Palmyra

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in Palmyra. Below you will find current data, forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Palmyra, located in Syria, is classified as arid. This means the city experiences very low rainfall throughout the year, with long periods of dry and clear weather. Annual temperature fluctuations are significant, which is typical for desert regions.

Palmyra has two distinct main seasons: a very hot, dry summer and a cool, also relatively dry winter. The summer period, lasting roughly from May to September, features extreme heat, with temperatures often rising above 30°C, and July and August reaching average highs of 37°C. Precipitation is almost non-existent during this time. Winter months, from December to February, bring a noticeable cool-down with average temperatures around 7-10°C; minor rainfall is possible during this period, but remains minimal. Spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) are short transitional seasons with more moderate but rapidly changing temperatures.

The most notable feature of the weather in Palmyra is its extreme dryness, especially in the summer months when the number of rainy days is virtually zero. Travelers planning a trip should be prepared for intense summer heat and significant daily temperature swings, which are particularly characteristic of the desert climate during the shoulder seasons and winter—warm days can be followed by chilly nights.

The climate in Palmyra is characterized by significant annual temperature fluctuations, typical of desert regions. The hottest months are traditionally July and August. In July, the average temperature reaches 29.9°C, with daytime highs reaching an impressive 37.1°C and nighttime lows around 22.7°C. August is slightly cooler, with an average temperature of 29.5°C and a maximum daytime temperature of about 36.8°C. Conversely, the coldest months are January and December. In January, the average temperature is just 7.7°C, with nighttime frosts down to 3.3°C and daytime temperatures around 12.0°C. December's figures are similar: an average temperature of 9.5°C, a minimum of 5.1°C, and a maximum of 13.8°C.

The summer period in Palmyra, spanning June, July, and August, is marked by intense dry heat. Average maximum temperatures in these months consistently exceed 34°C, and precipitation is practically non-existent. Nights bring some relief as temperatures drop noticeably, though they remain warm. Winter, from December to February, is cool in Palmyra. Average daytime temperatures range from 12°C to 14°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 3-5°C. Although precipitation is minimal (about 1 mm per month in January and February), these are the months with the highest number of rainy days, albeit a small number (about 5 days).

Transitional seasons—spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November)—offer more moderate weather conditions. In spring, the temperature gradually increases from an average of 12.6°C in March to 22.7°C in May. In autumn, there is a smooth decrease: from 26.4°C in September to 14.2°C in November. One of the characteristic features of Palmyra's climate throughout the year is the significant daily temperature range. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows is often between 8°C and 15°C, which is especially noticeable in the summer and autumn months. This means that even after a hot day, the evening can be quite cool.

Palmyra experiences an arid climate with very low levels of precipitation throughout the year. Nevertheless, two main periods can be identified: a relatively wetter winter and a long, extremely dry summer. Precipitation, when it occurs, is typically very light.

The highest amount of rainfall, though still minimal, falls during the winter months. January, February, and November each record an average of 1 mm of precipitation. January and February are the months with the highest number of rainy days—about 5 days each. A small number of rainy days (around 4) is also possible in December and March, but average rainfall in these months is zero or near zero. The nature of precipitation at this time is predominantly light rain or drizzle.

The dry season in Palmyra is very pronounced and lasts for most of the year. From March through October, rainfall tends toward zero. The summer months—June, July, August, and September—are particularly parched, with an average of zero rainy days. May and October are also practically dry, with a minimal chance of rain (1-2 rainy days in May and 1 day in October, but with no measurable volume of precipitation).

When planning a trip to Palmyra, it is important to consider its desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters. Regardless of the season, comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking around archaeological sites are an absolute must. The sun is intense here year-round, so high-SPF sunscreen, quality sunglasses, and a hat should also be on your list.

Summer months, especially from June to September, are characterized by very high temperatures, often exceeding 30-35°C, and an almost total lack of rainfall. During this period, choose light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen). Light-colored long sleeves and trousers will not only protect you from the scorching sun but will also be comfortable. Don't forget to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

In winter, from December to February, average temperatures hover around 7-10°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 3-5°C. Although precipitation is minimal (about 1 mm per month and only a few rainy days), be prepared for cool weather. A layering approach is recommended: t-shirts, sweaters or fleece jackets, and a windproof jacket. During the transitional seasons (spring and autumn), the weather is more moderate, but evenings can be chilly, so a light jacket or a warm jumper will come in handy. An umbrella is unlikely to be needed, given the extremely low rainfall throughout the year.