Last updated: January 18, 2025
Surt, Libya, exhibits a BWh climate classification under the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by its arid conditions and significant temperature fluctuations. The city's temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) in January to an impressive maximum of 48°C (118°F) in June, highlighting the stark contrast between winter and summer months. On average, Surt experiences a comfortable annual temperature of 21°C (70°F), making it a region defined by intense heat during peak summer, while cooler winter months provide a brief respite. Understanding the climate dynamics of Surt is essential for comprehending its environmental patterns and influences on local ecosystems.
In Surt, Libya, temperature patterns reveal distinct seasonal variations throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, are marked by cooler temperatures, with minimums hovering around 3-4°C (38-39°F) and average highs at 31°C (88°F). As spring arrives in March and April, temperatures begin to rise, showcasing a steady increase with averages climbing from 17°C (62°F) to 20°C (68°F), alongside maximums that reach 43°C (110°F) by late April. The peak summer months of June through August bring exceedingly high temperatures, with June recording maximums of 48°C (118°F) and July averaging 27°C (81°F) at night, emphasizing the intense heat during this period. As autumn approaches, temperatures gradually decline, with September through November showing a transition back to milder conditions; average high temperatures drop from 42°C (108°F) in September to 36°C (96°F) in November. By December, the cycle completes as temperatures fall once more to an average of 16°C (61°F), depicting Surt's dynamic climate characterized by hot summers and relatively mild winters.
In Sirte, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in July, providing a warm climate throughout the year (monthly temperatures in Sirte). In contrast, Qasr Abu Hadi experiences even more extreme conditions, with a January low of 3°C (38°F) and a staggering high of 48°C (118°F) in June (monthly temperatures in Qasr Abu Hadi).
Surt, Libya experiences a mainly arid climate, with precipitation occurring sporadically throughout the year. The wettest months are typically January and December, receiving 23 mm (0.9 in) and 24 mm (0.9 in) respectively, while November follows closely with 14 mm (0.6 in). Rainfall is generally low in spring and summer, with minimal amounts recorded from April to August, where mostly just trace levels of precipitation — often less than 3 mm (0.1 in) — are observed. This extended dry spell aligns with the intense summer heat, creating a stark contrast between the wetter winter months and the dry conditions that dominate the warmer part of the year.
The frequency of rainy days in Surt further emphasizes its dry climate, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the cooler months. January and February each see approximately 4 rainy days, while precipitation becomes increasingly rare by April, where no rainfall is recorded. From May through August, the likelihood of rain drops significantly to virtually none, before slightly increasing again in September with 4 mm (0.2 in) over one day. As autumn transitions to winter, rainfall in October and November reemerges with 3 rainy days each, but the annual precipitation remains low, reflecting the overall dry conditions prevalent in this region.
Surt, Libya, experiences a notable increase in sunshine hours throughout the year, reflecting its arid climate and geographical position. The winter months of January and February provide moderate sunlight, with 234 and 281 hours, respectively. As spring unfolds, sunlight begins to intensify dramatically; March witnesses a rise to 336 hours, and by April, sunshine reaches 341 hours. The most significant increase occurs in late spring to early summer, culminating in May with 378 hours of bright sunshine, signaling the onset of the hot season and the gradual transition towards the scorching summer months.
The peak sunshine period in Surt occurs during the summer, particularly in July, when the city basks in 404 hours of sunlight, representing the highest sun exposure of the year. Although August remains bright with 385 hours, there is a slight decline as the season transitions to fall, with September recording 342 hours. As autumn progresses, sunshine hours continue to diminish, with October seeing 318 hours, followed by the lesser-lit months of November and December, at 291 and 282 hours, respectively. This seasonal trend not only highlights Surt's abundant sunshine but also underscores the importance of solar energy potential in the region, particularly during the long summer days.
The UV Index in Surt, Libya, presents a significant seasonal variation, reflecting the region’s intense sunlight exposure throughout the year. In the cooler months of January and December, the UV Index is relatively moderate at 4, allowing for an exposure time of around 30 minutes before sunburn risk increases. However, as winter transitions into spring, the UV Index escalates sharply; by February, it reaches 6, indicating a high exposure category with a burn time of just 25 minutes. The trend continues upward, peaking in March with a very high UV Index of 9 and limited burn time of only 15 minutes, emphasizing the growing risk of skin damage as temperatures rise.
Reaching its apex during the summer, Surt faces extreme UV Index levels, particularly in June and July, when values peak at 12 and 11, respectively, both equating to a mere 10 minutes of safe exposure time. The high UV Index persists into August, emphasizing the need for protective measures during these months. As summer wanes, the index gradually decreases, settling at 10 in September and 8 in October, before tapering off to 6 in November. This seasonal pattern highlights the importance of sun safety in Surt, especially during the peak UV months from June to August, reinforcing the necessity for adequate sun protection to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Surt, Libya, demonstrates a clear seasonal progression throughout the year, reflecting the region's geographical characteristics. In the winter months of January and December, residents enjoy about 10 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 11 hours in February and remains consistent through March. As spring approaches, daylight hours continue to extend, reaching 12 hours in April and peaking at 13 hours in May, effectively allowing longer days for outdoor activities as temperatures begin to rise.
The summer months bring the maximum daylight duration, with June boasting 14 hours of bright sunlight. However, this peak is followed by a slight decline, as July and August each retain 13 hours. As fall sets in, Surt experiences another gradual reduction in daylight; by September, daylight decreases back to 12 hours, ultimately dropping to 11 hours in October before reverting to 10 hours in November. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration showcases Surt’s distinct seasonal changes, allowing residents and visitors to make the most of the varying lengths of daylight across the year.
Qasr Abu Hadi, Libya, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal precipitation throughout the year. The hottest months are June and July, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 48°C (118°F), while winters are mild, with January average temperatures around 13°C (56°F). Rainfall is quite limited, totaling less than 15 mm in most months, mainly occurring in winter. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly from June to August, with over 400 hours of sunlight in July. For more information, visit Qasr Abu Hadi climate.
Sirte, Libya, experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from 8°C to 27°C (47°F to 81°F), while in July, they can soar between 21°C and 39°C (71°F to 102°F). Precipitation is low throughout the year, peaking in January with 32 mm (1.2 in) and dwindling to almost negligible amounts in the summer months. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in July, with about 403 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate data, visit Sirte climate.
In conclusion, Surt, Libya, presents a dynamic climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The city experiences scorching summers, with peak temperatures and sunshine, contrasted by milder winters with reduced UV exposure and daylight. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial not only for residents and visitors but also for the planning and implementation of outdoor activities and sun safety measures. As climate dynamics continue to evolve, recognizing these trends will aid in promoting health, sustainability, and overall well-being in this vibrant region.