Bafra Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Turkey

Summer in Bafra

Summer in Bafra is hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C. The humidity can make the heat feel even more oppressive, especially during the hottest months of July and August. Rainfall is infrequent during this season, and most days are sunny. The average amount of rainfall during the summer months is around 20mm.

Winter in Bafra

Winter in Bafra is cold and wet, with average temperatures ranging from 4°C to 12°C. Snowfall is common during this season, and the city can experience several snowstorms each winter. The average amount of snowfall during the winter months is around 30cm. Rainfall is also common during the winter, and the city can experience several rainy days each month.

Summer Temperatures in Bafra, Turkey

Summer temperatures in Bafra, Turkey, are typically warm and sunny. The average temperature in July, the warmest month of the year, is 25°C (77°F). However, temperatures can reach highs of up to 35°C (95°F) on particularly hot days. The humidity levels in Bafra are relatively low, making the heat more bearable. Additionally, there is often a gentle breeze from the Black Sea, which helps to keep temperatures comfortable.

Winter Temperatures in Bafra, Turkey

Winter temperatures in Bafra, Turkey, can be cold and wet. The average temperature in January, the coldest month of the year, is 5°C (41°F). However, temperatures can drop below 0°C (32°F) at night. Snowfall is common in Bafra during the winter months, and the city can experience occasional snowstorms. The humidity levels in Bafra are relatively high during the winter, which can make the cold feel even colder.

Cloud Formations in Bafra, Turkey

Bafra, a city located on the northern coast of Turkey, experiences a diverse range of cloud formations throughout the year. Cumulus clouds, characterized by their puffy, cotton-like appearance, are commonly observed during the summer months. These clouds are typically low in altitude and often indicate fair weather. During the winter, stratus clouds dominate the sky, forming a uniform gray overcast that can obscure the sun for extended periods. These low-level clouds often produce light precipitation in the form of drizzle or snow.

In addition to these common cloud types, Bafra also experiences the occasional passage of more dramatic cloud formations. Thunderstorms, characterized by their towering cumulonimbus clouds, can produce heavy rain, lightning, and thunder. These storms can occur at any time of year but are most frequent during the spring and summer months. Occasionally, Bafra is also affected by the passage of cold fronts, which can bring with them nimbostratus clouds, producing steady and prolonged rainfall. These frontal systems typically occur during the winter and can lead to significant accumulation of precipitation.

Seasonal Precipitation Patterns

Bafra experiences a typical Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Annual precipitation averages around 600 mm, with significant variations between seasons. During the summer months (June-August), rainfall is scarce, with an average of less than 10 mm per month. This aridity is due to the dominance of the subtropical high-pressure system, which creates a rain shadow effect over the eastern Mediterranean.

Autumn-Winter Precipitation

In contrast to the summer, the autumn and winter months (October-April) receive the majority of Bafra’s precipitation. The approach of the polar front from the west brings frequent cyclonic storms, leading to average monthly rainfall exceeding 100 mm during these months. November and December are typically the wettest, with an average rainfall of 150 mm or more. The precipitation during this period is crucial for replenishing soil moisture and supporting vegetation growth.

Climate and Precipitation Patterns

Bafra, located on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, experiences a humid subtropical climate with abundant rainfall throughout the year. The annual precipitation exceeds 1000 mm, distributed relatively evenly across all seasons. During the winter months (December to February), precipitation falls predominantly as rain, occasionally accompanied by snowfall. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring a mix of rain and drizzle, while summer (June to August) is characterized by frequent thunderstorms and occasional downpours. The wettest months are generally from January to March, while the driest period occurs from July to September.

Influence on Agriculture and Water Resources

The abundant rainfall in Bafra supports a thriving agricultural sector. The region is renowned for its hazelnut production, with over 80% of Turkey’s hazelnut crop originating from Bafra. The rainfall also benefits other crops grown in the area, such as corn, wheat, and fruits. Additionally, the ample water supply from rainfall contributes to the development of hydroelectric power plants, providing a significant source of renewable energy for the region and the country as a whole. The reliable precipitation ensures a steady flow of water in rivers and streams, nourishing the local ecosystem and providing a habitat for diverse flora and fauna.

