Last updated: January 18, 2025
Sanaa, Yemen, is characterized by a BWh (Hot Desert) climate, featuring a distinct temperature range that influences its environmental and social dynamics. With minimum temperatures plummeting to 0°C (32°F) in January, the city experiences its coldest months that contrast sharply with the average annual temperature of 20°C (68°F). The maximum temperatures can soar up to 37°C (99°F) in May, marking a peak in heat that is typical of desert climates. These climatic conditions not only shape Sanaa’s weather patterns but also play a crucial role in the region's agricultural practices and water resource management.
In Sanaa, Yemen, temperature patterns reflect a significant seasonal variation, with distinct changes throughout the year. January marks the coldest month, featuring a sharp minimum temperature of 0°C (32°F), gradually giving way to warmer conditions by February, where lows reach 2°C (36°F). As spring approaches, temperatures rise steadily, peaking in May with maximums hitting 37°C (99°F), illustrating the swift transition to the hot season. The summer months exhibit high averages around 24°C (75°F) in June and July, although the nights remain comparatively cool. A slight drop signifies the arrival of fall, with October and November bringing back lower averages and maximums reminiscent of the cooler months. By December, Sanaa circles back to its winter phase, emphasizing the city's temperature variability while maintaining an overall warm climate throughout the year.
In Manakhah, temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) in January to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in May, providing a warm climate throughout much of the year monthly temperatures in Manakhah. In contrast, Al Urrah experiences cooler conditions, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) in January and a maximum of 33°C (91°F) in June [monthly temperatures in AlUrrah](/climate/yemen/sanaa/al--urrah.html). Bayt Marran records even lower temperatures, reaching a minimum of 1°C (34°F) in December, while peaking at 31°C (89°F) in June monthly temperatures in Bayt Marran.
Sanaa, Yemen, experiences a marked variability in precipitation throughout the year, with the bulk of its rainfall concentrated in the summer months. January starts with minimal rainfall at 6 mm (0.2 in), which gradually increases until April, where precipitation jumps to 60 mm (2.4 in). The most significant increase occurs in the summer, peaking in August with 123 mm (4.8 in), highlighting the transition into the monsoon season. This rain is often concentrated into a limited number of days, resulting in 17 rainy days during August alone, substantially impacting local agriculture and water supplies.
As the year progresses, the amount of rainfall declines sharply after August, with September recording 44 mm (1.7 in) and tapering off to 26 mm (1.0 in) in October. The cooler months from November to April see much lower totals, with January and December averaging just 7 mm (0.3 in) and 1 to 3 rainy days, respectively. This seasonal precipitation pattern emphasizes the challenges of water resource management in Sanaa, as the dry months require effective strategies to conserve and utilize the water collected during the wetter seasons.
In Sanaa, Yemen, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with a noticeable increase from winter to summer. January begins the year with 269 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises as the days lengthen, reaching 305 hours in February and peaking at 345 hours in both March and May. This consistent upward trend highlights the transition into spring, where sunlight becomes abundant, providing ideal conditions for agriculture and outdoor activities. Even as the summer months of June through August maintain high sunshine levels, with totals around 337 to 329 hours, there is a slight decline, showcasing the impact of localized weather patterns during this period.
As the year progresses into fall, Sanaa experiences only a modest reduction in sunshine hours, maintaining approximately 331 hours in September and tapering to 323 hours by November. This gradual decrease contrasts with the more significant drop seen in winter, illustrating that while the days grow shorter, the sun remains a prominent feature of the landscape. Interestingly, even in the cooler months, Sanaa retains a strong 330 hours of sunshine in December, underscoring the region's overall sunny disposition throughout the year. Thus, Sanaa is characterized by a robust and consistent availability of sunlight, vital for both ecosystems and daily life.
