Christmas in Beirut feels pretty unique. The city usually greets you with mild temperatures and damp weather, which set it apart from colder, snowier places. Daytime highs hover in the low 60s °F (about 16–18°C), while nights cool off into the low 50s °F (about 11–13°C).
You’ll find it comfortable enough to stroll along the Corniche or wander Beirut’s historic neighborhoods without bundling up like you would in northern Europe.
December brings more rain, and that’s what gives the city its fresh, green vibe. Rain showers often come in quick bursts, clearing up to reveal blue skies, so you still catch plenty of sunshine between the drizzle.
This mix of rain and mild air makes the holidays feel a bit magical, especially with Beirut’s festive lights sparkling by the coast.
If you’re planning to spend time outdoors or maybe eyeing the sea, just keep in mind that the water’s cooler and afternoons can get breezy. Still, the gentle winter temps and on-and-off rain make Christmas in Beirut a pleasant, slightly unpredictable experience.
Typical Christmas Weather in Beirut
Most years, Christmas in Beirut brings mild days, cool evenings, and frequent rain. You’ll notice a blend of sunny spells and cloudy skies, and the sea stays warmer than you’d expect for winter—swimming isn’t out of the question.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Usually, daytime temperatures around Christmas reach about 17–18°C (62–64°F). That’s perfect for walking, sightseeing, or enjoying a coffee by the sea without the weight of a heavy coat.
Once the sun goes down, the air cools to about 10–11°C (50–52°F). You’ll want a light jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you’re out late. Beirut’s Mediterranean climate keeps winter nights gentler than many European cities.
Humidity stays around 60–65%, so the air might feel a touch cooler after sunset. If you’re staying close to the sea, the breeze can add a bit of a chill, so a windbreaker isn’t a bad idea.
Weather Patterns in Late December
Rain shows up pretty often in Beirut during late December. Most years, you’ll see 12–14 rainy days in the month, with about 120–130 mm of total rain.
Showers usually stay moderate, though sometimes they hang around for a few hours. Even with the rain, daylight isn’t in short supply. Expect roughly 5 hours of sunshine per day, with skies shifting between cloudy and partly clear.
That rhythm—wet mornings, brighter afternoons—feels pretty typical. The sea keeps some warmth, hanging around 20°C (68°F). Locals might skip swimming, but visitors sometimes take a quick dip.
Light breezes are common, averaging 2 m/s, which adds a refreshing touch to the air without making it uncomfortably windy.
Comparison to Other Months
December feels much cooler and wetter than summer. From June through September, daytime highs shoot above 30°C, and rain barely makes an appearance.
December brings a real shift, with cooler days and frequent showers marking the start of the wetter season. Compared to November, December is a bit cooler and gets more rain.
January and February usually turn even colder and wetter, with more overcast days piling up. If you’re after mild weather and you’re not a fan of extreme heat, December’s a comfortable choice.
It’s not the driest month, but you get moderate temperatures, festive vibes, and weather that’s easy to manage if you want to explore Lebanon’s capital.
Rainfall and Rainy Days During Christmas
Rain comes often in Beirut during December, and Christmas lands right in the wetter part of the year. You’ll likely get measurable rainfall and several days of unsettled weather, but totals swing from year to year.
Average Rainfall Amounts
December counts as one of Beirut’s wetter months, with average precipitation hitting 140–160 mm. That puts it up there with January and February for rainfall.
Most of the rain comes from Mediterranean weather systems that bring steady showers, not just quick bursts. You’ll probably notice more days with light to moderate rain than one big downpour.
December alone can account for almost one-fifth of the city’s yearly rainfall, with the annual average sitting at about 715 mm. That’s a lot, and it helps keep the region green through winter.
Number of Rainy Days
You’ll usually see 12–14 rainy days in December. A “rainy day” just means there’s at least a trace of rain, not that it pours all day.
Rain tends to come in intervals, so you’ll get sunny stretches between showers. Outdoor plans are still possible, but keep an umbrella or light rain jacket close by.
Summer’s a different story—July and August often record 0 rainy days. This sharp seasonal contrast shapes how you plan your holiday outings.
Rainfall Variability Year to Year
Rainfall around Christmas doesn’t stick to a script. Some years, it rains a lot, while other years offer just a few scattered showers.
December totals can swing from under 100 mm in dry years to over 200 mm when storms are more frequent. The strength and path of winter systems crossing the Mediterranean drive this variation.
It’s smart to pack for both scenarios: maybe you’ll get a mild holiday with little rain, or perhaps you’ll see wetter weather with frequent showers. Checking the forecast before your trip helps you adjust your plans.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Late December in Beirut brings moderate humidity and gentle breezes. These conditions shape how the air feels outside and can influence your comfort and travel plans during Christmas.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity levels in December usually fall between 66% and 73%. That’s pretty standard for the Mediterranean and can make cool temperatures feel damp.
