Last updated: January 18, 2025
Ar-Raqqah, located in the Syrian Arab Republic, experiences a diverse climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classes BSh (hot semi-arid) and Csa (Mediterranean hot-summer). Temperature fluctuations are notable throughout the year, with a minimum recorded at -6°C (21°F) in February, providing a stark contrast to the scorching peaks of 47°C (117°F) in August. On average, the region enjoys a comfortable 21°C (70°F), making it a unique locale where extreme weather conditions coexist with moderate temperatures.
The temperature patterns in Ar-Raqqah, Syrian Arab Republic, exhibit distinct seasonal variations that define its climate. Winter months, particularly January and February, are characterized by chilly conditions, with minimum temperatures dipping to -6°C (21°F) and average highs around 10–24°C (51–75°F). As spring arrives in March and April, temperatures begin to rise significantly, showcasing more moderate averages ranging from 14°C (57°F) to 36°C (98°F) under increasingly warmer conditions. The transition to summer sees July and August peak with scorching highs, reaching maximum temperatures of up to 47°C (117°F), while nighttime lows remain relatively comfortable. Autumn brings a gradual cool-down, with temperatures steadily decreasing from September's warm averages of 29°C (85°F) to November's cooler 15°C (60°F), leading to the return of winter chill by December. This fluctuation between hot summers and mild winters creates a dynamic temperature landscape in the region.
In the region, AynIsa experiences a minimum temperature of -6°C (21°F) in February and can reach a maximum of 46°C (115°F) in August, as detailed in the linked data monthly temperatures in AynIsa. Similarly, As Sabkhah has minimum temperatures dipping to -6°C (21°F) in February, with a peak of 45°C (113°F) in July, information available at monthly temperatures in As Sabkhah. Tall Abyad aligns with this temperature trend, also recording a minimum of -6°C (21°F) in February while reaching a maximum of 47°C (117°F) in August, as shown in the link monthly temperatures in Tall Abyad.
In Ar-Raqqah, precipitation follows a clear seasonal pattern, heavily concentrated in the winter and early spring months. January and February are the wettest months, with precipitation levels of 32 mm (1.3 in) and 30 mm (1.2 in), respectively, typically featuring around five to seven rainy days. March sees a slight increase to 40 mm (1.6 in), offering some of the last substantial rainfall before the dry season begins. By April, rainfall decreases to 32 mm (1.3 in) and drops significantly as the region transitions towards summer, which is almost entirely dry, with June, July, and August recording negligible amounts of precipitation.
The shift to autumn heralds a modest recovery in rainfall, with October contributing 14 mm (0.5 in) over the course of just one day, followed by November with 29 mm (1.1 in) across three days. December resumes the winter pattern with 41 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation, marking a return to wetter conditions. Overall, Ar-Raqqah experiences a pronounced dry season from late spring through early autumn, with the majority of its annual rainfall concentrated in the cooler months, thus shaping the region's semi-arid climate.
In Ar-Raqqah, the sunshine duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal progression, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter to summer. Starting with January, which enjoys approximately 212 hours of sunshine, the daylight gradually extends into February with 256 hours. This upward trend continues through the spring, peaking in May at a bright 394 hours, and further escalating to a staggering 414 hours in July, making it the sunniest month of the year. The long, sun-drenched days during these months not only provide warmth but also set the stage for the region's characteristic dry climate, significantly impacting its agricultural practices and daily life.
As summer transitions to autumn, a modest decrease in sunshine hours occurs, although the region still enjoys ample daylight. August sees a decrease to 386 hours, while September and October maintain a respectable 346 and 315 hours, respectively. By November, the sunshine diminishes to 270 hours, and December brings the year to a close with 252 hours of sunlight. This seasonal decline marks the onset of the cooler months, offering a stark contrast to the prolonged brightness experienced earlier in the year. Overall, the annual cycle of sunshine in Ar-Raqqah highlights the region's reliance on solar energy and the significance of sunlight for its climate and ecosystem.
Ar-Raqqah experiences notable variations in the UV Index throughout the year, reflecting seasonal changes in sun intensity. In the winter months of January and February, the UV Index peaks at 3 to 5, categorized as moderate, allowing for a safe exposure time of about 30 minutes. As the region shifts into spring, the UV Index climbs rapidly, reaching 7 in March and ultimately soaring to 9 by April. The month of May marks the beginning of extreme UV levels, with the index hitting 11, necessitating cautious sun exposure of just 10 minutes to avoid skin damage.
During the scorching summer months of June and July, the UV Index reaches its maximum at 12, underscoring the extreme solar radiation levels in the region. The significant reduction in safe burn time to merely 10 minutes emphasizes the importance of sun protection during this period. While August and September maintain high UV readings at 10 and 9 respectively, a gradual descent begins in October, where the index registers at 8. The cool-down continues into November and December, with the UV Index returning to moderate levels of 5 and 3, allowing for longer, safer sun exposure. This annual cycle illustrates the critical need for awareness and protective measures against UV radiation, especially during the peak summer months.
UV Risk Categories
In Ar-Raqqah, daylight duration varies significantly throughout the year, showcasing a distinct seasonal rhythm. In January, the region experiences about 9 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 10 hours in February and reaches 11 hours in March. As the spring progresses into April, daylight extends to 13 hours, culminating in May when the longest days of the year are observed at 14 hours. This extended sunlight not only enhances outdoor activities but also influences the region's agricultural cycles, as increased daylight supports plant growth.
