Climate and monthly weather forecast
Ar Raqqah, Syria

Strategically positioned within the BSh zone on the Köppen climate classification map, Ar Raqqah, Syria enjoys a Subtropical steppe climate where variations in temperature and other weather parameters are observed throughout the year. This is a semi-arid climate where precipitation is less than potential evapotranspiration.

Monitoring annual weather patterns, one can see that temperatures swing from a low near 2°C (35.6°F) to a high of approximately 39°C (102.2°F). The chilliest months, December through February, host low temperatures between 2°C (35.6°F) and 5°C (41°F), gradually transitioning to more relaxed conditions. From March, the mercury begins its ascent, peaking at an average high of 39°C (102.2°F) in July. Moderation occurs from August, leading to temperatures descending to more comfortable levels by year-end.

Noting the pattern of relative humidity, starting from a peak level of 76% in January, it declines to a minimum of 34% during June. After this, the humidity rises again and ends the year on a high note of 73%. Displaying a clear contrast, rainfall manifests its maximum presence from November to January, with measurements ranging from 22mm (0.87") to 14mm (0.55"). There's an absolute absence of rain from June to August. Adding the daylight aspect to the mix, between December and June, daylight hours increase from 10 hours to 14.6 hours, then shrink gradually through December.

A great time to visit Ar Raqqah would be during the lean rainfall period, stretching from March to May. During this period, showers are least likely to disrupt outdoor activities. Adding to the advantage are daytime temperatures averaging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), providing plenty of warmth without reaching scorching summer levels. Similarly, the relative humidity, hovering between 60% to 53%, does not create excessive moisture in the air.

The sweltering hot months of June, July, and August may not be the best for a visit due to the high temperatures, peaking around 36°C (96.8°F) to 39°C (102.2°F). These months also see an absolute absence of rain and very low relative humidity of around 34%-38%, making the heat feel even more oppressive.

In the span from March to May, known as spring in Ar Raqqah, the temperatures gradually rise from 14°C (57.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). Rainfall diminishes to minimal levels, with averages ranging from 24mm (0.94") to 5mm (0.2") and daytime stretches between 12.0 hours to 14.1 hours. The humidity during this period decreases from 60% to 45%.

In the summer months, from June through August, Ar Raqqah experiences its highest temperatures of the year. Daytime averages go from 36°C (96.8°F) in June to 39°C (102.2°F) in July, before slightly reducing to 38°C (100.4°F) in August. This period witnesses no rainfall with daylight hours slightly decreasing from 14.6 hours to 13.5 hours and humidity increasing from 34% to 41%.

Autumn falls between September to November. During this period, the temperature ranges from 33°C (91.4°F) down to a cooler 21°C (69.8°F). Rainfall amounts remain scarce, with 0mm (0") recorded in September and November receiving an average of 12mm (0.47"). In terms of daylight, the city sees about 12.4 hours in September which lessens to around 10.3 hours in November. Humidity in this period rises from 44% to 60%.

The winter season strides from December to February, and during this period, Ar Raqqah records the coolest temperatures of the year. The lows fluctuate between 2°C (35.6°F) and 5°C (41°F), and the highs vary from 12°C (53.6°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). With the most abundant rainfall coming in December at 22mm (0.87") and relative humidity peaking at 76% in January, this period also has the shortest daylight hours, roughly around 9.8 hours to 10.9 hours.

January is known for its cooler temperatures in Ar Raqqah, setting in a more wintry mood than the subsequent months. The monthly averages suggest that temperatures can dip as low as 2°C (35.6°F) while climbing to a high of 12°C (53.6°F). Weather in January »

February in Ar Raqqah is marginally warmer than January, beginning the transition into a slightly more favorable climate. February experiences an uptick in average daylight hours from 10 to 10.9 hours, edging further away from the winter darkness. Weather in February »

March poses an increase in average highs and lows, laying the groundwork for the forthcoming warmer weather. This shift brings a noticeable decrease in humidity from 72% to 60%, making the atmosphere less dense albeit not the driest point of the year. Weather in March »

April in Ar Raqqah sees a significant climb in average temperatures, setting the stage for the start of the warm season. Rainfall drops significantly to an average of 10mm (0.39") in this month pointing towards a much drier period. Weather in April »

May brings Ar Raqqah into the threshold of its hot period, with average high temperatures reaching 31°C (87.8°F). Humidity continues to decrease further to around 45%, drying up the atmosphere significantly. This month only records 5mm (0.2") of rainfall, marking the beginning of the summer drought. Weather in May »

June ushers in the summer season in full swing in Ar Raqqah. Temperatures soar to a record high of 36°C (96.8°F), foreshadowing the heat extremes of the next few months. Daylight hours are the longest, consolidating the arrival of the longest days of the year. Weather in June »

July is the epitome of the summer season in Ar Raqqah, with the average high reaching a scorching 39°C (102.2°F). This month is entirely devoid of rainfall, with humidity levels reaching a yearly low of 38%. July offers uninterrupted sunlight, with daylight hours peaking at 14.3 hours. Weather in July »

The sweltering heat persists in Ar Raqqah in August, with temperatures averaging at a high of 38°C (100.4°F). August maintains the remarkable absence of rainfall, drawing the continuation of the arid summer scene. Humidity levels do have a slight rise to 41% but still remain extremely low. Weather in August »

September in Ar Raqqah is a departure from the intense summer heat, with average high temperatures falling to 33°C (91.4°F). This month sees an end to the bone-dry spell with a minimal average rainfall of 0mm (0"). This minor revival of the rain and a decrease in daylight hours to 12.4 hint at the looming retreat of the summer season. Weather in September »

October brings much solace from the extreme summer weather, witnessing an average high temperature of 29°C (84.2°F). This month record slightly more rainfall, with 3mm (0.12") spread intermittently. Humidity levels rise back to 49% signaling a returned moisture in the atmosphere. Weather in October »

November experiences a thorough cool-down in Ar Raqqah. With temperatures dropping to an average high of 21°C (69.8°F), the weather turns markedly cooler. Rainfall sees a significant increase, reaching an average of 12mm (0.47") in this month, signaling a return of regular rains. Weather in November »

December in Ar Raqqah marks the return of winter, with temperatures sinking to an average low of 4°C (39.2°F), underlining the end of the year's weather cycle. This month has an average of 14mm (0.55") rainfall, mirroring the wetter conditions typical of the early part of the year. Weather in December »