Diyarbakir is located in a region with a continental climate, which leads to marked seasonal variations in temperature and other weather conditions in the city. Summers are usually very hot and dry, while winters can be cold and rainy.
Summer lasts from June to September, with temperatures generally ranging between 30°C and 40°C. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40°C. These temperatures make it difficult to stay outside for long periods of time, especially around midday, and can affect daily life. For example, people prefer to go out in the cooler early morning or evening hours. Dry summers put pressure on water resources and increase the need for irrigation in agricultural activities.
Winter usually lasts from November to March, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C. December and January are the coldest months. Snowfall is rare in winter, but frost can occur due to cold waves. This cold weather increases the need for heating and causes households to use more energy.
Rainfall is usually concentrated in the spring and fall seasons. The spring season, between March and May, is usually light and mild, during which time rainfall is vital for agriculture. The autumn months, between September and November, also experience rainfall, but it can be less predictable and short-lived.
Winds are effective in Diyarbakır throughout the year and generally blow from the north and west. North winds in the summer provide some cooling in hot weather conditions, but can cause problems such as dust transport. In winter, westerly winds bring cold air currents and can lower the temperature even further.
Humidity is generally low in Diyarbakır, which makes the heat more bearable on hot days, but low humidity can lead to health problems such as dry skin. In summary, Diyarbakır's climate is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, which has significant impacts on water consumption, energy use and daily living habits.