Last updated: January 18, 2025
Kars, Turkey, embodying a Dfb Köppen-Geiger climate classification, experiences a striking range of temperatures throughout the year. In winter, the city can plunge to a frigid minimum of -30°C (-22°F) in February, contrasting sharply with the summer months, where average temperatures reach a comfortable 7°C (44°F). The peak of summer sees maximum temperatures soar to a sweltering 37°C (98°F) in August, highlighting the region's climatic extremes. This diverse climate not only shapes the local environment but also influences the lifestyle and cultural practices of its inhabitants.
Kars, Turkey, showcases distinct seasonal temperature patterns that reflect its continental climate. Winter months, particularly January and February, are characterized by frigid minima, plunging as low as -30°C (-22°F), while averages hover around -8°C (18°F), transitioning slowly towards milder conditions in March. As spring unfolds, temperatures rise, with April experiencing an average of 6°C (43°F) and maximums reaching 25°C (77°F). By late spring and early summer, particularly in June and July, the region witnesses a significant warm-up, with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and maxima soaring to 35°C (95°F). The warmest month, August, sees average temperatures maintained at 19°C (66°F), peaking at 37°C (98°F). Following this peak, a gradual cooling begins in September, heralding the return of chillier conditions, as early winter approaches with November and December experiencing colder averages of around 2°C (36°F) and -3°C (27°F), respectively. This stark fluctuation between extremes significantly shapes both the environment and the experiences of Kars' residents throughout the year.
Akyaka, Sarikamis, and Kars experience significant temperature variations throughout the year. In February, Akyaka can dip to a minimum of -27°C (-15°F), while Sarikamis reaches a lower minimum of -30°C (-22°F); Kars also sees a minimum of -27°C (-16°F). By August, these locations experience warmer temperatures, with Akyaka peaking at 34°C (93°F), Sarikamis slightly lower at 33°C (92°F), and Kars matching Sarikamis at 33°C (92°F). For more detailed monthly temperatures, check out monthly temperatures in Akyaka, monthly temperatures in Sarikamis, and monthly temperatures in Kars.
Kars, Turkey, experiences a distinct pattern of precipitation throughout the year, with notable variations between seasons. The winter months of January and February see relatively low precipitation levels, receiving 30 mm (1.2 in) and 34 mm (1.3 in) respectively, accompanied by approximately 6 to 7 days of rainfall. As spring approaches, the precipitation noticeably increases, peaking in April with 89 mm (3.5 in), while May further escalates to 120 mm (4.7 in), translating to 19 days of rain. This significant uptick in rainfall during spring contributes to the flourishing vegetation and preparation for the warmer months ahead.
Summer in Kars presents a reduction in precipitation, with June, July, and August receiving 67 mm (2.6 in), 52 mm (2.0 in), and 45 mm (1.8 in) respectively, and a decline in rainy days ranging from 10 to 14. The trend shifts again in the fall, as September marks a dip to 27 mm (1.1 in), with 6 days of precipitation, followed by October and November, where amounts rise to 43 mm (1.7 in) and 36 mm (1.4 in). The year closes with December bringing in 48 mm (1.9 in) over 9 days, indicating a return to wetter conditions as the winter sets in once more. This seasonal variability in precipitation profoundly influences the local ecosystem and agricultural practices in Kars.
In Kars, Turkey, sunshine duration exhibits a dynamic seasonal progression, showcasing a steady increase from winter to summer. The year begins with just 198 hours of sunshine in January, providing limited warmth as the region copes with frigid temperatures. This trend gradually improves, with February witnessing an increase to 260 hours and March further boosting sunshine to 304 hours. April marks a significant turning point, as days become sunnier, culminating in 323 hours of sunshine. By May, residents enjoy 378 hours, and the peak of summer arrives in July, offering an impressive 417 hours of sunlight. This abundance of sunshine during the summer months not only enhances the visual appeal of the landscapes but also fosters outdoor activities and agricultural productivity.
