Van has a sharply continental climate due to its location in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. This climate type is characterized by cold winters and hot summers, but a microclimatic influence of Lake Van can also be observed. The winter season in Van is quite harsh and long. Starting from December until March, cold weather prevails and temperatures often drop below zero. January is usually the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from -5°C to -10°C. Heavy snowfalls and frosts are very common during these months, which can make transportation difficult and have a significant impact on daily life.
The spring season is short and starts in April. During this period, temperatures gradually rise and snow melts begin. However, the difference between day and night temperatures is quite large, which can sometimes be challenging for people. In spring, winds often blow, which makes the weather feel even cooler.
Summer reaches its peak in July and August. Temperatures usually reach around 30°C during this period, but the cooling effect of Lake Van makes these temperatures more bearable. The summer period is usually dry, so there is little rainfall during these months. This can put pressure on agricultural activities, as water resources for irrigation may be reduced.
Autumn is a transitional season in Van, when temperatures gradually start to drop and rainfall starts to increase again. September and October are generally mild, but by November temperatures begin to drop significantly. In autumn, winds continue to be strong, especially around Lake Van, which increases the humidity in the area and can cause foggy weather on some days.
These climatic conditions in Van greatly affect daily life and annual activities. Heavy snowfall and frost in winter create difficulties, especially for those living in rural areas, while hot and dry days in summer increase the need for agricultural irrigation. Climatic conditions also affect the diversity of local flora and fauna, playing an important role in the conservation of endemic species, especially in high altitude areas.