Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the West Bank, Palestine, is primarily categorized under the Köppen-Geiger climate classes Csa (Mediterranean with dry summers) and BSh (semi-arid). This region experiences a significant temperature range, with minimum values dipping to -1°C (31°F) in January and soaring to a maximum of 45°C (114°F) in September. The average temperature throughout the year hovers around 20°C (69°F), underscoring the stark seasonal contrasts that define the local climate. This variation not only influences local weather patterns but also impacts agriculture, water resources, and the livelihoods of the inhabitants.
Temperature patterns in the West Bank, Palestine, reveal a distinct seasonal rhythm, characterized by a gradual warming as the year progresses. Winter months, such as January and February, showcase cooler conditions with minimum temperatures dipping to -1°C (31°F) and rising only to an average of 13°C (55°F). As spring approaches, temperatures begin to climb, with March and April experiencing averages of 14°C (58°F) and 18°C (65°F), respectively. The transition to summer is marked by increasingly high temperatures, peaking in August and September, where maximum readings reach up to 45°C (113°F), reflecting the intensity of the heat. As the year concludes, autumn brings a slight respite with average temperatures reverting to 24°C (75°F) in October and gradually cooling down to winter conditions by December. This cyclical variation, with its distinct seasons, shapes both the climate and the living conditions in the region.
Ramallah experiences a winter minimum temperature of 1°C (33°F) in January, rising to a scorching maximum of 42°C (108°F) in September, as detailed here. Nablus records an even lower January minimum of -1°C (31°F) but shares the same summer peak temperature of 42°C (108°F) in September, which can be found here. Meanwhile, Bethlehem sees a minimum of 1°C (35°F) in March, with a maximum of 42°C (107°F) in September, with further information available here.
Precipitation patterns in the West Bank, Palestine, exhibit a distinct seasonal trend, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the cooler months of winter. January and February are typically the wettest months, receiving 78 mm (3.1 in) and 74 mm (2.9 in) of rainfall, respectively, often over 9 days of precipitation. As the weather transitions toward spring, March and April witness a notable drop in rainfall, with amounts decreasing to 58 mm (2.3 in) and 29 mm (1.2 in), occurring over fewer days—indicating the gradual onset of drier conditions.
The summer months of June through August experience minimal precipitation, with recorded rainfall falling to just 3 mm (0.1 in) in June and tapering off to a mere 1 mm (0.0 in) in both July and August. This dry spell is punctuated by a slight increase in October, which receives 24 mm (0.9 in), before November and December bring a resurgence of rain, with totals of 44 mm (1.7 in) and 72 mm (2.9 in), respectively. This seasonal pattern not only underscores the Mediterranean climate influence but also significantly impacts water availability and agricultural practices within the region.
Sunshine duration in the West Bank, Palestine, demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, marked by a gradual increase in sunlight hours from winter to summer. Starting in January with 227 hours, the region experiences a steady uplift as it moves into spring, reaching 391 hours in May. April continues this upward trajectory, showcasing 351 hours, which sets the stage for the peak summer months. June through August represents the zenith of sunlight, with July leading the pack at 406 hours, illuminating the long, warm days that characterize the season.
As the summer months give way to autumn, sunshine hours begin to wane, albeit gradually. August still retains a substantial 387 hours, but by September, the total declines to 347 hours, and further dips occur in October with 322 hours. The trend continues into winter, with November and December recording 286 hours and 273 hours, respectively. This cycle not only emphasizes the West Bank's Mediterranean climate but also provides valuable insights into seasonal activities and agricultural scheduling, where maximizing sunlight becomes essential for productivity.
The UV Index in the West Bank, Palestine, exhibits marked seasonal fluctuations, reflecting the intensity of sunlight throughout the year. Beginning in January with a moderate UV Index of 4, exposure levels rise steadily as winter progresses, reaching a high of 6 in February. The transition to spring sees a significant surge, peaking at 8 in March and 10 in April, categorized as very high, which necessitates caution to avoid potential skin damage. By May, the UV Index escalates further to an extreme level of 12, indicating that sun protection measures are essential for anyone spending time outdoors.
As summer unfolds, June and July maintain this extreme UV Index of 12 and 11, respectively, underscoring the need for vigilance against sunburn, with minimal burn times of just 10 minutes noted. August experiences a slight decrease to 11, yet remains in the extreme category. As the year progresses into autumn, the UV Index begins to taper off, with September and October recording very high levels of 10 and 8, before dropping back to moderate values of 5 in November and 4 in December. This cyclical pattern highlights the importance of understanding UV exposure, especially during peak summer months, for public health and effective sun safety practices.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in the West Bank, Palestine, demonstrates a clear seasonal progression, beginning with shorter days in winter and transitioning to longer hours as spring and summer approach. January marks the least amount of daylight at 10 hours, gradually increasing to 11 hours in both February and March. As the region moves into April, daylight extends to 12 hours and continues to rise, peaking in June with an impressive 14 hours of sunlight, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and agricultural work.