You’ll likely notice mornings and evenings feeling more humid, especially after it rains. December often brings totals above 160 mm, so higher humidity sticks around.
Summer humidity can feel muggy, but December’s cooler air keeps it from getting oppressive. Indoors, you might sense a bit of dampness if ventilation is poor, but overall, outdoor comfort stays manageable.
If you’re out walking along the coast or spending time outside, expect mild but moist air. A light, moisture-resistant jacket comes in handy.
Average Wind Speed in December
Winds in Beirut during December stay light to moderate. Most days, speeds range from 8 to 12 km/h (5 to 7 mph), with the occasional stronger gust when a winter storm passes.
Winds often blow from the west or southwest, bringing in moist Mediterranean air. This helps drive both the rainfall and that slight dampness you feel.
Calm days aren’t rare, but breezier moments can pop up after showers. Beirut’s coastal geography offers some shelter, so strong gales are unlikely.
For outdoor plans—walking the Corniche, browsing markets—the wind usually won’t get in your way. At most, you’ll feel a cool breeze that adds to the wintery vibe without making things uncomfortable.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
In late December, Beirut sees shorter days and less sunshine than in summer. Daylight is limited, but you still get enough sun to enjoy the city during the holidays.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
December brings about 4 to 5 hours of direct sunshine per day to Beirut. That’s less than half of what you’d get in July, when sunshine can hit 12 hours daily.
Shorter days and more cloud cover in winter cut down on sunlight. Rain is more frequent, too, which means fewer clear-sky hours.
A quick look at the numbers:
- January: ~4.4 hours/day
- December: ~4–5 hours/day
- July: ~12 hours/day
If you visit Beirut around Christmas, plan for limited sun, but expect some bright spells. Outdoor sightseeing works, but it’s good to have indoor activities in mind for cloudy or rainy days.
Daylight Duration Around Christmas
During Christmas, daylight in Beirut is pretty short. The sun rises around 6:45–7:00 AM and sets near 4:30–4:45 PM, giving you about 10 hours of daylight at the end of December.
The winter solstice just before Christmas marks the shortest day of the year. After that, daylight hours start to stretch out again—slowly.
Compared to summer, when daylight lasts almost 14.5 hours, the difference is obvious. Around Christmas, you’ve got fewer hours to explore, so starting your activities earlier makes sense.
Even with less daylight, the mild winter weather keeps daytime hours pleasant for walking tours, checking out historic sites, or relaxing at an outdoor café.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Weather
Beirut’s coastline in late December stays surprisingly mild compared to other Mediterranean spots. The sea keeps some summer warmth, while the air stays cool but not harsh, creating a mix of conditions for enjoying the shoreline.
Average Sea Temperature in December
Mediterranean waters along Beirut’s coast average about 20°C (68°F) in December. On warmer days, the sea can hit 21.8°C (70°F), while cooler days drop closer to 18.6°C (66.8°F).
That’s still on the mild side, but it’s not exactly warm for swimming. Most people find sea temperatures above 22°C (72°F) more comfortable for longer swims.
The water cools slowly after autumn, so it’s still swimmable if you don’t mind brisk conditions. If you’re sensitive to cold, you might just take a quick dip instead of a long swim.
Suitability for Coastal Activities
December’s sea temperature makes casual swimming less tempting for most people, though experienced swimmers might still go for it. Wetsuits can help if you want to stay in longer.
Coastal walks, though, are a real treat. Daytime air temperatures usually hover from the mid-teens up to about 18°C (mid-60s °F), which is great for being outdoors.
You can walk along the Corniche, try fishing, or just relax by the water. Sunbathing isn’t really a thing with the shorter days and cooler breezes, but the coast still feels pleasant for leisure without any real winter bite.
How Beirut’s Christmas Weather Compares Regionally
Beirut’s December weather shows off its coastal Mediterranean character, but things change as you head inland or up into the mountains. Temperatures, rainfall, and cloudiness can differ quite a bit across Lebanon, so your Christmas experience will shift depending on where you go.
Beirut Versus Other Lebanese Cities
In Beirut, daytime highs in December usually hit 62–68°F (16–20°C). Nights drop down to about 53–55°F (11–13°C).
Rainfall happens pretty often, but it’s not like it pours nonstop. The sea actually keeps the air feeling mild, which is honestly a relief if you’re not a fan of the cold.
If you head inland to Zahle or the Bekaa Valley, you’ll notice the nights get a lot colder, sometimes right down near freezing. These spots sit higher up, so once the sun goes down, the air cools off fast.
Rain shows up more often there, and nearby mountain villages sometimes see snow.
In Tripoli, which sits north of Beirut, you’ll find temperatures just a bit cooler.