Last updated: January 18, 2025
Baalbek-Hermel, a region in Lebanon, showcases a diverse climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of Csa and Csb. This area experiences notable temperature fluctuations throughout the year, with winter lows plunging to a minimum of -16°C (4°F) in January. As the seasons progress, the average temperature settles at a pleasant 15°C (60°F), before reaching sweltering highs of 40°C (105°F) during the peak of summer in September. This climatic variability emphasizes the region's unique environmental conditions and contributes to its ecological and cultural richness.
Baalbek-Hermel, Lebanon, exhibits a distinctive seasonal temperature pattern marked by both cold winters and warm summers. January and February see the coldest temperatures, with minimums dipping as low as -16°C (4°F) and -13°C (9°F), respectively, while average monthly temperatures remain near freezing. As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, with average highs climbing to 31°C (89°F) by March and reaching 33°C (93°F) in April. Late spring and early summer bring warmer conditions, with May and June showcasing average temperatures of 19°C (66°F) and 22°C (72°F), and max temperatures peaking at 37°C (100°F) and 36°C (98°F), respectively. The summer months of July and August maintain these high averages, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 39°C (103°F). Autumn signals a cooling trend, as temperatures begin to drop—evident in September's average of 23°C (74°F) and October's decline to 18°C (65°F). The year closes with the chill of winter reasserting itself in November and December, with temperatures once again dipping below freezing, culminating in a climate that embodies the stark contrasts of Mediterranean weather.
El Hermel experiences a temperature range from a minimum of -7°C (19°F) in February to a maximum of 40°C (105°F) in September, making it a region with significant seasonal variation. In contrast, Baalbek records even colder winters, with January temperatures dipping to a minimum of -16°C (4°F), while the summer peak reaches 35°C (96°F) in July. For more detailed temperature information, visit monthly temperatures in El Hermel and monthly temperatures in Baalbek.
Precipitation in Baalbek-Hermel, Lebanon, is characterized by a pronounced seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall occurring during the winter months. January and March lead the charge, each receiving approximately 61 mm (2.4 in) and 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain over about 10 days, indicating the region’s wettest period. February follows closely with 57 mm (2.2 in) across 9 days before a gradual decline begins in April, where the rainfall reduces to 48 mm (1.9 in) over 9 days. This trend continues into May, which receives just 24 mm (1.0 in), marking the transition towards the dry summer season.
As summer arrives, Baalbek-Hermel experiences significantly lower precipitation levels, with July and August registering only 1 mm (0.1 in) of rain each, effectively ending the rainy season. The onset of autumn sees a slight revival in rainfall, with October and November receiving 22 mm (0.9 in) and 40 mm (1.6 in), respectively, over 5 and 8 days. December brings back the winter rains, totaling 60 mm (2.4 in) across 11 days, thereby closing the precipitation cycle of the year. This distinct pattern not only influences the region's agricultural practices but also shapes the local climate's overall ecological dynamics.
In Baalbek-Hermel, Lebanon, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, characterized by a steady increase from winter to summer. Beginning with 220 hours of sunshine in January, the days gradually lengthen, with February experiencing a modest rise to 269 hours. As spring unfolds, March and April witness significant growth in sunlight, reaching 330 hours and 353 hours, respectively. May further escalates this trend, logging 401 hours, reflections of the longer daylight hours of late spring, which propel the region into its sunniest period.
The peak sunshine months arrive in the summer, with July leading at 418 hours of sunshine, closely followed by August's 392 hours. Even as summer begins to wane, September still boasts a commendable 351 hours. However, a noticeable decline in sunshine hours occurs in autumn, with October recording 320 hours and November dropping to 280 hours. By December, the region sees a return to 269 hours, concluding the year’s cycle of sunshine. This pattern not only highlights the rich luminosity of Baalbek-Hermel during summer months, which is ideal for outdoor activities and agriculture, but also underscores the shorter, gloomier daylight hours that characterize the winter months.
In Baalbek-Hermel, Lebanon, the UV Index demonstrates a marked seasonal variation, reflecting the intensity of sunlight throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index begins at 5, indicating a moderate level of exposure with a burn time of 30 minutes. As the seasons transition into spring, the Index climbs significantly, reaching 10 in both March and April, categorized as "very high." This trend continues into May and June, where the Index escalates to an extreme level of 12 and 13, respectively, significantly reducing safe exposure times to just 10 minutes.
The summer months maintain high UV exposure, with July and August demonstrating an Index of 13 and 11, respectively. As autumn approaches, the Index slightly decreases but remains high, with September at 10 and October at 9, both still in the "very high" category. The year concludes with diminishing UV levels in November and December, with indices dropping back to 5 and 4, respectively, aligning with the return of moderate exposure. These trends highlight the importance of sun protection measures, particularly during the peak months of May to August, to prevent adverse health effects from excessive UV light.
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In Baalbek-Hermel, Lebanon, the daylight duration exhibits a predictable seasonal cycle, starting with roughly 10 hours of daylight in both January and February. As spring unfolds, daylight begins to extend, reaching 11 hours in March, and progressively increasing through April and May with 13 hours. By mid-year in June, daylight peaks with a generous 14 hours, and this extended period of light continues into July, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities and agriculture during the warmest months.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight hours gradually decline, with August reverting to 13 hours and September slightly diminishing to 12 hours. October continues the downward trend with 11 hours, reflecting the onset of cooler months. By November, daylight reduces to 10 hours, and December sees the shortest duration of the year at just 9 hours. This cyclical pattern underscores the typical Mediterranean climate's influence on daily life in Baalbek-Hermel, as residents adapt to seasonal changes in light and energy availability.
Baalbek, Lebanon experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. January temperatures can drop to -16°C (4°F) at night, while summer highs in July and August reach up to 35°C (95°F). The area receives most precipitation in the winter months, particularly January and March, with average annual rainfall around 336 mm (13.2 in). Sunshine is abundant from May to August, with July averaging 417 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Baalbek climate.
El Hermel, Lebanon, experiences a varied climate with cold winters and hot summers. January temperatures range from -6°C to 22°C, gradually rising to highs of 40°C in September. Precipitation is most abundant in the winter months, peaking at 65 mm in December, while summer sees minimal rainfall, particularly in July and August. Sunshine is plentiful, with the highest hours recorded in July at 418 hours. For more details, visit El Hermel climate.
In conclusion, Baalbek-Hermel, Lebanon, presents a vibrant and diverse climate characterized by distinct seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The region's cold winters give way to warm, sun-drenched summers, emphasizing the importance of climate awareness for residents and visitors alike. Understanding these patterns not only enhances the appreciation of Baalbek-Hermel's natural beauty but also underscores the need for effective sun protection during periods of high UV exposure, particularly in the summer months. As daylight hours fluctuate, so too do opportunities for outdoor activities and agricultural practices, making it essential for the local community to adapt to the annual rhythms of their environment for health and productivity.