Lebanon is a small but geographically diverse country located in the Middle East, bordered by Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. Despite its relatively small size, Lebanon boasts a rich variety of landscapes, including the coastal plains, the Lebanon Mountain Range, the Anti-Lebanon Mountains, and the fertile Bekaa Valley.
This geographical diversity results in distinct climate zones:
- Mediterranean climate on the coastal plains and major cities like Beirut and Tripoli, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
- Mountainous climate in the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon ranges, where temperatures can be much cooler and winters bring heavy snowfall, especially at high altitudes.
- Continental climate in the Bekaa Valley, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters with moderate rainfall.
The country’s Mediterranean coast enjoys warm temperatures year-round, while the mountains experience a more pronounced change in seasons. Lebanon has four distinct seasons: Winter (December to February), Spring (March to May), Summer (June to August), and Autumn (September to November). Below is a month-by-month breakdown of Lebanon’s weather across its various regions.
January
Weather Overview
January is the coldest month of the year in Lebanon, especially in the mountainous regions where winter is in full swing. Coastal areas remain mild but experience wet conditions, while the mountains see heavy snowfall.
Coastal Regions (Beirut, Sidon, Tripoli)
- Temperature: 11°C to 17°C (52°F to 63°F)
- Rainfall: 150-250 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet. Beirut experiences frequent rain showers and cloudy skies, while temperatures remain mild. Coastal cities like Sidon and Tripoli have similar conditions with occasional thunderstorms.
Mountainous Regions (Cedars, Faraya, Zaarour)
- Temperature: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
- Snowfall: Heavy (200-400 mm of snow)
- Weather: Very cold with significant snowfall. Ski resorts in Faraya and the Cedars enjoy peak snow conditions, with sub-zero temperatures and snowy landscapes.
Bekaa Valley (Zahle, Baalbek)
- Temperature: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)
- Rainfall: 80-120 mm
- Weather: Cold and damp. The Bekaa Valley is chilly, with occasional frost at night and moderate rainfall. Snow may fall at higher elevations in this region.
Ideal Activities
- Skiing and snowboarding in the mountains, particularly in resorts like Faraya Mzaar and Cedars Ski Resort.
- Indoor cultural activities in Beirut, such as visiting museums and cafes during rainy days.
- Exploring the coastal cities between rain showers.
February
Weather Overview
February is part of the winter season, with continued cold weather and snowfall in the mountains, while coastal areas remain mild and rainy. It is one of the best months for winter sports in Lebanon.
Coastal Regions
- Temperature: 11°C to 18°C (52°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 130-220 mm
- Weather: Cool and rainy. Coastal areas like Beirut and Tripoli experience frequent rain showers and occasional sunny spells, but the weather remains mild.
Mountainous Regions
- Temperature: -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
- Snowfall: Heavy (150-300 mm of snow)
- Weather: Cold and snowy. The mountains continue to see significant snowfall, making it a perfect time for skiing and snow sports.
Bekaa Valley
- Temperature: 0°C to 12°C (32°F to 54°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Cold with light rain. The Bekaa Valley experiences cold days and frosty nights, with occasional rain and snow at higher elevations.
Ideal Activities
- Skiing and snowshoeing in the Lebanon Mountain Range.
- Visiting wineries in the Bekaa Valley during the dry spells between rains.
- Exploring Beirut’s indoor attractions, including art galleries and shopping centers.
March
Weather Overview
March is a transition month, marking the gradual end of winter and the beginning of spring. Temperatures begin to rise, especially along the coast, but the mountains still see snow, especially at higher altitudes.
Coastal Regions
- Temperature: 12°C to 19°C (54°F to 66°F)
- Rainfall: 80-150 mm
- Weather: Mild and wet. Coastal cities like Beirut and Sidon experience decreasing rainfall, with more frequent sunny spells as spring approaches.
Mountainous Regions
- Temperature: 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F)
- Snowfall: Light to moderate
- Weather: Cold with occasional snow. Ski resorts still operate in early March, but snowfall begins to taper off, especially in lower elevations.
Bekaa Valley
- Temperature: 2°C to 14°C (36°F to 57°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Cool with occasional rain. The Bekaa Valley starts to warm up, with cold nights and milder days, though some rain showers are still expected.
Ideal Activities
- Spring skiing in the mountains, particularly in high-altitude resorts like the Cedars.
- Hiking in lower elevations where snow has melted, such as in Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve.
- City sightseeing in Beirut, with improving weather and fewer rainy days.
April
Weather Overview
April marks the full arrival of spring, with warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and decreasing rainfall across most of Lebanon. The coast becomes increasingly pleasant, and the snow in the mountains begins to melt.