Sanaa, Yemen, experiences an extremely high UV Index throughout the majority of the year, making sun protection a crucial consideration for residents and visitors alike. From January to May, the UV Index consistently reaches 12 to 16, indicating an “extreme” exposure category, with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes under direct sunlight. March and April mark the peak months, with UV Index values maintained at 16, illustrating the intensity of sunlight during spring. The consistent extreme category signals the need for protective measures such as sunscreen, shaded areas, and appropriate clothing to mitigate the risks of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
As summer transitions to fall, the UV Index remains notably high, ranging from 13 to 14 from June to October, which still classifies as "extreme" exposure. With minimal variation, these levels affirm the continuity of intense solar radiation in Sanaa. In November, a slight decrease brings the UV Index down to 11, while December records the lowest level of 10, labeled as “very high,” yet still necessitating caution with a somewhat extended burn time of 15 minutes. This consistent high UV Index throughout the year serves as a reminder of Sanaa's sunny climate, emphasizing the importance of awareness and preventive measures to protect against UV-related health issues.
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In Sanaa, Yemen, the duration of daylight exhibits a moderate yet consistent fluctuation throughout the year, with subtle changes reflecting the transition between seasons. January and February start with 11 hours of daylight, which then increase slightly in March and April to 12 hours. This gradual extension signals the arrival of spring, allowing for more outdoor activities and benefitting agricultural practices. May maintains this moderate day length before the peak of 13 hours in June, coinciding with the onset of summer, which enhances opportunities for sunlit endeavors.
As summer wanes and autumn approaches, daylight duration returns to 12 hours in July, August, and September, demonstrating a stable pattern that persists through the early fall months. However, as the year draws to a close, daylight reverts back to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This cyclical pattern highlights the regularity of daylight hours in Sanaa, where residents can anticipate a rich and steady availability of sunlight for a majority of the year, with only slight variations as the seasons change.
Al Urrah, Yemen experiences a diverse climate characterized by moderate temperatures and significant rainfall, particularly in the summer months. January sees temperatures ranging from 3°C to 26°C, while July peaks around 32°C, making it the warmest month. Precipitation is substantial, especially in July and August, with averages of 207 mm and 346 mm, respectively. Sunlight is abundant throughout the year, with the highest sunshine recorded in March at 346 hours. For more details, visit [AlUrrah climate](/climate/yemen/sanaa/al--urrah.html).
The climate in Al Hayfah, Yemen, features mild winters and warm summers, with average temperatures ranging from 14°C (57°F) in December to 24°C (75°F) in June. The region experiences the most precipitation from April to May, peaking at 49 mm (1.9 in) in May, while the rest of the year remains relatively dry. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in March and May, when over 340 hours of sunlight can be expected. Overall, Al Hayfah enjoys a semi-arid climate conducive to various outdoor activities. For more details, visit Al Hayfah climate.
Al Khaniq, Yemen experiences a varied climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. January sees minimum temperatures around 0°C (33°F) and maximums reaching 25°C (78°F), while in July and August, temperatures peak at about 30°C (87°F). The region receives most of its rainfall between April and August, with May recording the highest precipitation at 67 mm (2.6 in). During this period, sunshine hours remain abundant, averaging around 340 hours per month. For more detailed information, visit Al Khaniq climate.
Al Madid, Yemen experiences a warm climate with average monthly temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) in December to 26°C (79°F) in June and July. The region sees minimal precipitation, peaking in April at 28 mm (1.1 in) and dropping to 0 mm (0.0 in) in December. Sunshine is abundant, with March and May receiving the most sunlight, at 345 and 347 hours, respectively. January and February are the coolest months, while July and August are the warmest. For more detailed information, visit Al Madid climate.
Bayt Marran, Yemen, experiences a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (34°F) in January to a maximum of 31°C (89°F) during peak summer months. The year sees the highest rainfall in April and May, reaching up to 49 mm (1.9 in), while December and November are notably dry with minimal precipitation. Abundant sunshine characterizes the region, especially from March to May, when it enjoys over 340 hours of sunlight monthly. Overall, the climate is mild with a mix of warm days and cooler nights, making it appealing year-round. For more details, visit Bayt Marran climate.
