Does It Snow In Turkey

Yes, it snows in some areas of Turkey, but not all throughout the country. The snowiest region of Turkey is the eastern province of Erzurum, which sees an average of 241 cm (95 in) of snow each year.

Other mountainous areas near the Black Sea also receive significant snowfall. However, in central and western Turkey the climate is much drier and snow is rare.

Turkey

Turkey is a country located in the Middle East and Southeast Europe. It borders eight countries: Bulgaria to the northwest; Greece to the west; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the southeast.

The Mediterranean Sea lies to Turkey’s south, and the Black Sea lies to its north. Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Adana, Mersin, and Antalya are some of Turkey’s largest metropolitan areas.

Turkey is home to a diverse array of cultures, religions, and languages. It is an incredibly rich destination for travelers interested in history and culture, with many archaeological sites making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited locations on Earth.

The country’s landscape ranges from subtropical beaches to high mountains and forests. With its bustling cities, vibrant nightlife, and stunning natural beauty, Turkey has plenty to offer. Whether you’re a city-dweller looking for adventure or an outdoorsy type looking for a more relaxed experience, Turkey is a traveler’s paradise. 

Turkey For Travel

Turkey is a country of rich culture and history, as well as stunning natural beauty. There are countless attractions here to explore, from the cities and ancient sites to its vast coastline.

The beaches in Turkey rival any in the world. Its Mediterranean coastline is fringed with picturesque coves and long stretches of soft sand. There are plenty of activities for beach lovers, from swimming to sailing and even scuba diving. 

Turkey also has some of the best cuisines in the world. Dishes like Mezes, Dolmas, and Kebabs are just some of the delicious dishes you can try. And if you’re looking for something a little different, there are also plenty of delightful local treats to sample. 

Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, this diverse country is sure to offer something to satisfy your wanderlust. If you’re looking for an amazing and exotic travel destination, look no further than Turkey.

Turkey Climate

Turkey is a fascinating country located in the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Europe, with a variety of climates ranging from temperate to subtropical. The climate is largely affected by the diverse geography of the country, resulting in varied weather patterns that can vary greatly depending on location.

In general, Turkey has a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. In the coastal areas and along the Black Sea coast, average temperatures are around 55°F (13°C) in the winter and 75°F (24°C) in the summer. Inland cities tend to have colder winters with average temperatures dropping to 38-40°F (3-4 °C).

Summers are hot but can be cooler than coastal areas with temperatures reaching 82°F (28°C). At higher altitudes in the mountainous regions of Turkey, winter temperatures range from 32 to 40°F (0 to 4°C) while summers reach up to 78°F (26 °C). Snowfall is common throughout these regions during winter.

Winter In Turkey

Most people think of Turkey as a hot, dry country. And while it is true that the summers are quite warm, the winters can be quite cold. In fact, the average temperature in Ankara during December, January, and February can be very chilly!

The winter months in Turkey bring with them plenty of opportunities to explore. Whether it’s skiing the slopes at Uludag or exploring the snow-covered landscapes of Cappadocia, there’s no shortage of unique winter experiences to be had. The crowds are smaller and prices tend to drop, making it a great time to visit.

The winter weather also brings one of Turkey’s most beautiful natural phenomena – snow! While the snowfall can vary from year to year, it can be quite breathtaking when it does come down, transforming entire landscapes and making for some amazing photo opportunities.

When Does It Snow In Turkey

Snowfall in Turkey is a seasonal occurrence and typically starts in late November or early December and continues until March or April.

Snow usually falls first in the Black Sea region of northeastern Turkey, followed by the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, the Central Anatolia plateau, and then the Marmara region. Generally speaking, snowfall is more common and more severe in the interior, particularly on the high mountain plateaus.

The cities of Istanbul and Izmir rarely get any snow aside from an occasional flurry or light dusting, but nearby ski resorts such as Palandoken, Konakli, Uludag, and Erciyes are havens for winter sports activities like skiing and snowboarding. Ski season usually runs from December to April, depending on the resort and conditions.

December Climate And Snowfall In Turkey

December in Turkey is a time of transition, as winter slowly begins to take hold over the country. Temperatures throughout the month can be quite variable, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) in the east to 13°C (55°F) in the west.

In some areas of the south and southeast, temperatures can dip below freezing. The highest recorded temperature in December was 47°C (117°F) in Istanbul, and the lowest ever recorded was -25°C (-13°F) in Erzurum.

Snowfall is common throughout Turkey during the winter months, but due to its geographical diversity, snowfall varies significantly from region to region. The coastal areas of the Marmara Sea, for example, generally experience little snowfall in December.

