Last updated: January 18, 2025
The South Governorate of Lebanon exhibits a Mediterranean climate, classified as Csa under the Köppen-Geiger system. This region experiences a significant temperature range, with January marking the coldest month at a minimum of -3°C (27°F), while May brings sweltering heat, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 39°C (103°F). The yearly average temperature hovers around 20°C (68°F), creating a climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, which influences both local ecosystems and agricultural practices.
In the South Governorate of Lebanon, temperature patterns reflect a distinct seasonal cycle, characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. January begins the year with cold temperatures, reaching daily minimums as low as -3°C (27°F) and averaging around 13°C (55°F). As winter progresses into February and March, temperatures gradually rise, with March marking a notable increase, evidenced by daily maximums soaring to 31°C (87°F). By April, the region experiences a transition into summer, with averages climbing to 17°C (63°F) and maximum temperatures peaking at 35°C (95°F). May heralds the arrival of summer warmth, showcasing high temperatures that can reach 39°C (103°F). The summer months of June through August exhibit consistently high averages, peaking at around 27°C (80°F) in August, while temperatures begin to dip in September, signaling the onset of autumn. This seasonal temperature rhythm culminates in milder conditions by November and December, where averages settle between 15°C (60°F) and 19°C (67°F), encapsulating the region's diverse climatic attributes.
Sidon experiences a mild range of temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) in March and a maximum of 33°C (93°F) in July, making it a pleasant coastal destination. In contrast, Jezzine sees a more extreme range, experiencing a chilly minimum of -3°C (27°F) in January and a scorching maximum of 36°C (98°F) in May, reflecting its higher elevation. Tyre shares a similar minimum of 6°C (43°F) in January but has a maximum of 35°C (94°F) in July, highlighting the warm summer months typical along the Lebanese coast. For more detailed temperature information, visit monthly temperatures in Sidon, monthly temperatures in Jezzine, and monthly temperatures in Tyre.
The South Governorate of Lebanon experiences a pronounced seasonal pattern in precipitation, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the winter months. January and December lead the charge, with 190 mm (7.5 in) and 207 mm (8.2 in) of precipitation respectively, reflecting the region's wettest periods. February and March follow closely, receiving 122 mm (4.8 in) and 99 mm (3.9 in) of rainfall, characterized by multiple rainy days that contribute to local water resources. The spring months of April and May witness a sharp decline in precipitation, dropping to 65 mm (2.6 in) and 19 mm (0.8 in) respectively, as the dry season approaches.
As summer sets in, rainfall dramatically decreases, with June, July, and August collectively averaging only a few millimeters, emphasizing the region's arid conditions during these months. September marks a slight uptick, with 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, leading into October's return of wetter weather at 37 mm (1.5 in). November sees an increase in precipitation once again, totaling 74 mm (2.9 in), before the cycle resets with the heavy rains of December. The rainfall distribution across the year highlights the Mediterranean climate's characteristic dry summers and wet winters, which significantly influence the local ecosystem and agriculture.
In the South Governorate of Lebanon, sunshine duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal trend characterized by a consistent increase from winter to summer. Starting the year with 223 hours of sunshine in January, the region experiences a notable uplift, reaching 275 hours in February and 333 hours in March. As spring unfolds, April and May see further gains, with 352 hours and 396 hours respectively, culminating in the vibrant, sunlit days that precede summer. This steady rise showcases the gradual transition from the shorter, drearier winter days to the longer, sun-soaked hours of spring.
The summer months take the lead in sunshine duration, peaking in July with 409 hours of bright sunlight, perfectly suited for outdoor activities and agricultural growth. August follows closely with 388 hours, before beginning to taper off in September with 348 hours. The decline continues into autumn, with October recording 322 hours and further decreases in November and December, concluding the year with 283 hours and 272 hours respectively. This cyclical pattern not only underscores the Mediterranean climate's seasonal character but also highlights the essential role of sunlight in shaping local lifestyles, agriculture, and ecological balance throughout the year.
The UV Index in the South Governorate of Lebanon illustrates a significant seasonal fluctuation, reflecting the intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. Starting with a moderate UV Index of 4 in January, the region sees an increase as winter transitions to spring, reaching 6 in February and escalating to 8 by March. The trend continues upward, with April hitting a very high UV Index of 9. May marks a critical point, recording the extreme UV Index peak of 11, representing heightened risk of skin damage with a burn time of just 10 minutes during midday sun.
