When to Visit Sanaa
Climate guide & best times to travel
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Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January brings some of the coolest weather to Sanaa, with crisp mornings that can dip to 3°C and pleasant afternoons around 22°C. The skies are typically clear with virtually no rainfall, making it excellent for exploring the city on foot. You'll definitely want warm layers for early mornings and evenings, as that highland chill is real.
February
February stays dry and starts to warm slightly, with daytime highs reaching 24°C while nights remain cold at 3°C. The minimal rainfall and clear conditions continue, making it one of the more predictable months for planning outdoor activities. The temperature difference between day and night remains significant, so you'll still be adjusting layers throughout the day.
March
March marks the beginning of a gradual warming trend, with daytime temperatures reaching 26°C and nights becoming more comfortable at 7°C. You might see slightly more rainfall than the previous months, though 18mm is still quite modest. The weather is generally excellent for all outdoor activities, with that crisp highland air feeling particularly pleasant.
April
April brings a bit of a surprise—temperatures actually dip slightly to 24°C during the day, while nights warm to 8°C, and rainfall increases noticeably to 48mm. This is when you start to see the first hints of the approaching monsoon influence. The occasional rain shower tends to be brief, and the weather remains generally pleasant for sightseeing.
May
May sees temperatures climbing back to 26°C with warmer nights around 10°C, and rainfall moderating to 28mm. The weather feels transitional, sitting between the dry season and the upcoming wetter months. It's actually quite pleasant for exploring, with warm days that aren't too hot and the landscape starting to show some green from the April rains.
June
June brings the warmest temperatures of the year, with highs reaching 28°C and nights staying mild at 10°C. Rainfall drops back down to just 5mm, giving you mostly dry conditions before the summer monsoon arrives. The heat is quite manageable thanks to the elevation, though you'll notice the sun feels particularly strong at this altitude.
July
July marks the beginning of the monsoon season, with rainfall jumping to 51mm and temperatures moderating to 26°C during the day and 13°C at night. The showers tend to come in the afternoon or evening, often brief but sometimes intense. The rain brings a freshness to the air and the surrounding landscapes turn noticeably greener.
August
August is the wettest month in Sanaa, with 76mm of rainfall, though temperatures remain pleasant at 26°C during the day and 13°C at night. The rain typically falls in bursts rather than all-day drizzle, so you can still get out and about between showers. The increased moisture and cloud cover actually make for some dramatic lighting around the Old City.
September
September sees the monsoon influence waning, with rainfall dropping to 13mm and temperatures settling at 25°C during the day and 11°C at night. The landscape is still green from the summer rains, but the skies start clearing more consistently. It's actually a lovely time to visit, with fresh air and fewer crowds.
October
October brings cooler temperatures with highs around 22°C and lows dropping to 8°C, along with minimal rainfall of just 3mm. The dry season is firmly established, and the weather is excellent for all activities. The crisp air and clear skies make this one of the most pleasant months to explore Sanaa and the surrounding highlands.
November
November continues the cooling trend with daytime highs of 20°C and nights dropping to 5°C, while rainfall remains minimal at 8mm. The weather is consistently dry and clear, though you'll definitely notice the chill in the mornings and evenings. It's peak season for comfortable exploration, with that distinctive highland climate feeling particularly crisp.
December
December brings some of the coldest nights of the year at 4°C, with daytime temperatures reaching a mild 20°C. Rainfall stays minimal at 5mm, and the dry, clear conditions continue. The winter chill is most noticeable in the early mornings and after sunset, when you'll appreciate having brought proper warm layers.