The climate in Turkey depends on the specific topography of the area, is distinguished by a pronounced vertical gradation and inhomogeneous transitions of climatic zones. In addition, the coasts of the four seas have a huge impact on the weather. By the way, only 3% of Turkey's territory is located on the Balkan Peninsula of Europe, while 97% belong to Asia.
Briefly about climatic zones
Turkey has a large length and area, therefore, the influence of five belts is noticeable on the territory of the country. The Black Sea coast is considered the coolest coastal and wettest part of the country. It is located in the transition zone of the subtropics and temperate maritime climate. The distribution of precipitation throughout the year is uniform, and the temperature indicators are kept within the range of +6 ° С in winter and + 16–32 ° С in summer.
The coasts of the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean Seas are a subtropical climatic zone characterized by a humid warm winter with average air temperatures of + 7-10 ° C and hot summers + 24-26 ° C. Precipitation is observed mainly in winter.
The weather on the coast of the Sea of Marmara is slightly different, which is characterized by a colder winter season and a rainy summer.
Located inland, Eastern and Central Anatolia has signs of a continental climate. Winters for Turkey are cold here - minus 2-16 ° С and snowy, and summers are dry and hot.
The Armenian Highlands are characterized by daily temperature changes and an abundance of precipitation in winter, which indicates that it belongs to a temperate mountain climate. The plains of southeastern Turkey belong to the semi-desert climate zone.
Features of winter weather
With the onset of winter, the swimming season closes on the coasts, although the water temperature is +18 ° C and is often higher than the air temperature. The closing of the season is connected with windy and rainy weather.
The winter climate in Turkey differs by region: with a daytime air temperature of -9 ° C in Erzum, Antalya can boast a temperature of + 10 ° C. Time to think about skiing.
The period of New Year and Christmas holidays is especially popular among tourists. You can find a lot of options for any requests for the equipment of the tracks and the comfort of the hotels.
The most popular Turkish ski resorts include Palandoken, Sarikamish, Uludag. Throughout the winter in the mountains, the air temperature ranges from -5 ° C to +3 ° C in the daytime with minus indicators at night.
January is the coldest month, sometimes with frosts down to -17 ° C and heavy snowfalls. February temperatures are not much higher than January temperatures.
You can see how many degrees in winter in Turkey in popular cities, you can in the table:
| Month / city | Uludag | Istanbul | Palandoken | Izmir | Antalya |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | +9 | +11 | -2 | +12 | +15 |
| January | +7 | +9 | -4 | +11 | +13 |
| February | +10 | +10 | -3 | +13 | +14 |
What a spring in Turkey
The beginning of spring is not so attractive for rest, as March is rainy and cool. Only lovers of snowboarding and skiing will enjoy the first spring month with the weather and prices, which are slightly lower than those of February.
By mid-April, the first vacationers appear on the beaches, although the water temperature is not very comfortable. But the abundantly flowering plants dispose to various walks and sightseeing. At this time, you can visit Oludeniz - the center of paragliding, where the season of flights from the heights of Babadag opens.
May temperatures are higher: even the water warms up so much that bathing becomes pleasant. Precipitation is not frequent. It is chilly in the evenings, so you should take care of warm clothes for a trip to the May holidays. For example, Ankara at this time is characterized by + 20 ° С during the day, and +6 ° С at night. May is just the perfect time for hiking in Cappadocia and excursions around the city of Istanbul.
What is the air temperature in Turkey in spring, reflected in the table:
| Month / city | Izmir | Sinop | Antalya | Trabzon | Istanbul |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | +16 | +11 | +17 | +12 | +12 |
| April | +20 | +14 | +21 | +15 | +17 |
| May | +25 | +19 | +25 | +20 | +22 |
About hot summer and not only
In summer, the season of beach and water activities is in full swing. The air temperature rises every June day, gradually turning into heat, and the water temperature reaches + 27 ° C. June is the best time for charter sea travel and rafting.
July-August is not only the hottest days of summer, but also the peak of the tourist season. The warmest resort in Turkey - Antalya - is located on the Mediterranean coast, in the zone of the so-called Turkish Riviera.
Its suburbs - Kemer and Side - are famous resort centers. Here, even at night, the temperature indicators of water +29 ° С and air +20 ° С are preserved. In July, yachting enthusiasts flock to Marmaris.
