Winter in Beirut feels like a mix of cool temperatures, plenty of rain, and shorter days, but honestly, it never gets brutally cold. You can expect mild daytime highs around the mid-60s °F (about 18–20°C) and cooler nights that dip closer to the low 50s °F (11–13°C). This balance keeps things fresh without ever being too chilly, which is a relief for locals and travelers alike.
Rainfall really shapes the winter months, and January usually takes the title as the wettest month. Showers roll in waves, sometimes heavy, but they don’t usually stick around for days.
The Mediterranean keeps the air from getting too bitter, so winter feels softer here, though you still get a sense of the season.
Daylight hours shrink to about 10 hours by mid-winter, but the city still catches breaks of sunshine between storms. The sea cools off but stays pretty mild, at least compared to northern waters.
After the rain, the air often feels crisp and clean. All these patterns combine to make a winter that’s active but still easy to enjoy.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Beirut
Beirut’s winters feel mild compared to a lot of other cities on the same latitude. You’ll get cool but comfortable days, chilly nights, and the occasional cold snap, but nothing that lasts long.
Average Day and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs usually sit between 62°F and 69°F (17°C to 20°C) in winter. You can get outside without bundling up in heavy coats, which is honestly a big plus.
Even when it’s cooler, temperatures rarely dip below the mid-50s °F.
At night, lows tend to fall between 52°F and 59°F (11°C to 15°C). The air feels crisp, but not biting, and frost almost never happens in the city.
You might want a light jacket or sweater in the evenings, especially near the coast where the breeze can make it feel cooler.
The Mediterranean Sea helps keep the climate steady, so the difference between day and night isn’t dramatic. Beirut skips the sharp drops that inland areas get.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Temperatures shift gradually over the winter months.
- December: Highs hover around 67°F (19°C), with lows near 57°F (14°C).
- January: This is the coldest month, with highs closer to 62°F (17°C) and lows near 52°F (11°C).
- February: Things start warming up a bit, with highs at 65°F (18°C) and lows around 54°F (12°C).
The pattern feels steady, and January is definitely the coolest stretch. By late February, you can already sense spring approaching.
Notable Cold Spells
Sometimes, cold snaps hit Beirut in winter. They usually stick around for just a few days and blow in with weather systems from Europe.
During these spells, daytime highs might dip to the mid-50s °F (around 13°C), and nighttime lows can get down to 46°F (8°C). It never freezes, but the cold feels sharper with wind and rain.
Snow in Beirut almost never happens. If you head up to the mountains nearby, though, you’ll probably find heavy snowfall. Inland, it gets much colder than in the city.
Winter Precipitation Patterns
Beirut’s winters bring steady rainfall, quick but intense showers, and the odd storm system. Rain is the main story, but the city does deal with heavy downpours and urban flooding from time to time.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Most of Beirut’s annual rain falls between December and February. Monthly averages land somewhere between 2.5 and 5 inches (65–120 mm).
January is usually the rainiest, while February starts to dry out a bit.
It doesn’t rain every day. Instead, rain comes in bursts. On average, expect 4 to 6 rainy days per month during winter.
These days often bring moderate to heavy showers, then clear up or turn partly sunny.
The city’s Mediterranean climate means you might get a dry stretch, then a sudden downpour. So, you’ll want to pack waterproof gear and maybe plan some indoor activities for the wet days.
Thunderstorms and Extreme Weather
Sometimes, winter storms in Beirut bring thunderstorms. They’re not an everyday thing, but they pop up a few times each season.
When thunderstorms roll in, expect short, heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds.
Thunderstorms show up most in December and January, when the sea is warmer than the air. That temperature difference stirs things up.
Severe weather isn’t as common as in the tropics, but you might still run into strong coastal winds. Power outages and traffic jams can happen during these storms.
It’s smart to keep an eye on local forecasts so you don’t get caught off guard.
Flooding Risks
Flooding is a real concern in Beirut during winter. The city’s dense layout and limited drainage mean that heavy rain in a short time can cause problems.
Low-lying roads, underpasses, and older neighborhoods see the most water buildup.
Flooding usually follows intense showers, not steady drizzle. Even one big storm can cause localized street flooding.
This can mess with traffic, damage property, and throw off your plans.
If you’re visiting, it’s best to avoid driving during peak downpours. Walking through flooded streets isn’t safe either—there are hidden hazards.
City crews usually respond quickly, but it can still take hours for water to drain after a major rain.
Humidity, Wind, and Atmospheric Conditions
Winter in Beirut isn’t just about mild temperatures. You’ll also notice changes in humidity, wind, and air pressure.
These shifts affect how comfortable it feels outside, how clear the sky looks, and even the mood along the coast.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Beirut during winter stays pretty high, usually between 66% and 73%. The air can feel damp, especially early in the morning or after it rains.
Rain in December through February adds even more moisture. January often brings more than 190 mm of rain, making the air feel even heavier.
Inside, rooms feel cooler if there’s not much heating.
Winter humidity in Beirut doesn’t feel as bad as in summer, when it mixes with heat and gets sticky. Still, if you’re outside near the water, you might notice the chill more because of the dampness.
Wind Speeds and Directions
Beirut’s winter winds are generally moderate but definitely noticeable, especially along the coast. Average speeds run 8 to 12 km/h, but storms can kick up stronger gusts.
Most of the time, winds come from the west and southwest, blowing in moisture from the sea.
Sometimes, breezes shift to the north or northeast, which brings cooler, drier air. These patterns can change fast, especially when winter weather rolls through.
