Damascus has a semi-arid to Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wetter winters. Summer highs often reach 33–37°C, while winter lows can dip to 2–4°C. Rain falls mainly from November to March, and sunshine is abundant year-round, especially from May to September. The city’s climate features dramatic seasonal contrasts and low annual rainfall.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Damascus, situated at nearly 700 metres elevation, experiences pronounced seasonal contrasts due to its semi-arid Mediterranean climate. Summers (June–September) are very hot and extremely dry, with average highs of 33–37°C in July and August. Heatwaves can push temperatures above 40°C, though humidity remains low, making the heat more tolerable. Rain is almost nonexistent in summer, and sunshine is at its peak, with up to 13–14 hours per day. Winds are generally light, but the city can experience occasional dust storms during transitional seasons.
Winters (December–February) are cool and relatively wet, with average highs of 10–13°C and lows around 2–4°C. Nighttime frosts are common, and snow is possible but rare, usually melting quickly. Most of the city’s annual rainfall – about 110–200 mm – falls between November and March, with January being the wettest month. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures between 17–29°C, cool nights, and occasional showers. These seasons offer comfortable conditions for sightseeing, with blooming flowers in spring and golden foliage in autumn. Damascus enjoys over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, and the air is generally dry, especially in summer.
| Average climate data for Damascus, Syria | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 13 | 15 | 19 | 25 | 30 | 34 | 37 | 36 | 34 | 28 | 20 | 14 | 37 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 28 | 22 | 17 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 22 | 26 | 133 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 7 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 35 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 11 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 8 |
| Average UV index | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 7 |
The best time to visit Damascus is from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are mild (17–29°C), rainfall is minimal, and the city’s gardens and parks are at their most beautiful. These periods offer comfortable conditions for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city’s historic sites, with vibrant local festivals in spring.
The least favourable time to visit is from June to August, when extreme heat (often above 37°C) and intense sun can make midday sightseeing uncomfortable. Winter (December–February) can also be less appealing due to chilly nights, occasional rain, and rare snow, though the city is quieter and prices are lower.
Damascus has hot, dry summers (highs 33–37°C) and cool, wetter winters (highs 10–13°C, lows 2–4°C). Rain is scarce, peaking from November to March, and sunshine is abundant most of the year.
Snow is rare in Damascus, but frosts are common in winter. Most winter precipitation falls as rain, and the city may see a few snowy days each year, usually melting quickly.
May to August are the sunniest months, with up to 13–14 hours of sunshine daily. Even in winter, Damascus enjoys several hours of sun per day, making it a bright destination most of the year.
Damascus receives only 110–200 mm of rain annually, with most falling from November to March. Summer is almost rain-free, and winter rain is light but can bring occasional frost or snow.
Pack light, breathable clothes and sun protection for summer, layers and a rain jacket for spring and autumn, and a warm coat for winter evenings. Comfortable shoes are useful year-round, especially for exploring the city.
Winds are generally light, but occasional gusts or dust storms can occur, especially in spring and autumn. The city’s elevation can make winter winds feel colder, so a windproof jacket is useful then.
Damascus is least crowded in winter (December–February) and peak summer (June–August). These periods offer quieter streets and attractions, but weather may be less comfortable for outdoor sightseeing.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (36.6 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (12.5 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 25.3 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (17 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (0.5 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 8.2 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is January (27.7 mm). The driest months, with the least amount of precipitation, are July and August (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 133.4 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is February (7.1 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is July (0 days). Over the whole year there are 35.2 days of rain on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is January (5 days). The month with the fewest days of snowfall is October (0 days). Over the whole year there are 11.3 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 10 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is August (Average sunshine: 11.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 4.9 h). Over the whole year there are 8.2 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 12). The months with the lowest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 3). Over the whole year the average UV index is 7.3.
