Weather in Sanliurfa

Stay up to date with the current weather conditions in Sanliurfa. Below is the latest information, forecasts, and useful weather charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Sanliurfa is characterized by significant seasonal variations, approaching a semi-arid or continental Mediterranean type. Prepare for a very hot and dry summer, which is followed by a cool and wetter winter. Spring and autumn serve as pleasant transitional seasons.

The summer months, especially from June to September, are distinguished by high temperatures, often exceeding 35-38°C, and an almost complete absence of precipitation. Clear and sunny weather prevails during this period. Winters, by contrast, are quite cool, with average temperatures around 6-8°C, and this is when the majority of annual rainfall occurs, although it is not too heavy. The highest number of rainy days is observed from December to March.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer more moderate temperatures, making these periods comfortable for visiting. Spring sees rapid warming and a decrease in precipitation, while autumn sees gradual cooling and some increase in humidity before winter. Overall, Sanliurfa is characterized by distinct seasons with hot, arid summers and mild, but noticeably wetter winters.

The temperature regime in Sanliurfa demonstrates pronounced seasonality. The annual temperature range is quite wide: from cool winter days to sweltering summers. The hottest months are traditionally July and August, when the average temperature hovers around 31.7-31.8°C, and daytime highs regularly reach 38.9°C. The coldest month is considered to be January with an average temperature of 6.1°C and minimum nighttime values dropping to 2.2°C. It is followed by February, where the average temperature is 7.5°C.

Summer in Sanliurfa, covering the period from June to September, is characterized as very hot and dry. Average daytime temperatures in June already exceed 35°C, and in July and August, they remain steady around 39°C. Nights bring some relief but remain warm: minimum temperatures in the summer months range from 20.6°C to 24.8°C. This significant difference between day and night temperatures, reaching 14 degrees or more, is a characteristic feature of the local climate. Precipitation during the summer period is practically absent, underscoring the arid nature of the season.

The winter months, from December to February, bring noticeable coolness to Sanliurfa. Average temperatures during this period range from 6.1°C in January to 8.2°C in December. Daytime highs are usually in the range of 10-12°C, making the weather quite crisp. At night, the temperature drops to 2-4°C, sometimes approaching the freezing point, but severe frosts are atypical. The difference between day and night temperatures in winter is less pronounced than in summer but still noticeable, averaging 7-9 degrees. It is the winter months that account for the main part of annual precipitation, although the total amount is small.

Sanliurfa sees distinct seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The city is characterized by a very dry summer period and a wetter, yet low-precipitation, winter and early spring.

The driest period falls on the summer months, from June to September. In June, according to monthly average data, rainfall approaches zero, and there are only about 2 days with precipitation on average. July and August are absolutely dry months: no precipitation falls at all (0 mm), and the number of rainy days is also zero. In September, the situation is similar: there is practically no rainfall, and on average, only one day with possible precipitation is recorded.

The main, albeit very moderate, share of annual precipitation falls between December and March. January stands out as the month with the highest number of days with precipitation – on average 14 days, with the total amount of rainfall being about 3 mm. Similar figures are observed in March (3 mm of precipitation, 12 rainy days) and December (3 mm of precipitation, 11 rainy days). In February (2 mm, 9 days) and April (2 mm, 8 days), a small amount of precipitation also falls, but it is more likely than in summer. Given the low average monthly volumes, precipitation is most likely in the form of light rain or drizzle.

Transitional months, such as May (1 mm of precipitation, 5 rainy days) and October (1 mm of precipitation, 4 rainy days), show a gradual decrease or, conversely, an increase in the frequency and amount of precipitation, linking the dry summer season with the wetter winter one. November (2 mm, 7 rainy days) also marks an increase in humidity before the onset of winter.

When planning a trip to Sanliurfa, it is important to choose the right wardrobe to feel comfortable in any weather. Given the hot and dry summer, as well as the cool and wetter winter, the key principle is layering. In summer, especially from June to September, when temperatures can reach 38-39°C, opt for light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream – the sun is very active here. Comfortable shoes for long walks around historical sites will be your best companion at any time of year.

With the arrival of autumn and winter, from October to March, the weather in Sanliurfa becomes significantly cooler. Average temperatures in winter hover around 6-8°C, and nights can be quite cold. During this period, you will need warm clothes: sweaters, fleece jackets, a warm jacket, or a coat. Although the amount of rainfall is small, rainy days do occur, especially from December to March (up to 14 days in January), so a light umbrella or a waterproof jacket may come in handy. Waterproof shoes will also be useful on rainy days.

In spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November), the weather is most changeable but generally comfortable. It can be warm during the day, while evenings bring coolness. In these transitional seasons, the principle of layering is especially relevant: a t-shirt or light blouse, over which you can wear a cardigan, sweater, or light jacket. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Regardless of the season, do not forget a power adapter for electronics if needed, and a small first aid kit with essential medicines.