Last updated: January 18, 2025
Tartus, located in the Syrian Arab Republic, exhibits a Mediterranean climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classification of Csa. This region experiences a distinct temperature range, with minimum temperatures plunging to -4°C (24°F) in February and soaring to maximums of 42°C (107°F) in September. The average annual temperature hovers around 19°C (67°F), facilitating a unique blend of seasonal dynamics that influence both the natural environment and human activities in this coastal area.
Tartus experiences a diverse range of temperatures throughout the year, showcasing distinct seasonal patterns. The winter months of January and February are characterized by chilly temperatures, with minimums dipping to -4°C (24°F) and average highs around 24°C (76°F), providing a stark contrast to the warmer spring months. As March heralds the arrival of spring, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in April at an average of 17°C (63°F) with maximums reaching 35°C (95°F). The summer months of June, July, and August experience the highest temperatures, with averages around 27°C (81°F) and maximums soaring to 42°C (107°F) in September. As autumn sets in during October and November, temperatures gradually decline, offering a cooling respite with averages around 18°C (64°F) and minimums stabilizing above freezing. This annual cycle of warm summers and cooler winters defines Tartus' climate, shaping both its natural landscape and local life.
Tartus experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with February temperatures dipping as low as -1°C (31°F) and soaring to a high of 39°C (103°F) in September. These extremes illustrate the region's diverse climate conditions, which can be explored further through the provided link: monthly temperatures in Tartus.
Tartus experiences pronounced seasonal variations in precipitation, with the winter months bringing the highest rainfall. January and December are particularly notable, with precipitation levels reaching 120 mm (4.7 in) and 128 mm (5.0 in), respectively, resulting in a total of 12 and 13 rainy days during these months. February and March follow closely with 83 mm (3.3 in) and 95 mm (3.7 in), showcasing the region's wet climate during the cooler months. This wet season provides essential moisture, supporting local agriculture and replenishing water supplies.
As the year progresses into spring and summer, precipitation dramatically decreases. By May, rainfall drops to just 31 mm (1.2 in), and conditions become increasingly arid, with only three rainy days. June marks the onset of a dry season, with minimal precipitation (16 mm or 0.6 in), and July and August experience only 5 mm (0.2 in) and 8 mm (0.3 in) of rainfall, respectively. Autumn brings slight relief with increased precipitation in October (31 mm or 1.2 in) and November (56 mm or 2.2 in), although overall, the summer months are characterized by significantly reduced rainfall, influencing both the local climate and ecosystem.
In Tartus, the annual sunshine duration reveals a clear seasonal trend, with the amount of sunshine steadily increasing as winter transitions into spring and summer. January starts with 207 hours of sunshine, gradually climbing to 260 hours in February and reaching 323 hours in March. This upward trend continues into April with 348 hours and peaks in May at 397 hours, marking the onset of a vibrant and sun-soaked spring. The sunshine hours continue to rise, with June, July, and August boasting an impressive 405 to 414 hours of sunshine, solidifying these months as the sunniest of the year.
As summer fades, the hours of sunshine begin to decline, signaling a transition toward autumn. Though September retains a substantial 349 hours, the decrease becomes more pronounced in October, with sunshine dropping to 317 hours, and declining further to 275 hours in November. December closes the year with 255 hours, marking the return to winter conditions. This cyclical pattern emphasizes the region's pronounced seasonal variations, with a dramatic contrast between the sun-drenched summer months and the shorter, cooler winter days, ultimately enriching the local climate and lifestyle.
Tartus experiences significant fluctuations in the UV Index throughout the year, reflecting the region's seasonal variation in sun exposure. Starting from January with a UV Index of 3, classified as moderate, residents need to be cautious but are relatively safe with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring emerges, the UV Index climbs steadily; by April, it reaches a striking 9, denoting very high exposure, while May and June escalate to extreme levels of 11 and 12, respectively. During these peak months, individuals are encouraged to limit sun exposure to 10 minutes to minimize the risk of sunburn, highlighting the necessity for protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing.
As summer transitions into autumn, the UV Index remains elevated but begins to gradually decline. July and August still present extreme conditions with UV Index values of 11 and 10, requiring continued vigilance with a burn time of just 10 to 15 minutes. This high exposure persists into September and October, where values drop to 9 and 7, transitioning back to moderate conditions in November and December with UV Index values of 5 and 3, respectively, allowing for longer safe exposure times of 30 minutes. This seasonal pattern underscores the importance of being aware of UV levels in Tartus, as they strongly influence sun safety practices year-round.
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In Tartus, the duration of daylight exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, transitioning from shorter days in winter to longer ones in summer. January and February each offer approximately 10 hours of daylight, providing ample time for various activities despite the chill in the air. As spring approaches, daylight increases, reaching 11 hours in March and expanding significantly to 13 hours in both April and May. This gradual increase in daylight heralds the arrival of warmer months, fostering a sense of vitality and growth in the region.
The longest days of the year occur during June and July, with 14 hours of daylight, allowing residents to fully enjoy the sun-soaked summer climate. As summer wanes, daylight duration begins to taper, dropping to 13 hours in August and gradually decreasing to 12 hours in September. By autumn, the trend continues with daylight hours reducing to 11 hours in October and further to 10 hours in November. The year concludes with the shortest daylight period in December at just 9 hours, illustrating the cyclical nature of light and shadow that defines Tartus throughout the seasons.
Tartus, located in the Syrian Arab Republic, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around 11°C (53°F) and 12°C (54°F) respectively, while summer peaks in July and August, reaching averages of 26°C (80°F) and 27°C (80°F). Precipitation is heaviest in the winter months, particularly in December and January, with January receiving about 140 mm (5.5 in) of rainfall. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially from May to July, with June boasting the highest at 405 hours. For more details, visit Tartus climate.
In summary, Tartus, Syrian Arab Republic, showcases distinct climatic and seasonal patterns that significantly influence its environment and daily life. With a Mediterranean climate characterized by varying temperatures, precipitation, sunshine hours, UV Index, and daylight duration, the region seamlessly transitions from the cooler, wetter months of winter to the warm, sun-drenched days of summer. This dynamic climate not only enriches local agriculture and enhances natural beauty but also demands adaptive behaviors from its residents to safely enjoy the outdoors. Understanding these climatic variations is essential for locals and visitors alike, as they navigate the vibrant and diverse experiences that Tartus has to offer throughout the year.