The climate of Sana'a
Sana'a,
Yemen, is characterized by a BWk or Mid-latitude desert climate according to the Köppen climate classification. Positioned at a high altitude and nestled amongst the mountains, Sana'a exhibits a temperature range throughout the year, from a chilly 9.5°C (49.1°F) to a considerably warm 26.8°C (80.2°F).
The monthly average of relative humidity varies, oscillating from 29% to 48% across the year. Observations of rainfall patterns show a diverse distribution across months, with a high rainfall of 111mm (4.37") in
August to a low of merely 5mm (0.2") in
October and
December. The city is subject to an average of 71.3 days of rainfall across the year.
Sunshine hours fluctuate from an annual low of 7.6 hours in
April to a high of 13.4 hours in
June. The daylight duration changes by about 2 hours from 11.2 hours in December to 13 hours in June. The average UV index remains moderate, ranging from 4 to 6 throughout the year. Most of the year, the city is blessed with an excellent visibility of 10km (6.2mi) accompanied by an average atmospheric pressure of around 1010 mb.
The best time to visit Sana'a
In the interest of enjoying pleasant and comfortable temperatures coupled with a low incidence of rain, it would be optimal to visit
Sana'a from
November to
February. During these months, temperatures oscillate between 9.3°C (48.7°F) and 21.8°C (71.2°F) without the burden of too much precipitation, as rainfall only amounts to 16mm (0.63") over 11 days.
These months also experience moderate daylight duration varying from 11.2 to 11.6 hours, coupled with substantial sunshine hours, between 7.7 to 9.9 hours. The period sees a moderate ultraviolet index from 4 to 5, which is less harmful to the skin, especially for visitors unaccustomed to sunlight exposure. Therefore, this period provides an ideal opportunity for tourists to explore the city while avoiding the intense summer heat and the heavy rains of late spring and early summer.
The worst time to visit Sana'a
The period from
April to
August, encompassing late spring and early summer, could be considered unfavorable for visiting
Sana'a. During this part of the year, the temperature scales from 15.2°C (59.4°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F), which can be uncomfortable for leisure activities. Visitors during this period would also have to encounter heavy rainfall, particularly from
May to August, as the total precipitation for the period reaches 341mm (13.43").
Spring weather in Sana'a
Spring in
Sana'a, from
March to
May, experiences an average temperature that ranges from 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F). The rainfall during this season escalates from 53mm (2.09") in March to a substantial 103mm (4.06") in
April before mildly receding to 66mm (2.6") in May. Over these months, the average relative humidity hovers around 41%, enabling a reasonably comfortable atmosphere.
Summer weather in Sana'a
Summer, starting from
June and lasting till
August, records the warmest temperatures of the year, from 18.3°C (64.9°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F). The season also witnesses heightened rainfall, especially in
July and August with 100mm (3.94") and 111mm (4.37") respectively. Despite receiving the most intense sunlight, with average daily sunshine hours of 11.8 in June, the month also notes the year's lowest relative humidity at 30%.
Autumn weather in Sana'a
Autumn months in
Sana'a, between
September and
November, see temperatures ranging from 10.9°C (51.6°F) to 25°C (77°F). Rainfall is at its annual lowest during these months, with a mere 18mm (0.71") in September falling even lower to just 5mm (0.2") in
October before picking up a little to reach 11mm (0.43") in November. This season experiences the beginning of increased relative humidity, marking the onset of cooler months.
Winter weather in Sana'a
Winter in
Sana'a begins in
December and lasts until
February. The period is characterized by temperatures between 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). This season observes a reasonably low amount of rainfall, with just 5mm (0.2") in December and February and 9mm (0.35") in
January. As temperatures drop, the relative humidity marginally increases, making winters relatively cooler and more comfortable in Sana'a.
Weather in January
The coldest month in
Sana'a,
Yemen is
January. Temperatures fluctuate from 9.5°C (49.1°F) during night time to 20.3°C (68.5°F) at peak day times. There is a crisp feel to the air, amplified by a consistent average wind speed of 5.2km/h (3.2mph).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather conditions in
February tend to become slightly warmer compared to
January. This is particularly noticeable in the increase in both low and high temperature digits, a trend that continues through
March. By February, the average wind speed increases mildly to 6.1km/h (3.8mph) and there is a modest rise in rainfall levels.
Weather in February »Weather in March
A noticeable upturn in weather begins to emerge in
March, indicating the transition from winter to spring in
Sana'a,
Yemen. The most notable change in climate parameters sees a distinct increase in rainfall levels, which triple from 17mm (0.67") in
February to 53mm (2.09") in March.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April accompanies a shift to higher temperatures, signifying the full-fledged arrival of spring in
Sana'a. This month differs in its weather characteristics from both preceding
March and succeeding
May. April holds the record for the highest occurrence of rainy days in a month, a stark contrast to May, which sees significantly less rainfall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
By
May, the residents of
Sana'a are experiencing typical spring weather. Compared to the heavy rainfall of
April, May is drier with significantly reduced rainfall levels. The country's daily average temperature continues to trend upward, conditions that persist through to
June.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June embodies the summer season in
Sana'a. The city experiences an uptrend in temperature, as evidenced in the average high temperature hitting 26.8°C (80.2°F). There is a growth in wind speeds whilst pressure levels significantly fall.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
For
July, the weather in
Sana'a,
Yemen is explicitly summery, albeit with a twist. While July battles
June for the hottest month, it notably bears the most amount of rainfall in a year, jumping to 100mm (3.94") from June’s modest 28mm (1.1").
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
August, stifling temperature highs persist while rain showers increase, thus mirroring
July's weather conditions. However, the average low temperature and daily sunlight hours reduce marginally. The wind speeds reduce further in comparison to July, reaching an average of 8.6km/h (5.3mph), which sets up a tranquil late-summer vibe.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in an evident change in
Sana'a's weather; a relief from the excessive rainfall experienced in
August and a transition towards autumn. There is a 93mm (3.66") rainfall drop from August, marking September as one of the driest months of the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October stands a testament to autumn in
Sana'a with significant temperature decline and dramatic decrease in rainfall. The chill of the evening air becomes more palpable in comparison to
September. Forecast data illustrates a relatively dry month, specially considering the substantial dip in rainfall, which makes October the driest month of the year in Sana'a.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Noticeable changes in weather conditions occur in
November. The temperatures fall further from
October levels, paving the way for the incoming winter. Although it is not vastly different from October, November is known for more cloud cover, a drop in atmospheric pressure, and marginally increased humidity.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December exhibits
Sana'a at the threshold of winter, with the weather becoming discernibly cooler compared to
November. Forecast data shows that December weather expects to feature low temperatures of 9.3°C (48.7°F), marginally lower than November's low-temperature averages.
Weather in December »