Winter in Gaza City feels mild and comfortable, especially compared to other places in the region. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 18–19°C (64–66°F), and nights cool off to about 8–9°C (46–48°F). You get a season that’s cool but rarely harsh, so spending time outside doesn’t mean piling on heavy layers.
Rain shapes the winter mood here. Most of the annual rainfall hits between December and February, and January tends to bring the heaviest showers. These rains freshen the air and green up the city, but storms don’t last long, and the skies often clear out pretty quickly.
Shorter days and softer sunlight mark the winter months. Humidity does rise, but it’s not usually overwhelming. With gentle winds off the Mediterranean, you get a calm, steady climate that really defines the cooler side of Gaza’s Mediterranean weather.
Overview of Winter Climate in Gaza City
Winter in Gaza City means cooler temperatures, higher rainfall, and shorter daylight hours. The city’s spot along the Mediterranean and its low elevation combine to make conditions milder but wetter.
Geographical Influences on Winter Weather
Gaza City sits right on the eastern Mediterranean, about 30 meters (100 feet) above sea level. This coastal location really shapes the winter weather. The sea keeps temperature swings in check, so things stay milder than inland.
Moist air from the Mediterranean brings most of the year’s rain during winter. Nearly all precipitation falls between December and February, with January usually seeing the highest totals. Rainfall can hit 40–50 mm in a single month, while summers usually go by without any measurable rain.
Because of the coast, you’ll feel more humidity in winter than you would in desert areas farther east. Winds from the west and northwest bring in cool, damp air. Sometimes, easterly winds blow in from inland, making days drier but a bit colder.
Typical Winter Weather Patterns
Gaza City’s winter temperatures feel mild compared to many places at the same latitude. In January, average daytime highs reach about 17°C (63°F), and nighttime lows dip to around 6–8°C (43–46°F). The season stays cool, but rarely uncomfortable.
Rain falls mostly in short, scattered showers rather than long storms. You’ll probably get 6–10 rainy days each month at the peak of winter, but clear skies usually follow. These showers help refill local water supplies.
Humidity runs moderate to high, and the air can feel damp, especially after it rains. Still, sunshine breaks through on most days, so you can usually get outdoors even in the wettest stretch.
Average Temperatures During Winter
Gaza City’s winters feel cooler than the long, hot summers, but temperatures stay pretty mild overall. You’ll notice the difference between day and night, and a bit of change from month to month. Old records show that winter patterns do shift a bit over time.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
In winter, daytime temperatures in Gaza City usually land between 59°F (15°C) and 65°F (18°C). These daytime highs make it easy to get outside, especially after the summer heat.
At night, things cool down more noticeably. Lows often range from 50°F (10°C) to 55°F (13°C). On the coldest nights, you might see it drop closer to 45°F (7°C), but that doesn’t happen too often.
The day-to-night change isn’t too dramatic, so you won’t face big swings. A light jacket or sweater usually does the trick in the evenings. This balance makes winter a pleasant time to be outdoors in Gaza.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Winter runs from December through February, and each month brings a slight shift.
- December: Highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 52°F (11°C).
- January: The coldest month, with highs near 61°F (16°C) and lows around 50°F (10°C).
- February: Things start to warm up, with highs near 63°F (17°C) and lows close to 51°F (11°C).
Temperatures rarely dip below 45°F (7°C). Rain happens most often in these months, so days can feel cooler than the numbers suggest. By late February, you’ll probably notice milder afternoons as spring gets closer.
Historical Winter Temperature Trends
Records show that Gaza’s winter temperatures have stayed pretty steady over the years. Average highs usually stick to the low to mid-60s °F (15–18°C), and lows hover near 50°F (10°C).
The coldest winters, like in the late 1950s, had highs around 65°F (18°C) and lows near 46°F (8°C). Warmer winters, including some in the early 2000s, recorded highs closer to 67°F (19°C).
Long-term warming is there, but it’s modest. Nights might feel a little milder than they did decades ago. These changes fit with broader climate patterns in the eastern Mediterranean.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Gaza City gets almost all its yearly rain in winter. Rain usually comes in short bursts, not long storms, and totals can vary a lot from December to February.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall concentrates in winter, especially December, January, and February. These three months bring most of the yearly average—about 194 mm.
January is usually the wettest, with around 49 mm of rain. December comes next with about 41 mm, and February averages near 38 mm. By March, rainfall drops to about 26 mm, and April just gets a little.
From May to September, rain basically disappears. These months usually record 0 mm of precipitation, showing off the dry Mediterranean summer. October and November see the return of some light showers, leading into wetter winter weather.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | 41 |
| January | 49 |
| February | 38 |
| March | 26 |
| April | 9 |
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain in Gaza doesn’t spread evenly across the year. Most of it lands on a handful of days in winter. On average, the city gets about 60 rainy days per year, which is roughly 16% of the time.
January and February usually see the most rainy days, with 6–8 days of measurable rain each. December brings a few wet days too, but usually not as many as January.
From late spring through early autumn, rainy days are almost unheard of. This sharp seasonal split is worth keeping in mind, especially if you’re planning a trip. Winter can bring sudden wet spells, while summer stays dry.
Precipitation Intensity and Types
Rain in Gaza usually shows up as short, moderate showers, not heavy downpours. Storms move through quickly but can get intense for a short stretch when cold fronts hit the eastern Mediterranean.
