The climate of Damascus
The climate of
Damascus, the capital of
Syria, is identified as a Mediterranean warm summer climate, also known as Csb in the Köppen climate classification. Geographically, this city is positioned within the high desert, and a unique combination of geographical and climatic elements defines its weather.
Over the 12 months of the year, the city witnesses an interesting array of variations in weather parameters. A prevalent feature in the weather within this metropolis is the warm temperatures, which typically rise from 12.6°C (54.7°F) in
January to a peak of 36.5°C (97.7°F) in
July. At the lowest, the temperatures oscillate from 0.4°C (32.7°F) in January to 16.9°C (62.4°F) in the peak summer month of July.
Rainfall patterns reveal a significant contrast in weather conditions. The city receives the highest rainfall in January, registering 28mm (1.1"). Percipitation sharply drops to 0mm (0") by July and remains so until
September. The number of rainfall days follows a similar pattern: seven days in January and
February, tapering down to zero from
May to September.
Neverthless, fewer sunshine hours in January, clocking in at 5.3 hours a day, climb up to a lengthy 11.9 hours in
June, before slightly dipping to 11.8 hours in July, the hottest month. UV index levels peak from June to
August, ranging between 11 to 12, indicating extreme exposure.
The best time to visit Damascus
When choosing the best time for a visit to
Damascus, it comes down to the desirable weather conditions. Spring and Autumn stand out as the most favourable seasons. In spring, specifically between
April and
June, temperatures are mild, ranging from 18.9°C (66°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F). Days are longer with 12 to 13.9 daylight hours, and rainfall is minimal.
Autumn, from
September to
November, is equally pleasant. Slightly lower temperatures range between 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 33.4°C (92.1°F). The daylight hours also remain relatively high, providing ample time for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Damascus
The peak summer months from
June to
August are generally considered as the worst time to visit
Damascus. High temperatures can soar to 34.2°C (93.6°F) to 36.5°C (97.7°F). Additionally, the UV index, ranging from 11 to 12, indicates extreme exposure levels. The lack of rainfall also results in arid conditions, making it unsuitable for outdoor activities or exploration.
Spring weather in Damascus
The onset of spring in
Damascus sees a noticeable change in local weather conditions.
March heralds the warmth with average temperatures of 18.9°C (66°F).
April and
May follow suit with pleasant highs of 24.5°C (76.1°F) and 29.7°C (85.5°F), respectively. The number of daylight hours increases progressively from 12 to 13.9 hours per day, signifying more sunshine. Rainfall decreases to almost negligible amounts, marking the beginning of the dry period.
Summer weather in Damascus
The summer season in
Damascus is characterized by hot and dry conditions. Starting from
June, temperatures surge and can reach up to 36.5°C (97.7°F) in
July. The absence of rainfall altogether and the high UV index of 12 give these months an arid, harsh climate. Long days are normally experienced with daylight hours ranging from 14.4 hours in June to 13.4 hours in
August.
Autumn weather in Damascus
As
Damascus transitions into the autumn season, there is a gradual cooling. Temperatures in
September stay high at 33.4°C (92.1°F) but cool down to 20.3°C (68.5°F) by
November. This also marks the end of the dry spell as light rain begins to fall in
October, registering at a minimal 7mm (0.28") compared to the months that follow.
Winter weather in Damascus
The winter in
Damascus sees temperatures drop to their yearly lows, measured at 0.4°C (32.7°F) in
January. Rainfall picks up again, reaching its peak at 28mm (1.1"), also in January. The city experiences the shortest days of the year with daylight hours ranging from 10 to 10.4 hours. Notably, snowfall occurs in January and
February, offering a different facet of the city's weather.
Weather in January
Damascus,
Syria, signals the start of the year with its coldest month. The city experiences a blend of chilly days and nights, with temperatures oscillating from a low of 0.4°C (32.7°F) at night, to a high of 12.6°C (54.7°F) during the day.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February, there is a slight elevation in the temperature paving the way for a warmer climate in the city of
Damascus. The likelihood of experiencing snow dips dramatically from
January, making way for rainfall to dominate the weather scene.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the advent of Spring in
Damascus, ushering in milder weather conditions. Noticeably fewer scenarios of rainfall make this month comparatively drier than the previous ones. The city stands out notably during this time for its exciting blend of moderate temperature and longer daylight hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With temperatures rising to an average high of 24.5°C (76.1°F),
April heralds the height of Spring in
Damascus. As the mercury continues to rise, any residual chills from the winter months completely dissipate. The city transitions from a wet-dry phase to a dry phase, as the frequency of rainfall decreases drastically to a negligible level.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is a period of warmth in
Damascus with increasingly long daytime hours, making it an attractive time for travellers. The almost complete absence of rainfall makes it one of the driest months, allowing uninterrupted outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the quintessential summer month with an average high of 34.2°C (93.6°F), making it one of the hottest months of the year in
Damascus. The city plunges into a dry spell, with virtually no signs of rain. With daylight persisting for 14.4 hours, citizens enjoy longer hours of sunlight.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands at the height of summer in
Damascus with maximal temperatures touching 36.5°C (97.7°F) typically. This month is characterized by the highest temperatures of the year, which can be intense for unacclimated visitors. Coupled with the scorching heat, the city receives the dazzling sunlight for 14.1 hours a day.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Damascus experiences similarly high temperatures just slightly below
July’s average, prolonging the summer heat. Despite the fall in temperature, the heat still plays a major role during this month. The chances of rainfall remain plain minimal, preserving the dry phase that lines the city.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As summer transitions to fall in
September, the weather in
Damascus remains regularly warm but begins to cool. Particularly, daylight hours begin to reduce, signifying the approaching end of long summer days. Although summer's fury gets toned down, rainfall continues to be a rare event.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
October is a welcome respite from the sweltering heat of the
Damascus summer with the temperatures declining to a high of 28°C (82.4°F). This month, Damascus begins to move towards a wetter climate after a prolonged dry period.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November is a pivot month in
Damascus weather, transitioning from the dry season to the rainy season. The showers create a pleasant and soothing ambience around the city. A rapid drop in sunlight hours signals the fast-approaching winter season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Winter descends on the
Damascus landscape with full force in
December. Contrary to the dry summer months, the city experiences 26mm (1.02") of rainfall spread across six days, making it the wettest month of the year. Winter holidays are filled with more wintry ambiance due to the onset of colder nights.
Weather in December »