When it comes to understanding Turkey's weather and climate, it is worth knowing that it is the world's 37th largest country, with several different climate zones, hence it is impossible to stereotype it. It is not unusual for people to wrap up warm in the North, while people in the south spend days sunbathing on beaches. If you want to buy a lovely home in Turkey to live your days out in the sun, basking in the beauty of the weather & climate, certain places fare better than others. So we have put together this easy guide to explain how the weather and climate are like in different regions. Before we start, let's answer a popular question. People often ask us if it snows in Turkey?
The answer is yes but only in certain parts. Istanbul sometimes sees a light sprinkling, while the heaviest snowfall generally occurs in mountainous areas, like the Northeast Kackar mountains. Additionally, places like Uludag mountain in Bursa and Erciyes in Kayseri command fame as top skiing spots. Yes, it is possible to ski in Turkey! Also, expect snow in Cappadocia during winter since this region is at a higher point above sea level. It is improbable for snowfall to occur in lower Aegean and Mediterranean areas. So, let's look at the seven different geographic regions in Turkey and what visitors can expect from the weather.
Mediterranean Turkey offers the best weather and temperatures. Long hot summers mean swimming, sunbathing, and generally enjoying the t-shirt and shorts weather. Winter months experience up to 200 millimetres of rain per month, while in summer months, it is rare to experience any rain at all. In this region, popular Turkish tourism, and holiday home destinations such as Antalya, Kalkan, Kas, Side, and Alanya; all experience superb summer weather almost year-round. During winter, expect temperatures of around the 15 degrees Celsius mark. In comparison, summer months soar to a hot 35 degrees Celsius giving ample time in the sun—more about the Turkish Mediterranean region.
Like the Med, expect hot summers and mild winters. Winter rarely sees snows but expect heavy rainfall, humidity, and thunderstorms around January and February. Rainfall measures around 100 millimetres per month during winter, while in summer, it rarely rains at all. Ideal weather conditions in Aegean Turkey promote healthy tourism industries, and many foreigners also buy summer holiday homes here in places like Bodrum, Izmir, Kusadasi, Marmaris, and Altinkum. Winter temperatures average around 15 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures max out at approximately 36 degrees Celsius, meaning you have a pleasantly warm climate year-round to enjoy. Find out more about Aegean Turkey.
The Black Sea region of Turkey is home to some of the strangest weather changes seen in Turkey. Expect to see an even distribution of rain throughout the year. This is the only region in Turkey where you will see a lot of rain; who would have thought, rain in Turkey? On average, expect around 130 millimetres of rain per month during winter and about 60 millimetres of rain per month during the spring and summer months. Expect some snow during winter and humid air—temperature range: 5 degrees Celsius during winter, to a warmer 25 degrees Celsius during the summer. Reasons to explore the Black sea.
In this region of Turkey, expect hot and dry summers and cold and chilly winters. Rainfall in Central Anatolia will be at a maximum of around 55 millimetres per month during spring. At the same time, there is hardly a drop of rainfall in the sky in summer, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the sunrays and Turkish sunshine. Temperature range: Temperature range from as low as -7 degrees Celsius in winter up to a hot 29 degrees Celsius in summer.
Eastern Anatolia is home to one of the most severe climate swings found in Turkey. Harsh and cold winters mean wrapping up warm, while hot summer temperatures reach as high as 40 degrees. Because it is located at a high altitude and is not near water, the winter months can last long, some even from October to May. Rain remains constant throughout the year, with an average of 25 millimetres falling per month. Temperature range: During winter, temperatures drop to a vast -40 degrees Celsius, while it generally ranges at around -10 degrees Celsius. Summer months heat up to approximately 27 degrees Celsius.
Like Central Anatolia, expect cold winters and long, hot, and dry summers. You might experience a little bit of snow during winters, while during summers, expect plenty of hot days with t-shirt weather lasting months on end. There is an average of 60 millimetres of rain during winter, while summer months will see not a drop of rain for months. Temperature range: Winter months will see the temperature drop to around -1 degrees Celsius, while summer months will see temperatures soar to a hot 40 degrees Celsius.
Home to Turkey's big city Istanbul. Weather in Istanbul is generally quite humid, with up to 80% humidity on some days, resulting in some fog in some city areas. Winter in Istanbul is often colder than in other cities, and snow occurs, but summer is delightfully hot. However, Marmara is considered a Mediterranean/subtropical climate along the southern coast of Turkey and an oceanic climate along the northern coast.
There is a range of climates found within this region, but summers are generally hot, and winters usually cold with a chance of snow. Temperature range: Winters range typically at around 10 degrees Celsius, while summer reaches up to 29 degrees Celsius and about 100 millimetres of rain per month in winter. That is our round-up of information regarding the weather and climate in Turkey, but you might also find the following article of interest.
Turkey's Regions: As mentioned before, Turkey is unique in that each region has different geography, topography, and climates zone. They also differ in terms of culture, history, and regional food. In this article, we discuss each region in-depth and list why they should be on your bucket list.
About Us: We are Property Turkey investment and lifestyle specialists who have helped thousands of buyers purchase holiday homes or residences for all-year-round living. We have taken our years of experience and in-depth local knowledge to form our blog about Turkey, full of helpful information for holidaymakers and expats.