Last updated: January 18, 2025
Beyrouth, Lebanon, exhibits a Mediterranean climate characterized by the Csa climate class in the Köppen-Geiger classification. This climate type is marked by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. January temperatures plunge to a minimum of 2°C (36°F), while July peaks at a scorching 35°C (95°F), contributing to an average annual temperature of 20°C (69°F). Such climatic conditions foster a diverse ecosystem and significantly influence the region's agriculture and lifestyle.
Beyrouth, Lebanon, experiences notable seasonal temperature variations throughout the year. The winter months of January and February are relatively mild, with minimum temperatures hovering around 2-3°C (36-38°F) and average highs reaching 23°C (74°F). As spring unfolds in March and April, temperatures gradually warm, evident in an increase of average highs from 29°C (85°F) to 29°C (85°F) while minimums rise to 8°C (47°F). The onset of summer in May introduces significantly warmer conditions, marked by average temperatures peaking at 33°C (92°F) in May and reaching summer highs of 35°C (95°F) in July. This warm trend continues into August and September, where the temperatures remain high, but begin to cool down in October. Autumn sees a gradual decline, with November and December averaging around 19°C (67°F) and 15°C (60°F), respectively. Overall, Beyrouth's climate demonstrates a pronounced pattern of warm to hot summers followed by mild winters, creating a vibrant contrast throughout the year.
Beirut experiences a varied climate, with January temperatures dipping to a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and soaring to a maximum of 35°C (95°F) in July. This range highlights the city's distinct seasonal shifts, making it an intriguing destination for visitors looking to experience both the cool winter and the warm summer months. For more detailed insights, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Beirut.
Beyrouth, Lebanon, exhibits a Mediterranean precipitation pattern heavily influenced by its seasonal cycles. The wettest months typically occur during winter, with January experiencing the highest recorded rainfall of 152 mm (6.0 in) over approximately 13 days, while December follows closely with 167 mm (6.6 in). In February and March, rainfall decreases to 102 mm (4.0 in) and 106 mm (4.2 in), respectively, still indicating a significant water supply that supports the region’s flora and agriculture. The spring months see a substantial drop in precipitation, with April receiving only 49 mm (1.9 in), and May seeing just 15 mm (0.6 in).
As summer approaches, Beyrouth transitions into a distinctly dry season characterized by minimal rainfall; June, July, and August register merely 5 mm (0.2 in), 2 mm (0.1 in), and 3 mm (0.1 in), respectively. This period typically involves no significant rain days, which causes a stark contrast to the winter months. In the fall, precipitation begins to pick up again with October observing 31 mm (1.2 in) and November rising to 52 mm (2.0 in). September sees sporadic showers, and the gradual increase in rainfall prepares the region for the wetter winters. This seasonal variability is essential for maintaining the area's ecosystem and water resources.
Beyrouth, Lebanon, showcases a clear seasonal progression in sunshine duration, reflecting its Mediterranean climate. During the winter months, sunshine is relatively limited, with January recording 223 hours, slightly increasing to 274 hours in February. As spring arrives, there is a noticeable surge in sunlight hours, peaking at 356 hours in April and reaching a delightful 400 hours in May. This upward trend continues into summer, where June and July stand out as the sunniest months of the year, boasting 404 hours and 415 hours respectively. Such abundant sunshine during these months not only fosters vibrant outdoor activities but also supports the agriculture and tourism sectors that thrive in warmer weather.
As summer wanes, sunshine hours begin to taper off, though September still retains a generous 350 hours, which allows for enjoyable late-summer days. By October, the duration of sunlight decreases further to 322 hours, followed by lower totals in November and December, with only 283 hours and 271 hours, respectively. This decline marks a transition into the cooler months, but it still provides ample daylight for daily activities. Overall, Beyrouth’s sunshine trends highlight not only the region's warm summer appeal but also a gradual return to shorter days as winter approaches, painting a clear picture of the climatic rhythms that define this vibrant coastal city.
The UV Index in Beyrouth, Lebanon, exhibits significant seasonal variation, reflecting the region's climate and sun exposure. During the winter months, January sees a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes without protection. As spring approaches, February and March experience a rise in UV levels, reaching 6 and 7 respectively, indicating a shift to a high exposure category with a burn time of 25 minutes. By April, the UV Index escalates to 9, signaling a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. The trend continues into May, where the Index reaches a peak of 10, demanding heightened awareness as burn times drop to a mere 15 minutes.
Summer brings the highest levels of UV radiation, with both June and July registering an extreme UV Index of 11. During these months, individuals are urged to exercise caution, as unprotected skin can burn in just 10 minutes. August maintains a high Index of 10, followed closely by September and October, showing values of 9 and 8 respectively, which still warrant diligent sun protection. As November and December roll in, the UV Index gradually decreases to 5 and 3, entering the moderate category where burn times extend back to 30 minutes. This fluctuation in UV Index emphasizes the importance of sun safety practices, especially during the summer months when exposure risk is at its highest.
UV Risk Categories
In Beyrouth, Lebanon, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, transitioning from shorter to longer days throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the city experiences roughly 10 hours of daylight, providing limited sunlight. As spring approaches in March, daylight begins to increase, reaching 11 hours. By April and May, the duration extends to 13 hours, marking a significant enhancement in sunlight that invigorates outdoor activities and agricultural practices.
The peak daylight hours occur during the summer months of June and July, where residents enjoy a generous 14 hours of daylight. This abundance of sunlight allows for longer evenings and ample time for leisure and social gatherings. As summer fades into autumn, daylight gradually diminishes; August retains 13 hours, followed by a decrease to 12 hours in September. October sees daylight drop further to 11 hours, and by winter’s arrival in November and December, the duration finishes at 10 hours and 9 hours, respectively. This cyclical change in daylight not only influences daily life in Beyrouth but also highlights the region’s rich seasonal contrasts.
Beirut, Lebanon experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. January temperatures range from a low of 2°C (36°F) to a high of 23°C (74°F), with significant rainfall peaking at 152 mm (6.0 in). The summer months, particularly July and August, showcase higher temperatures averaging 27°C (81°F) and minimal precipitation, making it the driest time of year. Sunshine hours peak in July with around 415 hours, contributing to the warm, inviting atmosphere. For more details, visit Beirut climate.
In conclusion, Beyrouth, Lebanon, presents a fascinating interplay of climate characteristics, showcasing diverse seasonal patterns in temperature, precipitation, sunshine, UV Index, and daylight duration. The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate that features warm summers and mild winters, with ample sunshine dominating the summer months while delivering a notable rainy season in winter. The UV Index reflects significant seasonal variations that necessitate sun safety during peak exposure periods, particularly in the summer. As daylight fluctuates throughout the year, it impacts daily life and complements the region's vibrant culture. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for residents and visitors alike, encouraging informed choices about outdoor activities and highlighting the natural beauty that each season offers in this coastal gem.