Last updated: January 18, 2025
Nestled in the mountainous terrains of southeastern Turkey, Hakkâri experiences a diverse climate characterized by Köppen-Geiger classifications of Dsa, Dsb, and Csa. This region showcases a significant temperature range, with minimum temperatures plummeting to -26°C (-15°F) in December, contrasting sharply with sweltering peaks of 38°C (100°F) in July. The annual average temperature hovers around 9°C (49°F), illustrating the stark seasonal shifts and underlying climatic variability that defines this unique locale.
Hakkâri, Turkey, exhibits a stark seasonal contrast in temperature patterns throughout the year. Winter months from December to February are characterized by harsh cold, with minimum temperatures dipping as low as -26°C (-15°F) in December and remaining frigid until February, when averages hover around -3°C (28°F). As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, particularly in April where averages climb to 7°C (44°F) and maximums may reach 25°C (78°F). Summer peaks in July with maximum temperatures soaring to 38°C (100°F), while August maintains warmth before a gradual cooldown starts in September. This cooling trend continues into autumn, where average temperatures may fall to 4°C (40°F) by November, culminating in the return of winter's chill by December. Overall, Hakkâri’s climate vividly reflects the dramatic shifts between severe cold and warm summers, presenting a unique challenge and beauty to the region's inhabitants.
In the region of Hakkari, the climate varies across three notable towns: Semdinli experiences a minimum temperature of -22°C (-8°F) in December and a maximum of 34°C (93°F) in July, as detailed in monthly temperatures in Semdinli. Meanwhile, Yuksekova sees slightly colder conditions, with December lows of -24°C (-11°F) and July highs reaching 32°C (89°F), outlined in monthly temperatures in Yuksekova. Hakkari itself mirrors Yuksekova's extremes, recording a minimum of -24°C (-11°F) in December and a maximum of 32°C (90°F) in July, as noted in monthly temperatures in Hakkari.
Hakkâri experiences a distinct seasonal pattern in precipitation, characterized by significant rainfall primarily during the winter and spring months. With January leading the way at 124 mm (4.9 in) and February close behind at 116 mm (4.6 in), the region enters March with a notable peak of 194 mm (7.6 in), making it the wettest month of the year. This period is marked by multiple rainy days, with March averaging 17 days of precipitation. Even as spring unfolds, April retains high levels of rainfall at 137 mm (5.4 in), gradually tapering off in May to 89 mm (3.5 in) before reaching summer.
In stark contrast, the summer months from June to August see a dramatic decline in precipitation, with June, July, and August receiving minimal amounts of rain—merely 10 mm (0.4 in), 6 mm (0.2 in), and 6 mm (0.2 in) respectively, often with little to no rainy days. The autumn months introduce a slight revival in precipitation levels; October receives 49 mm (1.9 in) and November sees 78 mm (3.1 in). However, the overall trend remains one of dry conditions during the summer, highlighting Hakkâri's unique climate whereby all precipitation is concentrated predominantly in the colder months, setting the stage for distinct seasonal variability.
In Hakkâri, Turkey, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, showcasing an impressive increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. Starting with 206 hours of sunlight in January, the region experiences a gradual rise in brightness with February recording 258 hours. By March, the hours further increase to 303, and this trend continues into spring, peaking in May at 390 hours. This upward trajectory reflects a significant shift in the weather patterns, as more clear days replace the overcast conditions typical of winter.
The summer months in Hakkâri bring the highest levels of sunshine, with June reaching 409 hours and July slightly surpassing it at 417 hours, making these the peak sunshine months. Even August retains robust sunlight with 397 hours, ensuring that the dry season is accompanied by ample daylight. However, as the year transitions into autumn, sunlight hours begin to taper off, culminating in 314 hours in October and further declining to 240 hours by December. This seasonal cycle of sunshine not only highlights the region's vibrant summers but also underscores the stark contrast in daylight availability throughout the year, with winter months marked by significantly less sunlight.
The UV Index in Hakkâri, Turkey, demonstrates a pronounced seasonal variation, highlighting the region's exposure to ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. Beginning in January with a moderate UV Index of 4, residents are advised to be cautious, as the burn time is approximately 30 minutes. As February approaches, the UV Index rises to 6, categorizing the exposure as high and reducing the safe burn time to just 25 minutes. The trend sharply accelerates in March, when the UV Index skyrockets to 10, denoting very high exposure, and burn times decrease significantly to 15 minutes.
The months of April to July witness an extreme UV Index, peaking at 13 in both May and June, which necessitates heightened awareness and protection under the harsh sun, as only 10 minutes of unprotected exposure can lead to skin damage. Even in August, the UV Index remains extremely high at 11, before tapering slightly to 10 in September. The UV Index then continues to decline into autumn, falling to 8 in October and returning to moderate levels by November and December with a UV Index of 4. This seasonal pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection strategies, particularly during the spring and summer months when UV radiation reaches its highest levels in Hakkâri.
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In Hakkâri, Turkey, the duration of daylight fluctuates significantly throughout the year, reflecting the region's distinct seasonal changes. Starting in January with just 9 hours of daylight, the days gradually lengthen as spring approaches. February sees an increase to 10 hours, followed by a further expansion to 11 hours in March. This trend accelerates into April, where daylight reaches 13 hours, culminating in May and June with a peak of 14 hours. These longer days not only enhance outdoor activities but also play a vital role in the region's agricultural practices during the vibrant spring and summer months.
