Climate and monthly weather forecast
Yemen

Yemen, situated in the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, offers diverse topographical features that contribute to its varied climate conditions. The country primarily experiences a desert climate, as dictated by the Köppen climate classification "BWh". However, the reality on the ground is more intricate, with variations across different regions due to geographical differences such as elevation and proximity to the sea.

Most of Yemen is characterized by arid conditions with very little annual rainfall, particularly in the coastal areas and the vast desert interior. This is typical of a desert climate, where evaporation usually surpasses precipitation. Average annual temperatures here reach highs of 40°C (104°F) and rarely dip below 20°C (68°F), emphasizing the hot nature of the region. However, Yemen's highlands experience more temperate conditions due to their elevation, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) throughout the year.

Given Yemen's arid climate, the best time to visit this country is during the winter months, which extend from November to March. During this time, the average temperatures are relatively mild, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), making it a comfortable period for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The winter months also bring with them lower levels of humidity, particularly in the coastal regions, enhancing the overall comfort for visitors. It is, however, important to note that rainfall, although infrequent, can occur during this period, especially in the highlands.

The summer months, particularly from May to September, can be quite challenging for visitors due to extreme heat, especially in the desert and coastal regions where temperatures regularly climb above 40°C (104°F). This period also marks the country's monsoon season, with heavy rainfall experienced in the highlands. Despite this precipitation, the overall climate remains hot and humidity levels surge, leading to uncomfortable conditions for travel and outdoor activities. It is advisable to avoid this period if possible, particularly for those not accustomed to such harsh weather conditions.

In Yemen, springtime typically starts in March and ends in May. During this season, the weather is generally mild with average temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). However, as spring progresses, the heat intensifies, particularly in the desert and coastal regions. Spring in Yemen is a dry season, with little rainfall in most regions. It is during this time that the country's flora begins to bloom, particularly in the highlands where conditions are more temperate.

Summer in Yemen, running from June to September, is characterized by intense heat and high humidity, particularly in the coastal and desert regions. During this season, temperatures frequently rise above 40°C (104°F), especially in the lowland areas. In contrast, the highlands, while also warmer than usual, remain more temperate with averages between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). Additionally, the summer months mark the arrival of the monsoon season, resulting in increased rainfall, particularly in the highlands.

Autumn in Yemen, extending from October to November, offers relief from the intense summer heat. During this time, temperatures start to drop gradually across the country, with averages ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). Rainfall is relatively infrequent in autumn, contributing to the overall arid climate of the country. Despite the decrease in temperature, humidity remains relatively high, particularly in the coastal regions.

Winter in Yemen occurs from December to February, presenting the most comfortable weather conditions in the country. During this time, the average temperatures drop to a mild range of 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). The winter months also bring lower levels of humidity, particularly in the coastal regions. While rainfall is still rare, occasional showers can occur, particularly in the highlands. Despite the more comfortable conditions, the nights can become quite chilly, especially in the desert areas and the highlands.

January is typically the coldest month of the year in Yemen, although the term "cold" is relative considering the country's overall hot desert climate. Average temperatures during this month range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), with the higher altitudes of the highlands experiencing cooler conditions compared to the coastal and desert regions. Weather in January »

February marks the continuation of the winter season in Yemen, with weather conditions quite similar to those of January. The average temperatures across the country range from 15°C (59°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), with a slight increase from January's cooler extremes. Weather in February »

March signals the arrival of spring in Yemen and the gradual transition from cooler to warmer conditions. Average temperatures across the country in March range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), a noticeable increase from the winter months of January and February. In the capital city of Sana'a, located in the highlands, temperatures typically range from 13°C (55.4°F) to 23°C (73.4°F), a modest rise compared to the winter months. Weather in March »

April continues the upward trend of rising temperatures in Yemen, marking a transition towards the hotter climate of the upcoming summer months. The average temperatures in April range from 20°C (68°F) to 32°C (89.6°F) across the country, with the coastal and desert regions experiencing higher temperatures compared to the cooler highlands. Sana'a, located in the highlands, witnesses a further rise in temperatures, with averages fluctuating between 15°C (59°F) and 26°C (78.8°F). Weather in April »

May in Yemen signifies the onset of summer, characterized by significantly higher temperatures. The average temperatures during this month range from 25°C (77°F) to 37°C (98.6°F) across the country. This period marks the transition to the season of intense heat, especially in the desert and coastal regions. In Sana'a, the highland capital city, temperatures typically range from 17°C (62.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), a significant increase compared to the preceding spring months. Weather in May »

June in Yemen ushers in the peak summer season, characterized by intense heat and high temperatures. The average temperatures during this month fluctuate between 27°C (80.6°F) and 40°C (104°F) across the country, with desert and coastal regions experiencing the most extreme heat. In the highland capital city, Sana'a, temperatures typically oscillate between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F). Weather in June »

July represents the height of the summer season in Yemen, characterized by some of the highest temperatures of the year. Average temperatures across the country range from 28°C (82.4°F) to 41°C (105.8°F), with the intense heat being especially pronounced in the coastal and desert regions. In Sana'a, situated in the cooler highlands, temperatures typically fluctuate between 21°C (69.8°F) and 31°C (87.8°F), with the elevated altitude offering some respite from the extreme heat experienced in lower regions. Weather in July »

August continues the trend of intense summer heat in Yemen. Average temperatures across the country during this month range from 27°C (80.6°F) to 40°C (104°F). The extreme heat is particularly prominent in the desert and coastal regions, while the highlands offer somewhat cooler conditions due to their altitude. In the highland city of Sana'a, temperatures typically oscillate between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F). Weather in August »

September in Yemen marks the onset of autumn and a gradual decline in temperatures, signaling a relief from the intense summer heat. The average temperatures across the country during this month range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 37°C (98.6°F), with a noticeable cooling trend, particularly in the highlands and coastal regions. In Sana'a, located in the highlands, temperatures typically vary between 18°C (64.4°F) and 28°C (82.4°F), a notable decrease compared to the peak summer months. Weather in September »

October in Yemen signifies the full onset of the autumn season, bringing further relief from the extreme summer heat. The average temperatures across the country range from 21°C (69.8°F) to 34°C (93.2°F) during this month, with the cooling trend becoming more evident, especially in the highlands and coastal regions. In Sana'a, nestled in the highlands, temperatures typically vary between 15°C (59°F) and 26°C (78.8°F), continuing the downward trend from the summer months. Weather in October »

November in Yemen marks the further progress of autumn and the approach of winter, with a continued decline in temperatures across the country. Average temperatures during this month range from 17°C (62.6°F) to 30°C (86°F), with the cooling trend being especially pronounced in both the highlands and the coastal regions. In the highland capital city, Sana'a, temperatures typically fluctuate between 11°C (51.8°F) and 22°C (71.6°F), a considerable drop compared to the preceding months, and indicative of the impending winter. Weather in November »

December in Yemen signals the onset of winter, characterized by the lowest temperatures of the year. Average temperatures during this month typically range from 14°C (57.2°F) to 27°C (80.6°F) across the country, with the cooling trend being particularly evident in both the highlands and the coastal regions. In Sana'a, located in the highlands, temperatures fluctuate between 8°C (46.4°F) and 20°C (68°F), confirming the arrival of the winter season. Weather in December »