Climate and monthly weather forecast
Libya

With its sprawling expanse stretching across North Africa, Libya's geography is diverse, largely desert with a narrow, greener coastal strip along the Mediterranean. The country experiences three main climate types according to the Köppen Climate Classification: the Subtropical desert climate, Subtropical steppe climate, and the Mediterranean climate with hot summers. Most of Libya falls within the subtropical desert climate, characterized by high temperatures throughout the year with minimal precipitation. Regions with this climate, such as Al Wahat and Kufra, have mean annual temperatures ranging from a high of 26.2°C in Kufra to a low of 20.7°C in Jabal al Akhdar​. The subtropical steppe climate prevalent in regions like Benghazi and Tripoli is slightly cooler and receives slightly more rainfall than the desert climate. The only region with a Mediterranean climate is Jabal al Akhdar, boasting hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Considering Libya's prevailing climatic conditions, the best time to visit is from November to March. During this period, the country experiences its winter season, characterized by milder temperatures and occasional rain. Daytime temperatures in the desert regions, usually searing in the summer, drop to a more comfortable range of 16°C to 22°C. Meanwhile, the coastal regions enjoy mild, Mediterranean-like temperatures of 15°C to 19°C. Travelers can explore Libya's stunning landscapes and rich history more comfortably in these cooler conditions.

The summer months from June to September are generally the least desirable time to visit Libya due to the extreme heat. During this period, temperatures in the desert regions can climb dramatically, often exceeding 40°C. Even the coastal areas, typically milder due to their Mediterranean climate, can experience temperatures reaching up to 35°C. Furthermore, the absence of rainfall exacerbates the aridity, making outdoor activities and sightseeing particularly challenging.

Spring in Libya, taking place from March to May, ushers in a transition from the mild winter to the harsh summer. During this period, temperatures in desert areas gradually rise from around 20°C in March to exceed 30°C in May. The coastal regions enjoy slightly milder temperatures, fluctuating between 17°C and 24°C. The season also sees a marked decrease in rainfall, with occasional showers predominantly in the Mediterranean region of Jabal al Akhdar.

The summer season in Libya spans from June to September and is characterized by intense heat, particularly in the subtropical desert areas. These regions can witness soaring temperatures exceeding 40°C. The coastal areas, while relatively milder, experience temperatures reaching up to 35°C. The entire country sees virtually no rainfall in this period, with clear skies and abundant sunshine.

Autumn in Libya occurs from October to November, marking the transition from the intense summer heat to milder winter temperatures. During this period, temperatures in desert regions typically range from 28°C to 22°C, while coastal regions fluctuate between 26°C and 20°C. Rainfall remains sparse, although the Mediterranean region of Jabal al Akhdar can experience occasional showers.

The winter season in Libya, from December to February, provides a reprieve from the country's intense heat. The desert regions see daytime temperatures dropping to a more comfortable range of 16°C to 22°C. Meanwhile, the coastal regions, under the influence of the Mediterranean climate, experience mild temperatures around 15°C to 19°C. Rainfall increases during this period, particularly in the Mediterranean region, but remains generally low elsewhere in the country.

January marks the depth of winter in Libya, providing a significant contrast to the searing temperatures experienced in summer months. In general, temperatures across the country remain relatively mild during this month. In the desert regions, such as Al Wahat and Kufra, daytime temperatures are typically cooler than in any other period of the year, averaging from 16°C to 20°C. Weather in January »

As the second month of the year, February signals the continuation of winter in Libya, but with a gradual shift towards warmer temperatures as spring begins to hint at its arrival. The subtropical desert regions such as Al Wahat and Kufra experience an increase in temperatures compared to January. Weather in February »

The month of March in Libya signals the beginning of spring, characterized by rising temperatures and a further reduction in rainfall. In the subtropical desert regions such as Al Wahat and Kufra, the increase in temperature becomes more pronounced. Weather in March »

April in Libya marks a continued progression into spring with rapidly rising temperatures and a further decline in precipitation. The subtropical desert regions such as Al Wahat and Kufra experience a more pronounced increase in temperatures during this month. Weather in April »

May in Libya signifies the final month of spring, marked by a significant increase in temperatures across the country and the onset of an arid climate that precedes the summer season. In the subtropical desert regions such as Al Wahat and Kufra, May brings about substantially higher temperatures. Weather in May »

June in Libya marks the beginning of summer, with temperatures reaching notably high levels and precipitation becoming increasingly rare across the country. In the subtropical desert regions such as Al Wahat and Kufra, temperatures in June are characteristically high. Weather in June »

July in Libya represents the peak of the summer season, characterized by some of the highest temperatures of the year and a near-complete absence of rainfall. In the subtropical desert regions such as Al Wahat and Kufra, July is particularly harsh, with temperatures commonly soaring. Weather in July »

August in Libya is deep within the heart of summer, characterized by persistently high temperatures and a virtual absence of rainfall across the nation. The subtropical desert regions such as Al Wahat and Kufra continue to experience extremely high temperatures during August. Weather in August »

September in Libya marks the beginning of the transition from the scorching summer to the relatively milder autumn season, indicated by a slight drop in temperatures and a minimal increase in rainfall. In the subtropical desert regions such as Al Wahat and Kufra, temperatures during September begin to decrease slightly compared to the peak summer months. Weather in September »

October in Libya marks a noticeable shift towards the autumn season. Temperatures across the country continue to decrease, while rainfall remains minimal, albeit slightly increased compared to the summer months. In the subtropical desert regions such as Al Wahat and Kufra, October temperatures continue the downward trend that began in September. Weather in October »

November in Libya signifies a further transition into the autumn season, with a noticeable drop in temperatures and a minor increase in precipitation. In the subtropical desert regions such as Al Wahat and Kufra, November brings about further reduction in temperatures compared to October. Weather in November »

December in Libya signals the onset of the winter season. Temperatures continue their downward trend across the country, and there is a further minor increase in precipitation. In the subtropical desert regions such as Al Wahat and Kufra, December sees further cooling. Weather in December »