Is it Snowing in Turkey? Everything You Need To Know About Snowfall in Turkey

Turkey is a fascinating country that straddles Europe and Asia. This massive country has incredibly diverse landscapes, from beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean to towering mountains and plateaus in Eastern Anatolia. Turkey’s geography means it has several different climate zones, ranging from mediterranean to continental One question many travelers to Turkey have is “Does it snow in Turkey?” The answer is yes – parts of Turkey do regularly get winter snowfall Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about snow in Turkey.

Where Does It Snow in Turkey?

In general the areas that receive the most snow in Turkey are located in the interior and eastern parts of the country away from the moderating effects of the Mediterranean and Black seas. The mountains along Turkey’s eastern borders with Iran, Armenia, Georgia and the Nakhchivan exclave of Azerbaijan have an elevation over 10,000 feet. This brings very cold winters with heavy snowfall to cities like Kars and Erzurum. Some specific areas that reliably get winter snow include

• Eastern Anatolia Region – The highest parts of eastern Turkey including Erzurum, Kars and areas around Mount Ararat are the snowiest. Annual snowfall reaches 16 feet (5 meters) in places. The city of Erzurum has winter average lows around 5°F (-15°C).

• Central Anatolia Region – The central plateau of Anatolia also gets cold snowy winters. Ankara Turkey’s capital in central Anatolia, averages 18 inches (46 cm) of snow per year.

• Black Sea Coast – Cities along the Black Sea coast like Trabzon can get big snow storms when cold air moves off the water. The mountains above the coast get especially heavy snow.

• Lake Van Region – The area around Lake Van in eastern Turkey has a very harsh winter climate and big snowfall due to its high elevation of 5,650 feet (1,720 meters).

• Uludağ Mountain – Uludağ near Bursa in northwest Turkey has Turkey’s most developed ski resort. The mountain gets about 10 feet (3 meters) of snow during winter.

When Does it Snow in Turkey?

The core snow season in Turkey runs from December through March, with January typically being the snowiest month. However, in the highest elevations of Eastern Anatolia first snow often arrives in October and lasts into April or even May. The snow season comes a bit later in the central plateau, beginning in mid-to-late December. Along the Black Sea coast, snowfall timing is more variable depending on when cold polar air moves off the sea.

Here’s a breakdown of typical snowfall timing in key Turkish cities and regions:

• Istanbul – Starts occasionally in December, January through March are wettest months.

• Ankara (Central Anatolia) – December to March, peaking in January.

• Erzurum (Eastern Anatolia) – October to May, peaking in January/February.

• Black Sea Coast – Very variable, December through March.

• Lake Van – October through May, peaking in February.

Historic Snowfall Events in Turkey

Turkey’s position between continental climate zones to the north and more temperate zones south means it sometimes gets impacted by major historic snow storms:

• In 1950 a massive late season blizzard struck Istanbul and northwestern Turkey during late March. It dumped 4 feet (1.2 meters) of snow in places and caused hundreds of roof collapses under the extreme weight.

• In February 1954, the Turkish capital of Ankara was paralyzed under 55 inches (140 cm) of snow over a week, still the city’s biggest snowfall event.

• In January 1987 the central plateau and eastern Turkey were hammered by over 13 feet (4 meters) of snow in an extended 2 week period of relentless winter storms. The extreme snow depths caused chaos and many fatalities.

• During the winter of 2002/2003, a snowstorm shut down Istanbul for nearly a week in late December when over 2 feet (60cm) of snow fell in the city and nearby regions over just a couple days.

So while Turkey’s snow is heaviest in the interior, major snowstorms can occasionally strike cities like Istanbul along the coast when the right conditions align.

Skiing in Turkey

For winter sports enthusiasts, the snow that falls across Turkey’s mountains means excellent skiing conditions from December through March. Some top ski resorts to check out include:

• Uludağ – Turkey’s largest and most developed ski area is located close to Bursa. It has over 18 miles (30 km) of groomed runs and high quality facilities.

• Palandöken – This resort near Erzurum offers great snow quality and views of Mount Ararat. It has the country’s longest run at 4.5 miles (7.2 km) in length.

• Erciyes – Close to Kayseri, this is Turkey’s up and coming ski resort with lots of investments in new facilities. It has excellent snow conditions and panoramic views.

• Kartalkaya – A small charming resort in the Pontic mountains along the Black Sea coast. Gets fantastic powder after winter storms.

Turkey has invested heavily in ski resort development in recent decades, with new hotels, lifts and runs being built. While still smaller than major European resorts, facilities are modern and lift accessed terrain keeps expanding. For an exotic and affordable ski vacation, Turkey is an excellent choice.

Is It Safe to Drive in the Snow in Turkey?

For those traveling to Turkey’s interior during the winter snow season, it is important to be cautious driving in the snow. Major intercity highways are usually cleared and salted promptly after storms. However, secondary roads, mountain passes and rural areas can remain snow-covered for longer periods. Make sure your rental car has snow tires and pack emergency supplies like blankets and food in case you get stuck. Check road conditions and closures before major trips. The safest plan is to avoid driving in heavy snow whenever possible.

Experiencing the Magic of Snow in Turkey

Snowfall transforms Turkey’s landscapes into a beautiful winter wonderland every year. From skiers carving fresh powder in the mountains to iconic sights like the Hagia Sophia covered in a rare coating of white, snow is an amazing sight. With proper precautions for road safety and preparations for cold temperatures, it is an amazing time to visit this exotic country. So next time you’re considering visiting Turkey, don’t overlook winter – embrace it and experience the magic of Turkey covered in snow!