The climate of Gaza
Recognized under the Köppen climate classification as BSh,
Gaza's prevailing climate conditions are identified as subtropical steppe. The geographical position of the city offers it a very distinctive climatic scenario throughout different times of the year.
Poring over the climatic conditions, it becomes evident that the weather varies significantly throughout the year. The temperatures, specifically, oscillate from a much agreeable figure of 9.4°C (48.9°F) in cooler months to a soaring high of 31.7°C (89.1°F) during the peak of summer. The city also experiences varying monthly average rainfall, from significant rain during the cooler months, amounts falling drastically from 104mm (4.09") in
January to practically nil between
June and
September. This condition often leads to a fluctuating humidity level ranging between 74% and 87%.
The UV index, another crucial climatic parameter, notably varies throughout the year. Peaks are identified between
May to
August, hitting a high of 12 in
July, warranting extra caution. In contrast, lower levels from 3 to 6 are seen from
November to
February. Furthermore, sea temperatures also present an interesting pattern, rising from 17.7°C (63.9°F) in February to a balmy 28.7°C (83.7°F) in August.
The best time to visit Gaza
Considering the optimal weather conditions, spring emerges as the best time to visit
Gaza. During this period, the city experiences moderate weather with temperatures remaining between 18.3°C (64.9°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F). The rainfall also declines significantly to about 30mm (1.18") in
March followed by 13mm (0.51") in
April leading to delightful weather conciliating between not too hot and not too cold conditions. This makes sightseeing and outdoor activities truly enjoyable.
The worst time to visit Gaza
Summers in
Gaza are quite grueling with the city's peak temperatures reaching up to a daunting 31.7°C (89.1°F). Coupled with negligible rainfall from
June to
September, the period becomes especially unfavorable for touring the city. High levels of humidity, peaking around 87% only adds to the discomfort. Moreover, the increased UV index during these months further makes this period unfavorable for outsiders, especially those unaccustomed to such harsh weather conditions.
Spring weather in Gaza
Spring ushers in a soothing ambience in
Gaza. Average high temperatures vary from 18.3°C (64.9°F) in
March to 24.4°C (75.9°F) in
May creating a comforting atmosphere. On a parallel note, early spring experiences a drop in rainfall from 30mm (1.18") in March to 13mm (0.51") in
April. The moderate temperatures combined with the reduced rainfall make it a lucrative season for enjoying outdoor activities while enjoying the blooming flora.
Summer weather in Gaza
Gaza's summer sets the stage for sweltering heat with a hefty temperature range between 27.2°C (81°F) in
May to a peak of 31.7°C (89.1°F) in
August. This period witnesses almost negligible rainfall, leading to extremely arid weather conditions. Moreover, coupled with the high UV index reaching up to 12 in
July, summer is not advisable for tourism in Gaza.
Autumn weather in Gaza
The city's autumnal weather showcases a transition in the climatic conditions. A steady decline of average high temperature from 30.6°C (87.1°F) in
September to 20.6°C (69.1°F) by
November brings in a cool relief after the intense summer months. Rainfall in this period gradually increases, from 3mm (0.12") in September to 18mm (0.71") in
October and 64mm (2.52") by November. This season, thus, infuses a fresh breath in
Gaza's atmosphere.
Winter weather in Gaza
Winter in
Gaza is, indeed, a season of contrasts. It commences in
December with a temperature of 20.6°C (69.1°F) that drops to 9.4°C (48.9°F) in
January. Concurrently, rainfall increases strikingly, from 64mm (2.52") in
November to a high of 104mm (4.09") in January. Albeit the temperatures tilt on the colder side, the constant showers and relative humidity of 85% make winters a unique experience in Gaza. The average sunlight hours also decrease from 10.6 hours in November to 10.1 hours in December making it pleasantly chilly and perfect for embracing the local winter activities.
Weather in January
The composite weather scene for
Gaza,
West Bank in
January, stresses the onset of the year with cooler conditions. The city witnesses modest daytime temperatures around 18.3°C (64.9°F) and significant rainfall of 104mm (4.09") as a characteristic of winter in this part of the world.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Gaza,
West Bank in
February shows signs of mild weather transition from
January with meteorological parameters indicating Winter easing into Spring. However, February maintains its share of rainfall and humidity albeit with fewer occurrences of unpleasantly wet days.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March places
Gaza,
West Bank on a path towards sweltering heat, mark a shift from late winter to early spring. Drop in the rainfall from 76mm (2.99") to 30mm (1.18") in comparison to
February is an unmistakable indication that the wet season is retreating.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signifies full-fledged Spring in
Gaza,
West Bank. Less rainfall and steadily rising temperatures indicate the transition towards the warmer months. Visitors to the city in April might find it to be one of the most climatically favorable months with comfortable nighttime temperatures and ample daylight.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees
Gaza,
West Bank accelerating towards summer with temperatures hitting a high of 27.2°C (81°F) and a noteworthy dip in rainfall down to 3mm (0.12"). The weather's transition shifts the pattern from moderately humid conditions of the prior month to clearer skies.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Gaza,
West Bank settles into its annual summer stint. The humidity interpolates an element of sultriness to the air even as rainfall becomes a rare event this month. Long, sunny days dominate making it conducive for all sorts of outdoor activities from sightseeing to coastal revelries.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
Gaza,
West Bank,
July is characterized by its peak summer conditions with the temperature averaging a high of 30.6°C (87.1°F). This is accentuated by extensive daylight hours and intense ultraviolet radiation. It is the hottest month of the year, often marked by clear skies and virtually non-existent rainfall.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August is another hot summer month in
Gaza,
West Bank where the primary distinction from
July is a subtle elevation in peak temperature to 31.7°C (89.1°F). These sunny conditions complemented by high sea temperatures make for ideal beach visits.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Weather in
Gaza,
West Bank starts to cool somewhat in
September. A slight decline in peak temperatures and relative humidity levels marks the transition to the shoulder season. Clear skies persist and daylight hours decrease steadily.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a perceptible shift in
Gaza,
West Bank weather as summer gives way to fall. The weather becomes much milder, and the city starts seeing an increase in rainfall occurrences. Clear skies start making way for clouds and daylight duration diminishes slowly.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November witnesses a gradual change from Autumn towards the onset of Winter in
Gaza,
West Bank. An increase in rainfall from 18mm (0.71") to 64mm (2.52") marks the return of the wet season which started to retreat in
March. Fall foliage won't be a dominant motif in Gaza's cityscape but they make their presence felt.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Entering the final month of the year,
Gaza,
West Bank is enveloped by the classic Mediterranean winter. With rainfall further increasing to 81mm (3.19"),
December encompasses the hallmarks of winter weather. A slight plunge in temperature levels is recorded and daylight is limited.
Weather in December » [Resources]