Weather in Antakya

Be prepared for any weather surprises in the city of Antakya. Below you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and charts.

The climate of Antakya can be characterised as typical Mediterranean, which means hot, sunny summers and mild, but quite rainy winters. Thanks to its southern location in Turkey, severe frosts are rare here, and snow falls infrequently. The weather is generally favourable for travel, however, the nature of your holiday will depend heavily on the chosen season.

The summer months, especially July and August, are distinguished by high temperatures reaching an average of 27–32°C, and an almost complete absence of precipitation. This is the time for lovers of heat and sun. Conversely, winter (especially January) brings coolness with average temperatures around 9–10°C and a noticeable number of rainy days. Spring and autumn serve as a comfortable transition: pleasant warm weather sets in during this time, ideally suited for excursions and walking around the city.

The climate of Antakya is distinguished by a distinct Mediterranean character: a long sweltering summer and a fairly mild, humid winter reign here. The hottest period is traditionally July and August, when the average air temperature holds at 27°C, and daytime highs consistently exceed the 32°C mark. The summer heat here is persistent, and even the nights do not bring significant relief: in the middle of summer, the temperature after dark rarely drops below 22–23°C.

The winter season, on the other hand, passes without severe frosts, making this region of Turkey attractive to visit all year round. The coldest months are considered to be January and February with average figures around 9–10°C. Even on the coolest nights, the thermometer usually remains above freezing (around 6–7°C), and during the day the air warms up to a comfortable 13–14°C, allowing you to enjoy walks without heavy winter clothing.

In the transition seasons, especially spring and autumn, a noticeable temperature range is observed. For example, in April and October, the difference between daytime warmth and nighttime freshness can reach 10 degrees: during the day the air warms up to a pleasant 22–27°C, and by night it cools down to 12–17°C. Travellers planning a trip at this time should provide for layered clothing to feel comfortable throughout the day.

Precipitation in Antakya is distributed unevenly throughout the year, demonstrating distinct seasonality. The wettest period is winter: the peak of rains falls in January, when the highest number of days with precipitation is recorded — about 17 days per month. Thanks to the mild climate and temperatures rarely dropping below zero (average minimum in January is about 6°C), precipitation falls mainly in the form of rain, and snowfalls here are an infrequent phenomenon.

The summer season, in contrast, is distinguished by arid weather. July and August are the driest months of the year, when precipitation levels tend towards zero, and the probability of rain is minimal (on average only 2 days with precipitation per month). This time is ideal for tourists who prefer clear skies and an absence of rain during city walks.

Spring and autumn serve as transitional periods with moderate humidity. In March, rains are still quite frequent (about 15 days), but by June their number decreases sharply. In autumn, the cycle repeats in reverse order: September remains relatively dry, but by November the frequency of precipitation increases to 9 days a month, preparing the city for a wet winter.

When packing for Antakya, first of all, be guided by the season of your trip, as the climate here varies from a hot dry summer to a mild but rainy winter. For travel from June to September, when the temperature often exceeds 30°C and rain is practically absent, choose light, loose clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to put a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream in your suitcase to protect your skin from the active southern sun.

The winter months, especially January and February, are characterised by high humidity and frequent precipitation, so a waterproof jacket, a quality raincoat, or a sturdy umbrella will definitely come in handy. Although there are no severe frosts here, in the evenings and at night the temperature can drop to 6–8°C. For comfortable walks at this time of year, take warm sweaters, jumpers, and closed waterproof shoes with you.

For spring and autumn, the best solution will be the principle of layering in clothing. In months such as April or October, it can be summer-like warm during the day, but it becomes fresh towards the evening, so it is convenient to have a light windbreaker or cardigan at hand that can be quickly taken off or put on. Regardless of the season, Antakya is a city with a rich history, inviting long walking tours, so the most important item in your luggage is comfortable, proven walking shoes.