When to Visit Sanaa

January brings Sanaa's coldest nights. They dip to around 3°C (37°F) after dark. A warm jacket is not optional. Afternoons reach a pleasant 22°C (72°F). Very little rainfall falls. Skies stay clear most days.

February stays similarly cold at night. Again around 3°C (38°F). Afternoons warm only slightly to 24°C (76°F). Rainfall remains minimal at roughly 5mm for the month. This is one of the driest and clearest periods.

March is when the character of Sanaa's year begins to shift. Afternoons reach 25°C (78°F). Nights climb to a more manageable 7°C (44°F). The first proper rains arrive. Around 18mm falls across the month. Occasional afternoon showers freshen the dust.

April is the wettest spring month. Around 48mm of rainfall spreads across frequent short showers. Highs settle at 24°C (76°F). Lows rest at 8°C (47°F). The surrounding plateau turns green. The old city's carved stone catches a different quality of light on overcast days.

May brings the tail end of the spring rains. Still 28mm on average. Temperatures stay mild at 25°C (78°F) high and 10°C (50°F) low. Days alternate between clear mornings and afternoon cloudbursts. The tradeoff is pleasantly cool conditions.

June is the warmest month Sanaa gets. Afternoons reach 28°C (82°F). Very little rain falls, roughly 5mm for the entire month. Nights stay at 10°C (50°F). For a city at this latitude, it remains comfortable. The dry air makes the warmth feel lighter than the number suggests.

July marks the start of the summer rain period. Temperatures ease back slightly to 26°C (79°F) in the afternoon. Nights warm to 13°C (56°F). Around 51mm of rain falls. Showers are typically short, sometimes heavy, and usually arrive in the afternoon. Mornings in Sanaa during July are often clear and bright before the clouds build.

August is the rainiest month of the year by some margin. Around 76mm of rainfall lands. Afternoons reach 25°C (78°F). Nights stay at 13°C (55°F), the warmest low temperatures of the year. The highland landscape around Sanaa is at its greenest. Outdoor plans need flexibility for afternoon showers.

September sees a quick retreat of the rains. Only about 13mm falls across the month. Temperatures dip slightly to 25°C (77°F) high and 10°C (51°F) low. The air feels washed clean after the summer wet period.

October is one of the driest months of the year. Just 3mm of rain falls. Temperatures begin their gradual autumn slide to 22°C (71°F) in the afternoon and 7°C (46°F) at night. Clear skies and comfortable temperatures make this a quietly good time to be in Sanaa.

November marks the definitive arrival of cool, dry weather. Afternoons reach only 20°C (68°F). Nights drop to 5°C (41°F). Rainfall is minimal at around 8mm. The city's muezzin calls carry further on cold mornings. The stone streets of the Old City take on an almost medieval quality in the low winter light.

December keeps the cool, dry rhythm. Highs hit 20°C (68°F). Nights settle at 4°C (39°F). Rain totals only 5mm. Once the sun drops, the chill races in. Layer up after sunset.