If you’re heading to open spots like the Corniche or the hills east of town, expect it to get breezy.
Wind can make low to mid-teens Celsius feel colder than it looks on paper. A light windproof jacket is a good idea if you’re planning to be outside.
Visibility and Air Pressure
Visibility in Beirut is usually good during winter, but heavy rain can cut it down for a while. There’s more cloud cover this time of year, so the sky can look hazier than in summer.
Air pressure shifts as weather systems move in from the Mediterranean. Low-pressure systems bring rain and clouds, while high-pressure systems bring calmer, clearer days.
On average, air pressure sits between 1012 and 1018 hPa. These ups and downs aren’t dramatic, but they do affect the daily weather and when rain shows up.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
Winter in Beirut means shorter days, less direct sunlight, and a real drop in sunshine hours compared to summer. You won’t get endless bright days, but there’s still enough daylight for outdoor plans if you time things right.
Average Sunny Days
Beirut averages 4 to 7 hours of direct sunshine per day in winter. January is the cloudiest, with about 4 hours and 13 minutes of sun daily.
December and February are a bit brighter, closer to 5 hours.
Roughly 40–50% of daylight hours are sunny in mid-winter. The rest of the time, expect clouds or hazy skies.
You’ll see more overcast days in December and January, but by February, things start to look up. The city gets about 200–240 hours of sunshine per winter month, which helps lift the mood, even if it’s nothing like summer.
Day Length Changes
Daylight hours shift pretty steadily through winter. In December, the shortest days last about 9 hours and 55 minutes.
By February, you’ll get nearly 11 hours of daylight.
The winter solstice in late December has the lowest sun angle, with the midday sun just 33° above the horizon. Even on clear days, you won’t feel much warmth.
By February, the sun climbs to about 45° at noon, so the daylight feels a bit stronger.
If you’re planning to explore outdoors, keep in mind that you’ll have noticeably more usable daylight by late winter.
Sea Conditions During Winter
The Mediterranean off Beirut stays fairly mild in winter, at least compared to other places. The water cools down but doesn’t get painfully cold, so some folks still enjoy it.
Sea Surface Temperatures
Winter sea surface temperatures around Beirut range from about 70°F (21°C) in December to 64°F (18°C) by February. The cooling is gradual and follows the air temperature.
You’ll notice the biggest change after December. By January, the water drops to around 66°F (19°C), then hits its lowest in February near 64°F (18°C).
It’s cool, but not icy, so if you’re used to moderate water temps, you might still find it inviting.
Summer’s a different story, with the sea often above 80°F (27°C). In winter, you’ll probably want to keep your swims short unless you have a wetsuit.
Swimming and Water Activities
Swimming in Beirut during winter is possible, but it really depends on your cold tolerance. Most locals and visitors prefer May through December, when the sea stays above 68°F (20°C).
In December, some people still take a dip—70°F (21°C) isn’t too bad for a quick swim. By January and February, though, fewer folks brave the water, especially with more rainy days.
If you want to try paddleboarding or kayaking, winter can still work, but you’ll need extra gear like wetsuits. The Mediterranean is calmer in winter, which helps, but the cold makes longer outings less appealing.
Travel Considerations for Winter in Beirut
Beirut’s winter brings cooler weather, frequent rain, and shorter days. You’ll want to plan your trip with these changes in mind, since the weather can swing quickly from mild and sunny to wet and gray.
Best Time to Visit
Winter in Beirut shows up from December through February. Daytime temperatures usually sit between 12°C to 19°C (54°F to 66°F). Nights get a bit chillier, sometimes dropping to around 11°C (52°F). December and January bring the most rain, with totals often climbing to 160–190 mm per month.
If you like quieter streets, early December or late February might be your best bet. January really brings the downpours, which can make wandering around less fun. Still, you’ll notice that plenty of cafes, museums, and indoor spots keep buzzing all season.
For outdoor plans, just watch the weather and try to catch those clear spells. You’ll get enough sunny breaks to stroll the Corniche or maybe head into the hills for a few hours. Sure, the sea’s too cold for a swim, but the coastline? Still gorgeous, honestly.
Packing Recommendations
Get ready for weather that’s both cool and damp. You’ll want a waterproof jacket and an umbrella because rain can come out of nowhere. Layer up with sweaters, long sleeves, and maybe bring a light thermal for those colder nights.
Pick shoes that can handle puddles. Water-resistant shoes or boots make a big difference when the streets get soaked. On drier days, you’ll appreciate having comfortable walking shoes for exploring.
Even in winter, the sun sometimes surprises you. Toss in some sunglasses and a bit of light sunscreen for when it does. Heading to the mountains? Don’t forget a warmer coat and some gloves, just in case.
Seasonal Events and Activities
Winter brings a festive vibe to Beirut. In December, the city bursts with holiday decorations, and you’ll stumble on Christmas markets, seasonal treats, and lively cultural performances.
Central districts especially glow with lights and creative displays. The whole atmosphere feels pretty magical, honestly.
Museums, art galleries, and historic sites keep their doors open all year, so you’ve always got options when it rains. Locals and visitors alike head to the National Museum of Beirut or the Sursock Museum.
If you’re up for a short drive, you can reach mountain resorts nearby for skiing and snowboarding. Faraya-Mzaar stands out as a favorite, offering a totally different vibe from the coast.
With this mix of city energy and mountain escapes, Beirut really does feel like a surprisingly flexible winter getaway.