Last updated: January 18, 2025
Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of Csa (Mediterranean) and Dsb (Continental). This unique interplay results in seasonal temperature variations that are both striking and significant. The coldest month, December, sees temperatures plummet to a minimum of -22°C (-7°F), while the peak of summer in August can soar to a scorching 42°C (108°F). With an average annual temperature of 13°C (56°F), Kahramanmaraş presents a climate that is as varied as its rich cultural tapestry, offering a unique framework for studying the effects of regional weather patterns and climate change.
Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, showcases distinct seasonal temperature trends throughout the year, reflecting both its Mediterranean and continental influences. Winter months, notably January and February, are characterized by frigid minima dipping to -21°C (-6°F) and -20°C (-4°F), while average temperatures hover around the freezing mark. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually increase, with March and April featuring warmer averages of 6°C (43°F) and 11°C (53°F), respectively, highlighted by maxima reaching 31°C (88°F) by late April. The transition to summer brings a marked rise in heat, with July and August maintaining averages of 25°C (77°F) and soaring highs up to 42°C (108°F). Autumn sees a cooling trend, starting with September averaging 22°C (71°F) before slipping into the cooler months of October and November, where temperatures can dip back to about -4°C (25°F). Overall, Kahramanmaraş experiences a dramatic range of temperatures, underscoring its unique climatic profile.
Kahramanmaras experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year, with a minimum recorded temperature of -16°C (4°F) in January and a scorching maximum of 42°C (108°F) in August. This significant variation highlights the region's diverse climate, making it essential for visitors to prepare for both extreme cold and intense heat. For more detailed temperature information, you can refer to the link: monthly temperatures in Kahramanmaras.
Kahramanmaraş experiences significant variations in precipitation throughout the year, with the majority of its rainfall concentrated during the winter months. January stands out as the wettest month, recording 114 mm (4.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days. Following closely, December also sees substantial rainfall at 133 mm (5.2 in), while February and March continue the trend with 70 mm (2.8 in) and 98 mm (3.8 in), respectively. This winter accumulation supports the region’s agricultural needs and replenishes local water sources, gradually tapering off as spring approaches.
The dry summer months of June, July, and August contrast sharply with the winter wetness, as rainfall drops significantly to just 24 mm (0.9 in) in June, followed by a mere 3 mm (0.1 in) in July and 7 mm (0.3 in) in August. These months typically feature minimal precipitation and only sporadic rainy days, with July often seeing no rainfall at all. As autumn arrives, October and November bring a slight resurgence in precipitation, with totals of 30 mm (1.2 in) and 51 mm (2.0 in), respectively, signaling the transition back to a wetter climate. Overall, Kahramanmaraş exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern in precipitation, characterized by a wet winter punctuated by dry summers.
Kahramanmaraş exhibits a distinct seasonal trend in sunshine duration, with a clear increase as winter transitions into summer. Initially, January sees only 190 hours of sunshine, but this number begins to rise steadily, reaching 255 hours in February and jumping to 317 hours in March. By April, sunshine hours peak at 347 hours, with May experiencing a noticeable surge to 400 hours as the days become longer and sunnier. The true peak, however, comes in the height of summer: July boasts 428 hours of glorious sunshine, providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and agriculture.
As summer wanes, sunlight hours begin to decline, yet they remain substantial. August maintains a robust 400 hours, but by September, a gradual decrease sets in, totaling 354 hours. The trend continues with October and November seeing 320 hours and 269 hours respectively, before December drops back to 234 hours. This seasonal cycle underscores Kahramanmaraş's climate as one that favors abundant sunshine during the warmer months, creating an inviting environment for residents and visitors alike while also highlighting the contrast that comes with shorter days in the winter months.
Kahramanmaraş experiences significant fluctuations in UV Index levels throughout the year, reflecting the region's distinctive seasonal changes. In the winter months, UV Index values are moderate, with January recording a UV Index of 4 and a recommended burn time of 30 minutes. As February approaches, the UV Index rises to 6, classified as high, prompting shorter exposure durations of 25 minutes. The transition into spring marks a substantial increase, with March and April both reaching a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, necessitating a mere 15 minutes of exposure before skin damage may occur.
The summer months present the highest UV Index levels, peaking at 12 in both June and July, categorized as extreme and allowing only 10 minutes of safe sun exposure. August follows closely with a UV Index of 11, while September sees a decline back to 9. As autumn sets in, the UV Index decreases to 7 in October, before falling back to moderate levels in November and December, with values of 4 and 3, respectively. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun protection during peak summer months, where the intense UV radiation can lead to significant skin damage within just minutes.
UV Risk Categories
In Kahramanmaraş, the daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with a steady increase from winter to summer. Starting with just 9 hours in January, the amount of daylight gradually extends to 10 hours in February and 11 hours in March. As spring unfolds, daylight hours continue to grow, peaking at 14 hours during the months of May and June. This extended daylight not only enhances outdoor activities but also contributes positively to agricultural practices as plants thrive under the sun's rays.
As summer transitions into autumn, the duration of daylight begins to decline. July maintains 14 hours, but by August, it decreases to 13 hours, and September sees further reduction to 12 hours. October and November continue this trend with 11 hours and 10 hours, respectively, before returning to 9 hours in December. This cyclical change in daylight highlights the distinct rhythms of Kahramanmaraş's climate, where residents experience substantial variations that mark the passage of seasons and influence lifestyle and culture throughout the year.
Kahramanmaras, Turkey experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers. Winter temperatures can dip as low as -16°C (4°F) in January, with average temperatures around 4°C (39°F) and considerable precipitation peaking at 111 mm. Summers are hot, with average temperatures reaching up to 28°C (82°F) in July and August, and maximums soaring to 42°C (108°F). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in June and July, with over 400 hours of sun each month. For more detailed information, visit Kahramanmaras climate.
In conclusion, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, presents a remarkable interplay of climatic elements characterized by distinct seasonal patterns in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences cold winters and hot summers, with a significant variance in sunshine and UV exposure that highlights the importance of sun protection, especially during the peak summer months. The cyclical nature of daylight duration further enriches the experience of the seasons, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities during the longer days of summer. Understanding these climatic dynamics not only fosters an appreciation for Kahramanmaraş’s natural environment but also informs residents and visitors about the best practices for health and enjoyment throughout the year.