Weather in Ankara Province

Ankara, Turkey: Climate and Weather Year Round

Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is located in the central part of the country. It has a transitional climate between a Mediterranean and a continental climate, with hot and dry summers and cold winters. The city experiences all four seasons distinctly, with variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year.

Temperature

The average annual temperature in Ankara is around 12.9 degrees Celsius (55.2 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are generally hot, with average high temperatures ranging from 29 to 33 degrees Celsius (84 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit) in July and August. Winters are cold, with average low temperatures dropping to around -6 degrees Celsius (21 degrees Fahrenheit) in January.

The temperature variation between day and night can be quite significant, especially during the summer months. It is not uncommon for temperatures to drop by 10 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit) or more in the evening, providing relief from the daytime heat.

Precipitation

Ankara has a semi-arid climate, with relatively low annual precipitation. The city receives an average of 415 millimeters (16.3 inches) of rainfall annually, which is spread fairly evenly throughout the year. The wettest months are May and June, with an average of 55 millimeters (2.2 inches) of rainfall per month.

During the winter months, precipitation in Ankara mostly falls as snow. The city receives an average of 66 centimeters (26 inches) of snowfall per year. The snow cover can last for several days or even weeks, especially in January and February, when temperatures are at their lowest.

Sunshine

Ankara enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 2,805 hours of sunshine annually. This translates to approximately 7.7 hours of sunshine per day. The sunniest months are July and August, with an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day.

Wind

The city of Ankara experiences moderate to strong winds throughout the year. The prevailing winds blow from the west and northwest directions. The wind speed averages around 13 kilometers per hour (8 miles per hour), with occasional gusts reaching higher speeds during storms or thunderstorms.

Climate Graph

Here is a climate graph depicting the average monthly temperatures and rainfall in Ankara:

Climate Classification

Ankara's climate falls under the Köppen climate classification system as a Dsb climate. This classification indicates a dry-summer continental climate with cold winters and hot summers.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ankara is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) months when temperatures are mild and pleasant. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Summer (July to August) can be hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). However, if you can tolerate the heat, this is also a good time to visit Ankara as it offers longer daylight hours and a vibrant atmosphere.

Winter (December to February) can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall. If you enjoy winter sports and activities, this can be an excellent time to visit Ankara, as nearby ski resorts offer a range of winter sports facilities.

Conclusion

Ankara experiences a transitional climate with hot and dry summers and cold winters. The city has a moderate amount of rainfall spread throughout the year, with snowfall occurring during the winter months. With its abundance of sunshine and moderate to strong winds, Ankara offers a diverse climate that caters to different preferences and activities throughout the year.