Lake Nemrut Lake
Crater lake within Mount Nemrut, volcanic caldera
A high volcanic crater lake on Mount Nemrut in Bitlis Province, Lake Nemrut attracts trekkers for alpine hikes, dramatic caldera scenery and seasonal wildflower meadows.
Lake Nemrut at a Glance#
Address: Nemrut (Nemrut Crater), near Tatvan/Bitlis Province, Eastern Turkey
About Lake Nemrut#
Lake Nemrut is a crater lake located within the Nemrut caldera in Bitlis Province, eastern Turkey. It is a mountain lake formed by volcanic activity and is known for its caldera landscape.
The lakeshore and surrounding rim offer high-elevation walking and viewpoint opportunities and attract visitors for day hikes and landscape photography. Access routes typically involve driving and short treks along the caldera rim; seasonal conditions can affect accessibility.
The caldera and lake were created by volcanic eruptions and subsequent collapse of the volcanic cone; the lake occupies the depression left by that activity. Over time the site has remained a natural feature with limited permanent development.
Located in the Mount Nemrut volcanic complex in Bitlis Province, the lake sits within a highland volcanic landscape in eastern Turkey and is reachable from nearby towns by mountain roads.
- Caldera setting: Sits inside a volcanic caldera formed by Mount Nemrut; visitors reach the lake by routes that ascend the surrounding rim.
How to Get to Lake Nemrut#
The nearest larger towns are Tatvan and Bitlis. From Tatvan (access by bus or minibus), drive inland toward Nemrut volcano-road conditions vary and a 4x4 is advisable for the final stretches. Arrange local transport from Tatvan or Tatvan bus station.
Tips for Visiting Lake Nemrut#
- Allow time for acclimatization-the crater sits above 2,000 m and winds can be fierce.
- Combine a visit with an excursion to Nemrut Volcano National Park and the surrounding villages.
- Dress in layers and bring sunscreen; the sun at high altitude is intense even on cool days.
Best Time to Visit Lake Nemrut#
Best visited late spring through early autumn; avoid winter unless equipped for snow and ice.
Weather & Climate near Lake Nemrut#
Lake Nemrut's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (780 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -9° - -2° | -8° | 75 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
| February | Poor | -8° - -1° | -7° | 88 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.6h |
| March | Poor | -5° - 2° | -5° | 93 mm | overcast | 73% | 2.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | 0° - 8° | 1° | 116 mm | overcast | 68% | 2.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.1h |
| May | Acceptable | 4° - 14° | 8° | 87 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 2.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.1h |
| June | Very Good | 8° - 20° | 14° | 32 mm | mostly sunny | 46% | 2.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.6h |
| July | Ideal | 12° - 25° | 19° | 10 mm | mostly sunny | 36% | 2.3 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 14.4h |
| August | Ideal | 12° - 26° | 19° | 10 mm | mostly sunny | 31% | 2.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.5h |
| September | Excellent | 8° - 21° | 15° | 15 mm | mostly sunny | 36% | 2.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 3° - 14° | 8° | 78 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 1.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.1h |
| November | Poor | -2° - 6° | 0° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 1.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.0h |
| December | Poor | -6° - 1° | -5° | 83 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.4h |
