Izmir has a typical Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Izmir, once known as Smyrna, sits on Turkeyâs west coast on a narrow gulf that meets the Aegean Sea.
Summer, from May till October, sees the average high temperature rise from 25°C to a peak of 32°C in July and August before getting back down to 23°C in October. At the beginning and end of the season night times can be a bit chilly while just either side of the peak months they are pleasantly mild. In the middle of the season the average low temperature stays up at 20°C. The peak months of summer can be too hot; the record high is 46°C. Sitting in the inland curve of the small gulf of water, with mountains to the north and south, Izmir is protected from cooling winds which are somewhat missed in the summer months.
Rainfall levels are incredibly low throughout the season and a drought sometimes develops between June and August. Sunshine levels are phenomenal, reaching a peak of fourteen hours per day in July. The sea temperature peaks in July and August at 23°C.
Autumn, in November, sees a rapid transition in weather conditions. The average high temperature drops to 18°C and the average low to 10°C. While the beginning of the month still sees 20°C days, the end of the month can see days in the low teens. Rainfall doubles and a few heavy showers can be seen towards the end of the month. Sunshine levels drop and the water temperature gets to 18°C.
Winter, from December till February, is cool and wet. The average high temperature drops to 13°C at the beginning and end of the season and dips to 11°C in January. The average low wavers around 5°C. It can get down to freezing at night but snow and frost are rare. Rainfall peaks at the start but remains quite high throughout winter, falling in frequent showers. However, there are still five hours of sun per day on average. This is a very changeable season and on clear days the temperature can suddenly get up into the mid teens while on grey days it can feel very cold.
Spring, in March and April, again sees a very quick change. The average high temperature climbs to a mild 16°C in March and a very warm 20°C in April. Night time temperatures remain cool. Rainfall lessens in March then gets down to moderate levels in April. The sun stays for longer and longer but the sea stays quite cool.