Coastal Regions
- Temperature: 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: 50-100 mm
- Weather: Warm and mild. Beirut and other coastal areas experience pleasant spring weather with occasional showers. Days are mostly sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Mountainous Regions
- Temperature: 4°C to 15°C (39°F to 59°F)
- Snowfall: Light (mainly in high altitudes)
- Weather: Cool and sunny. The snow starts to melt in lower elevations, but higher-altitude areas may still have patches of snow. It’s the beginning of the hiking season in the mountains.
Bekaa Valley
- Temperature: 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 40-70 mm
- Weather: Cool with occasional rain. The Bekaa Valley warms up significantly during the day, with cool nights and fewer rainy days.
Ideal Activities
- Hiking and nature walks: April is perfect for hiking in areas like Qadisha Valley and Jeita Grotto, as spring flowers bloom.
- City exploration: The pleasant weather makes it ideal for exploring Beirut’s historical sites, such as Beirut Souks and Zaitunay Bay.
- Mountain treks: Enjoy treks in areas where the snow has melted, offering clear trails and beautiful landscapes.
May
Weather Overview
May is a beautiful spring month, with warm temperatures, longer days, and little rainfall across the country. This is one of the best months to visit Lebanon, especially for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the mountains and coast.
Coastal Regions
- Temperature: 17°C to 26°C (63°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 20-50 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny. Beirut, Tripoli, and other coastal cities experience mostly sunny days, with only the occasional brief shower.
Mountainous Regions
- Temperature: 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm
- Weather: Cool and dry. The snow has largely melted, and the mountains offer clear skies, mild temperatures, and perfect hiking conditions.
Bekaa Valley
- Temperature: 10°C to 24°C (50°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 10-20 mm
- Weather: Mild and dry. The Bekaa Valley warms up during the day, making it perfect for exploring the vineyards and ancient sites of Baalbek.
Ideal Activities
- Beach activities: May is ideal for beach lovers, with warm, sunny weather along the Mediterranean coast.
- Hiking and camping: Explore the Lebanon Mountain Range or go camping in scenic areas like the Chouf Mountains.
- Wine tasting: Visit the famous wineries of the Bekaa Valley as the vineyards come to life in the spring.
June
Weather Overview
June is the start of summer, with rising temperatures, especially along the coast and in the Bekaa Valley. Rainfall is minimal, making it a perfect time for beach vacations, outdoor exploration, and city sightseeing.
Coastal Regions
- Temperature: 20°C to 29°C (68°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 5-10 mm
- Weather: Hot and sunny. Coastal cities like Beirut and Sidon enjoy warm, sunny days, perfect for beachgoers and outdoor activities.
Mountainous Regions
- Temperature: 12°C to 24°C (54°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry. The mountains offer cooler temperatures than the coast, making it an ideal escape from the summer heat.
Bekaa Valley
- Temperature: 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry. The Bekaa Valley sees warm days and cooler nights, making it a great time for exploring ancient ruins and vineyards.
Ideal Activities
- Beach vacations: Head to the beautiful beaches in Jounieh, Byblos, and Tyre for sunbathing and water sports.
- Mountain retreats: June is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature in the mountains, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
- Cultural exploration: Visit historical sites like Byblos, Baalbek, and Anjar, where the weather is warm but not too hot.
July
Weather Overview
July is part of peak summer, with hot temperatures along the coast and in the Bekaa Valley. The mountains remain cooler, providing a respite from the heat. Rainfall is extremely rare across the country.
Coastal Regions
- Temperature: 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry. Coastal areas like Beirut and Tripoli experience very hot, sunny weather, making it ideal for beach activities but potentially uncomfortable for some outdoor exploration during midday.
Mountainous Regions
- Temperature: 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry. The mountains remain cooler than the coast, offering a great escape from the heat.
Bekaa Valley
- Temperature: 18°C to 35°C (64°F to 95°F)
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry. The Bekaa Valley experiences very hot days, but cooler evenings provide some relief.
Ideal Activities
- Beach vacations: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports at the many beaches along Lebanon’s coastline.
- Mountain getaways: Escape the coastal heat by heading to the Chouf Mountains or Cedars Forests for cooler temperatures and scenic views.
- Festivals and events: Summer is festival season in Lebanon, with many cultural events and concerts taking place, particularly in Beirut and Byblos.
August
Weather Overview
August is the hottest month of the year, especially along the coast and in the Bekaa Valley. The mountains offer cooler temperatures, making them popular destinations during the summer heat.
Coastal Regions
- Temperature: 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Extremely hot and dry. Beirut, Sidon, and Tyre experience very high temperatures, with sunny, cloudless skies.
Mountainous Regions
- Temperature: 17°C to 30°C (63°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry. The mountains remain much cooler than the coast, offering comfortable weather for hiking and outdoor activities.
