Last updated: August 27, 2025
January in Kars, Turkey presents a chilly landscape, with temperatures hovering between a maximum of 5°C (41°F) and a minimum of -25°C (-12°F), yielding an average of -8°C (18°F). Visitors can expect a humid atmosphere, with humidity levels reaching 87%, adding to the cold bite of winter. The month sees about 32 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation spread across 7 days, enhancing the snow-covered beauty of this enchanting city. Whether you're exploring cultural sites or enjoying the pristine nature, January in Kars offers a unique experience marked by its crisp air and scenic winter charm.
In January, Kars, Turkey experiences stark winter temperatures that set the tone for the season. With a chilling minimum of -25°C (-12°F) and an average hovering around -8°C (18°F), the cold is a defining feature of this month. The maximum temperature barely nudges past freezing at 5°C (41°F), emphasizing the biting frost. This intensity contrasts with the months to follow, where February dips even lower, peaking at only -27°C (-16°F) before a gradual warming trend begins in March. By April, the weather shifts dramatically, showcasing a significant rise, signaling the transition to spring. Overall, January serves as a cold reminder of Kars's deep winter, setting the stage for the warm embrace of spring in the coming months.
In Kars, Turkey, January ushers in the year with a modest precipitation total of 32 mm (1.2 in), spread over about seven rainy days. This early winter month sets the stage for a gradual increase in moisture, as February sees a slight rise to 34 mm, maintaining the same frequency of precipitation days. However, the real transformation begins in March and April, where precipitation surges to 79 mm and 90 mm, respectively, marking the onset of spring's influence. As the months progress towards May, rainfall peaks at 127 mm (5.0 in), showcasing a significant uptick in both total precipitation and rainy days. This gradual trend of increasing rainfall emphasizes Kars’ shifting climate as it transitions from the cold winter months into the lushness of spring, ultimately leading to warmer and wetter conditions in the following months.
In Kars, Turkey, January sets the tone for a notably humid winter, boasting an average humidity level of 87%. This high humidity extends into February, peaking at 88%, before beginning a gradual decline in the following months. By the time spring arrives in March, humidity drops to 85%, continuing its descent to a milder 80% in April. As the weather warms into summer, there's only a slight respite, with levels hovering around 79% to 80% from June to July. This trend showcases a distinct seasonal shift, culminating in a much drier August with humidity decreasing to 66%, the lowest of the year. As autumn approaches, moisture levels rise again, with October and November experiencing 81% and 84% humidity respectively, before closing the year at 85% in December. This ebb and flow of humidity not only underscores the seasonal changes in Kars but also enriches its climate character throughout the year.
In January, Kars experiences a moderate UV Index of 3, indicating that while sun exposure can be enjoyed, caution is advised, especially with a burn time of 30 minutes. This trend of moderate exposure carries through to February, where the UV Index slightly rises to 5, maintaining the same burn time. However, as spring approaches in March, the UV Index skyrockets to 10, shifting into the very high category and reducing safe sun exposure to just 15 minutes. This increase continues into April and peaks in May and June with extreme levels of 11 and 12, respectively, resulting in an urgent need for sun protection during mere 10 minutes of exposure. After a brief dip in September and October, where the UV Index returns to very high and high categories, winter arrives in November and December, dropping back to moderate levels of 4 and 3 with safe exposure times of 30 minutes. These trends highlight a clear transition from moderate to extreme UV conditions as the year progresses. For more detailed information, check out the Kars UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In Kars, Turkey, January marks the beginning of the year's sunshine with a modest 197 hours of sunlight. As winter transitions into spring, the sun's presence gradually increases, peaking at 420 hours in the dazzling days of July. Following this summer zenith, sunlight begins to wane, with figures declining to 233 hours by December. This trend showcases a vibrant seasonal rhythm, where the energy of summer is balanced by the softer light of winter, inviting visitors to experience Kars' unique charm throughout the year.
In Kars, Turkey, the chances of sunny weather in January stand at 40%, marking it as one of the cooler months for sunshine. Interestingly, this percentage is slightly lower than that of February (45%) but above March (39%), indicating a slight upswing as the winter transitions into early spring. As temperatures warm in the subsequent months, the likelihood of sunny days rises significantly, peaking in June at an impressive 73%. This trend highlights a seasonal shift, with May (58%) and July (59%) also showcasing a notable increase in sunshine, making the summer months a prime time for enjoying the outdoors in Kars.
