Winter in Benghazi gives everyone a welcome break from the city’s long, hot summers. Most days feel mild, with average highs around 16–18°C (60–65°F), and nights cool down close to 8–10°C (46–50°F).
This balance of temperatures makes winter a great time to be outside. Unlike a lot of Mediterranean cities, winters here stay gentle, without harsh cold snaps.
Rain becomes more common during winter, but it rarely gets in the way of daily life. Showers mostly show up in December and January, bringing the most rain of the year, though sunshine still pops out pretty often.
As winter goes on, cloud cover eases up, so you get a mix of wet and bright days that really shape the local winter vibe.
If you’re thinking about checking out the coast, you’ll find winter brings calmer conditions than the blazing summer heat. The sea stays cool, not freezing, and breezes off the Mediterranean keep the air fresh.
This mix of mild weather, light rainfall, and comfortable daylight hours makes Benghazi’s winter climate surprisingly inviting.
Overview of Benghazi’s Winter Climate
Winters in Benghazi bring cooler temperatures, more rain, and shorter days compared to those hot, dry summers. You’ll still get mild conditions that let you enjoy being outside, though rain does show up more often.
General Climate Classification
Benghazi sits right on Libya’s Mediterranean coast and has a subtropical steppe climate (BSh). That means long, hot summers and short, mild winters with some, but not a ton, of rain.
The city usually gets about 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain each year, and most of it falls from November through February. Summers are pretty much bone-dry, while winters supply most of the annual precipitation.
Humidity stays moderate, and sunshine is still common even during winter. On average, Benghazi clocks in over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, so even in cooler months, you’ll catch bright skies mixed with some clouds or rain.
This climate makes winters comfortable compared to the desert inland, but wetter than Libya’s southern regions.
Winter Weather Patterns
During winter, daytime highs in Benghazi usually land between 16°C and 18°C (61°F to 65°F). At night, lows can dip to 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F), so evenings feel cool but never biting.
Rainfall peaks in December and January, with monthly totals around 60–66 mm (2.4–2.6 in). Rain shows up in short bursts, spread over about 10–12 days per month, instead of dragging on for days.
Cloud cover increases in winter, but skies often clear quickly. You’ll still get 5–6 hours of sunshine per day, which is more than you’d see in a lot of other Mediterranean cities this time of year.
The Mediterranean Sea helps shape Benghazi’s weather too. Sea surface temperatures stay mild, from 17°C (62°F) in December to a little cooler in January and February, which helps moderate the air temperature.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Winter in Benghazi stands in sharp contrast to the city’s dry, scorching summers. From May to September, rain is almost nonexistent, often less than 3 mm (0.1 in) each month.
Winter months actually bring steady rain and cooler air, which is a relief after the summer’s heat.
In spring, temperatures pick up quickly, moving from about 20°C (68°F) in March to nearly 29°C (84°F) by May. Rainfall drops fast, letting you know the dry season is coming.
Autumn is a transition. September stays hot at around 30°C (86°F), but by November, things cool down to 23°C (73°F). Rain starts coming back late in autumn, leading into the wetter winter.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Benghazi
Winter in Benghazi brings cooler but still pretty mild weather compared to those hot summers. You’ll find daytime highs comfortable, while nights are cooler but rarely harsh by Mediterranean standards.
Average Highs and Lows
During winter, average high temperatures in Benghazi range from 63°F to 66°F (17°C to 19°C). These highs make outdoor activities enjoyable, especially on clear days.
Nighttime lows drop to 52°F and 55°F (11°C to 13°C). You might need a light jacket in the evenings, but temperatures almost never get uncomfortable.
Compared to northern climates, winters here feel mild. Freezing conditions just don’t happen, and frost is almost unheard of. That makes Benghazi’s winter weather a nice option for travelers who want moderate conditions.
Monthly Temperature Trends
January and February usually bring the coldest weather. In January, the average high is about 63°F (17°C) and the low sits around 52°F (11°C).
February warms up a bit during the day, with an average high of 64°F (18°C) but keeps the same low near 52°F (11°C).
By March, things start to warm up. Highs reach about 68°F (20°C) and lows go up to 54°F (12°C). This slow warming kicks off the transition to spring.