As summer declines, sunshine hours begin to diminish, yet they remain substantial through early fall. August still offers 393 hours, before gradually tapering off to 343 hours in September. This decline continues into October with 308 hours, and November brings a notable reduction to 258 hours. Finally, December, with 233 hours of sunshine, reflects the onset of winter and shorter days. Overall, the sunshine patterns in Kars reveal a clear seasonal rhythm, characterized by vibrant summers filled with abundant sunlight followed by a gradual decrease as winter approaches, underscoring the importance of solar exposure on local life and ecology.
In Kars, Turkey, the UV Index showcases distinct seasonal fluctuations that reflect changes in solar radiation exposure. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains relatively moderate, peaking at 3 and moving to 5 respectively, allowing for longer burn times of 30 minutes. As spring unfolds, a significant spike occurs in March, where the UV Index escalates to 10, categorized as very high, reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. April continues this trend with a UV Index of 9, and by May, the situation intensifies with an extreme rating of 11, demanding cautious exposure practices, as individuals should limit their sun time to a mere 10 minutes.
The summer months of June and July present the highest UV Index readings, reaching 12, allowing for only 10 minutes of safe sun exposure. August sees a slight decline to 11 but remains under the extreme category. Following this intense summer period, sunlight intensity recedes into the early fall, as the UV Index drops to 9 in September and further decreases to 7 in October, transitioning into the high category with a longer burn time of 25 minutes. By November and December, the Index returns to moderate levels of 4 and 3, respectively, allowing for up to 30 minutes of exposure without immediate risk, making it vital for residents to stay informed about UV levels to protect their skin year-round.
UV Risk Categories
Kars, Turkey, experiences a pronounced variation in daylight duration throughout the year, reflecting the region’s continental climate. During the winter months, daylight is at its shortest, with just 9 hours in both January and December, and slightly increasing to 10 hours in February. As spring approaches, daylight hours gradually extend, reaching 11 hours in March and a significant 13 hours in April. By May, the length of daylight peaks at 14 hours, which helps to invigorate the landscape and prepare the environment for the warmth of summer.
The transition into summer continues this upward trend, with June offering 15 hours of daylight, the longest span of the year. Following peak summer, daylight begins to recede, settling back to 14 hours in July and 13 hours in August. Early autumn sees a decline to 12 hours in September, followed by 11 hours in October. As winter looms again, daylight decreases to 9 hours in both November and December. These seasonal changes in daylight duration not only influence the local ecosystem but also shape the lifestyles and daily activities of Kars' residents, highlighting the importance of seasonal light in their lives.
Akyaka, Turkey experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around -7°C (20°F), while July enjoys highs up to 33°C (92°F). Precipitation peaks in May with 121 mm (4.8 in) and is generally abundant in spring, transitioning to drier conditions in late summer. The area enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in July with 413 hours. For more detailed information, visit Akyaka climate.
Kars, Turkey experiences a continental climate with long, cold winters and short, warm summers. January and February see extreme lows, with temperatures dropping to -27°C (-16°F), while July and August reach comfortable highs around 32°C (90°F). Precipitation is highest from April to May, peaking at 127 mm (5.0 in) in May, and the region enjoys significant sunshine, especially in the summer months, with July having around 420 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Kars climate.
Sarikamis, Turkey experiences a diverse climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers. January and February are particularly frigid with average temperatures dipping as low as -9°C (17°F) and -6°C (21°F) respectively, while June to August brings average highs around 18°C (65°F) to 33°C (92°F). Precipitation peaks in spring, especially in May with 128 mm, contributing to lush surroundings. The region enjoys ample sunshine, with the maximum in July reaching 418 hours. For more detailed information, visit Sarikamis climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Kars, Turkey, is characterized by its marked seasonal variations, which profoundly influence the region's weather patterns, temperature ranges, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The stark contrasts between cold winters and warm summers, with substantial snowfall and significant sunlight, create a unique environment that shapes local ecosystems and human activities alike. As the city experiences extremes in both temperature and sunlight across the seasons, understanding these climatic trends is crucial for residents and visitors to navigate their daily lives and appreciate the natural beauty of Kars throughout the year. This intricate interplay of climatic factors underscores the importance of seasonal awareness in fostering a deeper connection to the landscape and promoting sustainable practices in the region.