WEATHER

Although Turkey is situated in large Mediterranean geographical location where climatic conditions are quite temperate, diverse nature of the landscape, and the existence in particular of the mountains that run parallel to the coasts, result in significant differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other. While the coastal areas enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolian plateau experiences extremes of hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.

In Istanbul and around the Sea of Marmara the climate is moderate (winter 4°C and summer 27°C); In winter however the temperatures can drop below zero. In Western Anatolia, there is a mild Mediterranean climate with average temperatures of 9°C in winter and 29°C in summer. The inhabitants of Istanbul enjoy all four seasons. The characteristic weather here is a somewhat cooler version of the Mediterranean climate: June is half spring, half summer. In July and August, except for perhaps two or three hot weeks, there are sometimes even cloudy or cool days. The weather can be undependable in a region with such a blending of lands and seas. Morning clouds may clear toward noon and invite the sun.

Average annual temperature: 13.7°C (56.6 °F)

Coldest month: February 5°C (41°F)

Hottest months: July-August 22-23°C (72-74°F)

Average annual precipitation: 691mm (27 inches)

Average snowy days: 7

In summer (June-September) wear cool cotton clothing, a hat, and sunblock lotion, but have a light sweater for cool evenings; rain won't be a big problem, although you may encounter it along the Black Sea coast and in the East. In the Southeast, be prepare for hot, hot weather.

For current Turkish weather forecasts, look at this site.