Weather & Best Time to Visit in Kars
A month-by-month guide to weather, crowds and seasonal conditions in Kars, and how to choose when to go.
Weather & seasons
When to visit Kars
Turkish State Meteorological Service statistics for the Kars station, 1931–2025 — means, not forecasts. August is the warmest month (average high 26.5°C, low 9.8°C) and January the coldest (average high -4.7°C, low -16.2°C). May is the wettest (83.1 mm over 18.10 rainy days). The station's records are 37.1°C in August and -37.0°C in February; the greatest snow depth is 120 cm on 15 February 1935, the highest daily rainfall 71.7 mm on 3 August 1949, and the fastest daily wind 44.0 m/s on 12 March 2010.
Best time
The Turkish State Meteorological Service's long-run statistics for Kars (1931–2025) describe a short, mild summer and a long, severe winter. July and August average highs of 25.6°C and 26.5°C; January averages a high of -4.7°C and a low of -16.2°C, and the station has recorded -37.0°C. May is the wettest month (18.10 rainy days). Every month except July has recorded a sub-zero temperature. No official source names a best season.
| Month | Temperature | Crowds | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Average high -4.7°C, low -16.2°C (mean -10.7°C) | 10.43 rainy days and 22.5 mm; 3.4 hours of sunshine a day Record low -36.7°C. | |
| February | Average high -2.6°C, low -14.6°C (mean -8.8°C) | 9.88 rainy days and 22.8 mm; 4.5 hours of sunshine a day Record low -37.0°C, the station's lowest. | |
| March | Average high 3.0°C, low -8.1°C (mean -2.7°C) | 11.60 rainy days and 29.9 mm; 5.3 hours of sunshine a day | |
| April | Average high 11.5°C, low -0.6°C (mean 5.3°C) | 13.38 rainy days and 49.3 mm; 6.1 hours of sunshine a day | |
| May | Average high 16.9°C, low 3.9°C (mean 10.3°C) | 18.10 rainy days and 83.1 mm, the wettest month; 7.3 hours of sunshine a day | |
| June | Average high 21.3°C, low 6.8°C (mean 14.0°C) | 14.55 rainy days and 75.8 mm; 9.4 hours of sunshine a day | |
| July | Average high 25.6°C, low 10.0°C (mean 17.6°C) | 10.53 rainy days and 57.9 mm; 10.3 hours of sunshine a day The only month with no sub-zero record. | |
| August | Average high 26.5°C, low 9.8°C (mean 17.9°C) | 8.51 rainy days and 43.1 mm; 10.1 hours of sunshine a day Warmest month. Record high 37.1°C. | |
| September | Average high 22.3°C, low 5.4°C (mean 13.7°C) | 7.20 rainy days and 29.9 mm; 8.5 hours of sunshine a day | |
| October | Average high 15.1°C, low 0.5°C (mean 7.4°C) | 9.61 rainy days and 42.1 mm; 6.4 hours of sunshine a day | |
| November | Average high 7.0°C, low -4.7°C (mean 0.6°C) | 8.41 rainy days and 26.8 mm; 4.8 hours of sunshine a day | |
| December | Average high -1.2°C, low -11.6°C (mean -6.7°C) | 10.07 rainy days and 22.8 mm; 3.3 hours of sunshine a day |
Continue planning
More about Kars
Experiences & attractions
Things to Do
What there is to do in Kars: the major sights, local experiences and the practical detail you need to plan around them.
Transport
Transport
How to get around Kars, including public transport, taxis, walking, driving and common transport pitfalls.
Beyond the destination
Day Trips
Day trips and nearby places from Kars, with travel times, transport options and how long each one takes.
Understand before you arrive
Culture
Local etiquette, cultural expectations, religious considerations and laws travelers should understand before visiting Kars.
The details that matter
Practical
Practical information for visiting Kars, including connectivity, health considerations, photography, tourist mistakes and useful local knowledge.
Complete destination guide