In Kars, Turkey, January marks the beginning of the year with 9 hours of daylight, setting a stark contrast to the brighter months to come. As February ushers in an additional hour, daylight gradually extends, reaching 11 hours in March. This steady increase continues through April and May, where the days grow longer, peaking at 15 hours in June. Following this summer solstice, daylight begins to recede, with July and August offering 14 and 13 hours, respectively, before transitioning back into shorter days. By September, daylight diminishes to 12 hours, and as the year closes out in November and December, it reverts back to 9 hours, mirroring January’s light. This cyclical pattern illustrates the region's distinct seasonal shifts, with winter’s brevity giving way to the luxuriant brightness of summer.
In January, the winds in Kars, Turkey, gently whisper at an average speed of 2.1 m/s (5 mph), creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for enjoying the serene winter landscape. As the months progress into February and March, wind speeds steadily increase, reaching 2.4 m/s (5 mph) and 2.6 m/s (6 mph) respectively, suggesting a subtle hint of spring in the air. However, this mild elevation in wind activity begins to plateau, as April and May hover around the same breezy pace. The summer months see a brief dip in wind speed, with July offering a calm 2.1 m/s (5 mph), while August and September experience a slight reduction to 2.0 m/s (4 mph). As autumn arrives, a similar reduction continues into October and November, where the winds drop to 1.6 m/s (4 mph) and 1.7 m/s (4 mph), respectively. By year-end, the breeze picks up again in December, finishing the year at 2.0 m/s (5 mph), echoing the serene yet fluctuating nature of Kars’ winter winds.
Weather in Kars varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Kars, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
January and February exhibit remarkably similar winter weather patterns, although February tends to be slightly colder. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) to a maximum of 5°C (41°F), with an average of -8°C (18°F) and 32 mm of precipitation over 7 days. In contrast, February records slightly lower minimum temperatures at -27°C (-16°F) but has a marginally higher maximum of 6°C (44°F) and a slightly increased precipitation total of 34 mm, also over 7 days. Both months feature high humidity levels, with January at 87% and February at 88%. For more detailed information on February weather, visit Kars weather in February.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with minimums reaching as low as -25°C (-12°F) and an average of -8°C (18°F). Precipitation occurs on about 7 days, totaling 32 mm (1.2 in), and humidity levels are high at 87%. In contrast, March sees a significant warming trend, with minimum temperatures slightly higher at -22°C (-7°F) and an average rising to -1°C (31°F). The maximum temperature can reach a milder 16°C (62°F), making it feel much more pleasant. However, March experiences more precipitation, with 79 mm (3.1 in) spread over 14 days, and a slightly lower humidity of 85%. For more detailed insights into the weather patterns, you can check Kars weather in March.
January and April present contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of only 5°C (41°F). The cold month sees significant humidity at 87% and about 32 mm of precipitation over 7 days. In stark contrast, April brings the promise of spring with milder temperatures: a minimum of -13°C (10°F), an average of 5°C (42°F), and a maximum of 21°C (70°F). Though April experiences more rainfall, totaling 90 mm over 17 days, the humidity drops to 80%, making it feel less oppressive than January. For a deeper look at what to expect during this transitional month, you can check out Kars weather in April.
In January, the weather is harshly cold, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -25°C (-12°F) to an average of -8°C (18°F), and only reaching a max of 5°C (41°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation of 32 mm (1.2 in) over about 7 days, coupled with high humidity at 87%. In contrast, May brings a refreshing warm-up, with temperatures ranging from a low of -3°C (27°F) to a pleasant average of 11°C (51°F), peaking at a maximum of 28°C (82°F). However, May is also significantly wetter, with total precipitation of 127 mm (5.0 in) over 19 days and a slightly lower humidity of 78%. This striking difference between the two months highlights the transition from winter's chill to spring's warmth. For more detailed insights, you can check Kars weather in May.
