Sanaa in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Sanaa

24°C (76°F) High Temp

3°C (38°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Cool, dry mountain air makes walking the UNESCO Old City comfortable - temperatures peak at 24°C (76°F) instead of the brutal 35°C+ (95°F+) of summer months
Crystal clear visibility for photography - February's low humidity and minimal dust storms offer perfect conditions for capturing the iconic gingerbread architecture
Traditional wedding season means witnessing authentic Yemeni celebrations with elaborate henna ceremonies and traditional oud music in neighborhood courtyards
Pomegranate and citrus harvest season - local markets overflow with fresh produce at lowest prices, and traditional winter stews like saltah are at their peak

Considerations

Extreme temperature swings require layered clothing - mornings start at 3°C (38°F) but afternoons hit 24°C (76°F), catching unprepared visitors off guard
Intermittent rainfall on 10+ days can flood the Old City's narrow alleyways, making some historic sites temporarily inaccessible
Limited daylight hours (10.5 hours) compress sightseeing time, especially problematic given early shop closures during winter months

Best Activities in February

Old City Architecture Walking Tours

February's cool mornings (3-15°C/38-59°F) are perfect for exploring Sanaa's 6,000+ historic buildings without heat exhaustion. The UNESCO World Heritage site's narrow alleys and multi-story tower houses are best experienced when comfortable temperatures allow 3-4 hours of walking. Low tourist season means unobstructed photography and genuine interactions with local artisans.

Booking Tip: Book through certified cultural guides at the Tourism Office 5-7 days ahead. Expect to pay 8,000-12,000 YER for 3-hour tours. Start at 9am to maximize cool weather window before afternoon warmth.

Traditional Souk Market Exploration

Winter harvest season fills Sanaa's souks with seasonal specialties - fresh dates, pomegranates, and honey at lowest annual prices. February's moderate humidity (70%) preserves spice aromas better than summer's dry heat. Morning temperatures around 10°C (50°F) make the covered markets comfortable for extended browsing.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works best. Hire Male guides for 2,000-3,000 YER for cultural context. Visit 8-11am when temperatures are coolest and vendors are setting up seasonal displays.

Traditional Coffee House Cultural Immersion

February evenings (15-20°C/59-68°F) are ideal for Sanaa's legendary coffee house culture. Winter is peak season for traditional storytelling sessions and live oud performances. The comfortable temperatures mean outdoor terraces are open, offering rooftop views of the illuminated Old City without summer's oppressive heat.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most coffee houses. Budget 1,500-2,500 YER for traditional coffee service and light meals. Peak cultural activity happens 7-10pm when temperatures are most comfortable.

Mountain Valley Day Trips

February's clear skies and stable weather create perfect conditions for visiting surrounding valleys like Wadi Dhar. Temperatures remain comfortable even at higher elevations, and the absence of summer dust storms provides exceptional mountain photography opportunities. Winter rains create temporary waterfalls and green landscapes.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed drivers 3-5 days ahead, typically 15,000-25,000 YER for full-day trips including driver and fuel. Depart early (8am) to maximize clear morning light for photography.

Traditional Handicraft Workshop Visits

February's indoor temperatures make extended time in artisan workshops comfortable. This is peak production season for traditional Yemeni textiles and metalwork as craftsmen prepare for spring wedding season. Cool weather means workshops aren't stifling, allowing visitors to observe detailed silver jewelry making and traditional weaving techniques.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural centers 2-3 days ahead. Workshop visits typically cost 3,000-5,000 YER including demonstration and tea service. Best visited 10am-3pm when natural light is optimal and workshops are most active.

Traditional Yemeni Cooking Classes

February brings seasonal ingredients perfect for learning traditional winter dishes like saltah and fahsa. Comfortable indoor temperatures make spending 3-4 hours in traditional kitchens enjoyable. This is also harvest season for key spices, offering the freshest ingredients for authentic flavor experiences.

Booking Tip: Book through cultural centers or traditional restaurants 5-7 days ahead. Classes typically cost 8,000-15,000 YER including ingredients and meal. Schedule for late morning (10am) to avoid temperature extremes.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Traditional Wedding Season Celebrations

February marks peak wedding season in Sanaa's communities. Visitors may witness traditional henna ceremonies, elaborate processions through Old City streets, and authentic oud music performances in neighborhood courtyards. These celebrations showcase centuries-old Yemeni traditions with intricate traditional dress and communal feasting.

Early to Mid February

Pomegranate and Citrus Harvest Festivals

Local communities celebrate winter harvest with traditional markets featuring fresh pomegranates, oranges, and lemons. Traditional preparation demonstrations show how these fruits are preserved and incorporated into winter cuisine. Markets offer tastings of seasonal preserves and traditional fruit-based sweets.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated jacket rated for 3°C (38°F) - early mornings are genuinely cold in the mountain city altitude of 2,300m (7,546 ft)

Lightweight layers for 20°C (36°F) temperature swings - you'll shed clothing as day progresses from freezing dawn to warm afternoon

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - February's 10 rainy days create slippery conditions on Old City's polished stone streets

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite winter season - UV index of 8 combined with 2,300m (7,546 ft) altitude creates intense sun exposure

Compact umbrella for brief afternoon showers - rain typically lasts 20-30 minutes but can be intense in narrow alleyways

Breathable cotton layers over synthetic fabrics - 70% humidity makes polyester uncomfortable during afternoon temperature peaks

Warm hat and light scarf - essential for 3°C (38°F) early morning souk visits and evening activities

Comfortable walking boots - expect 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) of walking daily on uneven historic stone surfaces

Power bank and waterproof phone case - February's variable weather can catch electronics unprepared during sudden showers

Traditional modest clothing covering arms and legs - respect local customs while staying comfortable in variable temperatures

Insider Knowledge

Shop for traditional honey and spices in the first week of February when harvest season brings lowest prices and highest quality - local vendors offer 30-40% discounts on bulk purchases

Time Old City photography for 2-4pm in February when winter sun angle perfectly illuminates the iconic tower houses' geometric patterns without harsh shadows

Local families invite visitors for traditional winter meals during February's wedding celebrations - accepting these invitations provides authentic cultural experiences rarely available to tourists

February's clear air and cool temperatures make rooftop dining at traditional restaurants comfortable - book evening reservations for spectacular sunset views over the UNESCO site

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning cold - tourists wearing only light layers for 24°C (76°F) highs suffer in 3°C (38°F) dawn temperatures during early market visits

Skipping rain protection because it's 'dry season' - February averages 10 rainy days and sudden downpours flood Old City alleys within minutes

Not bringing warm evening clothes - many tourists focus on daytime comfort but February nights drop to 8°C (46°F), making outdoor dining uncomfortable without layers