As the summer months progress, the UV Index remains notably high, with June reaching its maximum level at 12, indicating an extreme level of sun exposure risk. While July experiences a slight dip to 11, August sees a reduction to 10, still categorized as very high. As fall approaches, the Index gradually decreases, with September and October maintaining considerable levels at 9 and 8 respectively, before tapering off to moderate levels of 5 in November and returning to 4 in December. This seasonal pattern emphasizes the importance of sun safety measures during the peak months while highlighting the necessity for protective practices even in the cooler months, as exposure risks vary considerably throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
In the South Governorate of Lebanon, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, beginning the year with approximately 10 hours of daylight in both January and February. This consistent daylight length sets the stage for a gradual increase as the region transitions into spring. March witnesses a slight rise to 11 hours, followed by April and May, where daylight extends to 13 hours. By June and July, the duration reaches its zenith at 14 hours, providing ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural growth during the peak of summer.
As summer wanes and autumn approaches, the duration of daylight begins to taper off. August still enjoys 13 hours of daylight, but this reduces to 12 hours by September, marking the onset of shorter days. October further decreases to 11 hours, while November returns to 10 hours. December, the shortest month of the year, caps off with only 9 hours of daylight. This rhythmic fluctuation in daylight highlights the region's Mediterranean climate and influences local lifestyle, outdoor activities, and agricultural practices throughout the yearly cycle.
En Naqoura, Lebanon, enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (35°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), while the scorching summer months (July and August) can reach up to 38°C (101°F). Precipitation is highest in the winter, peaking in January with 132 mm (5.2 in) and decreasing significantly by July and August, with only 2 mm (0.1 in) and 3 mm (0.1 in), respectively. The region benefits from ample sunshine, particularly in summer, with July boasting 408 hours of sunshine. For more details, visit En Naqoura climate.
Ghazieh, Lebanon experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures range from a chilly 6°C (43°F) in March to a warm 33°C (91°F) in July, with the summer months generally seeing the highest averages around 26-27°C (79-81°F). Precipitation is abundant in winter, peaking in January with 238 mm (9.4 in), while summer months remain relatively dry with minimal rainfall. Sunshine hours peak during the summer, particularly in July with 409 hours. For more detailed information, visit Ghazieh climate.
Jezzine, Lebanon, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. January boasts average temperatures of around 9°C (49°F) with significant precipitation of 130 mm (5.1 in), while July sees averages rise to 25°C (77°F) and minimal rainfall of just 1 mm (0.0 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in July with 412 hours, fostering enjoyable summer days. For a more detailed overview, visit Jezzine climate.
Sidon, Lebanon experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average temperatures range from a cool 7°C (44°F) in January to a warm 33°C (93°F) in July, with the highest average sunshine hours occurring in July at 409 hours. Precipitation is heaviest in winter, particularly in January with 238 mm, while summer months like July and August see minimal rainfall. This dynamic climate fosters rich vegetation and a vibrant coastal environment, making Sidon a unique geographical location. For more details, visit Sidon climate.
Tyre, Lebanon experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. January sees average temperatures around 14°C (57°F) with significant rainfall of 212 mm (8.3 in), tapering to just 4 mm (0.2 in) in July. The warmest months, July and August, offer averages of 26°C (79°F) and 27°C (81°F), respectively, with ample sunshine hours peaking in July at 408 hours. Precipitation begins to increase again in November, reaching 79 mm (3.1 in) as temperatures cool to around 20°C (68°F). For more detailed information, visit Tyre climate.
In conclusion, the South Governorate of Lebanon showcases a dynamic interplay between climate, temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The region's Mediterranean climate brings distinct seasonal variations that not only shape local ecosystems but also impact agriculture and daily life. With a notable increase in temperature and sunshine during the summer months alongside high UV Index readings, residents and visitors are reminded of the importance of sun safety and responsible outdoor practices. Conversely, the wet winter months replenish local water resources and support the vibrant agricultural landscape. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for sustainable living and resource management in this unique and diverse region.