You’ll almost always see rainfall, not snow or freezing rain, since winter temperatures stay mild. Sometimes, the weather flips fast—a sunny morning can turn into a rainy afternoon.
Because rain comes in such a tight window, the ground can get saturated fast. This might lead to localized flooding in low areas, even though total rainfall isn’t huge compared to wetter places.
With mild air and the sea nearby, winter precipitation rarely gets extreme. Still, it’s vital for refilling water supplies and supporting local crops.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
Winter in Gaza City brings cooler air and higher moisture. You’ll notice damp conditions that really shape how the season feels, especially when it rains and temperatures drop.
Average Humidity Levels
In winter, humidity in Gaza City usually runs between 74% and 87%. That’s much higher than in the dry summer. Cooler air and frequent rain push up the moisture in the atmosphere.
You’ll often find mornings and evenings especially damp. Cooler overnight temps let water vapor condense more easily.
Humidity changes how the temperature feels. Even if the thermometer says 10–18°C (50–64°F), the air can bite a bit more because of all the moisture. That damp chill is typical for coastal places like Gaza.
It’s practical stuff, too—clothes take longer to dry indoors, and sometimes outdoor activities feel less comfortable when humidity peaks.
Seasonal Fluctuations in Humidity
Humidity doesn’t stay the same all winter. December and January are usually the most humid, matching the peak rainy season. Rainfall often tops 80–100 mm in these months, so moisture levels go up.
By February, you’ll probably notice humidity dropping a bit. Rain slows down, and average levels fall closer to the mid-70% range. Late winter feels a bit more comfortable for getting outside.
Compared to summer, the difference is huge. From June to September, humidity drops way down since it almost never rains, leaving the air dry even when it’s hot. Winter’s damp air is just part of the deal here.
If you’re outdoors a lot, these swings matter. December and January’s high humidity might mean warmer, layered clothes, while February brings a milder mix of moisture and temperature.
Wind Speed and Weather Effects
Winter in Gaza City brings stronger winds than other seasons, and these winds really shape daily life and outdoor comfort. Their speed and direction affect how cold it feels, how storms build, and how pleasant it is to be outside.
Average Wind Speed in Winter
During winter, you can expect average wind speeds above 8 miles per hour (mph). This stretch of stronger winds usually starts in late October and keeps up until early spring.
The bump in wind is most obvious from December to February, when storms happen more often. While these winds aren’t extreme compared to some coasts, the steady breeze can make it feel colder than it really is.
For example:
| Month | Avg. Wind Speed (mph) | Effect on Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| December | 8–10 | Feels cooler, jackets needed |
| January | 9–11 | Strongest breezes of the season |
| February | 8–10 | Still breezy, but starting to ease |
These wind speeds can stir up dust on dry days and push sea spray inland when storms roll in. If you’re heading outside, be ready for a chill that makes evenings colder than you’d expect.
Wind Patterns and Their Impact
Winter winds in Gaza City mostly blow in from the west and northwest, straight off the Mediterranean. These winds bring in moist air that boosts seasonal rainfall.
When storms cross the region, winds can pick up fast, causing gusty conditions. Gusts might kick up sand and debris, cut visibility, and make walking down open streets less pleasant.
Wind direction matters for the sea, too. Westerly winds make coastal waters rougher, which can affect fishing and small boats. On calmer days, the breeze helps clear the air by sweeping away dust and pollutants.
With their speed and direction, winter winds clearly shape daily weather. They cool things down, steer rainfall patterns, and decide how safe or enjoyable it is to be outside near the coast.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Winter in Gaza City brings shorter days and less sunshine than the rest of the year. You’ll notice changes in how long the sun stays up and how much direct sun you get, which can definitely shift outdoor plans and daily routines.
Length of Daylight in Winter
In the winter months, Gaza City usually gets about 10 hours of daylight in December, stretching a bit to just over 10.5 hours by February. The shortest day hits around late December. You’ll probably see the sun rise near 6:30 AM and set close to 4:40 PM.
With less daylight, mornings and evenings seem to drag on, and honestly, there just aren’t as many hours for sightseeing or getting things done outside. Once January rolls in, you’ll notice the days slowly picking up a few extra minutes of light each week.
Here’s a quick look at average daylight for each month:
| Month | Average Daylight |
|---|---|
| December | ~10.1 hours |
| January | ~10.2 hours |
| February | ~11.0 hours |
Shorter days like these are pretty normal for this part of the world. By late February, the extra sunlight feels obvious, and the days seem a bit brighter.
Average Daily Sunshine
Even though the days get shorter, Gaza City still gets a decent amount of sunshine in winter. You’ll usually see 6 to 7 hours of direct sun per day, but clouds and rain can cut that down.
December tends to bring more overcast skies, so sunlight hours drop closer to the lower end. By February, the sky clears up more often, and afternoons feel a bit brighter.
Humidity and rainfall matter too. December and January often get 60–100 mm of rain, so you might go a day or two with barely any sun. Still, those rainy spells don’t last forever, and breaks in the clouds often bring longer stretches of sunshine between showers.
If you’re planning something outdoors, aim for midday since that’s when you’ll most likely catch some sun. The lower sun angle in winter gives the city’s coastal scenery a softer, almost golden light, which is great if you’re into photography.