The climate of Benghazi
Benghazi, sitting north-facing along the coast of
Libya, is distinguished by its predominant BSh or subtropical steppe Köppen climate classification. This type of climate demonstrates low annual rainfall along with hot, long summers and mild, short winters. Monthly climatological data shows significant differences between maximum and minimum temperatures over the course of the year.
Temperatures tend to rise steadily from a pleasant 16.7°C (62.1°F) in
January to a peak of 32.3°C (90.1°F) in
August. The fall season sees a gradual decline, moving back to 18.4°C (65.1°F) by
December. The lowest recorded temperature is 8.3°C (46.9°F) in January, rising to a warm 20.8°C (69.4°F) in August, before falling back to 9.9°C (49.8°F) by the year's end.
Rainfall is a noticeably scarce event in Benghazi throughout much of the year. From
May to
September, precipitation levels register at 3mm (0.12") or less, exhibiting the arid aspect of this steppe climate. The wettest months are January and December, with respective rainfall amounts of 66mm (2.6") and 64mm (2.52").
The best time to visit Benghazi
Evaluating the climatological data, the best time to visit
Benghazi is between
October and
December when daytime temperatures range from 27.8°C (82°F) to 18.4°C (65.1°F) and nighttime temperatures remain pleasantly cool. A moderate UV index of 6 in October decreases to 3 by December, making outdoor activities comfortable and less risky regarding sun exposure. Rainfall during this period is relatively low with October seeing 18mm (0.71") and incrementing to 46mm (1.81") in
November and 64mm (2.52") in December.
The worst time to visit Benghazi
July and
August claim the title of the hottest months when daytime temperatures soar up to 31.7°C (89.1°F) and 32.3°C (90.1°F) respectively. The minimum night temperatures are not much of an alleviation, staying at around 20.2°C (68.4°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F). Combined with a UV index peaking at 11, it can lead to intense, uncomfortable weather conditions. It is also worth noting that despite being the peak of summer, these months also see an absence of rainfall.
Spring weather in Benghazi
In spring, the climate undergoes a rapid transition.
March begins on the cooler end, with temperatures between 9.5°C (49.1°F) and 20.3°C (68.5°F). By
May, the day temperature rises to 28.9°C (84°F), with minimum temperatures reaching 16°C (60.8°F). Rainfall becomes almost non-existent, reducing to 3mm (0.12") in May.
Summer weather in Benghazi
The summertime in
Benghazi is marked by sizzling days of intense sunlight. Temperatures surge past 30°C (86°F) during
June to
August, with the highest recorded average being 32.3°C (90.1°F) in August. Nights offer little respite, as temperatures only drop to around 20°C (68°F). A blistering UV Index of 11 in June and
July contributes to the scorching experience.
Autumn weather in Benghazi
By
September,
Benghazi begins to cool down as it transitions into autumn. Daytime temperatures start to fall, receding from 30.8°C (87.4°F) in September to 23.2°C (73.8°F) in
November. Night temperatures also see a decline, dropping from 19.4°C (66.9°F) in September to 13.3°C (55.9°F) in November. Rainfall begins to trickle in November, with 46mm (1.81") of precipitation, marking the return of wetter weather.
Winter weather in Benghazi
The winter in
Benghazi is mild and relatively wet. Temperatures vary from 8.3°C (46.9°F) to 18.4°C (65.1°F) in
December, providing a comfortable escape from the intense heat of the preceding months. Rainfall peaks to its highest in December reaching 66mm (2.6"), making it the wettest month of the year. Despite the rainfall, a sunshine duration of 5.4 hours in December makes winter days in Benghazi a pleasurable experience.
Weather in January
January in
Benghazi,
Libya, experiences mild and relatively dry conditions. The climate is cool due to the fall of the highest temperature to 16.7°C (62.1°F) and the lowest to 8.3°C (46.9°F). Rainfall becomes more infrequent as recorded with 66mm (2.6") over 12 days, indicating decreased tendencies for heavy storms.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
Benghazi,
February marks the transition from the colder months to the warmer ones. The average temperatures increase marginally from
January, rendering the atmosphere somewhat milder. However, the Mediterranean winter still continues with slightly less rainfall down to 41mm (1.61").
Weather in February »Weather in March
Benghazi in
March shows notable indicators of an impending warmer season. The weather is noticeably milder as rainfall minimizes to 18mm (0.71"), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. There is less humidity in the atmosphere, leading to clearer skies.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Benghazi is characterized by a consistent rise in temperatures and a corresponding decrease in humidity. Rainfall is minimal, adding to the aridity of the environment, with a mere 5mm (0.2") recorded. Though the sea temperature increases slightly to 17°C (62.6°F), it might still be too cool for sea-related recreation.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Benghazi is known for its transition to the summer season. Average temperatures gradually rise, but without becoming extreme, ensuring pleasant outdoor activity conditions. Rainfall drops further, amplifying the growth of the arid conditions seen throughout
Libya.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June kickstarts the summer season in
Benghazi with increasing temperature and prolonged hours of sunlight. The relative humidity stays constant but feels lesser due to the rising temperatures. With no rainfall and a daily average of 14.2 hours of daylight, summer is in full swing.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the heart of the summer season in
Benghazi, is characterized by peak temperatures. This city witnesses no rainfall, and a significant rise in sea temperature to 25°C (77°F), making beach activities the norm. The UV index reaches its highest, signifying increased sun intensity and potential health risks.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Benghazi experiences the highest temperatures with the least amount of rainfall. Daylight reaches its peak as well. The high level of heat combined with the humidity causes discomfort, but sea temperatures rise to a maximum 27°C (80.6°F), offering some respite.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Benghazi starts to transition from summer to autumn. The heat decreases and hence the sea temperature starts to drop gradually to 26°C (78.8°F). Though the city continues to face low rainfall conditions, there is an increase in humidity.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Benghazi marks the onset of autumn with temperatures dropping further. Rainfall levels bump up to 18mm (0.71"), indicating the start of the wet season. The daylight duration continues to decrease, indicating fewer hours of direct sunlight.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The climate transitions to cooler temperatures in
November in
Benghazi while the rainfall rises conspicuously to 46mm (1.81"). The decrease in daylight hours highlights the approach of shorter winter days. Due to the decreased heat and sunlight hours, sea temperatures continue to drop down.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December,
Benghazi gets into the full spirit of winter. With the fall of temperatures, the weather turns cooler and rainfall increases to 64mm (2.52"). The days grow noticeably shorter with only 10.1 hours of daylight, which implies fewer sunlit hours.
Weather in December »