Comparison of Winter Temperatures: Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, and Izmir

When considering the winter temperatures of Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, and Izmir, Ankara emerges as the coldest city throughout the year. This is primarily due to its continental climate, characterized by colder winters and hotter summers, compared to the other cities.

Climate Overview

1. Ankara

Location: Ankara is situated in the central part of Turkey. Climate: Ankara has a continental climate, which means colder winters and hotter summers. Winter Temperatures: During winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, making it the coldest city among Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, and Izmir.

Specific Winter Temperatures

When considering the average temperatures between 1971 and 2021, the order from coldest to warmest is:

Ankara Bursa (equal to Istanbul) Istanbul Izmir

In terms of minimum temperatures during the same period, the order remains the same, with Istanbul being slightly warmer than Bursa:

Ankara Bursa Istanbul Izmir

Why is Ankara the Coldest?

Ankara is coldest because it lies in the middle of Anatolia, which contributes to a continental climate with higher seasonal extremes. The cold in Ankara is dry, making it feel even colder when compared to cities with higher humidity.

Comparison with Other Cities

1. Istanbul

Location: Istanbul is situated in the northwest of the country, closer to the Black Sea and the Bosphorus. Climate: Istanbul has a more temperate climate due to its coastal location. Winter: Winter in Istanbul can sees occasional snow for one to two weeks from December to March. Daytime temperatures are usually higher than in Ankara, but night temperatures can be lower. Wind: The wind, known as Poyraz, can make it feel colder in Istanbul due to humidity and frequent fog.

2. Bursa

Location: Bursa is located near the Sea of Marmara. Climate: Bursa experiences a Mediterranean climate with milder winters compared to Ankara. Day Temperatures: Daytime temperatures in Bursa are higher than in Istanbul, but night temperatures can be slightly lower.

3. Izmir

Location: Izmir is a coastal city on the Aegean Sea. Climate: Izmir has a Mediterranean climate with milder winters and lower humidity than Istanbul. Winter Weather: Although Izmir rarely sees snow, it can occur almost every five years. When it does, the snow usually melts within a couple of hours.

Conclusion

In summary, Ankara experiences the coldest temperatures, especially during winter months, due to its location and continental climate. However, the cold in Istanbul can feel more biting due to the humidity and wind.