Sivas is located in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey and shows continental climate characteristics. This climate type is generally a climate where temperature differences are quite pronounced between seasons and during the day. While the winter months are cold and snowy, the summer months are hot and relatively dry. Spring and fall seasons are usually short and transitional.
During the winter months, especially in December and January, temperatures often drop below zero degrees Celsius. Snowfall is quite common during this period and the snow cover can stay on the ground for a long time. Due to the high altitude of Sivas (1285 meters on average), the winter season is quite harsh. Towards February, temperatures start to rise gradually, but day-night temperature differences remain large.
In the summer months, July and August, temperatures often reach 30 degrees Celsius and above. However, the temperature difference between day and night is still significant. During this period, rainfall is very low and the weather is mostly dry. The humidity is low, so the heat feels less oppressive.
Spring and fall are the seasons with variable weather conditions for Sivas. In spring, March and April are usually rainy. These precipitations are usually in the form of rain, but can sometimes be seen as sleet. The autumn months of September and October are generally mild and rainfall is also observed during these periods.
In Sivas, winds generally blow from the north and northwest directions. While the cold and dry north winds in the winter months lower the felt temperature even more, the winds blowing in summer usually have a cooling effect. This effect of the wind is felt more especially in open areas and high areas.
The climate of Sivas has a significant impact on the living conditions of the city. While harsh winter conditions increase the need for heating, it also offers some potential for winter tourism due to snowfall. Hot days in summer can be challenging, especially for the elderly and those with chronic diseases. However, the generally low humidity makes summer heat more tolerable. Rainfall during the transitional periods between seasons is vital for agriculture, as these periods are critical for irrigating crops and maintaining the moisture balance of the soil.