Ankara's climate is characterized by a typical continental climate. This climate type has a structure in which temperature differences between summer and winter seasons are quite significant, humidity is generally low and precipitation varies seasonally.
The summer months are usually hot and dry. In June, July and August, temperatures can often exceed 30°C. During these periods, the humidity in the city is low, making the hot weather more bearable. However, heat waves can occur, especially in July and August, due to the steep angle of the sun and the city's inland location. These temperatures can pose health risks, especially for the elderly and people with chronic conditions.
The winter months are quite cold and snowy in Ankara. Temperatures often drop below zero in December, January and February. Snowfall and frost are common throughout the winter in the city. Cold and rainy weather increases the city's heating demand and energy consumption rises in winter. Road icing and snow accumulation can have a negative impact on life, making transportation difficult and disrupting daily life.
The spring and fall seasons are the milder seasons in Ankara. In March and April, temperatures gradually rise and rainfall has a refreshing effect heralding the arrival of spring. September and October are generally cool and rainy. During these transitional periods, temperature differences are noticeable in the morning and evening hours, which can have an impact on human health, especially respiratory diseases.
The prevailing winds in Ankara throughout the year generally blow from the north and west directions. North winds bring cold air waves to the city in winter, while west winds can have a cooling effect in spring and summer. This variable nature of the wind can cause microclimate changes, especially in areas with high-rise buildings, and in some areas the intensity of the wind can increase, affecting living conditions.
In general, the continental climate of Ankara significantly affects the social and economic life of the city. Temperature differences between seasons require planning in many areas from clothing to energy consumption, transportation to health services. These effects on living conditions make it necessary to organize the city's infrastructure and services according to the seasons.