Last updated: January 18, 2025
Şanlıurfa, Turkey, exhibits a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, as classified by the Koppen-Geiger system (Csa). The temperature range is quite extreme, with winter lows plunging to a minimum of -17°C (2°F) in January, while the summer heat can soar to a staggering 47°C (117°F) in August. The annual average temperature is a moderate 20°C (68°F), showcasing the region's significant seasonal temperature variation and its adaptability to diverse climatic influences.
In Şanlıurfa, Turkey, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal evolution, characterized by sharp contrasts between winter and summer months. The year begins with frigid temperatures in January, where minimums can plummet to -17°C (2°F), gradually rising to more temperate averages of 7°C (44°F). As spring unfolds, temperatures progressively increase, with March averaging 12°C (54°F), and maximums reaching 29°C (85°F). By late spring and early summer, the heat intensifies, peaking in the months of July and August, where average temperatures stabilize around 33°C (91°F) and maximums soar up to 47°C (117°F). The transition into autumn sees a gradual cooling, with September still warm but October marking a dip in temperatures, averaging 22°C (72°F). As winter returns, fluctuations are evident, with minimum temperatures dipping towards -2°C (29°F) in November and -6°C (21°F) in December, illustrating the region's stark seasonal variability.
Halfeti experiences a minimum temperature of -13°C (9°F) in January and a scorching maximum of 44°C (111°F) in August, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Halfeti. In nearby Sanliurfa, temperatures dip to a minimum of -8°C (17°F) in February, while also reaching up to 44°C (111°F) during the peak summer months, as noted in the monthly temperatures in Sanliurfa. Harran records slightly milder temperatures with a minimum of -6°C (21°F) in February and a maximum of 47°C (117°F) in August, which can be explored further in the monthly temperatures in Harran.
Şanlıurfa experiences a pronounced seasonal pattern in precipitation, with the majority concentrated during the winter and early spring months. January and March are particularly notable, recording 61 mm (2.4 in) and 67 mm (2.6 in) respectively, alongside several rainy days. February also contributes significantly, albeit with a slightly lower total of 46 mm (1.8 in). As the region transitions into late spring and summer, rainfall decreases dramatically, with June and July witnessing virtually no precipitation at 3 mm (0.1 in) and 0 mm (0.0 in), respectively. This dry spell extends into August and September, emphasizing the stark contrast between the wetter and drier months.
As autumn approaches, precipitation begins to rise again, albeit in much smaller amounts than during the winter months. October brings a modest total of 22 mm (0.8 in), followed by November with 37 mm (1.4 in), indicating a gradual return to wetter conditions. December marks the year’s peak in precipitation, delivering 84 mm (3.3 in) across approximately 10 rainy days. This cyclic pattern highlights Şanlıurfa's climatic transition, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons that significantly influence the region's ecology and agriculture.
In Şanlıurfa, Turkey, sunshine duration displays a significant seasonal pattern, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter to summer. Starting the year with 200 hours in January, the region experiences a gradual rise, reaching 316 hours by March and peaking at 409 hours in June. This upward trend continues into July, where sunshine hours maximize at 423 hours, illustrating the intense summer brightness that characterizes this Mediterranean climate. Following summer, there is a noticeable decrease, but September still boasts a healthy 351 hours of sunshine, underscoring the region's extended summer-like conditions.
As autumn transitions into winter, sunshine hours decrease markedly, with October receiving 315 hours and November dropping to 267 hours. December further narrows the sunshine window to 235 hours, reflecting the region's cooler and cloudier winter months. Overall, the data indicates a pattern where the summer months enjoy abundant sunlight, with June through August emerging as the prime time for sunny days, while winter months typically experience the least sunshine. This variation in sunshine duration plays a crucial role in influencing local agriculture and daily life in Şanlıurfa.
The UV Index in Şanlıurfa, Turkey, exhibits a clear seasonal progression, reflecting the increasing intensity of sunlight as the year unfolds. Beginning with moderate levels in January (UV Index 4) and February (UV Index 5), residents and visitors can expect a burn time of approximately 30 minutes before risk escalates. However, March marks a significant transition as the UV Index soars to 8, entering the very high exposure category, where burn time is reduced to just 15 minutes. This upward trajectory continues into late spring, peaking in May at an extreme UV Index of 11, demanding vigilance as burn time shortens to 10 minutes.
