Last updated: January 18, 2025
Aleppo, located in the Syrian Arab Republic, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by two main Köppen-Geiger climate classifications: Csa (Mediterranean Hot-Summer) and BSh (Semi-Arid). The city experiences a significant temperature range, with winter minimums plunging to -10°C (14°F) in January, while summer maximums soar to a scorching 45°C (114°F) in August. The annual average temperature hovers around 19°C (67°F), highlighting the region’s distinct seasonal contrasts and reinforcing its dynamic climatic profile.
Aleppo experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, beginning with cold winters where January temperatures dip to a minimum of -10°C (14°F), gradually increasing to milder conditions by spring. In February and March, average temperatures rise from 10°C (50°F) to 13°C (55°F), with maximums reaching 34°C (94°F) by late March. The arrival of spring in April sees a significant jump in warmth, with average highs soaring to 38°C (100°F), transitioning towards the intense heat of summer. May and June continue this trend, with temperatures peaking at 42°C (109°F) and 44°C (111°F), respectively. The hottest months, July and August, maintain elevated averages around 30°C (86°F), culminating in maximums of 45°C (114°F). As summer wanes into autumn, September retains summer-like conditions before temperatures begin to cool in October, reflecting a steady decline leading into the winter months of November and December where the cycle restarts with lower temperatures, exemplifying Aleppo's pronounced seasonal variability.
'Ayn al 'Arab experiences a wide temperature range, with January lows reaching -8°C (18°F) and summer highs soaring to 45°C (114°F) in August monthly temperatures in 'Ayn al 'Arab. Similarly, Aleppo has its coldest temperatures in February at -6°C (21°F) and sees maximums of 44°C (112°F) in September monthly temperatures in Aleppo.
Aleppo's precipitation pattern reveals a pronounced seasonal distribution, heavily weighted toward the winter and early spring months. January stands out with the highest rainfall, averaging 64 mm (2.5 in) over approximately 9 days, while December follows closely with a substantial 78 mm (3.1 in) despite a similar number of rainy days. February and March show a decline in volumes, yet still maintain noticeable precipitation levels of 47 mm (1.9 in) and 56 mm (2.2 in), respectively. The spring months, particularly April and May, experience a significant decrease in rainfall, dropping to 39 mm (1.5 in) and 17 mm (0.7 in), signaling the transition towards the dry summer season.
By June, the rainfall dwindles dramatically to just 5 mm (0.2 in), with July and August receiving almost negligible amounts at 0 mm and 1 mm (0.0 in), reflecting the dry conditions typical of the summer months. Autumn brings a slight resurgence in precipitation, peaking again in November with 33 mm (1.3 in), while October experiences a modest 15 mm (0.6 in). This seasonal rhythm underscores Aleppo's Mediterranean climate, marked by wet winters and dry summers, which profoundly impacts the region's agriculture and water resource management.
In Aleppo, sunshine duration showcases a clear seasonal pattern, with hours of sunlight rising steadily as the year progresses. Starting in January with 202 hours, the city gradually welcomes more sunshine as winter wanes, reaching 256 hours in February and 324 hours in March. The transition into spring is marked by a significant increase, peaking in April at 346 hours, while May ushers in a remarkable boost with 398 hours of sunshine. This upward trend culminates in the summer months, where June, July, and August bask in abundant sunlight, recording 407 hours, 420 hours, and 392 hours respectively. July stands out as the sunniest month, providing the longest days filled with brightness, which is essential for both natural ecosystems and agricultural activities.
As summer gives way to autumn, the hours of sunshine begin to taper off, reflecting a shift in the climate. September retains a considerable 351 hours, but by October, sunshine duration declines to 316 hours. The process continues through November and December, with the year closing at 271 hours and 242 hours, respectively. These patterns highlight Aleppo's distinct seasonal changes, where longer daylight hours in the warmer months contrast sharply with the shorter days of winter, playing a crucial role in the region's solar energy potential and overall climate dynamics.
The UV Index in Aleppo reveals a significant seasonal variation, reflecting the intensity of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. During the winter months, January and February register a moderate UV Index of 4 and 5, respectively, with a burn time of about 30 minutes. As spring approaches, March sees a notable increase to a UV Index of 7, indicating high levels of UV radiation and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. April marks a dramatic shift, with the UV Index soaring to 9, categorized as very high, emphasizing the need for increased sun protection as the burn time drops to just 15 minutes.
The summer months bring the peak UV levels, with May and June reaching extreme values of 11 and 12, respectively, where a mere 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure could lead to burns. Even in July, the UV Index remains high at 11, slightly decreasing to 10 in August. As the season transitions to fall, the UV Index gradually declines; September maintains a very high level of 9, while October decreases to 8. By November, the Index falls back to a moderate 5, with December concluding the year at a lower 3. This clear fluctuation in UV exposure underlines the importance of sun safety practices, particularly in the summer months when UV radiation poses a significant risk to skin health.
UV Risk Categories
In Aleppo, daylight duration displays a pronounced seasonal cycle that significantly influences the daily rhythms of life. Beginning in January, the city experiences approximately 9 hours of daylight, which gradually increases as winter gives way to spring. By February, daylight extends to 10 hours, and March brings further lengthening with 11 hours. April sees a notable jump to 13 hours, marking the approach of longer days, while May reaches its peak at 14 hours. This extended daylight not only promotes outdoor activities but also enhances agricultural productivity during the warmer months.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight duration remains stable at 14 hours through June and July before beginning to decline. In August, daylight decreases slightly to 13 hours, and by September, it further recedes to 12 hours. This gradual shortening of days continues into October with 11 hours and further reduces to 10 hours in November. Finally, December returns to 9 hours of daylight, completing the annual cycle. The rhythm of daylight in Aleppo not only affects daily life but also underscores the importance of managing energy resources and outdoor practices as seasons change.
The climate in 'Ayn al 'Arab, Syrian Arab Republic, features a diverse temperature range throughout the year, with average temperatures varying from 6°C (44°F) in January to 33°C (91°F) in July. Summers can be quite hot, reaching maxima of up to 45°C (114°F) in August, while winters can dip to as low as -8°C (18°F) in January. Precipitation is more frequent in the winter months, with January receiving the highest rainfall at 58 mm (2.3 in), while summer months often see little to no rain. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with July being the sunniest month, totaling 426 hours. For more details, visit 'Ayn al 'Arab climate.
Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic experiences a varied climate characterized by cold winters and scorching summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -3°C to 19°C, while July peaks at a maximum of 43°C. Rainfall is most abundant in the winter months, with January receiving 61 mm, tapering to minimal levels in July and August. The region enjoys substantial sunshine, especially in the summer, with July averaging 421 hours. For more details, visit Aleppo climate.
In conclusion, Aleppo's climate is characterized by its distinct seasonal variations, evident in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The city experiences cold winters followed by hot summers, with notable shifts in precipitation patterns that favor the colder months. Sunshine duration peaks during the summer, coinciding with the highest levels of UV radiation, emphasizing the need for protective measures during these months. The cyclical nature of daylight influences both daily activities and broader resource management. Understanding these patterns is crucial for residents and planners alike, as they navigate the unique climatic landscape of Aleppo and its impacts on health, agriculture, and energy consumption.