The climate of Tartus
Located in
Syria, Tartus falls within the purview of the Köppen climate classification, Csa, typified by warm Mediterranean weather characterized by hot summers. A close look at the climate data could give one an inkling that the city experiences broad temperature fluctuations throughout the year. From a low of 8.4°C (47.1°F) in
January, it escalates to a high of 30°C (86°F) by
August, painting a picture of how diverse the weather of Tartus could be.
The rainfall pattern in Tartus is as intriguing as it is unconventional. A significant chunk of the rainfall comes in the colder months at the start and end of the year. January leads the pack with 178mm (7.01"), and
December wraps it up with 185mm (7.28"). However, between
May and
September, rainfall is comparatively scarce, with a surprising dip to a paltry 1mm (0.04") in
July. In fact, for practically all of summer, it barely rains in Tartus.
Besides the rainfall and temperature, daylight and sunlight hours also vary considerably. The shortest days are in January with 10.1 hours of daylight escalating to a peak of 14.5 hours by
June. Likewise, the duration of sunshine also varies from 5 hours in the colder months to a generous 12 hours in June.
The best time to visit Tartus
The perfect time to visit Tartus heavily hinges on the visitor's preference. However,
May stands out with an enticing blend of favourable weather conditions. The temperature is comfortably warm, varying between 15.6°C (60.1°F) and 24.8°C (76.6°F). Additionally, May also enjoys bountiful sunlight with 10 hours of sunshine. Rainfall amounts to about 20mm (0.79"), which, compared to the rest of the year, is quite low.
For beach-goers, the sea temperatures from
June to
September fluctuate from 24°C (75.2°F) to a pleasing 28°C (82.4°F), perfect for a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean.
The worst time to visit Tartus
In contrast, the least inviting weather conditions are predominant in
December and
January. Rainfall is at its peak, with December receiving the highest rainfall of 185mm (7.28"), and January not falling far behind with 178mm (7.01"). Temperatures also take a dip into the chills during these months, with lows of 8.4°C (47.1°F) in January.
Spring weather in Tartus
Spring in Tartus is marked by pleasant temperatures, increasing sunlight hours, and decreasing rainfall. Starting from mild low temperatures of 10.4°C (50.7°F) in
March, it rises to 15.6°C (60.1°F) by
May. Correspondingly, highs increase from 18.6°C (65.5°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F) across Spring months. Rainfall drops from 105mm (4.13") in March to 20mm (0.79") in May. By this season, visitors can expect increased daylight hours ranging from 12 to 14 and more hours of sunshine, from 7 in March escalating to 10 in May.
Summer weather in Tartus
If you love a hot and dry summer, Tartus will not disappoint. From
June through
August, temperatures soar, reaching a peak of 30°C (86°F) in August. In these months, the rainfall is fairly minimal, with a staggering low of not more than 4mm (0.16"), and
July witnessing only 1mm (0.04") of rainfall. Summertime offers 14 to 14.5 hours of daylight and up to 12 hours of sunshine, alongside warm sea temperatures ranging from 24°C (75.2°F) to 28°C (82.4°F) for revitalizing dips. UV index also reaches its zenith of 11 in June and July, requiring substantial sun protection.
Autumn weather in Tartus
As the hot summer days wane, the Autumn months of
September through
November sees a downward trend in temperatures, and a gradual increase in rainfall. September still retains warmth of the passing summer with highs of 29.2°C (84.6°F), subsiding to 22.4°C (72.3°F) by November. Minimums also slide down from 20.4°C (68.7°F) in September to 13.2°C (55.8°F) in November. Rainfall starts to pick up, especially in November, when it swells up to 105mm (4.13").
Winter weather in Tartus
Winter witnesses the lowest temperatures and the maximum precipitation of the year in Tartus.
December records the lowest daylight hours and highest rainfall of 185mm (7.28"). Low temperatures fluctuate between 8.4°C (47.1°F) in
January to 10°C (50°F) in December, while highs range from 15.8°C (60.4°F) in January to 17.9°C (64.2°F) in December. In addition, ample hours between 5 and 6 for sunshine persist despite the wintery conditions. The sea temperatures dwindle to their annual lows of 18°C (64.4°F) and 19°C (66.2°F) in January and December respectively.
Weather in January
The beginning of the year in Tartus,
Syria is characterized by mild temperatures and a significant amount of rainfall. High temperatures fluctuate around 15.8°C (60.4°F), while nightly lows average 8.4°C (47.1°F). Dampness reigns supreme in
January with 178mm (7.01") of rainfall over approximately 12.5 days, representing an abundant start for the annual water cycle.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In comparison to
January,
February experiences a slight increase in temperature and a reduction in rainfall. With an average maximum temperature of 16.4°C (61.5°F) and minimum of 8.9°C (48°F), this month often feels noticeably warmer than the preceding one.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the arrival of Spring, which is highlighted by mild weather and decreasing precipitation. There is a significant increase in temperature as the daily highs can rise to 18.6°C (65.5°F), contrasting with lows that hover around 10.4°C (50.7°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April weather starts to embrace the warmth that characterizes Tartus for most of the year. It becomes warmer but still comfortably mild, with less rainfall compared to the preceding months. Maximum and minimum temperatures continue to rise, reaching 21.9°C (71.4°F) and 12.8°C (55°F) respectively.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May demonstrates a key turning point in Tartus weather as the city moves towards its dry, hot summer. The heat becomes more apparent as the month progresses. Daytime temperature highs rise significantly, averaging around 24.8°C (76.6°F), while minimum temperatures also increase to 15.6°C (60.1°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signals the onset of summer in Tartus with a significant rise in temperature, extended daylight hours, and drastically reduced rainfall. The city experiences an average high of 27.3°C (81.1°F) and low temperatures around 19.1°C (66.4°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The apex of summer in Tartus occurs in
July with the highest temperatures and prolonged daylight hours. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 29.2°C (84.6°F) and minimum temperatures around 22.2°C (72°F), the city experiences its hottest month.
Weather in July »Weather in August
The ardent summer temperatures continue into
August, recording similar values to
July. The city experiences its highest average minimum temperature at 22.8°C (73°F). Despite adding a few millimeters to the rainfall record with 4mm (0.16") of rainfall, August retains the dry and hot conditions of its predecessor.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September, Tartus weather begins to pivot from the intense summer heat towards more moderate autumn temperatures. While maximum temperatures see a slight decrease to an average of 29.2°C (84.6°F), the nights become cooler with minimum temperatures around 20.4°C (68.7°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The arrival of
October brings a noticeable transition in Tartus’s weather, marking the end of the area's hot season. Daytime temperatures moderate to an average of 26.6°C (79.9°F) and the nights provide a cool retreat with average lows of 16.9°C (62.4°F).
Weather in October »Weather in November
November experiences a significant drop in temperature and a notable increase in rainfall. Daytime high temperatures decrease to an average of 22.4°C (72.3°F) while nighttime lows can drop near 13.2°C (55.8°F). Rainfall elevates to 105mm (4.13"), previewing the upcoming winter season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in Tartus reflects the onset of the winter season with colder temperatures and abundant rainfall. The average maximum temperature drops to 17.9°C (64.2°F), while the minimum hovers around 10°C (50°F). December boasts the highest rainfall of the year with 185mm (7.28") over the span of 11 days, reinforcing its reputation as a winter month.
Weather in December » [Resources]