Climate

As a country, Turkey experiences all four seasons, but not all regions do. As a general rule, weather patterns on the coasts are different from those in the interior. The coastlines of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas experience temperate, rainy winters, with annual precipitation varying from 580-1,300 mm (22-51 in), depending on location. Summers are typically hot and moderately dry. The coastal areas around the Sea of Marmara have a more moderate climate, with temperatures ranging between 4°C (39°F) and 27°C (80°F) during the summer and dropping below 0°C (32°F) in the winter. Within Turkey, the Black Sea coast is the only region that receives rainfall year round. As such, it receives the greatest amount of rainfall, averaging 1,400 mm (55 in) annually. The annual temperatures in this area range from 23°C (73°F) in the summer down to 7°C (46°F) in the winter.

Mountains that hug the coastline act as a barrier to Mediterranean influences extending inland. As a result, the interior of Turkey enjoys a continental climate with distinct seasons. The Anatolian Plateau is subject to greater extremes in temperature and weather than the coastal areas. Winters are particularly harsh, with temperatures falling as low as -30°C (-22°F) to -40°C (-40°F) in the eastern mountainous areas although the average is -2°C (28°F). The ground may be covered with snow for 120 days of the year. Western Anatolia has a milder Mediterranean climate with average temperatures of 9°C (48°F) in winter and 29°C (84°F) in summer. Although the actual amount of rainfall depends on the elevation, annual precipitation averages around 400 mm (15 in). The Konya and the Malatya Plateaus are the driest parts of Turkey. May is the wettest month, adding to an annual rainfall of typically less than 300 mm (12 in). July and August, on the other hand, are the driest.

The most inhospitable climate can be found in the Anti-Taurus Mountain region in eastern Turkey. Summers are uncomfortably hot and very dry, while winters are extremely cold with frequent, heavy snowfall. Snowstorms can isolate villages for several days. Although spring and fall are generally mild, hot and cold spells are common.