Bekaa Valley
- Temperature: 20°C to 37°C (68°F to 99°F)
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Weather: Very hot and dry. The Bekaa Valley experiences sweltering days, though evenings are slightly cooler.
Ideal Activities
- Beach relaxation: Cool off by the sea at popular beach resorts in Byblos, Jounieh, and Batroun.
- Mountain escapes: Head to Faraya, Bcharre, or the Cedars for hiking, camping, and cool summer nights.
- Cultural events: Attend summer festivals, concerts, and cultural events across Lebanon, especially in Beirut and Byblos.
September
Weather Overview
September marks the transition from summer to autumn, with slightly cooler temperatures along the coast and in the mountains. Rainfall is still minimal, and the weather remains ideal for outdoor activities.
Coastal Regions
- Temperature: 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 5-10 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny. The summer heat begins to subside, making Beirut and other coastal cities more pleasant for outdoor exploration.
Mountainous Regions
- Temperature: 15°C to 26°C (59°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Mild and dry. The mountains experience cooler, comfortable temperatures, making it perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
Bekaa Valley
- Temperature: 18°C to 32°C (64°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry. The Bekaa Valley remains warm, but the heat is less intense than in July and August.
Ideal Activities
- Beach vacations: Enjoy the last of the summer sun on the beaches of Batroun, Tyre, and Sidon.
- Hiking and camping: The Lebanon Mountain Range offers cool, comfortable weather for camping and hiking.
- Wine tours: September is a great time to visit the vineyards of the Bekaa Valley, with the harvest season underway.
October
Weather Overview
October is part of autumn in Lebanon, with cooler temperatures, especially in the mountains and Bekaa Valley. Rainfall begins to increase slightly, but most days are still dry and sunny.
Coastal Regions
- Temperature: 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm
- Weather: Warm with occasional rain showers. Beirut and coastal areas see cooler, pleasant temperatures, making it an ideal time for sightseeing.
Mountainous Regions
- Temperature: 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: 10-20 mm
- Weather: Cool and mild. The mountains experience cooler temperatures, especially at night, with occasional light rain.
Bekaa Valley
- Temperature: 14°C to 27°C (57°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 10-20 mm
- Weather: Mild and dry. The Bekaa Valley experiences warm days and cooler nights, with little rain.
Ideal Activities
- Sightseeing: Explore Lebanon’s historical sites in Byblos, Baalbek, and Sidon under mild, pleasant weather.
- Hiking: Take advantage of the cooler temperatures in the mountains for scenic hikes.
- Wine tasting: October is an excellent time to visit Lebanon’s wineries in the Bekaa Valley, where the weather is ideal for vineyard tours.
November
Weather Overview
November is part of late autumn, with cooler temperatures and increasing rainfall across Lebanon. The mountains begin to see early snowfall, while the coast remains mild but wet.
Coastal Regions
- Temperature: 16°C to 23°C (61°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 30-80 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet. Coastal cities like Beirut and Tripoli experience frequent rain showers and cooler temperatures, though there are still many sunny days.
Mountainous Regions
- Temperature: 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm
- Snowfall: Light, especially in higher altitudes.
- Weather: Cool with light snowfall. The mountains start to experience colder temperatures, especially at night, with the possibility of early snow.
Bekaa Valley
- Temperature: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm
- Weather: Cool with occasional rain. The Bekaa Valley sees cool, crisp days and chilly nights, with some rainfall.
Ideal Activities
- Cultural exploration: Visit museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks in Beirut and Byblos.
- Mountain escapes: Enjoy the cool, crisp air in the mountains, with the possibility of seeing early snow.
- Wine tasting: November remains a good time to explore the vineyards of the Bekaa Valley.
December
Weather Overview
December marks the start of winter in Lebanon, with cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, especially along the coast. Snow begins to accumulate in the mountains, marking the beginning of the ski season.
Coastal Regions
- Temperature: 12°C to 19°C (54°F to 66°F)
- Rainfall: 80-150 mm
- Weather: Cool and rainy. Beirut and coastal areas experience frequent rain showers and cooler temperatures, though there are still some sunny days.
Mountainous Regions
- Temperature: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)
- Snowfall: Moderate (100-200 mm of snow)
- Weather: Cold and snowy. The mountains begin to see significant snowfall, especially in ski resorts like Faraya and Cedars.
Bekaa Valley
- Temperature: 4°C to 12°C (39°F to 54°F)
- Rainfall: 40-80 mm
- Weather: Cold and wet. The Bekaa Valley experiences cold days and frosty nights, with occasional rain and snow at higher elevations.
Ideal Activities
- Skiing: December marks the beginning of the ski season in Lebanon’s mountain resorts.
- Cultural exploration: Visit indoor attractions such as the National Museum of Beirut or Jeita Grotto.
- City sightseeing: Explore Beirut’s souks, cafes, and historical landmarks during the drier periods.