As summer progresses, this extreme UV exposure reaches its zenith in June at 12, before slightly declining to 11 in July and 10 in August. Even in September, the UV levels remain elevated at 9, indicative of the lingering heat. However, by October, the UV Index decreases to 7, reflecting the transition into autumn where exposure is categorized as high with a burn time of 25 minutes. As the year concludes, November and December return to moderate levels (UV Index 4 and 3, respectively), allowing for safer sun exposure. This fluctuation underscores the importance of adopting sun safety measures, particularly during the high summer months when UV radiation poses the greatest risk.
UV Risk Categories
In Şanlıurfa, Turkey, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, mirroring the natural progression of seasons. Starting from 9 hours in January, the days gradually lengthen as winter transitions to spring, reaching 11 hours by March. This increase continues into April and May, where daylight hours peak at 14 hours during the late spring and early summer months of June and July. This consistency in daylight duration during the summer months contributes to the region's warm climate, providing ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural practices.
As summer wanes into autumn, daylight hours begin to decrease once again. By August, the daylight duration averages around 13 hours, and continues to decline to 12 hours in September. The trend continues toward shorter days through October (11 hours) and November (10 hours), eventually reverting back to 9 hours by December. This cyclical pattern highlights the rhythmic changes in daylight that characterize Şanlıurfa's climate, ultimately influencing lifestyle and natural phenomena within the region.
Birecik, Turkey experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January sees temperatures ranging from -12°C to 18°C, while July and August peak with average highs of 33°C and 44°C, respectively. Precipitation is most significant in the winter months, particularly in December (91 mm), while the summer is notably dry with July and August receiving no rainfall. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with July enjoying the most hours at 426. For more details, visit Birecik climate.
Golcuk, Turkey experiences a varied climate with cold winters and hot summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -10°C to 17°C, while July peaks at an impressive 43°C. Precipitation is highest in winter months, particularly in December with 123 mm, while summers are very dry, especially July which receives no rainfall. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July averaging 427 hours. For more detailed information, visit Golcuk climate.
Halfeti, Turkey experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures range from a low of -13°C to a high of 16°C, while July sees warmer averages of 31°C and peaks at 42°C. Precipitation is highest in winter and early spring, with January receiving 95 mm, while summer months see minimal rainfall, particularly in July and August with just 1 mm each. Despite the variability in rainfall, the region enjoys ample sunshine, peaking in July with 426 hours. For more detailed information, visit Halfeti climate.
Harran, Turkey experiences a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cool winters. January temperatures range from -4°C to 20°C, while summer months can reach highs of 47°C in August. Precipitation is minimal during the summer, with July and August receiving no rainfall, whereas December typically sees the most at 65 mm. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking with 422 hours in July. For more details, visit Harran climate.
Ovacik, Turkey experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures range from -5°C (24°F) to a maximum of 17°C (62°F), while July peaks at up to 43°C (109°F). Precipitation is highest in the winter, particularly in December with 127 mm (5.0 in), and drops significantly during the summer months. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, reaching its peak in July with 427 hours. For more details, visit Ovacik climate.
Sanliurfa, Turkey experiences a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from a chilly 5°C (42°F) in January to a scorching 32°C (90°F) in July, with peaks reaching up to 44°C (111°F) in August. Precipitation is predominantly observed in the winter months, with January receiving about 80 mm (3.2 in), while summer months are mostly dry, particularly July, which sees virtually no rainfall. The region enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, especially in the summer, where July boasts 425 hours of sun. For more details, visit Sanliurfa climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Şanlıurfa, Turkey, is marked by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, and UV Index, creating a distinctive environment that influences both daily life and ecological dynamics. The region experiences extreme summer heat with prolonged sunshine hours and heightened UV exposure, alongside distinct wet and dry seasons that impact agricultural practices. As daylight hours fluctuate throughout the year, residents must adapt their activities in response to changing climatic conditions. Understanding these patterns is crucial for effectively managing outdoor endeavors and safeguarding health, particularly during the peak UV radiation months. Overall, Şanlıurfa offers a compelling case study of how climate intricately shapes lifestyle and natural phenomena in this Mediterranean region.