Weather & Best Time to Visitin 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.
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.
Eat like you understand the place
Food
What to eat and drink in Kars, from signature dishes and local drinks to markets, dietary needs and restaurant etiquette.
Know before it happens
Scams
Common scams, tourist traps and avoidable problems in Kars, with practical advice on how travelers can recognize and avoid them.
Bring home the right things
Souvenirs
What to buy in Kars, where to shop, typical prices, authenticity advice and which souvenirs are genuinely connected to the destination.
Family travel
With Kids
What to know about visiting Kars as a family.
Travel for more people
Accessibility
Accessibility information for Kars, including walking difficulty, wheelchair access, transport, stairs, seating and sensory considerations.
After dark
Nightlife
A practical introduction to nightlife in Kars, including nightlife areas, atmosphere, late-night considerations and safety.
Money & budgeting
Costs
What a trip to Kars costs, including typical daily budgets, transport, food, attractions, payments and common money mistakes.
Complete destination guide