The change feels steady and predictable, making it easy to plan outdoor activities. You’ll get mild afternoons and cooler evenings through most of winter, without big swings from day to day.
Temperature Extremes
Extreme cold almost never hits Benghazi. Winter lows rarely dip below 47°F (8°C), even on the coldest nights. This sets Benghazi apart from inland Libya, where nights can get much colder.
On the other side, daytime highs hardly ever go above 70°F (21°C) in midwinter. Warm days happen, but the season is more about stability than sudden spikes.
This narrow temperature range creates a predictable climate. You can pack light winter clothes, knowing you won’t run into severe cold or heat.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Winter
Winter brings most of Benghazi’s yearly rain, with December and January standing out as the wettest months. You’ll get mild temperatures with occasional showers, usually in short, noticeable bursts rather than long, steady rain.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Benghazi during winter isn’t spread evenly across the months. December averages about 64 mm (2.5 in), and January hits around 66 mm (2.6 in), making it the wettest month. By February, rain drops to roughly 41 mm (1.6 in).
Most of the city’s yearly rain falls within just a few months. In spring or summer, rain can be almost zero, so winter is key for replenishing soil moisture and supporting the limited local greenery.
Check out the table below for the average rainfall amounts:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 64 | 2.5 |
| January | 66 | 2.6 |
| February | 41 | 1.6 |
Frequency of Wet Days
Rain in Benghazi doesn’t fall every day in winter. January usually brings about 12 rainy days, while December and February have a little fewer. So, you might see rain on about a third of the days during peak winter.
Rainfall usually comes in short, sometimes intense bursts. Unlike places where drizzle drags on, Benghazi tends to get moderate to heavy showers that pass quickly, leaving clear skies behind.
Because rain is packed into a handful of days, you’ll still get plenty of dry stretches, even in the wettest months. Carrying a light rain jacket is usually enough to stay ready.
Rainfall Patterns and Variability
Winter rainfall in Benghazi follows a Mediterranean pattern, with wetter months early in the season and a slow drop-off by late February. The amount can swing a lot from year to year. Some winters bring well above-average rain, while others stay pretty dry.
The city’s spot on the coast matters a lot here. Moist air from the Mediterranean fuels winter storms, but the steppe climate keeps total rainfall limited. Winters are wetter than summers, but still drier than up north along the Mediterranean.
Rain often falls in short, heavy bursts. Sometimes, these showers cause brief local flooding in low-lying spots, but big floods are rare. So, while averages are helpful, the actual weather can shift a lot from one winter to the next.
Humidity, Wind, and Cloud Cover in Winter
In winter, Benghazi feels mild but a bit damp, with rain showing up now and then. Cooler air, shifting winds, and changing clouds give the season a different personality from the city’s hot, dry summers.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity goes up in winter compared to summer. You’ll notice moderate to high humidity, usually between 60% and 75%.
This bump in humidity comes from the cooler Mediterranean air and the seasonal rain that peaks in December and January.
Benghazi doesn’t get the sticky, extreme humidity of tropical places, but you’ll feel the dampness, especially on cloudy or rainy days. Cooler temperatures, often between 8°C (46°F) and 18°C (65°F), keep the humidity from feeling oppressive.
If you’re sensitive to moisture, you might notice it more in the evenings when humidity climbs. Indoors, the air can feel heavier, especially if there’s not much ventilation.
Windy Days and Wind Speeds
Winter in Benghazi brings frequent breezes and sometimes strong winds. Average wind speeds run from 15 to 25 km/h (9–15 mph), but gusts can get stronger when weather systems roll through.
Winds usually come from the north or northwest, carrying cool, moist air from the sea. Sometimes, winds blow in from the south, which are drier but don’t happen as often in winter.
Wind really changes how it feels outside. A 15°C (59°F) day feels chillier when the wind picks up. If you’re planning to be outside, especially along the coast, expect wind to be part of the deal.
Cloudiness and Sunshine Hours
Cloud cover increases in winter compared to the long, sunny summers. On average, 25–33% of days are mostly cloudy or overcast, especially in December and January.
