What is the Hottest Month in Turkey?

Turkey is a large country that spans two continents and has a diverse climate across its regions Summers are generally hot, especially inland, while winters can be cold with frequent snow, particularly in central and eastern areas So when is the hottest part of the year in Turkey?

Overview of Turkey’s Climate

Turkey’s climate varies widely based on location and proximity to water. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The Black Sea coast is cooler in summer with year-round rain. Inland areas and the central Anatolian plateau have cold winters with frequent snow and very hot, dry summers. The southeast has an arid climate with extremely hot summers.

Istanbul and coastal cities like Antalya average highs around 80-90°F in summer. Eastern cities like Diyarbakır and mountain areas can reach over 100°F. Winters in Istanbul average highs in the 40s while nights below freezing are common inland. The peak of summer from June to August brings Turkey’s hottest weather.

August is Turkey’s Hottest Month

August stands out as the hottest month across most of Turkey, based on average high temperatures. In the capital Ankara, daily highs in August average 88°F with low humidity. Along the Aegean coast from Çanakkale to Kuşadası, average August temps are around 90°F but with higher humidity that can feel oppressive.

Even Istanbul and Black Sea cities like Trabzon that have relatively cool summers, see August highs reach the low 80s. Southeastern cities like Şanlıurfa and Mardin, located in the arid continental climate zone, have August average highs over 100°F.

Across all regions, August narrowly edges out July as the hottest month, with slightly higher average temperatures. The extreme heat often peaks in late July and early August.

Why August is So Hot

A few key factors make August the hottest part of summer in Turkey:

• Peak sunlight – The Northern Hemisphere receives the most direct sunlight during the summer solstice in late June. Residual heat from the solstice leads to peak air temperatures in July-August.

• Dry conditions – August is a very dry month, especially inland, as rainfalls decrease after spring. The lack of clouds and precipitation allows more solar heating.

• Warm nearby water – Coastal areas are also influenced by warm sea surface temps which reach their annual peak in August-September after absorbing heat all summer.

• Continental heating – Turkey’s central Anatolian plateau heats up intensely through the sunny, dry summer. August is the last full month to feel this continental warmth before cooling begins.

• Southerly winds – Winds from the south and southeast, coming from the hot Arabian deserts, help boost Turkey’s temperatures in summer.

Regional Variations

While August takes the crown for hottest month overall, peak summer heat arrives at different times in some areas:

• Southeast – The southeast like Şanlıurfa can be hottest from June to early August, before late summer brings slight cooling.

• Aegean coast – July and August tie for the warmest months in most Aegean cities like İzmir and Bodrum, with similar temps.

• Mountains – Highest elevations peak in July, as winter comes earlier above tree line.

• Black Sea – Warm spells can peak as late as September, but August is consistently the hottest month.

August Heat and Tourism

August’s hot and dry weather, combined with school holidays in Turkey and Europe, make it a very popular month for tourism. Coastal resorts like Antalya and Alanya have peak crowds and hotel prices in August to match the peak temperatures.

Istanbul and Cappadocia remain busy as many Europeans seek a cooler escape. Outdoor activities need to be timed carefully to avoid the midday sun. Air conditioning provides essential relief and most hotels and museums are air-conditioned. August is low season in eastern Turkey where the heat is most intense.

August emerges as the hottest month across nearly all regions of Turkey during peak summer. The month edges out July for the top spot based on average highs, humidity, sunlight intensity, and other climate factors. For visitors, August brings hot and mostly dry weather ideal for beach holidays, along with lively resorts and attractions. While August means heat most places, Turkey still offers regional diversity from the cool Black Sea to hot Southeast.