Jihanah, Yemen experiences a temperate climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (32°F) at night to a pleasant 26°C (79°F) during the day, while summer peaks in July with maximums of 32°C (89°F). Rainfall is minimal, with notable precipitation in April and August, totaling around 58 mm (2.3 in) and 78 mm (3.1 in), respectively. The region enjoys ample sunshine, averaging over 300 hours each month, ensuring bright days throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Jihanah climate.
The climate in Mafhaq, Yemen, is characterized by mild winters and hot summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C to a maximum of 28°C, while August can see highs of 31°C. Rainfall peaks in August with 133 mm, making it the wettest month, while the dry season occurs in the winter months. Sunshine hours average around 321 per month, providing ample daylight throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Mafhaq climate.
Manakhah, Yemen, experiences a mild climate with distinct seasonal variations. Temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) in January to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in May, while the average temperature hovers around 24°C (75°F) throughout the year. Precipitation peaks in May with 88 mm (3.5 in) before declining toward the end of the year, and the area enjoys ample sunshine, reaching up to 344 hours in March. This diverse climate supports a unique ecosystem and cultural practices in the region. For more detailed information, visit Manakhah climate.
Matnah, Yemen experiences a varied climate with distinct seasonal changes. Temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) in January to a maximum of 33°C (91°F) in June, with an annual average around 20°C (68°F). While the area receives substantial rainfall, especially in the summer months, July sees the highest precipitation at 207 mm (8.2 in), contributing to a total of 1,135 mm (44.7 in) annually. The region enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, peaking at 346 hours in March. For more details, visit Matnah climate.
The climate in Matwah, Yemen, is characterized by mild winters and hot summers. January temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 29°C (85°F), while summer peaks in May, with highs reaching 37°C (99°F). Rainfall is most abundant in May (88 mm), and the wettest months are typically April and August. The region enjoys significant sunshine, with March boasting the highest at 344 hours. For more detailed information, visit Matwah climate.
Sahar, Yemen, experiences a temperate climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a chilly 1°C (34°F) at night to a comfortable 26°C (79°F) during the day, gradually warming through the spring months. Precipitation is relatively low for most of the year, peaking in August with 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain. The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially from March to June, with over 340 hours of sunlight per month. For more detailed information, visit Sahar climate.
Sayyan, Yemen experiences a temperate climate with significant seasonal variations. January temperatures range from 1°C to 26°C, gradually rising to a maximum of 31°C during the warmer months of June and July. Rainfall peaks in August at 118 mm, while the rest of the year sees comparatively lower precipitation, particularly in December with just 4 mm. The region enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with March and May recording the most hours at around 346. For more detailed information, visit Sayyan climate.
The climate in Walan, Yemen, features mild winters and warm summers, with January temperatures ranging from 1°C (33°F) to 27°C (80°F) and July temperatures between 13°C (56°F) and 32°C (90°F). The region experiences significant rainfall from June to August, particularly in July, which receives about 111 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation. Despite the rainy season, Walan enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with the highest recorded in May, totaling 346 hours. For more detailed information, visit Wa`lan climate.
In conclusion, Sanaa, Yemen, stands out for its distinct climatic characteristics, marked by high temperatures, consistent sunshine, and extreme UV exposure throughout the year. The city's climate showcases notable seasonal trends, with significant temperature fluctuations and concentrated periods of rainfall. While daylight duration varies moderately, Sanaa consistently enjoys ample sunlight, promoting both agricultural productivity and outdoor activities. As such, understanding the dynamics of Sanaa's weather—including its temperature patterns, precipitation, sunshine duration, and UV Index—remains essential for effective planning and ensuring the health and well-being of its inhabitants and visitors alike. Adapting to these climatic conditions, particularly the extreme UV levels, will be crucial in fostering a safe and sustainable environment in this vibrant region.