Weather in Ankara

Stay up to date with the current weather conditions in Ankara. In this section, you will find the freshest data, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help plan your day.

The climate of Ankara can be described as continental, with clearly defined seasons. The city experiences cold, sometimes snowy winters and hot, dry summers. Spring and autumn are transitional periods with more moderate temperatures.

In winter, the average temperature fluctuates around zero, often dropping to freezing levels, especially in January. Summer, by contrast, brings pleasant warmth, and in July and August, the thermometer often rises above 30°C. Precipitation in Ankara is unevenly distributed: the highest number of rainy days occurs during the spring and winter months, while summer, particularly July and August, is distinguished by minimal rainfall and sunny weather. Thus, one can speak of a pronounced dry summer period.

The temperature pattern in Ankara demonstrates classic features of a continental climate with pronounced seasonal fluctuations. The annual temperature progression shows significant amplitude: from cool, and at times frosty, winter months to hot summers. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature holds at around 1.2°C, and night frosts with temperatures down to -2.7°C are not uncommon. Conversely, the peak heat occurs in August, with an average temperature of 23.9°C and daytime highs often reaching 31.0°C.

The summer months in Ankara, especially July and August, are characterised as hot and predominantly dry. Average daytime temperatures confidently exceed 25°C, and in August, they often rise above 30°C. An important feature of the summer period is the noticeable diurnal temperature variation: after a hot day, evenings and nights bring pleasant coolness, when the thermometer can drop by 10-15 degrees. For example, in August, with a daytime maximum of 31.0°C, the night temperature can decrease to 16.9°C. This creates comfortable conditions for evening strolls after the daytime heat.

Winter in Ankara is quite cold. From December to February, average temperatures range from 1°C to 3.6°C. January stands out as the harshest winter month, with night temperatures regularly dipping below freezing (averaging -2.7°C). During the day, the temperature usually stays just above zero, around 5.2°C in January. Although diurnal temperature fluctuations in winter are not as large as in summer, the difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows is still palpable and can be around 8-10 degrees, highlighting the continental nature of the city's climate.

The distribution of precipitation in Ankara has a distinctly seasonal character. On the whole, the city is not distinguished by a large amount of precipitation in millimetres throughout the year, but the frequency of its occurrence varies noticeably. The driest period falls in summer, while late spring and winter are characterised by the highest number of days with precipitation, although it is generally not heavy.

The driest season in Ankara lasts from July to September. During these summer and early autumn months, rainfall amounts tend towards zero (0 mm in July, August, and September according to data), and the number of rainy days is minimal – just 2-3 days per month. This time is characterised by predominantly clear and sunny weather, ideal for outdoor activities.

The highest probability of precipitation is observed in the winter and spring months. Thus, March and May stand out as the months with the highest number of days with precipitation – 12 days each, with about 2 mm falling. In winter, especially in January (11 days, 2 mm) and December (10 days, 2 mm), given the low temperatures often dropping below freezing, precipitation frequently falls as snow or sleet. June also has 11 days with precipitation (2 mm). It is important to note that even in months with frequent precipitation, the total volume is small, indicating the predominantly light nature of the rains or snowfalls.

When planning a trip to Ankara, it is important to consider its continental climate with distinct seasons and noticeable temperature changes. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering your clothing. This will allow you to easily adapt to changing conditions throughout the day, as well as to different weather depending on the time of year. An indispensable item will be comfortable walking shoes, as the city invites long walks. Do not forget a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket, especially if your trip falls during spring, autumn, or winter, when the number of days with precipitation increases, even if the precipitation itself, judging by the data, is usually not heavy.

For the winter months (December-February), when the average temperature hovers around 1-3°C and night frosts are possible (down to -2.7°C in January), be sure to take warm outerwear (a jacket or coat), sweaters, warm trousers, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Warm, possibly waterproof footwear will also be useful, as precipitation may fall as snow. In summer (June-August), Ankara is hot and predominantly dry, especially in July and August, when the maximum temperature can reach 30-31°C. You will need light breathable clothing made of natural fabrics, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF. Even on summer evenings, it can be cooler, so a light jumper or cardigan will come in very handy.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) in Ankara are transitional seasons with moderate but changeable temperatures. In spring and autumn, a mid-season jacket and several sweaters or fleece tops that can be combined will be useful. In May and September, it can be quite warm during the day (average temperature around 15-19°C), so do not forget T-shirts. With increased solar activity in spring and early autumn, sunscreen remains relevant. Given that in March, May, and June, as well as in the autumn-winter period, there are up to 10-12 days with precipitation, having an umbrella or a light raincoat will make your stay more comfortable.