If you’re spending Christmas in Benghazi, you’ll notice mild, comfortable weather instead of the freezing cold you might expect in other places. Daytime temperatures usually hang around 16°C (61°F) to 18°C (65°F), while nights drop to about 8°C (46°F) to 10°C (50°F).
This makes Benghazi a pretty calm coastal escape during the holidays.
December brings more rain than other months, but showers tend to be light or moderate. You won’t find heavy storms often.
The mix of cooler air, occasional rain, and shorter days creates a holiday vibe shaped by the Mediterranean, not by snow or ice.
If you want to explore the city or its coastline, the weather usually lets you enjoy comfortable outdoor activities with just a few small adjustments.
Mild temperatures, scattered rain, and soft winter light give Benghazi a unique seasonal character.
Typical Weather Conditions During Christmas in Benghazi
Christmas in Benghazi brings mild daytime temperatures, cool nights, and a decent chance of rain.
Humidity sits at a moderate level, and while you’ll often see clear skies, short cloudy spells happen too.
You’ll find the climate comfortable for both outdoor adventures and indoor gatherings.
Average Temperatures
By late December, Benghazi feels mild compared to many other regions. Daytime highs usually reach about 16–18°C (61–65°F).
At night, temperatures can dip to 8–10°C (46–50°F).
You’ll probably want light layers during the day and a warmer jacket for the evenings. Unlike the summer heat, this cooler season lets you explore the city without worrying about intense sun or high UV.
The Mediterranean keeps temperature swings in check, so you won’t see wild drops or spikes. If you’re near the coast, the sea breeze might make mornings and evenings feel even cooler, especially if you’re outside.
Rainfall Patterns
December stands out as one of the rainier months. On average, precipitation totals reach about 60–65 mm (2.4–2.6 inches), spread across 8–12 days.
It doesn’t rain all the time, though. Showers usually come and go quickly and rarely get heavy.
You might go a few days without rain, then run into a brief wet spell.
Rain in Benghazi is seasonal, so December is definitely one of the wetter times. If you’re heading outside, it’s smart to keep a light rain jacket or umbrella handy.
Streets can get slick after a shower, but flooding almost never happens.
Humidity Levels
Humidity around Christmas feels moderate and comfortable. Relative humidity averages between 65–75%, which is higher than summer but not sticky.
Mornings can feel a bit damp, especially near the sea, while afternoons usually dry out with more sun.
Cooler air and moderate humidity make the climate feel balanced, not muggy.
Seasonal rains can make indoor spaces feel a little cooler and more humid than you might expect. Still, most people find it easy to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities without discomfort from moisture.
Rainfall and Wet Days in Late December
Rain picks up in Benghazi as December ends, peaking right around the holidays. The number of rainy days and total precipitation both climb compared to the drier summer.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Late December marks one of the wetter times of the year. You can expect 6–7 days of rain this month.
The chance of rain rises from about 14% in early December to nearly 25% by Christmas week.
Rain usually comes in short bursts, not long storms. Showers are scattered, so you’ll likely get several dry days between rainy ones.
This pattern means you can plan outdoor activities, but it’s still wise to be ready for a sudden shower.
Snow doesn’t show up here, and rain is almost always light or moderate. The cloudiest days often fall in the first half of December, but the highest chance of rain lands right around the holidays.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
December is usually the second wettest month in Benghazi. Precipitation totals range from 1.5 to 1.7 inches (about 40–45 mm) by month’s end, though some years hit 60 mm (2.4 inches).
Rain spreads out over about 10 to 12 days, so you’ll notice it, but it’s not constant.
Given the city’s annual rainfall of about 258 mm (10 inches), December delivers a big chunk of that.
By late December, rainfall reaches its monthly peak, with the highest 31‑day average around December 29. The last week of the month is often the wettest stretch.
Wind Speed and Atmospheric Conditions
Around Christmas, Benghazi gets steady coastal winds and mild atmospheric shifts. The Mediterranean shapes the local weather, bringing breezy days, cool nights, and moderate humidity that all affect how the air feels.
Prevailing Wind Patterns
In late December, northwesterly and westerly winds usually take over. These winds blow in from the Mediterranean, carrying cooler air that keeps daytime highs in the mid-60s °F (about 18–20°C).
Average wind speeds run from 10 to 15 mph (16–24 km/h), but evenings often bring lighter breezes.
Because Benghazi sits on the coast, the air feels fresher than inland Libya, and you rarely get stagnant conditions.
Wind direction doesn’t shift much this season. You’ll usually notice steady sea breezes during the day and calmer air at night.
This keeps outdoor conditions pretty predictable, whether you’re strolling the waterfront or heading out for a day trip.
Moderate humidity sticks around, and the wind helps prevent heavy dampness. This makes things comfortable, especially compared to the hotter, drier months.
