The climate of Beirut
Beirut, located on the eastern coast of
Lebanon, is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, categorized as 'Csa' under the Köppen climate classification with hot summers and moderate winters. Taking a detailed look into the weather data reveals annual variations in temperature, humidity, rainfall, and sunshine hours. The highest average temperatures are registered in mid-summer, with peaks of up to 30.7°C (87.3°F). However, in the winter months, nights can be much cooler with minimum temperatures dipping to 11°C (51.8°F).
As expected in this Mediterranean climate, precipitation falls primarily during the winter months, from 191mm (7.52") in
January to 164mm (6.46") in
December. The rainfall level progressively declines as summer approaches, with minimal rainfall from
June to
September, recorded as low as 0mm (0") to 2mm (0.08"). On the other side, relative humidity remains fairly constant throughout the year, wavering slightly between 66% and 73%.
Ocean temperature varies from a nippy 17.4°C (63.3°F) in
February to a warm 28.6°C (83.5°F) in
August, while daylight hours range from a low of 10.2 hours in January to long, abundant 14.4-hour days in June. Sunshine hours follow a similar pattern, providing short but pleasing winter days averaging 4.7 hours of sunshine in December, prolonging to a plentiful 11.6 hours in the height of summer.
The best time to visit Beirut
Based on climatological factors such as temperature, sunshine hours, and rainfall, the optimum time to visit
Beirut is between
May and
June. The temperature rises to a comfortable range from 22.6°C (72.7°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F), while the rainfall decreases dramatically to merely 15mm (0.59") in May. These months also offer an average of 13 to 14 hours of daylight, with sunbathing opportunities stretching between 10 to 11.6 hours per day. These conditions make it perfect to explore this vibrant city's rich heritage and enjoy the warm waters of the Mediterranean, which heat up to approximately 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F) during this period.
The worst time to visit Beirut
From late autumn to early winter, particularly between
November and
December,
Beirut experiences the highest levels of rainfall, reaching up to 101mm (3.98") to 164mm (6.46"). The temperature also drops sharply to reach a chilly low from 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 12.9°C (55.2°F). Sunshine hours dwindle to 6.7 to 4.7 hours per day, which may dampen outdoor explorations. Thus, travelers seeking warm, sunny weather might find these months less appealing.
Spring weather in Beirut
Spring, stretching from
March to
May, welcomes a pleasant respite from the winter chill in
Beirut. Temperatures climb steadily from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F) and rainfall falls dramatically from 111mm (4.37") to 15mm (0.59"), signifying the end of the wet season. The hours of daylight and sunshine increase significantly, providing beautiful conditions for outdoor activities. The sea temperature also begins to warm up, making beach excursions increasingly attractive.
Summer weather in Beirut
Summers in
Beirut, from
June to
August, are characterized by hot, dry conditions with temperatures reaching a maximum of 30.7°C (87.3°F). Rainfall is almost non-existent during these months, with merely 0mm (0") to 0mm (0") recorded. The Mediterranean heats up to a delightful 27.4°C (81.3°F) to 28.6°C (83.5°F), perfect for swimming and water sports. With up to 14.2 to 13.4 daylight hours and 11.6 to 10.8 sunshine hours, summer days are long and vibrant, allowing ample time for exploration and relaxation.
Autumn weather in Beirut
Autumn in
Beirut, from
September to
November, offers a slight relief from the intense summer heat, with temperatures receding from 29.8°C (85.6°F) to 23.2°C (73.8°F). However, rainfall begins to make a return, increasing significantly from 2mm (0.08") in September to 101mm (3.98") by November. The daylight hours shorten and the sun's radiation strength weakens. Autumnal conditions call for walks in nature and enjoying the sunsets by the shimmering sea, still warm at 28.2°C (82.8°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F).
Winter weather in Beirut
Winter in
Beirut spans from
December to
February, witnessing temperatures close to 19.4°C (66.9°F) to a chilly low of 11°C (51.8°F). This period also experiences the city's heaviest rainfall, peaking at 191mm (7.52") in
January, while sunshine hours drop to an average of 4 to 5 hours per day. Yet, the severity of winter is moderated by the Mediterranean sea's gentle influence, maintaining a relatively mild temperature from 20.2°C (68.4°F) to 17.4°C (63.3°F). Despite being the coldest season, winters in Beirut are fairly moderate compared to many colder climates.
Weather in January
Beirut begins the year with notably cool temperatures and high humidity. Precipitation marks the month as the rainiest, with rainfall reaching 191mm (7.52") and rainy days lingering around 15 days. The typically cloudy days and a relative lack of sunlight characterize the month, giving a rather gloomy atmosphere to the city.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February, thawing conditions arrive in
Beirut and the city experiences a gradual shift from winters towards early spring. The city's rainfall sharply reduces to 133mm (5.24"), making it significantly drier than
January. Surroundings start to get pleasant with the warmer temperatures resulting in the blossoming of flowers across the city.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of
March brings a notable change of weather in
Beirut as spring arrives in the city. There is an appreciable rise in temperatures, but the amount of rainfall decreases further to 111mm (4.37"). The city gets greener, and the blanket of lush greenery and blooming flowers adds to the city's charm.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Beirut witnesses a summer-in-spring scenario with clear and sunny days. Rainfall is exceptionally low, recorded to be around 46mm (1.81"), indicating a considerable drop from
March. This drop in rainfall means that outdoor activities are easily accessible without the fear of sudden rains disrupting plans.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Come
May, locals and tourists alike enjoy a fresh breathing space as
Beirut welcomes the warmth of summer with relief from rainfall, which drastically contracts to 15mm (0.59"). The city is marked by longer daylight hours and the populace enjoys more sunshine.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Beirut signifies the advent of full-blown summer and the city finds itself bustling with activity. The city records a minute rainfall figure of 2mm (0.08"), making it virtually rain-free month barring any off-season showers.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July exhibits the summer's peak in
Beirut, with daily high and low temperatures marked by a notable rise compared to
June. Humidity also hits its yearly high, however surprisingly, the rainfall records a negligible 0mm (0"), demonstrating a near absence of precipitation.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is another hot, and dry month in
Beirut with a nearly absent rainfall measure of 0mm (0"). Sunshine duration is also high, allowing plenty of daylight hours for locals and tourists to explore the city's charm. Despite the excessive heat and humidity, cool breezy evenings provide some respite and transform Beirut into a city full of life under the setting sun.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September rolls in, the scorching
Beirut summer starts to wane and welcomes an early autumn. Despite a minor increase in rainfall to 2mm (0.08"), the month remains significantly dry compared to the upcoming months. This period marks the transition from the rainless summer to a winter that gradually ushers in showers.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Beirut marks a significant shift from the drier months with rainfall shooting up to 60mm (2.36"). Despite the increase in rainfall, the temperatures remain pleasant, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration between showers.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Beirut is marked by the onset of winter with temperatures dropping rapidly. Rainfall also sees a significant rise reaching 101mm (3.98"), making it a considerably wet month. Despite the chilly vibe, Beirut's beauty continues to shine through particularly on the occasional clear day.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the arrival of true winter in
Beirut, with temperature dipping even further. The increased rainfall, reaching 164mm (6.46"), coupled with lower daylight hours, creates a wintry atmosphere, unique to this month. Despite the chill, Beirut shines in a festive light as the year draws to an end.
Weather in December » [Resources]