Summer months maintain this trend, with consistent daylight duration of 14 hours throughout June and July, before tapering off to 13 hours in August. As autumn arrives, daylight begins to decrease, with September seeing 12 hours, and further diminishing to 11 hours in October. By November, daylight drops to 10 hours, and finally returns to the 9-hour mark in December. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration highlights how the sun's position in the sky affects daily life in Ar-Raqqah, from energy usage to recreational habits and agricultural practices.
Ayn Isa experiences a diverse climate with warm summers and cold winters. January temperatures range from a chilly -4°C to a comfortable 20°C, while July can peak at 45°C, making it the hottest month. Precipitation is highest in winter, with January receiving 45 mm, tapering to virtually none during the summer months of July and August. Sunshine is abundant, especially in summer, with July boasting about 419 hours of sun. For a detailed overview, visit the [Ayn `Isa climate](/climate/syrian-arab-republic/ar-raqqah/-ayn--isa.html) page.
Al Jarniyah, located in the Syrian Arab Republic, experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a chilly 8°C (47°F) in January to a sweltering 32°C (90°F) in July, with peak highs reaching up to 45°C (113°F) in August. Precipitation is heaviest in winter, particularly in December and January, while the summer months are predominantly dry. The area enjoys significant sunshine, peaking at around 420 hours in July. For more details on the climate, visit Al Jarniyah climate.
Al Karamah, located in the Syrian Arab Republic, experiences a diverse climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months display temperatures ranging from a minimum of -6°C (21°F) in February to a maximum of 21°C (70°F) in January, while summers soar, with July and August seeing averages around 32°C (90°F) to 33°C (92°F) and peaks up to 45°C (113°F). Precipitation is heaviest during the winter months, tapering off to nearly zero from June through September. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer, with over 400 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Al Karamah climate.
Al Mansurah, Syrian Arab Republic, experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, characterized by a wide temperature range. January sees minimum temperatures plummeting to -3°C (27°F), while the peak summer months of July and August can reach up to 45°C (113°F). Precipitation is minimal during the summer, with July and August receiving no rainfall, contrasting with the wetter months of January and March, which receive 26 mm (1.0 in) and 35 mm (1.4 in) respectively. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with July boasting the highest sun exposure at 411 hours. For more detailed information, visit Al Mansurah climate.
Ar Raqqah, located in the Syrian Arab Republic, experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures can drop to -3°C (27°F), while July peaks at a sweltering 46°C (114°F). Rainfall is scarce from June to September, with total precipitation reaching only 1 mm during June and none in the subsequent summer months. The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July recording around 416 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate information, visit Ar Raqqah climate.
The climate in As Sabkhah, Syrian Arab Republic, experiences significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters (December to February) are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 9°C to 11°C (48°F to 52°F) and occasional lows dropping below freezing. Summers (June to August) are hot, with average highs reaching 33°C to 36°C (92°F to 97°F) and peak temperatures exceeding 44°C (112°F). Rainfall is scarce during the summer months, with the majority of precipitation occurring from January to May, particularly in March. The region enjoys ample sunshine, with July boasting the highest at 407 hours, making it a bright, dry climate overall. For more detailed information, visit As Sabkhah climate.
Ath Thawrah experiences a continental climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 21°C (69°F), while summer months can soar to 44°C (111°F). Precipitation is limited, peaking in the winter months with January receiving 29 mm and falling to negligible levels in July and August. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer, with July averaging 416 hours. For more details, visit Ath Thawrah climate.
The climate in Madan, Syrian Arab Republic, features distinct seasonal variations. Winters are cool, with January temperatures ranging from -3°C to 21°C and average precipitation peaking in the early months, reaching 32 mm in March. Summers are hot and dry, especially in July and August, where temperatures frequently max out at 45°C. Sunshine hours are abundant during summer, with July receiving about 403 hours of sunlight. For more details on the weather patterns, visit [Madan climate](/climate/syrian-arab-republic/ar-raqqah/ma-dan.html).
Suluk, Syrian Arab Republic, experiences a diverse climate with temperature extremes ranging from a minimum of -6°C (21°F) in February to a maximum of 46°C (115°F) in August. The region sees significant sunshine, particularly in the summer months, with July boasting the highest at 417 hours. Precipitation is prevalent during the winter and spring, peaking in March with 54 mm (2.1 in), while the summer months typically remain dry. This variability in weather conditions significantly impacts local agriculture and lifestyle. For more details, visit Suluk climate.
Tall Abyad experiences a continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winter temperatures can drop to -6°C (21°F) in February, while summer months see highs reaching up to 47°C (117°F) in August. Precipitation is heaviest in the winter months, peaking at 65 mm (2.6 in) in December, and is minimal during the summer, particularly in July and August when rainfall is negligible. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in summer, with July boasting around 422 hours of sun. For more details, visit Tall Abyad climate.
In conclusion, the climate features of Ar-Raqqah, Syrian Arab Republic, reveal a dynamic interplay between temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours that significantly shape the region's environment and lifestyle. The stark seasonal contrasts—ranging from the hot, dry summers with extreme UV exposure to the cooler, wetter winters—underscore the need for adaptive strategies in agriculture, tourism, and daily living. As daylight extends through spring and summer, residents benefit from ample sunlight, while the significant variations in UV levels necessitate awareness and protective measures during peak exposure times. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for fostering resilience in local communities and optimizing resource management in this unique semi-arid landscape.