Ankara
Capital of Turkey
Ankara is the capital of Turkey and has a population of about 5.8 million. Visitors to the city explore sites ranging from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to the Kocatepe Mosque and the historic Çankaya Mansion.
What to see
The city contains several historical and cultural sites. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the Ethnography Museum of Ankara, the State Art and Sculpture Museum, and the Ulucanlar Prison Museum display the region's heritage. Religious landmarks include the Kocatepe Mosque, Aslanhane Mosque, and Hacı Bayram Mosque. Visitors also explore the Ankara Castle, the Roman Baths of Ankara, and the Çankaya Mansion.
When to go
Ankara experiences cold winters with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through March. Spring and autumn bring mild weather, though May and June see increased rainfall with about 12 rainy days each month. The summer months of July and August are warm and dry, with daily highs reaching 30 °C to 31 °C and limited precipitation.
Getting there
The city is served by Esenboğa International Airport, located 25 km from the center.
Top sights in Ankara
Weather by month
The warmest month is August, with an average high of 31 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 5 | 7 | 11 | 17 | 22 | 27 | 31 | 31 | 26 | 20 | 12 | 7 |
| Average low, °C | -3 | -3 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 12 | 8 | 2 | -1 |
| Rainfall, mm | 44 | 37 | 40 | 52 | 48 | 33 | 17 | 12 | 17 | 34 | 39 | 49 |
| Rainy days | 9 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 12 | 12 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 8 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Ankara (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Ankara Castle
- Aslanhane Mosque
- Ethnography Museum of Ankara
- Hacı Bayram Mosque
- Roman Baths of Ankara
- State Art and Sculpture Museum
- Ulucanlar Prison Museum