Beirut Weather & Climate Guide: Seasons and Local Patterns

Beirut is defined by a classic subtropical Mediterranean climate. Situated on a small peninsula with the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the Mount Lebanon range rising sharply to the east, the city experiences a predictable cycle of hot, humid summers and mild, rainy winters.

Typical Weather Patterns

The city’s weather is characterized by a stark seasonal divide. From May to September, rainfall is virtually non-existent, while the months from November to March account for nearly 70% of the annual precipitation. Because the sea acts as a massive thermal regulator, temperatures in Beirut are rarely extreme compared to the interior of the country; however, high humidity levels often make the heat feel more intense than the mercury suggests.

Seasonal Trends

Summer (June – September)

Summers are long, arid, and consistently sunny. Daytime highs typically range from 28°C to 31°C (82°F–88°F), but the proximity to the sea keeps the humidity high—often above 70%.

• The Feel: This humidity creates an "oppressive" feel during the peak of July and August, where nights remain warm and muggy (rarely dropping below 24°C/75°F).
• The Breeze: The afternoon sea breeze provides some relief at the coastline, but the inner city streets can feel like a heat sink.

Autumn (October – November)

Autumn serves as a brief but pleasant transition. In October, the humidity begins to drop, and the heat mellows to a comfortable 24°C–27°C (75°F–81°F). By November, the first major rainstorms arrive, often characterized by dramatic thunderstorms over the sea.

Winter (December – February)

Winters are mild and represent the "green season." Daytime temperatures hover around 16°C–18°C (61°F–64°F), though nighttime lows can dip to 10°C (50°F).

• Experience: Rainy periods are usually intense but intermittent. You might experience three days of heavy downpours followed by a week of crisp, blue-sky sunshine.
• Historical Context: Snow in Beirut is an extremely rare event; while the nearby peaks turn white, a dusting at sea level only happens a few times a century.

Spring (March – May)

Spring is widely considered the most beautiful time in Beirut. The air is fresh, the landscape is lush, and the humidity hasn't yet reached its summer peak. Temperatures are ideal for walking, averaging around 20°C–23°C (68°F–73°F).

Microclimates and Regional Variations

The most significant weather variation is the altitude climb. Within a 20-minute drive from the Beirut coast, you can reach the foothills of Mount Lebanon.

• The Vertical Shift: It is a local phenomenon that on a rainy day in the city, there is likely a blizzard just 20 kilometers away at higher elevations.
• The Khamsin: In the spring and autumn, Beirut occasionally experiences the Khamsin, a hot, dusty wind from the south/southeast. This can spike temperatures by 10°C within hours and turn the sky a yellowish-orange with Saharan sand.

Local Perspective and Adaptation

Locals live by the rhythm of the sea. In the summer, life shifts toward the evenings; the famous Corniche (seaside promenade) becomes the city's living room after sunset as people seek the cooler maritime air.

Because the heavy winter rains often fall in "bursts," the city’s infrastructure can occasionally struggle with flash flooding in lower-lying areas. For locals, winter isn't about the cold—which they find manageable—but about the humidity and the dampness that seeps into older stone buildings. In the summer, the heavy use of air conditioning and frequent visits to the mountains ("the jabal") are the primary ways residents escape the humid coastal heat.