Evaluation of bioclimatic comfort conditions in Hatay using the tourism climate index: a spatial analysis for sustainable tourism planning

Introduction The conditions of climatic elements such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, pressure, and wind in a given area directly affect bioclimatic comfort conditions. Climate parameters and weather variability affect the quality of urban life and influence the harmony of urban living areas with nature and energy consumption patterns. Therefore, bioclimatic comfort conditions must be identified to guide planning and design studies. The aim of this study is to reveal the bioclimatic comfort conditions of Hatay Province (Türkiye), located in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, on the basis of the Tourism Climate Index (TCI). Determining the most suitable periods and destination areas for sustainable tourism activities is particularly important for Hatay, where tourism represents an important potential in the post-earthquake reconstruction process. Methods Within the scope of the study, the climatic suitability of bioclimatic comfort was evaluated on the basis of the Tourism Climate Index (TCI). Climate data for Hatay Province covering the period 1960–2025 were used, including maximum, minimum, and mean temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, sunshine duration, cloudiness, and wind speed. These data were interpolated in ArcGIS Pro 3.4, and the bioclimatic comfort levels of the study area were subsequently determined using the TCI formula. Based on the interpolation results, tourism-oriented climatic comfort maps of Hatay Province were produced. Results The results revealed clear seasonal and spatial differences in tourism climatic comfort across Hatay Province. From March to November, the classifications “Marginal, Acceptable, Good, and Very Good” were identified, whereas December, January, and February were characterized by “Marginal, Unfavourable, Very Unfavourable, and Extremely Unfavourable” conditions. “Very Unfavourable” areas were predominant in December, while “Good” and “Very Good” areas were predominant in April, September, and October. March was the transition month in which the “Acceptable” class was most widespread across the study area. Neither the “Excellent” nor the “Ideal” class was observed during any month of the year. Discussion The findings indicate that December, January, and February represent the lowest levels of tourism comfort in Hatay, whereas the period from March to November provides relatively higher levels of climatic comfort. The nine-month period from March through November therefore represents an important potential for tourism activities in the province. These findings are important for the development and diversification of tourism strategies in Hatay Province and for supporting sustainable tourism planning based on long-term climatic conditions.