Overview of summer air temperatures by resort cities:
| Month / city | Istanbul | And peace | Trabzon | Antalya | Sinop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | +27 | +30 | +24 | +30 | +24 |
| July | +30 | +33 | +26 | +35 | +27 |
| August | +29 | +33 | +27 | +35 | +28 |
The August heat transfers the main entertainment of young people to the evening and night hours. With daytime indicators up to +40 ° C, scuba diving will be the best activity. For this, diving fans come to Fethiye, adjacent to the Oludeniz lagoon.
Contrasting Turkish Autumn
As in many coastal countries, the autumn season is divided into two seasons. Favorite by tourists "velvet" lasts until mid-October.
Water temperature in Turkey by months of autumn at famous resorts:
| Month / city | Antalya | Izmir | Sinop | Istanbul | Trabzon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | +28 | +24 | +23 | +23 | +25 |
| October | +25 | +21 | +19 | +19 | +21 |
| November | +22 | +18 | +15 | +15 | +17 |
Vacationers enjoy comfortable temperatures during the day and moderate coolness at night. Precipitation is occasionally observed.
Daylight hours have been reduced since October. The rainy season in Turkey traditionally begins in the second half of the month. There is a sharp drop in temperatures, precipitation is more frequent, cold winds from the sea are increasingly visiting the coast. When booking tours during this period, the traveler should prepare warm clothes.
The demand for yacht rental and diving is gradually falling, prices for them are decreasing. In November, rainy and cold autumn weather is present throughout the country. This is not the most comfortable time to travel to Turkey.
You can familiarize yourself with the temperature indicators of air in the fall below:
| Month / city | Ankara | Adana | Antalya | Istanbul | Sinop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | +27 | +33 | +31 | +26 | +25 |
| October | +19 | +28 | +26 | +20 | +19 |
| November | +12 | +21 | +20 | +16 | +15 |
A little about the tourist seasons
The natural conditions of the country throughout the year are conducive to various types of recreation. Ski centers receive tourists mainly in December-March. The exception is Palandoken, where the skiing season lasts from November to May.
If the March weather is still not good enough for swimming and restricts vacationers to pools in hotels and water parks, then from April the real holiday season in Turkey begins.
The maximum arrivals are in the second half of the summer. Those who are considering more economical travel options should pay attention to September – October or April.
From mid-May to early July, temperatures are comfortable throughout the country, which is very attractive for family trips. The sun is not yet scorching enough to hide from it under the beach canopies, and the sea water is well warmed up. It was at this time that the optimal climate in Turkey for children.
It is optimal to plan an excursion tour in the middle of spring or during a warm autumn. It is recommended to go hiking in the eastern part of the country during the summer months and in September. It is important to consider: despite the heat of the day, the morning coolness in the mountains can be noticeable. On such excursions, you need to take something warm.
Natural features and unique resorts in Turkey
In terms of the diversity and richness of fauna and flora, Turkey is considered one of the most interesting countries in the Mediterranean. If the central and western parts of the country have suffered somewhat from human activities, then in the east, nature remains pristine even now.Here you can see virgin pine and cedar forests. As the altitude rises, the steppes of the Armenian Highlands are replaced by light forests and alpine meadows.
In search of unforgettable natural harmony, pay attention to the green Turkish resorts. In Belek, located in a nature reserve, you can visit the Kaprulu Canyon - the territory of the National Park with 500 hectares of pistachio, eucalyptus and cypress trees.
A spectacle of extraordinary beauty is the pearl of Fethiye - the blue Oludeniz lagoon with clear water and magical views.
A truly fabulous sight can be seen in the Valley of the Butterflies: a variety of colorful insects against the backdrop of marvelous vegetation and waterfalls.
In the very center of Antalya there is a unique miracle of nature - Damlatas cave, where you can admire stalactites and stalagmites.
Pamukkale, a city in western Turkey, is spread over white limestone terraces. It is famous for its healing geothermal springs, which can be bathed in water all year round.
Tourist notes
When choosing the time to travel, keep in mind that the dry period of the climate in Turkey begins in April and lasts until mid-autumn. The wettest season is considered to be the winter months, and in the early spring the amount of precipitation decreases markedly.
The water temperature in the Mediterranean Sea does not drop below + 17 ° С even in winter, and reaches a maximum in July-September: + 26 ° С. All year round, the water in the Mediterranean Sea is on average 3 degrees warmer than in the Black Sea.
Southeastern Anatolia is periodically covered with sandstorms in summer and spring, caused by strong hot winds blowing from the south.
Knowing these features of the Turkish climate can help you plan your trip much better.