Snowfall in Bafra, Turkey

Bafra, a small town nestled in the northern Turkish province of Samsun, experienced a picturesque snowfall on January 20, 2023. The snow began falling in the early hours of the morning, blanketing the town in a thick, pristine layer. The snowfall transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland, with trees laden with snow and houses adorned with white roofs and sparkling windows. The residents of Bafra awoke to a magical sight, capturing the beauty of the wintery scene in photographs and videos.

The snowfall brought joy to children and adults alike, who took to the streets to build snowmen, engage in snowball fights, and slide down snowy slopes. The snow-covered town became a playground for winter activities, with laughter and cheerful voices filling the air. The snowfall also caused some inconvenience, as roads became slippery and visibility was reduced. However, the beauty of the snowfall far outweighed any difficulties it presented, and the people of Bafra embraced the wintery weather with a sense of wonder and delight.

Climate and Sunshine Hours

Bafra, located in the northern region of Turkey, experiences a humid subtropical climate influenced by the Black Sea. The city receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, particularly during the winter months. Summers in Bafra are warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging between 20-28°C (68-82°F). Winters, on the other hand, are milder and characterized by more overcast days, with temperatures typically between 5-12°C (41-54°F).

Bafra is known for its exceptional sunshine hours, with an average of 1,951 hours per year. The sunniest months are July and August, with an average of 11 hours of sunshine each day. Even during the winter months, Bafra experiences reasonable sunshine hours, with an average of 3 hours of sunshine per day in December. This abundance of sunlight contributes to the city’s overall pleasant climate and provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and vitamin D synthesis.

Observation Circumstances

Bafra, a town in the Samsun Province of Turkey, offers stunning views of the Moon. Situated on the southern coast of the Black Sea, Bafra enjoys clear skies and minimal light pollution, providing ideal conditions for lunar observation. During favorable weather, the Moon appears bright and well-defined against the dark night sky.

Lunar Phenomena

Observers in Bafra have witnessed various lunar phenomena throughout history. The town’s proximity to the equator and the coastal location mean that the Moon can be seen at different altitudes and phases. During full Moons, the lunar disk appears as a brilliant white orb, while crescent Moons offer more subtle details and shadows. Lunar eclipses, when the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon, occasionally grace the sky over Bafra, capturing the attention of stargazers and astronomers. Additionally, the Moon’s rotation and orbital motion result in the appearance of different lunar phases, allowing observers to witness the ever-changing face of our celestial neighbor.

Humidity Variation Throughout the Year

Bafra, Turkey, experiences significant fluctuations in humidity levels throughout the year. During the warm summer months, from June to September, humidity levels soar, reaching an average of 80%. This high humidity can make the heat feel even more oppressive and can contribute to feelings of discomfort and lethargy. In contrast, winter months, which run from December to February, are characterized by drier conditions, with average humidity levels dropping to around 65%. This drier air provides a respite from the summer humidity and makes for more comfortable conditions.

Impact of Humidity on Daily Life

The varying humidity levels in Bafra have a noticeable impact on daily life. During the humid summer months, residents may need to adjust their activities to avoid overheating and dehydration. Outdoor activities, such as gardening or exercising, are best done in the early morning or late evening when temperatures and humidity are lower. Air-conditioned spaces offer a sanctuary from the oppressive humidity, providing a cooler and more comfortable environment. In the drier winter months, the lower humidity levels can lead to dry skin and respiratory irritation, making it important to stay well-hydrated and use humidifiers in indoor spaces.

Wind Patterns in Bafra, Turkey

Bafra, a town located along the Black Sea coast of Turkey, exhibits unique wind patterns influenced by its coastal geography. The region experiences prevailing Etesian winds, known locally as Poyraz, which blow from the northeast and often reach speeds of up to 20 kilometers per hour. These winds are primarily driven by the differential heating and cooling between the Black Sea and the landmasses to the south. During the summer, cooler sea breezes flow inland, providing a refreshing respite from the heat, while during the winter, the winds can become frigid and contribute to the region’s cold and wet climate.

Impact of Wind on Local Life and Economy

The strong winds in Bafra have shaped the local lifestyle and economy in several ways. Historically, the town has been a center for traditional Turkish windmills, which harness the wind’s energy to grind wheat and other grains. The windmills not only provide a sustainable means of food production but also serve as iconic landmarks of the region. Additionally, the consistent wind conditions have fostered the development of a thriving wind energy industry in and around Bafra. Numerous wind turbines have been installed in the area, generating electricity that helps meet the region’s energy needs and contributes to Turkey’s renewable energy goals.

