The climate of Palmyra
Situated in
Syria,
Palmyra belongs to the BSk or Mid-latitude Steppe according to the Köppen climate classification. This classification particularly relates to an environment that features semi-arid conditions, with moderate rainfall and temperature variations across the year. Palmyra relies on a consistent pattern of weather variables, reflecting the typical characteristics of a steppe climate.
Throughout the year, temperatures oscillate from a low average of 5.5°C (41.9°F) in winter reaching up to a high average of 38°C (100.4°F) during the most heated month. The yearly cycle sees humidity vary from a low of 28% in the warmest months to 58% in the coolest month. Rainfall shows a more distinct pattern, almost disappearing during the summer months with no precipitation, then progressively ramping up to its peak by the end of the year reaching up to 9mm (0.35") to 15mm (0.59") per month. Correspondingly, the number of rainy days ranges from virtually none during the height of summer to just over eight during the more rainy periods.
An interesting characteristic of Palmyra's climate is the nearly non-existent snowfall. The most snow appears to be a mere 3mm (0.12") typically in the colder months, and virtually no days are impacted by this minimum level of precipitation. Wind speed ranges rather widely from an average of 8.6km/h (5.3mph) during quiet periods to a gusty 19.6km/h (12.2mph) stirring the air during the more windy months.
The best time to visit Palmyra
Visiting
Palmyra proves most enjoyable during the spring months when temperatures rise from a warming 13.1°C (55.6°F) in
March to a pleasant 25.2°C (77.4°F) by
May. The relative humidity during this period falls from 43% at the start of spring down to 31% by its conclusion, offering dry conditions. Rainfall, although minimal with totals ranging from 6mm (0.24") to 15mm (0.59"), mostly occurs in the initial part of spring, reducing with progression of the season. Average wind speeds also remain relatively moderate within this period, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Palmyra
Tourists are generally discouraged from visiting
Palmyra during the peak of summer. With temperatures frequently touching 38°C (100.4°F) and undeniably minimal rainfall, the conditions can become rather uneasy. Alongside these soaring temperatures, strong winds whip up, reaching an average speed of 19.6km/h (12.2mph). The ultraviolet index also peaks during this time, reaching a maximum of eight, necessitating cautious sun protection measures.
Spring weather in Palmyra
The commencement of spring in
Palmyra witnesses temperatures rise steadily, starting from 13.1°C (55.6°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F) over the course of the season. Concurrently, the overall humidity decreases, resulting in conditions becoming progressively drier. Similarly, rainfall also drops from 15mm (0.59") in
March to a meager 9mm (0.35") by
May, signifying the shift towards drier months. With winds averaging at 13.5km/h (8.4mph) to 14.6km/h (9.1mph), the weather stays moderately breezy throughout.
Summer weather in Palmyra
Middle of the year sees
Palmyra in the high season of sunny, hot, and dry weather. Average temperature highs touch 34.8°C (94.6°F) in
June, soaring to 38°C (100.4°F) in
July, and slightly retreating to 37.7°C (99.9°F) in
August. Rainfall virtually disappears, with no measurable precipitation in July and August. The wind blows stronger during summer, peaking at an average of 19.6km/h (12.2mph).
Autumn weather in Palmyra
Autumn tends to bring milder weather to
Palmyra with temperatures settling between 33.6°C (92.5°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F). There's a return of rain but just a slight drizzle, with precipitation levels fluctuating between 9mm (0.35") in
October and falling to 7mm (0.28") by
November end. The wind's force tends to lessen in this season, reducing from an average of 12.1km/h (7.5mph) in
September down to 8.6km/h (5.3mph) in November.
Winter weather in Palmyra
The winter months in
Palmyra feature the coolest temperatures of the year. They typically range from 15°C (59°F) in
December to about 13.1°C (55.6°F) during
February. Rainfall and humid conditions are at their pinnacle, with moisture content averaging between 50% to 58%. Precipitation peaks at 12mm (0.47") during the onset of winter before dropping to 10mm (0.39") by February. The wind speed varies from 8.6km/h (5.3mph) to 10.9km/h (6.8mph), bringing a light breeze to the chill.
Weather in January
January in
Palmyra,
Syria, greets with its mild winter, characterized by clear skies, low wind gusts, and moderate humidity. An increase in moisture is expected from this point, creating mornings that are cooler and often misty.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February, the weather in
Palmyra continues on a similar track, with a noticeable reduction in rainfall and relative humidity. A slight uptick in temperature becomes noticeable, a harbinger of the approaching spring. Sunshine hours tread patiently, with the sunlight becoming radiant and adding daylight bit by bit.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of
March in
Palmyra signifies the onset of spring in this historical city. The weather conditions in March continue the trend from
February, with daytime temperatures rising steadily. Rainfall takes a leap, recording 15mm (0.59"), making this month a bit wetter than previous ones.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings with it a certain warmth to
Palmyra, with clear skies and bright sunlit days becoming a regular feature. The change is marked by a drop in rainfall, as well as a decrease in overall cloud percentage. As the UV index climbs to 6, it indicates that the sun is at its more assertive stage.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
May comes around the corner, the transformation to summer starts to take shape.
Palmyra witnesses a significant rise in temperature, making it sensibly hot during the day. Rainfall hits the lowest point yet, clocking just 6mm (0.24") for the entire month, hinting at the dry season ahead.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June ushers in the peak of summer in
Palmyra with soaring temperatures, intense sunlight, and a desert-like climate. While the cloud percentage is at the year's lowest point, the UV index reaches 8, shedding light on the intensity of the sun at peak.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Palmyra, symbolic of the peak summer, is strictly warm and dry. The city tends to record high temperatures and enjoys an abundance of sunshine. Maximum temperature touches 38°C (100.4°F) whilst no rain falls in this month, portraying the true character of desert climate.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues to carry the mantle of summer in
Palmyra, with persistent warm temperatures and no relief via rainfall. The sunlight's intensity remains pretty much the same as compared to
July, signaling the consistent summertime.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September, as the seasons take a turn,
Palmyra begins to cool off slightly from the harsh summer. The city witnesses a marginal decrease in temperature and a welcome slight increase in rainfall total. The first rain of 1mm (0.04") registers after months of dry spell marking the end of arid season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Palmyra brings along with it, a clearer shift towards autumn. The drop in temperature is more pronounced compared to
September, while the rainfall remains moderately stable. The daylight duration comes down to 11.3 hours a day, indicating shorter days ahead.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers in a vivid transition from autumn to winter in
Palmyra. The dip in temperature becomes more noticeable, as does the increase in relative humidity levels. Among the cooler months, November still keeps winters at bay with comfortable temperature level.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Palmyra marks the arrival of winter with cold temperatures, short days, and an increase in relative humidity. A drop in UV index to 3 indicates the reduction in the intensity of Sunlight. With the incoming cold, a minimal snowfall of 1mm (0.04") is observed contributing to the winter wonderland feel.
Weather in December » [Resources]