Izmir's Mediterranean climate is characterized by long, hot and dry summers and wet, changeable winters. If you're looking for a beach getaway, you'll want to travel to Izmir in the summer. However, if you prefer to stay away from the heat then you should definitely consider another season if trying to decide when to go to Izmir. Just don't forget to bring your umbrella.

Winter

Winters in Izmir last from December through February and are always cold and wet. The temperatures will occasionally drop to freezing during the night, but snowfall is still very rare. The low during the day can reach 5 degrees C while the high usually hovers around 13 degrees C. There are frequent rain showers in the winter, especially in December. But the weather is extremely changeable, with sunny days being warmer and overcast days being very chilly. There is an average of 5 hours of sun per day.

Spring

Springtime is a short season in Izmir, lasting only from March to April. It's still quite cool at night, but highs will reach about 16 degrees C in the beginning of the season, and by the end a 20 degree C high is common. The weather is still changeable, but the rain starts to lessen throughout the season. The sea is still very cold, so don't plan your beach vacation quite yet. This is, however, a great time to visit for jazz lovers, as the Izmir European Jazz Festival takes place each March.

Summer

Summer is Izmir's longest season, lasting from May through October. The beginning and end of the season see highs of about 25 degrees C, while the middle months (June through August) tend to have highs of 32 degrees C and lows of 20 degrees C. Unfortunately Izmir gets very little wind, so don't expect a cooling breeze when you're sweltering in what can occasionally be 40 degree C weather. On the plus side, there is very little rain throughout the season, and up to 14 hours of sunshine per day quickly warms the sea to a pleasant 23 degrees C. The warm weather also brings the Izmir International Festival from June through July, during which world famous artists will play at the various venues throughout the city.

Autumn

Fall is the shortest season in Izmir, lasting only through November. The lows are generally around 10 degrees C with highs sometimes reaching 20 degrees C. The temperature rapidly cools throughout the month, especially at night. There is less sun, and the sea loses its warmth almost immediately. Rainfall increases in autumn, with heavy showers being a common occurrence toward the end of the month. Be sure to catch the International Izmir Short Film Festival if you're there in autumn.