The climate of Sana
Sana, situated in
Yemen, boasts a sublime subtropical desert climate, a BWh classification per the Köppen climate system. The city's year-round temperatures span between 5°C (41°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), presenting a notable range. Its position on the Arabian Peninsula does not only contribute to its unique geographical allure but also informs its climatic behavior.
Over the course of the year, moisture in Sana fluctuates substantially. Rainfall levels ascend from a timid 9mm (0.35") in
January, peaking at 81mm (3.19") in
August before regressing to 9mm (0.35") in
December. Simultaneously, the city witnesses a change in the number of precipitation days, from 2 in January, to 5 in August and
May, and back to 1 by December. This cyclic pattern in the rainfall regimen gives an overall impression of a receptive weather profile.
Remarkably, Sana basks in robust sunshine duration, only marginally swinging from 8 to 9 hours throughout the year. The prolonged exposure to solar rays intensifies the UV index of the city, maintaining a sustained level of 10 or higher from
February to
October, slightly decreasing to 9 in December. Daylight hours reflect a similar pattern, edging up from 11.2 hours in January to a maximum of 13.1 hours in
June before ramping down again.
The Best Time to Visit Sana
Considering the balance between favorable weather components, the
May to
June period emerges as an ideal time for a visit. This time frame introduces sunshine durations around the 9-hour mark and daylight hours touching the yearly pinnacle at 13.1. Concurrently, this period coincides with moderate rainfall levels between 45mm (1.77") and 71mm (2.8"), yet comfortably warm temperatures oscillating between 25°C (77°F) and 29°C (84.2°F).
The Worst Time to Visit Sana
Contrarily, planning a visit to
Sana in
August might not result in the most pleasing encounter with the city's weather. Despite similar temperatures to the earlier recommended months, August experiences maximum rainfall of 81mm (3.19") over 5 days. The city also contends with a dip in sunshine hours to 7 from the usual 8 to 9 hours, potentially leading to fewer opportunities for outdoor activities.
Spring Weather in Sana
The onset of Spring in
Sana is marked by gradually warming arrays of temperatures. From 6°C (42.8°F) in
March, the mercury plummets up to 13°C (55.4°F) by
May. Concurrently, rainfall presents a shift from 46mm (1.81") over 4 days in March, growing to 71mm (2.8") over 5 days in May. Despite the increase in rainfall, the sunshine duration remains around the 9-hour threshold, promising plenty of sunlit moments in the day.
Summer Weather in Sana
Summertime in
Sana is marked by a further escalation in temperature, touching a high of 29°C (84.2°F) between
June and
July and settling at 15°C (59°F) at night. Although imbued with high UV levels of 12, the climatic concoction remains intriguing as rainfall enters a high phase from 45mm (1.77") in June to 81mm (3.19") in
August. Despite the dip in sunshine to 7 hours in August, the daylight lingers around the 13-hour perimeter, making it a unique spectacle of Summer in a desert climate.
Autumn Weather in Sana
Autumn sees a transition in
Sana's weather, temperatures falling from highs of 28°C (82.4°F) in
September to a cooler 24°C (75.2°F) in
November. The low temperatures also recede from 13°C (55.4°F) to 9°C (48.2°F) during the same interval. Rainfall too recedes during this phase, dwindling from 52mm (2.05") to a negligible 17mm (0.67"), and sunlit hours decline from 8 in September to 9 in November. The autumn season wraps up with strikingly pleasant weather, lower precipitation, and plenty of sunshine.
Winter Weather in Sana
Winter in
Sana witnesses cooler climes without the excessive chill of a typical winter. High temperatures hover around 22°C (71.6°F) in
December and
January, while low temperatures tend to stay steady at around 6°C (42.8°F). Rainfall dips to its annual minimums of 9mm (0.35") over one day while sunshine duration lingers around the 8-hour mark and UV index slows to 9 and 10. The daylight hours, which remain around the 11-hour mark, coupled with the amiable temperatures, make Sana's winter a delightful experience.
Weather in January
January marks the start of the year with relatively mild temperatures. The thermometer typically stays within the range from 6°C (42.8°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). The
Sana weather in January holds a certain cool charm with barely two days of rain observed on average.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the trend of increasing temperatures; however, the chilly evenings are still present as the winter season is not quite over yet in
Sana. The month also witnesses a noticeable increase in precipitation with rainfall estimated at 21mm (0.83").
Weather in February » Weather in March
With the arrival of
March, the typical cool winters of
Sana begin to transition towards warmer spring temperatures. The city experiences an average rainfall of 46mm (1.81") spread typically over four days. This month is characteristic for early signs of heat, as it offers longer daylight hours and an increase in average UV index ranking up to 12.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings with it a noticeable warming trend in
Sana as the city starts to experience higher temperature highs reaching up to 26°C (78.8°F). Rainfall also peaks with aggregate levels estimated at about 62mm (2.44") over approximately five wet days.
Weather in April » Weather in May
With a further rise in the heat,
May indicates a clear move towards the summertime in
Sana. This month, regarded as a precursor to the most heated period, features long hours of daylight and a UV index still steady at 12. Despite the warming conditions, Sana enjoys a slight drop in rainfall levels to 71mm (2.8").
Weather in May »Weather in June
June typically marks the beginning of the summer season in
Sana with temperatures peaking at 29°C (84.2°F). Interestingly, the city observes a reduction in rainfall to 45mm (1.77"). However, despite the reduction, the weather remains comfortably warm, characterized by increased daylight hours and consistent UV index levels.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is noted as a climax of the summer season in
Sana, with the temperatures remaining at summertime high levels. Rainfall increases slightly from 45mm (1.77") in
June to 66mm (2.6") in July, providing a welcome relief from the pervasive heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August plays host to
Sana's highest precipitation levels of the year, with rainfall hitting a peak at 81mm (3.19"). Despite the increase in rainfall, temperatures stay high, similar to those in
July. The weather this month is characterized by a balanced mix of warm summer temperatures and significant rainfall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September arrives,
Sana starts experiencing the early signs of exiting summer. Features characteristic of this transitional period include a decrease in rainfall to 52mm (2.05"). However, Sana continues to experience high temperatures throughout the month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Sana witnesses a prominent change in the weather, with temperatures beginning to cool down, signaling the imperceptible transition to autumn. The descent towards cooler climates also correlates with a notable reduction in rainfall to a more manageable 30mm (1.18").
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the return of cooler temperatures in
Sana with the stark transition into the autumn season. Rainfall lingers at a lower level of 17mm (0.67"), and the reduction in sunshine hours accompany the changes in climate.
Weather in November » Weather in December
With an average low temperature of 5°C (41°F),
December rings in the start of winter in
Sana. The beauty of
Yemen winters is typified by remarkably lower precipitation levels, with the month witnessing an all-year low of 9mm (0.35") of rainfall.
Weather in December »