January weather is characterized by extreme cold, with temperatures ranging from a chilling -25°C (-12°F) to a maximum of only 5°C (41°F). The average temperature hovers around -8°C (18°F), and the month is marked by relatively high humidity at 87%, along with 32 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over 7 days. In contrast, June brings a dramatic shift, featuring much warmer conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a high of 31°C (89°F), and an average temperature of 15°C (60°F). Although June has higher total precipitation at 77 mm (3.0 in), it occurs over 16 days, reflecting the more humid summer months despite the lower humidity of 79%. For more detailed information, you can check Kars weather in June.
The contrast between January and July weather is striking. In January, temperatures plunge to a minimum of -25°C (-12°F), with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of 5°C (41°F). This frigid month also sees significant humidity at 87% and light precipitation of 32 mm (1.2 in) over about 7 days. In stark contrast, July experiences much warmer conditions with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a scorching maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging 18°C (65°F). While July is sunnier and drier, it still sees about 63 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation across 12 days and lower humidity at 80%. For a closer look at July weather specifics, you can check out Kars weather in July.
January and August present a striking contrast in weather patterns. In January, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -25°C (-12°F), with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of just 5°C (41°F), creating a heavy chill that permeates the atmosphere. The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 32 mm (1.2 in) over 7 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 87%. Conversely, August warms up considerably, with lows of 5°C (41°F), an average of 18°C (65°F), and peaks reaching a sweltering 33°C (92°F). This summer month experiences increased rainfall at 54 mm (2.1 in) across 12 days but benefits from lower humidity at 66%, making it far more comfortable. For a detailed look at weather conditions during this time, check out Kars weather in August.
January and September present contrasting weather experiences. In January, temperatures plummet to a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) and barely rise above freezing, averaging around -8°C (18°F), while reaching a maximum of only 5°C (41°F). The month is marked by high humidity at 87% and some light precipitation, totaling 32 mm (1.2 in) over about seven days.
In stark contrast, September welcomes much milder conditions, with minimum temperatures at 0°C (33°F) and an average warmth of 15°C (59°F). The month can see maximum temperatures soar to 31°C (88°F), providing a much more pleasant atmosphere. Despite receiving slightly less precipitation at 28 mm (1.1 in) over the same seven days, the humidity is notably lower at 67%, making for a more comfortable environment. For more details, check out Kars weather in September.
January and October present stark contrasts in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -25°C (-12°F), with an average of -8°C (18°F) and a maximum of just 5°C (41°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 87% and a total precipitation of 32 mm (1.2 in) over about 7 days. In contrast, October offers much milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -6°C (22°F) to a pleasant average of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F). Although October sees slightly more precipitation at 46 mm (1.8 in) over the same number of days, humidity levels are lower at 81%. For more details on the weather in October, visit Kars weather in October.
January and November exhibit stark differences in weather conditions. In January, temperatures plunge with a minimum of -25°C (-12°F) and an average of -8°C (18°F), reaching a maximum of only 5°C (41°F). The month sees about 32 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation across 7 days, coupled with a high humidity level of 87%. In contrast, November experiences milder weather with a minimum temperature of -17°C (1°F), an average of 1°C (35°F), and a maximum of 17°C (62°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 39 mm (1.5 in), also spread over 7 days, and humidity remains relatively low at 84%. For more detailed insights, check out Kars weather in November.
In comparison to December, January experiences significantly colder temperatures, with average lows dipping to -25°C (-12°F) and highs only reaching up to 5°C (41°F). December, on the other hand, has milder conditions, with average temperatures ranging from -17°C (2°F) to a maximum of 9°C (48°F). Precipitation is slightly lower in January at 32 mm (1.2 in) over 7 days, while December sees 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain over 9 days. The humidity remains relatively high in both months, with January at 87% and December at 85%. For more detailed information about December weather, check out Kars weather in December.
As January settles in, Kars experiences some of its coldest temperatures of the year, with a sharp contrast to the milder months that precede and follow it. The chilly air brings an average temperature of -8°C, often dipping to a bone-numbing -25°C, making it a stark winter wonderland. Alongside the 87% humidity, residents and visitors can expect around 7 days of precipitation, which adds to the season's unique atmosphere. This wintry chill ensures January stands out significantly in contrast to Kars' warmer months. For a deeper dive into the weather patterns of this frigid month and beyond, explore Kars Climate.