Last updated: January 18, 2025
Samsun, Turkey, exhibits a diverse climate as classified by the Köppen-Geiger system, encompassing Cfa, Cfb, and Csb classifications. The region experiences significant seasonal variation, with January temperatures plummeting to a minimum of −15°C (5°F) and soaring to a scorching 39°C (103°F) during the height of summer in July. The annual average temperature rests at a mild 13°C (56°F), reflecting the area's transitional nature between continental and oceanic influences. This climatic diversity not only shapes the local environment but also influences agricultural practices, tourism, and the overall lifestyle of the residents.
Samsun, Turkey, showcases distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, starting with frigid winter months, where January and February record minimums around -15°C (5°F) and -14°C (7°F), respectively. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, with March and April featuring a notable increase in averages to 7°C (45°F) and 11°C (51°F). By May, the transition to summer is evident, as averages climb to 15°C (60°F), alongside maximums reaching an impressive 34°C (94°F). The peak of summer, particularly in July and August, witnesses scorching temperatures, with July’s average at 22°C (72°F) and maximums hitting 39°C (103°F). As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to cool again, with September maintaining warmth but October and November heralding a drop to around 10°C (50°F) by late fall. The year concludes in December with cold nights descending again to -12°C (10°F), rounding out a diverse climatic year defined by its alternating extremes and moderate transitional periods.
In Samsun, the climate experiences notable temperature variations throughout the year, with a minimum of -7°C (19°F) in February and a maximum of 33°C (91°F) in September. This wide range highlights the region's distinct seasonal changes, offering cold winters and warm summers. For more detailed information, refer to the monthly temperatures in Samsun here.
Samsun, Turkey, experiences a dynamic precipitation pattern that varies throughout the year, with the wettest months typically occurring in winter and early spring. January and February see significant rainfall, averaging 71 mm (2.8 in) and 63 mm (2.5 in), respectively, while March peaks at 89 mm (3.5 in) over approximately 14 days of precipitation. As spring transitions into summer, April and May maintain moderately high rainfall levels of 62 mm (2.4 in) and 82 mm (3.2 in) but begin to taper off, leading into June with 71 mm (2.8 in).
In stark contrast, the summer months of July and August exhibit a marked reduction in precipitation, receiving just 34 mm (1.3 in) and 44 mm (1.7 in) of rainfall, respectively, over fewer rainy days. As the seasons shift towards autumn, precipitation gradually increases again, with September and October recording 45 mm (1.8 in) and 51 mm (2.0 in), respectively. November brings a slight uptick to 57 mm (2.3 in), while December experiences a higher rate of 83 mm (3.3 in) across 11 rainy days, closing the year with a return to the wetter conditions reminiscent of early winter.
In Samsun, Turkey, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, characterized by a gradual increase from winter to summer. January begins with a modest 172 hours of sunlight, but this number swiftly rises in February to 230 hours as the region transitions toward milder weather. March and April see further growth, with sunshine hours reaching 292 and 321, respectively. By May, the days lengthen significantly, offering 380 hours of sunlight, setting the stage for the peak summer months. June and July shine brightly, with sunshine durations peaking at 396 hours and 419 hours, confirming these months as the sunniest periods of the year.
As summer wanes into autumn, the amount of sunlight begins to decrease, though still remains substantial compared to the winter months. August still enjoys a healthy 381 hours, followed by September with 331 hours. However, as October rolls in, sunshine hours drop to 293, marking the onset of shorter days. November and December bring further declines, with only 247 and 221 hours of sunlight respectively, highlighting a stark contrast to the sun-soaked summer. This seasonal fluctuation in sunshine not only affects the local climate but also influences lifestyle, agriculture, and outdoor activities in the Samsun region.
In Samsun, Turkey, the UV Index showcases significant seasonal variations that reflect the changing sun intensity throughout the year. Starting in winter, January records a UV Index of 3, categorized as moderate, with a burn time of 30 minutes. As February approaches, the UV Index increases to 4, maintaining the same exposure category. However, the months of March and April mark a transition, with the UV Index climbing to 6 (high) in March and reaching 8 (very high) by April, thereby shortening safe exposure times to just 15 minutes during peak hours. This upward trend in UV radiation continues into summer, where May peaks at an impactful 9 and June reaches an extreme UV Index of 11, reducing burn time to as little as 10 minutes.
As summer progresses, July and August remain in the very high category with UV Index values of 10, emphasizing the need for sun protection during these months. The intensity begins to taper off in September, with a UV Index of 8, then further recedes to a high of 6 in October as the days shorten and the sun's angle lowers. By November, the UV Index decreases to 4 (moderate), and December dips to a low of 2, allowing for a safer 45-minute exposure time. This data underscores the importance of observing UV Index ratings, particularly during high and extreme categories, to enable safer outdoor activities and skin protection practices throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
In Samsun, Turkey, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal rhythm, beginning with shorter days in winter. January and December each offer about 9 hours of daylight, while February sees an increase to 10 hours, signaling the gradual return of longer days. As spring approaches, March experiences a notable extension to 11 hours of daylight, and by April, daylight increases further to 13 hours. May continues this trend, reaching 14 hours as the region transitions fully into the brighter days of late spring.
The summer months of June and July present the longest daylight durations of the year, with June boasting 15 hours, followed closely by July with 14 hours. However, as summer fades into autumn, daylight gradually diminishes, with August and September recording 13 and 12 hours, respectively. By October, daylight returns to 11 hours, and the cycle closes with November friends daylight at 9 hours once again. This rhythmic shift in daylight not only influences daily activities and lifestyle but also enhances the natural beauty of Samsun through varied lighting across the seasons.
Samsun, Turkey, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and February see minimum temperatures as low as -7°C (19°F), while summer months like July and August reach highs around 31°C (87°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with March receiving the highest average at 97 mm, while July is the driest month with only 35 mm. The region enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in July with approximately 412 hours. For more details, visit Samsun climate.
In conclusion, the climatic and atmospheric characteristics of Samsun, Turkey, reveal a fascinating interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight length throughout the year. These factors together create a rich tapestry that influences the region's environment, lifestyle, and agricultural practices. From the frigid winter months with limited sunlight and moderate UV exposure to the vibrant summer season marked by long daylight hours and extreme UV levels, Samsun's climate exhibits clear seasonal variations. Understanding these patterns is essential for residents and visitors alike to make informed decisions regarding outdoor activities, sun safety, and overall lifestyle adjustments as they navigate the dynamic climate of this coastal city.