In contrast, most of the mountainous regions of eastern Turkey have abundant snowfall during this time, with some areas receiving up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) of snow. Ski resorts in the regions of Erzurum, Kayseri, and Uludag are excellent winter destinations for skiing and snowboarding.

January Climate And Snowfall In Turkey

January in Turkey is a time of unpredictable weather and varying temperatures. The winter months of December, January, and February bring colder temperatures to some areas of the country and milder temperatures to others.

On average, the temperature during this season ranges from about 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) in the coastal regions near Istanbul to -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) in the mountainous regions of eastern Turkey.

As far as snowfall goes, most of the country experiences some degree of it during this time of year. The snow line usually hovers around 700 meters above sea level and higher elevations usually receive more significant amounts of snowfall.

February Climate And Snowfall In Turkey

February is a month of transition in Turkey, as the winter season starts to make way for the milder air of spring. During this period, temperatures across the country begin to rise, with average lows around 4°C (39°F) in the coastal regions and between -7°C and 5°C (19-41°F) in the interior.

The snowfall during this time varies greatly from region to region, with some areas receiving no snow at all and others experiencing a heavy blanket of white. The peaks of the northeast tend to get the most snowfall, though it is also possible for parts of Istanbul and western Turkey to receive a few inches as well.

If you’re visiting Turkey during this time of year, be sure to bring warm clothing.

Where Does It Snow In Turkey

Turkey is an incredible country with a varied landscape, from its balmy coastline on the Mediterranean Sea to its southern border with Syria and Iraq. This diverse geography means that Turkey experiences a wide range of climates, including those regions where it snows.

In the northern part of the country, snowfall is common during winter months. The Black Sea region is the most likely area for snowfall, with coastal cities such as Trabzon and Rize receiving heavy snow.

Further east, on the Anatolian Plateau in central Turkey, skiing opportunities can be found at Mount Uludag near Bursa, Erciyes near Kayseri, and Palandöken near Erzurum.

The ski season in Turkey typically lasts from December to mid-April, although snowfall can vary between regions and years.

The Kackar Mountains near the town of Rize on the Black Sea coast receive some of the heaviest snowfall in Turkey, making them a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts as well.

Winter And Snow In Turkey Cities

Winter And Snow In Istanbul

The winter in Istanbul is fairly mild, but temperatures can still drop below freezing during the coldest months from December to February. During this time, the average temperature tends to range from 42°F (5°C) during the day up to 34°F (1°C) at night. This is typically accompanied by overcast skies and intermittent rain.

Snowfall in Istanbul is rare, with the most significant snowfall occurring twice in a lifetime on average. The city’s location on the Bosporus Strait and its proximity to the Black Sea can minimize snowfall significantly. Still, significant snowflakes are not unheard of and have been recorded throughout history.

Travelers visiting Istanbul during the winter months should be sure to dress appropriately for the colder weather. The average temperature in winter ranges from 42°F (5°C) during the day and 34°F (1°C). It is important to pack warm clothes such as sweaters, jackets, scarves, hats, gloves and long pants.

Winter And Snow In Ankara

Winter in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is often characterized by cold and dry weather. Temperatures usually range from 14 to 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to -5 Celsius) during the day, dropping significantly at night.

Snowfall is a common occurrence in Ankara during winter months, with an average of 8 inches (20 cm) of snowfall reported each year. Snow typically starts falling in late November, and can continue until April.

Ankara is a great place to experience winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, as the city’s nearby mountains provide ample opportunities for these activities. The most popular ski resort near Ankara is Kartalkaya, located just over an hour away. This ski resort is known for its abundance of ski runs, each ranging from beginner to expert level.

Despite the cold weather and snowfall, Ankara is a vibrant city during winter months. The city hosts several events and festivals between December and February. Ankara is also home to an array of museums and historical sites, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate culture. 

Winter And Snow In İzmir

Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city and is located on the Aegean Sea coast, making it subject to the Mediterranean climate. During winter months, temperatures in Izmir are typically mild, ranging from 8°C (46°F) during the day to 4°C (39°F) at night.

While snow is not a common occurrence in Izmir, the city does experience snowfall at least once every winter. When snow does fall, it usually begins to accumulate on rooftops and streets around midday. It typically melts away within 24 hours of falling, so take advantage of it while you can!

Traveling to Izmir in winter can be a unique and rewarding experience. The snow can provide a beautiful backdrop for holiday photographs and memories that will last a lifetime. Izmir has many scenic areas that are perfect for taking pictures in the snow, including mountaintops, parks, and beaches.