Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Latakia, located in the Syrian Arab Republic, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Csa, indicative of a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperature fluctuations are notable, with a minimum recorded temperature of -5°C (23°F) in February, transitioning to an average annual temperature of approximately 19°C (66°F). The region experiences extreme heat during summer, with maximum temperatures reaching 42°C (108°F) in September. These climatic conditions significantly influence the local ecosystem, agricultural practices, and the overall livability in the region throughout the year.
In Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic, the temperature patterns exhibit a clear seasonal variation, reflecting its Mediterranean climate. Winter months from January to February are characterized by chilly conditions, with minimum temperatures occasionally dropping to -5°C (23°F), while average daytime highs reach up to 23°C (74°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures gradually rise, peaking at a maximum of 33°C (92°F) in late April. The warmth continues into the summer months, where July and August see high averages around 27°C (81°F), with maximums soaring to 41°C (105°F) and 40°C (105°F), respectively. By autumn, temperatures exhibit a gradual decline, with averages of 22°C (73°F) in October and dropping to a cool 17°C (62°F) by November, before winter returns, causing evening temperatures to dip again. This progressive transition from mild winters to sizzling summers culminates in a distinctly defined seasonal rhythm in Latakia's climate.
Latakia experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with February registering a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and September reaching a maximum of 33°C (91°F). This variability showcases the region's transition from cool winters to hot summers, making it essential for visitors to plan accordingly for their trip. For more detailed insights, you can refer to the monthly temperatures in Latakia.
Precipitation in Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic, displays distinct seasonal patterns aligned with the Mediterranean climate. The region experiences its wettest months from November to March, with January recording the highest rainfall of 169 mm (6.7 in) over approximately 13 days. February and March follow closely, receiving 105 mm (4.1 in) and 123 mm (4.8 in), respectively, contributing to a significant portion of the annual rainfall. As spring transitions into summer, precipitation sharply decreases, with May recording just 51 mm (2.0 in) over 5 days, and June dropping to a mere 24 mm (1.0 in) spread over only 6 days.
Summer months, particularly July and August, are notably dry, with each experiencing around 11 mm (0.4 in) and 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, respectively, and falling to just 2 to 3 rainy days. A slight uptick is observed in September and October, where rainfall returns to 14 mm (0.6 in) and 39 mm (1.5 in), but overall totals remain low. December marks a return to the wet season with 161 mm (6.3 in) of precipitation, mirroring January's patterns as the cycle of wetter months begins anew. This seasonal distribution underscores the stark contrast between Latakia's dry summers and its wet, temperate winters.
In Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic, sunshine duration shows a clear and steady increase from winter into summer, reflecting the region's Mediterranean climate. Beginning with 203 hours of sunshine in January, the amount of sunlight gradually rises, peaking in the summer months. February sees an increase to 257 hours, with March and April continuing the trend as the region experiences 321 hours and 344 hours, respectively. By May, the total reaches 394 hours, marking the transition into the sun-drenched summer season, where June reaches 403 hours. This upward trajectory culminates in July with a high of 413 hours, providing the longest days filled with sunlight.
However, as summer wanes into autumn, sunshine hours begin to decline, albeit more gradually. August still provides a substantial 389 hours, which gives way to September’s 348 hours, followed by a descent to 316 hours in October. By November, Latakia experiences 273 hours, and December ends the year with 248 hours of sunshine. This data not only highlights the stark contrast between the sunny summer months and the cooler, cloudier winter days but also underscores the importance of sunlight in supporting the region’s agriculture and natural ecosystem throughout the seasons.
The UV Index in Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic, exhibits significant seasonal variability, reflecting the intensity of solar radiation throughout the year. In the winter months of January and December, the UV Index remains low at 3, categorized as moderate, with recommended burn times of 30 minutes. As the region transitions into spring, February sees an uptick to 5 (moderate) and continues to rise, highlighting increasing sun exposure. March's UV Index reaches 7, indicating high levels of UV radiation where the burn time decreases to 25 minutes. April and May both demonstrate a marked increase, soaring to 9 and 10, respectively. This period signifies a shift toward very high UV levels, demanding more cautious skin protection measures.
Summer brings the highest UV Index readings, with June and July peaking at 11, categorized as extreme. During this time, the recommended burn time drops to just 10 minutes, emphasizing the need for diligent sun safety practices to prevent skin damage. As summer gradually yields to autumn, the UV Index begins to decline, with August and September still registering high values of 10 and 9 respectively, before stabilizing at 7 in October and reverting to moderate levels of 5 in November. The annual cycle concludes in December with a UV Index returning to 3, reinforcing the importance of awareness regarding UV exposure and effective protective strategies across all seasons.
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In Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal rhythm, beginning with approximately 10 hours in both January and February. As winter transitions into spring, daylight begins to lengthen, with March experiencing an increase to 11 hours. This pattern of elongation continues through April, reaching 13 hours, and culminating in May when daylight extends to 14 hours. June maintains this peak, allowing for ample sunlight, a feature cherished by both residents and tourists alike.
The summer months show a stable daylight duration of 14 hours in July, followed by a slight decrease in August to 13 hours. As autumn approaches, daylight progressively shortens, with September recording 12 hours and October tapering off to 11 hours. By November, daylight reduces back to 10 hours, and December concludes the year with 9 hours of sunlight. This seasonal cycle highlights the efficient balance of daylight exposure in Latakia, influencing not only the daily activities of its people but also the local ecosystem throughout the year.
Latakia, located in the Syrian Arab Republic, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. January sees average temperatures around 13°C (56°F) with heavy rainfall, while the summer months of July and August are warm, averaging 27°C (80°F) and featuring minimal precipitation. The area enjoys significant sunshine throughout the year, peaking in July with 412 hours. Rainfall is most abundant in winter, especially December, which receives around 310 mm (12.2 in). For more details on the climate, visit Latakia climate.
In conclusion, Latakia's climate, characterized by its Mediterranean conditions, presents a dynamic interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. The city experiences warm summers and mild winters, with significant rainfall concentrated in the cooler months and abundant sunshine during the summer peak. As residents adapt to varying UV Index levels, particularly during the extreme sunlight of mid-summer, understanding these climate patterns is crucial for promoting health and well-being. Overall, Latakia's climate not only shapes the daily lives of its inhabitants but also influences its rich agricultural practices and diverse ecosystems, making it a region of both natural beauty and ecological significance.