Spring (March-May):

Spring in Bafra offers pleasant temperatures with an average high around 20°C (68°F) in March and reaching 25°C (77°F) in May. The mild weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities, such as picnicking by the Sakarya River, exploring the historical sites like the Bafra Castle, or visiting the Bafra Bird Sanctuary to observe migratory birds. The vibrant green landscapes and blooming flowers add to the picturesque charm of the season.

Summer (June-August):

Summer in Bafra brings warm and sunny days with average highs hovering around 30°C (86°F). While the heat can be intense during the warmest hours of the day, there are plenty of opportunities to cool off. The Black Sea coast is just a short drive away, offering refreshing swims and sunbathing options. The Bafra Bazaar also bustles with activity during summer evenings, providing a lively atmosphere for dining, shopping, and socializing.

Solar Energy Potential

Bafra, a district in the Samsun Province of Turkey, enjoys a favorable climate for solar energy generation, characterized by abundant sunshine hours and minimal cloud cover. The region has an average of 270 sunny days annually, resulting in a high solar radiation potential. This makes Bafra an attractive location for photovoltaic (PV) systems that convert sunlight directly into electricity. The availability of large, undeveloped land areas suitable for solar farms further enhances the district’s solar energy potential.

Initiatives and Developments

To harness this potential, Bafra has initiated several solar energy projects and initiatives. In 2018, the city council installed solar panels on public buildings, including schools and community centers, demonstrating their commitment to renewable energy. Additionally, private companies have expressed interest in developing large-scale solar farms in the district. One such project, proposed by a local energy company, plans to construct a 100 MW solar power plant on approximately 200 hectares of land. These developments are expected to contribute significantly to Turkey’s renewable energy goals and reduce the region’s reliance on fossil fuels.

General Topography
Bafra lies in the West Black Sea Region of Turkey, known for its diverse topography. The region is characterized by coastal plains, rolling hills, and mountain ranges. Bafra’s topography is predominantly a coastal plain, with the Bakırçay River creating a fertile delta that stretches along the coast. The plain is bordered by the Sulakçay River to the east and the Çakıl Creek to the west.

Mountains and Valleys
The Bafra Plain is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including the Canik Mountains to the south and the Köroğlu Mountains to the north. These ranges rise to elevations of over 2000 meters, providing a scenic backdrop to the region. The valleys created by the rivers that flow through the mountains offer fertile agricultural lands and picturesque landscapes. One notable valley is the Alçam Valley, known for its lush meadows and scenic vistas.

Trabzon Airport (TZX)

Trabzon Airport is the closest airport to Bafra, Turkey, located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) to the east. It is a regional airport that serves domestic flights within Turkey. The airport has regular flights to Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities in the country. The flight time from Istanbul to Trabzon is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Bafra, which takes about 45-60 minutes by road.

Samsun Çarşamba Airport (SZF)

Samsun Çarşamba Airport is another option for reaching Bafra by air. It is located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) to the west of Bafra and offers a wider range of domestic and international flights. The airport has direct flights to Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and several European cities. The flight time from Istanbul to Samsun is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Bafra, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes by road.

History and Culture

Bafra, nestled in the Samsun Province of Turkey, boasts a rich historical tapestry dating back to the Hittite era. The ruins of an ancient Hittite settlement, unearthed in the nearby district, provide a glimpse into the town’s deep-rooted past. Bafra’s cultural heritage is equally vibrant, with traditional Turkish customs and festivals celebrated throughout the year. The annual Bafra Grape Festival, held in August, showcases the region’s renowned grape industry and features lively dancing, music, and local delicacies.

Geography and Economy

Bafra occupies a strategic location on the Kızılırmak River, making it a vital transportation hub. The town is surrounded by fertile agricultural lands, with vineyards and orchards contributing significantly to its economy. Bafra is particularly renowned for its grape production, and its local grapes are exported to markets around the world. The town is also home to a thriving agricultural industry, producing a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Bafra’s proximity to the Black Sea coast provides access to fishing and maritime activities, further diversifying its economic base.