152922598471.6
June203628689782.4
July2341327310689.6
August2240317210487.8
September193627.5669781.5
October142821578269.8
November81913.5466656.3
December4138.5395547.3
Year12.525.518.9554.477.966

Given its proximity to the mountains, the rains in Cizre are a bit more abundant, around 730 millimeters (29 inches) per year, but here too, in summer it rains very rarely.

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