The climate of Ankara
Ankara,
Turkey experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm summers, under the Köppen climate classification, Csb. Geographically, Ankara occupies the central position of Turkey, surrounded by high mountains, which greatly influences its weather pattern. This allows Ankara to experience seasonally distinct weather conditions throughout the year.
Temperatures in Ankara experience significant fluctuations over the year. The city witnesses its warmest period in
July and
August with temperatures reaching up to 30.2°C (86.4°F) and 30.3°C (86.5°F) respectively, while the coldest month is
January with temperatures dipping as low as -3°C (26.6°F). Ankara records rainfall throughout the year, with
December documenting the highest rainfall of 44mm (1.73"), and the lowest in August at 11mm (0.43"). It’s noteworthy that the city experiences the most daylight hours in
June at 15 hours, and the least amount in December at 9.4 hours.
The average hours of sunshine Ankara receives also varies with the seasons. The maximum sunshine hours can be found in July and August, with 11.3 hours and 11.6 hours respectively. In contrast, December reveals the fewest sunshine hours, at just 2.3 hours on average.
The best time to visit Ankara
Tourists will find the spring months of
April to
June to be the most delightful time to experience
Ankara. In this period, the city basks in a comfortable temperature range from 11.6°C (52.9°F) to 26.6°C (79.9°F), which is accompanied by rainfall that ranges from 35mm (1.38") to 47mm (1.85"). On top of that, the daylight hours increase from 12 hours to 15 hours, providing more time to explore the city.
The worst time to visit Ankara
The coldest months from
December to
February make for a less desirable time to visit
Ankara. The average high temperatures only reach between 4.4°C (39.9°F) and 6.6°C (43.9°F), with lows dropping to -3°C (26.6°F). Rainfall is comparatively high during these months, ranging from 37mm (1.46") to 44mm (1.73"), coupled with shorter daylight hours from 9.4 hours to 10.7 hours.
Spring weather in Ankara
Spring in
Ankara ushers in warming temperatures and longer daylight hours than winter.
March begins with an average high of 11.6°C (52.9°F) and low of 0.9°C (33.6°F), while
May ends with a high of 22.2°C (72°F) and low of 9.6°C (49.3°F). Rainfall is frequent during this season, starting from 40mm (1.57") in March and rising to 52mm (2.05") in May. An average daylight duration of 12 hours in March extends to 14.4 hours by May.
Summer weather in Ankara
During summer,
Ankara experiences its highest temperatures, peaking in
July and
August at 30.2°C (86.4°F) and 30.3°C (86.5°F), with night temperatures averaging around 15.9°C (60.6°F) and 16°C (60.8°F). Rainfall decreases substantially in this period, with August being the driest month at 11mm (0.43"). This period also marks the longest average daylight hours, reaching up to 15 hours in
June.
Autumn weather in Ankara
Cooling temperatures define the autumn climate in
Ankara.
September starts with an average high of 26°C (78.8°F) and low of 11.8°C (53.2°F), leading to
November which has a high of 12.8°C (55°F) and low of 2.4°C (36.3°F). Rainfall rises gradually, starting from 19mm (0.75") in September and ending with 32mm (1.26") in November. Subsequently, the daylight hours decrease from 12.5 hours in September to 10 hours in November.
Winter weather in Ankara
Winter in
Ankara is characterized by the city’s coldest months. The average high temperature during this season ranges from 6.6°C (43.9°F) in
December to 4.4°C (39.9°F) in
January. Additionally, the average low temperature drops to -0.7°C (30.7°F) in December. Rainfall is relatively high during winter, with the maximum registered in December at 44mm (1.73").
Weather in January
Ankara starts out the year with a cold month, the winter season bringing frosty temperatures. The average high temperature for the month is a chilly 4.4°C (39.9°F), and can drop as low as -3°C (26.6°F). You will typically find residents bundled up in warm attire to manage the cold.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Continuing from the cold
January,
February's weather in
Ankara is still characterized by frosty temperatures but gets slightly warmer. Rainfall is slightly less compared to January, but the skies are still predominantly cloudy.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Ankara's climate in
March signals the onset of spring, the weather beginning to transition into warmer temperatures. Of significance is the notable increase in daylight hours, revealing more of Ankara's fantastic landscapes. Also, the UV index starts to rise, indicating stronger sunlight.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a beautiful spring climate to
Ankara, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours. Rainfall erupts into a magnificent display of blossoming flowers, significantly enhancing the city's appeal. Daily sunshine hours also continue to increase markedly, providing more opportunities for outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The pleasant, warm climate becomes even more pronounced in
May, as
Ankara transitions fully into the spring season. This is a month well known for its clear, blue skies decorated with fluffy white clouds. This month also welcomes a considerable increase in sunshine hours, invigorating residents and tourists alike.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June kicks off the summer season in
Ankara, reflecting significant increases in both temperature and sunshine hours. Notably, the average high temperature reaches 26.6°C (79.9°F), marking it as the first real summer month. This is also the time when the city becomes significantly dry, the amount of rainfall dropping dramatically.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July presents the peak of summer in
Ankara, the city fully gripped by hot, dry weather. Expect soaring temperatures during the day, which can be a bit intense for those unaccustomed to the heat. However, the evenings are much cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The summer heat continues full swing in
August, maintaining the hot, dry conditions experienced in
July. This month also carries the distinction of having the lowest rainfall levels observed throughout the year. Even without the cooling relief of rain showers, tourism continues to thrive as many indoor facilities offer air conditioning.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September's weather in
Ankara starts to cool down, signaling the transition from summer to autumn. The temperatures begin their gradual descent, offering more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. The city's landscape starts to change once again, the leaves turning from vibrant green to pastel tones of yellow, orange, and brown.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses further progress of the autumn season in
Ankara, cooler temperatures and richer fall colors becoming increasingly prominent. This month carries significant rainfall, the increasing water levels bringing life to the city's public parks and gardens.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Ankara's climate in
November prompts residents to begin preparing for the incoming winter season. The daylight hours continue to diminish, and temperatures continue to fall, setting the stage for the cool months ahead. November can be a rather quiet time in Ankara, the city taking a brief respite before the onset of the holiday season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the onset of the winter season in
Ankara, the chill setting in as the year comes to an end. Having just entered the phase of winter, December is slightly warmer compared to the upcoming frosty months of
January and
February but expect significant temperature drop from the previous month.
Weather in December » [Resources]