Last updated: January 18, 2025
Diyarbakır, Turkey, is characterized by a Csa climate under the Köppen-Geiger classification, showcasing a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The region experiences a significant temperature range, with recorded minimum temperatures plummeting to -20°C (-4°F) in February, while peaks can soar to 45°C (112°F) in July. The average annual temperature hovers around 17°C (62°F), highlighting the climatic extremes that define Diyarbakır's weather patterns and influence local ecosystems and lifestyles.
Diyarbakır experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns that reflect its Mediterranean climate. The winter months of January and February are characterized by cold temperatures, with minimums dropping as low as -20°C (-4°F) and average temperatures around 5°C (41°F). As spring arrives in March and April, temperatures begin to rise, reaching maximums of 25°C (78°F) in March and peaking at 33°C (92°F) in April. By May, the heat intensifies, with summer months from June to August showcasing the region's peak temperatures, often soaring to 45°C (112°F) in July and August. The onset of fall in September marks a gradual cooling, with average temperatures declining to 26°C (79°F), leading into the cooler months of October and November, before winter returns in December with lows of -16°C (3°F). This seasonal progression highlights the dramatic shifts in temperature that define the climatic experience of Diyarbakır throughout the year.
Diyarbakir experiences a minimum temperature of -15°C (5°F) in January, soaring to a maximum of 44°C (111°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Diyarbakir. Similarly, Altinkum records a minimum of -17°C (2°F) in January and peaks at 42°C (108°F) in July, according to the monthly temperatures in Altinkum. Notably, Sur shares the same January minimum of -15°C (5°F) and reaches up to 44°C (111°F) in July, as highlighted in the monthly temperatures in Sur.
Diyarbakır's precipitation patterns demonstrate a clear seasonal distribution, with the majority of rainfall occurring from late autumn through early spring. January stands out as one of the wettest months, receiving 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain over approximately 9 days, while March peaks at 133 mm (5.2 in) amidst 14 days of rainfall. The transition into spring maintains considerable precipitation, with April and May averaging 102 mm (4.0 in) and 71 mm (2.8 in), respectively. In contrast, the summer months are characterized by a stark reduction in rainfall, particularly July and August, which receive minimal precipitation of merely 1 mm (0.0 in), resulting in virtually dry conditions.
As autumn approaches, rain begins to reemerge, although with reduced intensity compared to the winter months. October marks a slight increase in precipitation, accumulating 33 mm (1.3 in) over 2 days, followed by November with 56 mm (2.2 in) and 7 days of rainfall. December sees a resurgence of wet weather, delivering 124 mm (4.9 in) over 11 days, restoring the more humid conditions that characterize the region's cooler months. This precipitation cycle not only influences the local climate but also shapes agricultural practices and water resource management in Diyarbakır.
Diyarbakır experiences a remarkable variation in sunshine duration throughout the year, with a clear trend of increasing sunlight as the seasons transition from winter to summer. Starting with 186 hours in January, the city begins to emerge from the darker months, with February showing a noteworthy increase to 250 hours. This upward trajectory continues into spring, culminating in 339 hours in April and peaking at 396 hours in May, as longer days signal the approach of summer. June marks a pivotal moment, as sunshine hours reach 412 hours, closely followed by July, which boasts the maximum sunshine with 424 hours. These months provide the ideal conditions for outdoor activities and flourishing agriculture, showcasing Diarbakir's vibrant summer.
As summer gives way to autumn, sunshine hours gradually decline but remain significant. August experiences a slight reduction to 398 hours, while September sees a further decrease to 351 hours. The downward trend continues into October, recording 310 hours, before dropping further in November and December to 260 hours and 224 hours, respectively. Despite this decrease, the winter months still retain a respectable amount of sunlight, particularly when compared to many other regions. Overall, Diyarbakır's sunshine duration illustrates a seasonal pattern that supports varied activities and lifestyles throughout the year, fundamentally influencing the local climate and cultural practices.