Impact of Wind on Weather
The steady winter winds shape Benghazi’s holiday weather directly. They regulate temperatures and stop sudden warm spikes that sometimes hit other parts of North Africa.
When winds pick up, you might see more clouds and a little rain. December belongs to the wetter season, but rainfall stays modest compared to northern Mediterranean cities.
If you’re visiting, the wind helps keep hazy or dusty skies away—something you might see more in spring and summer. Clearer air means better coastal views.
If you’re sensitive to cool breezes, bring a light jacket, especially for evenings when wind and lower temperatures combine.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
During Christmas, Benghazi usually gets mild winter weather with a mix of clouds and sun. Rain can happen, but it’s not constant. Daylight hours shrink compared to the long summer days.
Typical Cloudiness
You’ll notice more cloud cover in December than in dry summer months. Benghazi’s spot on the Mediterranean brings in moist air, raising the chance of overcast skies.
Rain peaks in December, with about 64 mm (2.5 inches) on average.
This doesn’t mean it rains all day, but you’ll probably see several cloudy or partly cloudy days.
Cloud cover varies a lot. Some days stay gray, while others jump between sun and clouds.
This makes it smart to plan for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Compared to summer’s clear skies, the Christmas season feels a bit more unsettled. Still, heavy storms are rare, and many days see sunshine between brief showers.
Daylight Hours
December cuts the days short in Benghazi. Around Christmas, you’ll get about 10 hours of daylight. The sun rises later and sets earlier.
On average, you’ll see 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day, which is less than half of what you’d get in June.
Less sunlight is normal for winter and adds to the cooler feel.
Even with fewer daylight hours, the sun can feel strong when skies clear. UV levels drop compared to summer, so it’s easier to enjoy outdoor time without worrying about intense heat.
This mix of shorter days, cooler temps, and moderate sunshine makes sightseeing or coastal walks comfortable.
Influence of the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea plays a big part in Benghazi’s weather during late December. It keeps temperatures from swinging too far and drives daily wind patterns that affect comfort and travel.
Moderating Effects on Temperature
Benghazi sits right on the Mediterranean coast, so the sea acts like a natural thermostat. Water warms and cools slower than land, which keeps air temperatures near the shoreline steady.
In late December, daytime highs average around 16–18°C (61–64°F) and nighttime lows hover near 10°C (50°F).
These numbers are milder than inland Libya, where you’ll see sharper drops at night without the coastal influence.
The sea’s steadying effect also blocks sudden cold snaps.
Some winter days might feel cool and damp, but the sea stops the kind of freezing you’d get in the desert. That means you can walk along Benghazi’s beaches or visit coastal spots comfortably, even in mid-winter.
Sea Breezes and Local Climate
The Mediterranean drives local wind patterns called sea breezes. These happen when land heats or cools faster than the sea, creating air movement inland during the day and back toward the water at night.
In Benghazi, winter sea breezes are gentle but noticeable. Daytime winds usually come from the northwest or west, bringing in cooler, moist air.
At night, breezes reverse, with lighter winds moving offshore.
This keeps coastal air fresh and a bit more humid than inland Libya.
For you, this means clearer skies most afternoons, but sometimes a little more dampness in the evenings.
These breezes also change how warm or cool you feel outside, even if the thermometer barely moves.
Notable Weather Features and Local Reference Points
Christmas in Benghazi brings mild temps, moderate rain, and shorter days. Conditions shift a bit depending on where you are, and places like the airport and the coast have their own small differences—something to keep in mind if you’re traveling or planning time outdoors.
Weather at Benina International Airport
Benina International Airport, about 12 miles east of Benghazi, keeps the most consistent weather records for the area.
Around Christmas, daytime highs usually hit 16–18°C (61–65°F), and nights cool to 8–10°C (46–50°F).
Rain picks up during December, with totals near 60–65 mm. Showers come in quick bursts instead of long storms, so you’ll often find clear skies between them.
Wind can stand out at the airport because of its open setting. Breezes from the Mediterranean are common and might feel stronger here than in the city center.
Visibility usually stays good, but rain or haze can briefly lower it.
If you’re flying in or out, weather rarely disrupts flights. Still, expect cool evenings and the chance of wet runways during the holidays.
Comparison to Annual Climate Trends
December weather really stands out when you compare it to Benghazi’s dry, hot summers. The city usually gets about 250 mm (10 in) of rain each year, and most of that shows up between November and January.
So, Christmas actually lands during one of the wetter stretches.
In summer, rain pretty much disappears, and temperatures soar above 30°C (86°F). When Christmas rolls around, the air feels milder and damper, and daytime highs usually stay under 20°C.
Daylight changes a lot too. June gives you more than 14 hours of sun, but December only averages about 10 hours of daylight and 5–6 hours of sunshine.
This shorter daylight really affects daily routines, like when shops open or when people head outside.
Christmas weather in Benghazi feels cooler, wetter, and a bit unpredictable compared to the long, dry months that fill most of the year.