The trend then shifts as summer fades into autumn, with daylight hours consistently at 13 hours in July and August before tapering off to 12 hours in September. October sees a further reduction to 11 hours, while November and December revert to 10 hours, echoing the conditions observed at the start of the year. This rhythmic pattern of daylight duration not only influences daily life and seasonal behaviors in the region but also plays a crucial role in the agricultural cycles and energy use, reflecting the interconnectedness of natural sunlight with cultural and economic activities.
An Nabi Salih in Palestine experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The temperature ranges from a chilly minimum of 1°C (35°F) in January to a warm maximum of 41°C (106°F) in May, with the average temperatures hovering around 23°C (73°F) in the warmest months. Precipitation is significant during the winter months, peaking at 65 mm (2.6 in) in January, while summers are notably dry with minimal rainfall. Sunshine is abundant, especially from May to July, where over 390 hours of sun can be expected. For more detailed information, visit An Nabi Salih climate.
Battir, Palestine experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The temperature ranges from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) in March to a maximum of 42°C (107°F) in September, with warm averages peaking around 28°C (83°F) in the summer months. Precipitation is highest in winter, peaking in January at 74 mm (2.9 in), while summers are typically dry. The region enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly in July with approximately 405 hours recorded. For more detailed information, visit Battir climate.
Bethlehem, Palestine experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Average temperatures range from a mild 11°C (52°F) in January to a hot 28°C (83°F) in July, with occasional peaks reaching up to 42°C (107°F) in September. Precipitation is most common from November to February, while the summer months see virtually no rainfall, with July and August recording 0 mm. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, totaling up to 405 hours in July, making it a sun-drenched destination. For more details, visit Bethlehem climate.
The climate in Bilin, Palestine, is characterized by warm summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a maximum of 26°C (78°F), while July sees highs of up to 40°C (104°F). Rain is most frequent from January to April, with January receiving 65 mm (2.6 in), whereas the summer months are notably dry, often recording less than 2 mm of precipitation. Sunshine hours peak in July with 405 hours, contributing to the warm climate throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit [Bilin climate](/climate/palestine/west-bank/bil-in.html).
Hebron, Palestine experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. January sees temperatures ranging from 2°C to 23°C and receives the most rainfall, about 44 mm, while July and August are the driest months with virtually no precipitation. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in July with 404 hours and averaging around 350 hours in spring. Fall and winter bring cooler temperatures, and by December, average highs drop to 30°C. For more detailed information, visit Hebron climate.
Jericho, Palestine experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (43°F) in February to a maximum of 42°C (108°F) in September. Precipitation is low, peaking at 49 mm (1.9 in) in January, and barely significant during the summer months. The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially in June and July, with over 400 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Jericho climate.
Nablus, Palestine experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. January sees temperatures ranging from -1°C to 23°C, accompanied by significant rainfall of 98 mm, while the hottest months, July and August, reach up to 41°C with minimal precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, peaking at 406 hours in July. The transition from winter to summer is marked by steadily increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall, making the spring and early summer months particularly warm. For more detailed climate information, visit Nablus climate.
Qalandiya, Palestine experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. January typically sees temperatures ranging from 2°C to 22°C, accompanied by significant rainfall of 74 mm. The summer months, particularly July and August, can reach maximum temperatures around 41°C while remaining virtually precipitation-free. Sunshine is abundant, peaking at 405 hours in July, contributing to a long growing season. For more detailed information, visit Qalandiya climate.
Ramallah experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Average temperatures range from a low of about 1°C (33°F) in January to a high of 42°C (108°F) in September. Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, with January and February receiving the most precipitation at around 95 mm (3.7 in) and 89 mm (3.5 in) respectively, while the summer months are typically very dry. Sunlight is abundant, peaking in July with about 406 hours, contributing to the region's warm climate. For more information, visit Ramallah climate.
The climate in Sir, Palestine, features hot summers and mild winters with significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. January temperatures can dip as low as -1°C (31°F) while July peaks at approximately 41°C (106°F). Precipitation is heaviest in winter months, with January receiving about 98 mm (3.9 in), while summer months experience minimal rainfall, often less than 5 mm. Sunshine is abundant, reaching a high of 406 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Sir climate.
In conclusion, the climatic and environmental factors of the West Bank, Palestine, including temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, create a dynamic and complex ecosystem that significantly impacts the lives of its inhabitants. With distinct seasonal variations—from the chilly winters to the scorching summers—these patterns influence agricultural practices, water management, and everyday activities. Understanding these climatic nuances is crucial for adapting to environmental changes, optimizing agricultural productivity, and promoting public health through effective sun safety awareness. Overall, the interplay of these elements reflects the region's Mediterranean climate, shaping both its natural landscape and the livelihoods of those who reside there.