As summer draws to a close, the daylight hours begin to gradually shorten, signaling the transition towards autumn. In August, daylight remains at 13 hours, but this decreases to 12 hours in September. By October, the hours of sunlight further dwindle to 11 and drop to 10 hours in November, before returning to the original 9 hours in December. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration underscores the dramatic seasonal shifts in Hakkâri, with longer days in summer encouraging vibrant activities contrasted against the shorter, quieter days of winter.
Bagisli, Turkey experiences a diverse climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures around -8°C (18°F) and significant snowfall, while July sees warmer averages of 19°C (67°F), peaking at 30°C (87°F). Precipitation is heaviest in March, recording 131 mm (5.1 in), while summer months, particularly June to August, receive the least rainfall, averaging under 20 mm (0.8 in) per month. Sunshine hours are plentiful, reaching a high of 418 hours in July, making it the sunniest month of the year. For more details, visit Bagisli climate.
Cigli, Turkey experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a low of -18°C (-2°F) to a high of 13°C (55°F), with significant precipitation peaking in March at 227 mm (8.9 in). In contrast, summer months see fewer showers, especially in July and August, where they record just 1 mm (0.0 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially in June and July, boasting over 400 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Cigli climate.
Cukurca, Turkey experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and December witness the coldest temperatures, with averages around -4°C (26°F) and 1°C (33°F), respectively, alongside significant precipitation peaking in March with 228 mm (9.0 in). Conversely, summer months from June to August boast average temperatures of 22°C (72°F) to 26°C (79°F) and minimal rainfall. The region is notable for its sunshine, particularly in July, when it enjoys about 416 hours of sun. For more details on the area's climate, visit Cukurca climate.
Daglica, Turkey experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -19°C to 12°C, while July sees highs up to 38°C, making it the warmest month. Precipitation is highest in early spring, peaking at 233 mm in March, and significantly drops during the summer months. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially in June and July, when the area enjoys over 400 hours of sunshine. For more details, visit Daglica climate.
Esendere, Turkey experiences a continental climate marked by cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around -7°C (20°F) and significant precipitation of 53 mm, while July enjoys a warmer average of 21°C (70°F) with minimal rainfall at 15 mm. The region also benefits from a good amount of sunshine, particularly in the summer months, peaking at 416 hours in July. Notably, fall and winter months bring lower temperatures and increased precipitation, contributing to a diverse climate throughout the year. For more details, visit Esendere climate.
Gecitli, Turkey experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures plummeting to -24°C (-11°F), while July boasts maximums of up to 32°C (90°F). Precipitation peaks in March with 206 mm (8.1 in), but summer months remain notably drier, receiving only 4 mm (0.1 in) in both July and August. The region enjoys significant sunshine, especially in the summer, reaching up to 419 hours in July. For more detailed climate information, visit Gecitli climate.
Gundes, Turkey experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January's temperatures range from -21°C to 12°C and are accompanied by significant precipitation, peaking at 150 mm. Summer months, particularly July and August, see high averages of 26°C and max temperatures reaching 37°C, with minimal rainfall. The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially in June and July, recording over 400 hours of sun each month. For more details, visit Gundes climate.
Hakkari, Turkey experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with winters characterized by cold temperatures, averaging around -6°C (21°F) in January, and reaching lows of -24°C (-11°F) in December. Summer months, particularly July and August, see warmer averages of 22°C (71°F) and 21°C (71°F), respectively, with minimal rainfall. The region receives the most precipitation in March (200 mm), while June and July are remarkably dry with only 9 mm and 3 mm of rainfall. Sunshine is abundant, peaking at 419 hours in July, making Hakkari's climate both challenging in winter and pleasant in summer. For more detailed information, visit Hakkari climate.
Semdinli, Turkey, experiences a harsh climate with cold winters and mild summers. January sees the coldest temperatures, with a minimum of -22°C and significant precipitation of 131 mm. In contrast, July and August are the warmest months, boasting average temperatures around 23°C and very little rainfall, only 4-6 mm. The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially in the summer months, with July receiving up to 415 hours. For more detailed information, visit Semdinli climate.
The climate in Tasbasi, Turkey, is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January experiences the coldest temperatures, with lows reaching -24°C (-11°F) and significant precipitation of 134 mm (5.3 in). As the year progresses, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in July with averages of 22°C (71°F) and minimal rainfall of just 4 mm (0.1 in). Sunshine hours are abundant in summer, particularly in July with 419 hours, while winter months see less sunshine. For more details, visit Tasbasi climate.
Yuksekova, Turkey experiences a harsh continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. January and December see the lowest temperatures, averaging around -7°C (20°F) and -3°C (26°F), while July records the highest average at 21°C (70°F). Precipitation is significant in winter and spring, peaking in March with 176 mm (6.9 in) before tapering off during the summer months. Despite the cold, Yuksekova enjoys ample sunshine, especially in June and July, with over 400 hours of sunlight each month. For more detailed information, visit Yuksekova climate.
In conclusion, Hakkâri, Turkey, showcases a remarkable interplay of climate, sunshine, UV exposure, and daylight duration that profoundly influences the region's environment and lifestyle. The stark contrasts between the harsh winters and invigorating summers, highlighted by significant variations in temperature, precipitation, and sunlight, provide a unique backdrop for both residents and visitors. Understanding these climatic trends is essential for adapting activities, agricultural practices, and health precautions throughout the year, particularly emphasizing the need for sun protection during the intense summer months. As Hakkâri continues to experience these dynamic seasonal changes, its rich climatic tapestry remains a vital component of the region's identity and ecological balance.