In Diyarbakır, the UV Index demonstrates a pronounced seasonal variation, indicating significant changes in sun exposure from winter through summer. The year begins with moderate UV Index levels of 4 in January and 5 in February, where exposure is categorized as moderate and the recommended burn time is 30 minutes. As spring approaches, however, UV levels surge dramatically, reaching very high levels of 10 in March and 9 in April. The transition to summer brings about the highest UV exposure, peaking at an extreme 11 and 12 in May and June respectively, with a dangerously short burn time of just 10 minutes. These high levels necessitate increased awareness and protection against sunburn and potential long-term skin damage.
As summer gradually wanes, the UV Index begins to decrease but remains notably high. In August, the Index dips to 10, followed by 9 in September, indicating very high exposure for these late-summer months, with burn times still needing to be seriously considered. By October, the UV Index falls to 7, categorized as high, allowing a slightly longer burn time of 25 minutes. The cooler months of November and December mark a further decline to 4 and 3, respectively, where moderate levels of UV exposure can be expected once again with a return to longer burn times. This seasonal fluctuation in UV Index underscores the importance of taking appropriate sun protection measures, especially during the peak summer months in Diyarbakır.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Diyarbakır exhibits a clear seasonal trend, reflecting the changing angles of the sun throughout the year. In January, the city sees only 9 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 10 hours in February. As spring unfolds, there is a notable rise in daylight hours, peaking at 14 hours in May. This extended sunlight culminates in June and July, where Diyarbakır enjoys the maximum duration of daylight, with 14 hours consistently throughout these summer months, providing ample time for outdoor activities and longer evenings.
As the summer months fade into autumn, daylight hours begin to decline, transitioning from 13 hours in August to 12 hours in September. This decrease continues, dropping to 11 hours in October and 10 hours in November, before returning to the winter minimum of 9 hours in December. This cyclical pattern of daylight emphasizes the region's significant variations, with long, sunlit days in summer contrasted against the shorter, darker days of winter. Such fluctuations in daylight duration not only impact the local climate but also influence lifestyle, agriculture, and energy consumption throughout the year in Diyarbakır.
Altinkum, Turkey, experiences a diverse climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. In January, temperatures can range from a chilly -17°C to a mild 14°C, while July sees highs up to 42°C. Precipitation varies significantly, with January receiving the most at 112 mm and July nearly dry with just 1 mm. The sun shines bright in the summer months, peaking at 426 hours in July, making it an attractive destination for sun seekers. For more information, visit Altinkum climate.
Diyarbakir, Turkey experiences a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -15°C to 15°C, while July peaks at highs of 44°C. Precipitation is most abundant in winter and spring, particularly in March (119 mm) and January (91 mm), while summer months like July and August are very dry, receiving only 1 mm of rainfall. Sunshine is plentiful, especially in the summer, with July enjoying 424 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Diyarbakir climate.
Sur, Turkey experiences a diverse climate marked by cold winters and hot summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -15°C (5°F) to a maximum of 15°C (59°F) with significant precipitation of 91 mm, while July and August peak at temperatures around 44°C (111°F) with minimal rainfall. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer months, peaking at 424 hours in July. Overall, Sur's climate offers stark seasonal contrasts, making it unique in its weather patterns. For more details, visit Sur climate.
In conclusion, Diyarbakır, Turkey, presents a unique climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight. The city experiences cold winters with moderate sunlight and increasing warmth into the scorching summers, where extended daylight and extreme UV exposure necessitate careful sun protection. As the seasons shift, precipitation patterns indicate a clear wet season in the spring and autumn, while the summer months yield significantly less rainfall. This multifaceted climate not only shapes the local environment and agriculture but also influences the social and cultural activities of its residents. Understanding these climatic trends is crucial for effective planning and adaptation strategies in Diyarbakır, allowing the community to thrive amidst the challenges posed by its diverse weather patterns.