Antalya, as a city with the typical characteristics of the Mediterranean climate, has mild and warm weather conditions throughout the year. The summer months are hot and dry, while the winter season is mild and rainy. These climatic characteristics have a significant impact on both the natural life and human activities of the city.
The summer season starts in June and lasts until September, with temperatures usually hovering around 30 degrees Celsius and above. July and August are the peak months, when the average temperature is around 34 degrees Celsius, sometimes reaching 40 degrees Celsius. In summer, the weather is quite dry and humidity is low, so the heat is more easily felt. Rainfall is very rare in summer and this long dry period can put pressure on water resources in particular. This requires vigilance on the part of local authorities and the public in terms of water consumption.
The winter season starts in November and lasts until March. Temperatures during this period are quite mild, usually ranging between 15-20 degrees during the day and 5-10 degrees at night. Precipitation is quite frequent during the winter months, most of it in the form of heavy rain. Most of the annual rainfall falls during this period. On rainy days in winter, waterways and drainage systems in the city gain importance. Also, the humidity is higher during this period than in summer, which makes the cold air feel more humid and colder.
Winds vary seasonally in Antalya. In the summer, winds usually blowing from the north alleviate the heat waves. In winter, winds blowing from the south and southwest carry the warm and humid air coming from the Mediterranean Sea, which contributes to a milder winter season.
These climatic characteristics also have an impact on Antalya's natural vegetation and agricultural activities. Long summers offer ideal conditions for the growth of Mediterranean crops, especially olives and citrus fruits. However, prolonged droughts in summer increase the need for irrigation, which can increase pressure on water resources. Abundant rainfall during the winter months helps recharge dams and groundwater levels, thus creating an important reserve for agricultural irrigation and urban water needs.
Antalya's climate also directly affects the tourism sector. The long and hot summer season offers an ideal vacation time for local and foreign tourists, while the mild weather in winter makes the city an attractive destination to visit throughout the year. However, the increased number of tourists, especially during the summer months, can place additional burdens on the city's infrastructure, with water and energy consumption increasing significantly during this period.