You’ll still get a mix of bright and gray days during winter.
Even with more clouds, Benghazi gets several hours of sunshine daily. December usually brings around 5 to 6 hours of sunlight, which is less than summer but still enough for outdoor plans.
Shorter days and more clouds give winter a softer, cooler feel. If you like mild sun without the harsh summer glare, these months are actually pretty comfortable for exploring the city.
Sea Conditions and Coastal Weather
Along Benghazi’s Mediterranean coast, winter brings cooler sea temperatures, changing winds, and more rain compared to the dry summer. These shifts shape how people experience the shoreline, from water activities to just hanging out on the beach.
Sea Surface Temperatures
In winter, the Mediterranean waters near Benghazi cool down a lot. Average sea temperatures drop from about 17°C (62°F) in December to around 15°C (59°F) in February.
That’s too cold for most people to swim, though a few locals still take quick dips.
The cooler sea also affects the air by the shore. You might notice slightly lower coastal air temperatures during the day compared to inland. At night, the sea helps keep the chill down, so coastal lows stay a bit milder.
If you’re planning to spend time by the water, expect brisk conditions. Wetsuits are a must for diving or long water sports. Most people stick to walking or fishing instead of swimming in winter.
Coastal Winds and Effects
In winter, winds along Benghazi’s coast usually blow in from the north and northwest. These breezes bring cooler, moist air off the Mediterranean, which adds to the city’s seasonal rainfall.
Wind speeds change a lot, but sometimes passing weather systems crank them up, making them strong.
Onshore winds make the sea choppier, so you’ll see higher waves and boating gets a bit trickier. When the wind shifts offshore, which doesn’t happen as much in winter, the water near the coast calms down, but it can push small boats farther out than you’d like.
Wind direction really changes how cold it feels out there. Even if the weather seems mild, a steady north wind can make the shoreline feel way colder than the city center does.
Beach and Outdoor Activity Considerations
Benghazi’s beaches stay open in winter, but people’s habits change with the season. Swimming? Not really, since the water’s chilly, but you’ll still spot folks walking, jogging, or fishing.
With fewer people around, the coast feels quieter and more relaxed.
Rain picks up in December and January, so you might run into wet sand or stormy seas. It’s smart to check daily forecasts before heading out.
If you’re into photography or just sightseeing, winter light feels softer and a bit more forgiving than summer’s harsh sun. Long walks along the coast get easier without the heat, though you’ll want a light jacket to keep the wind at bay.
Seasonal Tips for Winter Visitors
Winter in Benghazi means cooler temperatures, more rain, and shorter daylight hours. The weather stays pretty mild compared to the city’s blazing summers, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on those wetter days and chilly nights.
Best Activities During Winter
Benghazi’s winter weather usually sits between 8°C and 18°C (46°F to 65°F), which feels great for sightseeing. The cool air makes it easier to wander through markets, stroll the coastal promenades, or check out historic districts without sweating buckets.
Outdoor cafés and restaurants keep busy, so it’s a nice time to sample local food while catching a breeze off the sea. Rain falls more often in December and January, but showers don’t usually last long, so you can still get out and explore.
You’ll get about 5–6 hours of sunshine each day in the middle of winter. It helps to plan your main activities earlier, just in case clouds roll in. On rainy days, museums and cultural centers make a solid backup plan.
If you like taking photos, winter’s softer light and occasional cloud cover really help you capture better coastal and city shots than you’d get under the summer sun.
Packing and Clothing Recommendations
Pack for mild but unpredictable weather. You’ll want a light to medium jacket for evenings—temperatures can drop to around 8°C (46°F).
During the day, I usually find that long-sleeved shirts or light sweaters do the trick.
You’ll probably walk a lot, so bring comfortable shoes. Streets often get wet after it rains.
Grab an umbrella or a light waterproof jacket, especially if you’re visiting in December or January when rain is more likely.
Heading to the coast? The sea breeze can make things feel colder than you’d expect. Toss in a scarf or a windbreaker for good measure.
Layering is honestly the best approach for Benghazi’s winter. You can peel off layers when you’re indoors and pile them back on when you step outside.