Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Dimashq, Syrian Arab Republic, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Csb, indicating a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. January experiences its coldest temperatures, plummeting to a minimum of -9°C (16°F), while the average annual temperature hovers around 17°C (63°F). July showcases the region's thermal extremes, with maximum temperatures soaring up to 41°C (105°F), reflecting the significant seasonal contrasts inherent to this climate zone.
In Dimashq, Syrian Arab Republic, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends that shape the yearly climate profile. The winter months, particularly January and February, experience the coldest temperatures, with minimums dropping to -9°C (16°F) and -6°C (22°F), respectively, and average highs only reaching 19°C (67°F) and 22°C (72°F). As spring unfolds in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, culminating in pleasant averages that peak at 16°C (60°F), with maximums reaching 32°C (90°F) by late April. The transition to summer sees July and August overheating, where maximum temperatures skyrocket to 41°C (105°F) and 40°C (104°F), alongside consistently warm nights. This heat begins to temper in September as the average cools to 25°C (77°F), heralding the onset of autumn, characterized by cooler averages and decreasing maximums. By December, the cycle returns to its winter lows, with temperatures fluctuating between -2°C (28°F) and 25°C (77°F), illustrating the striking variation throughout the year in this region's climate.
Damascus experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with January's minimum dipping to -9°C (16°F) and July's maximum soaring to 41°C (105°F). This considerable variation highlights the extreme seasonal contrasts in the region. For more detailed information on monthly temperatures, you can visit monthly temperatures in Damascus.
Precipitation patterns in Dimashq, Syrian Arab Republic, are characterized by a distinct wet season concentrated in the cooler months of the year. January leads with the highest rainfall, receiving 46 mm (1.8 in) over approximately 8 days. February and March follow closely, with 41 mm (1.6 in) and 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, respectively, each seeing around 7 days of precipitation. As spring progresses into April, rainfall begins to taper off, dropping to 22 mm (0.9 in) over 5 days, with subsequent months exhibiting a sharp decline in precipitation levels.
By the time summer arrives in June, rainfall becomes negligible, recording only 2 mm (0.1 in), and July and August see no measurable precipitation at all. This dry spell extends into early autumn, with just 1 mm (0.0 in) reported in both September and October. The return of wet conditions occurs in November with 23 mm (0.9 in) across 5 days, while December experiences a modest resurgence with 34 mm (1.3 in) over 8 days. Overall, the precipitation trend in Dimashq is marked by a clear seasonal shift, reflecting the region's Mediterranean climate.
In Dimashq, Syrian Arab Republic, sunshine duration displays a clear seasonal trend, with a steady increase from winter into summer. The year begins with 223 hours of sunshine in January, gradually rising as days lengthen into February with 273 hours. March marks a significant rise to 333 hours, and by April, the sunshine peaks further at 354 hours. May heralds the onset of summer, showcasing 398 hours of sunlight, while June sees a slight increase to 405 hours. The maximum sunshine occurs in July, reaching 415 hours, making it the sunniest month of the year.
As summer transitions to autumn, sunshine hours begin to wane, but significant sunlight persists through August with 392 hours. September still enjoys a healthy 350 hours, while October experiences a reduction to 321 hours. By November and December, sunshine is at its lowest, recording 282 hours and 271 hours, respectively. This pattern indicates that while Dimashq benefits from abundant sunshine during the warmer months, the winter months still provide a notable amount of daylight, underscoring the region's favorable climate for outdoor activities year-round.
The UV Index in Dimashq, Syrian Arab Republic, displays significant seasonal variation, reflecting the intensity of sunlight throughout the year. Beginning with a moderate UV Index of 4 in January, the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is relatively low, allowing for a safer outdoor experience. As February arrives, the UV Index increases to 6, moving into the high category, which signifies a greater need for sun protection. The progression continues into March and April, where the UV levels surge to 8 and 10, respectively, both classified as very high, with recommended burn times dropping to 15 minutes.
The summer months present the most extreme UV conditions, peaking at an extreme UV Index of 12 from June to July, where unprotected skin can burn in just 10 minutes. While August sees a slight decrease to 11, the risk remains substantial. As the year transitions into autumn, the UV Index gradually decreases, dropping to 10 in September and returning to a very high category through October. By November and December, UV levels decline back to moderate, with readings of 5 and 4, allowing for more leisurely outdoor activities without the acute risk posed during the peak summer months.
UV Risk Categories
In Dimashq, Syrian Arab Republic, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal progression throughout the year, beginning with about 10 hours of daylight in both January and February. As early spring approaches in March, there is a slight increase to 11 hours, signaling the gradual lengthening of days. The transition into summer brings a more substantial increase in daylight, with April and May boasting 13 hours each. The sunniest months, June and July, peak at 14 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor activities and enjoyment of the warm weather.
As summer fades and autumn sets in, daylight hours begin to diminish, with August recording 13 hours and September dropping to 12 hours. This trend continues through October and November, with daylight lasting 11 hours and then reverting to 10 hours. By December, daylight duration reaches its lowest point of 9 hours, reflective of the shorter winter days. Overall, this pattern illustrates a consistent cycle influenced by the changing seasons, with a notable increase in daylight during summer, making Dimashq a region where the sun shines brightly for much of the year.
Damascus experiences a continental Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. January is the coldest month, with temperatures ranging from -9°C to 19°C, while July sees highs up to 41°C. Precipitation is heaviest in winter, peaking at 46 mm in January and tapering off to almost none during the summer months. Sunshine is abundant, with July enjoying the most hours at 415, contributing to the overall warm conditions. For more detailed information, visit Damascus climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental elements of Dimashq, Syrian Arab Republic, reveal a vibrant tapestry of seasonal changes that influence the region's lifestyle and activities. With notable temperature fluctuations, varying precipitation patterns, and significant sunlight exposure across the months, Dimashq experiences a Mediterranean climate that enriches its cultural and natural landscapes. The increasing UV Index during the summer months underscores the importance of sun safety, while the daylight duration highlights the allure of outdoor engagements throughout the year. Together, these factors create a unique climate profile that not only shapes daily life but also contributes to the region's agricultural practices and tourism appeal.