Weather overview
The weather in Gaza follows a Mediterranean pattern, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. From November to March, temperatures are comfortable, ranging from +7.6 °C at night to +22.7 °C during the day, making it a pleasant time to explore the city. Rainfall is modest but most likely in January and February, though it rarely disrupts travel plans.
From April onward, Gaza enters a long dry season, with almost no rain until October. Daytime temperatures climb steadily, peaking in July and August at +35.6 °C and +35.3 °C, while nights remain warm at +22 °C. The sea temperature also rises, reaching +30.6 °C in August, ideal for swimming if you can handle the heat.
Temperature
Winter in Gaza is mild, with average temperatures hovering around +12 °C in January and +14.3 °C in December. The coldest nights drop to +7.6 °C, but frost is rare. By March, the weather warms up noticeably, with highs reaching +22.7 °C and lows around +9.4 °C.
Summer brings intense heat, especially from June to September, when daytime temperatures often exceed +30 °C. The hottest months, July and August, see averages of +27.9 °C and +27.8 °C, with peaks near +35 °C. Evenings offer little relief, staying above +20 °C. By October, the heat begins to ease, with highs dropping to +30.9 °C and nights cooling to +17.6 °C.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7.6 | 18.6 |
| February | 7.9 | 19.4 |
| March | 9.4 | 22.7 |
| April | 13.3 | 28 |
| May | 16.6 | 31.8 |
| June | 19.6 | 34.1 |
| July | 22.2 | 35.6 |
| August | 22.3 | 35.3 |
| September | 20.6 | 34.1 |
| October | 17.6 | 30.9 |
| November | 13.3 | 26 |
| December | 9.9 | 21.1 |
Precipitation
Gaza is one of the driest cities in the region, with an annual rainfall of just 121 mm. Most of it falls between November and March, with January being the wettest month at 33 mm. Even then, rain is usually light and short-lived, often coming as brief showers rather than prolonged downpours.
From May to September, rain is virtually nonexistent, with June, July, and August recording no measurable precipitation. The dry season aligns with the hottest months, so travelers should prepare for arid conditions. The first rains of the season typically arrive in November, signaling the transition to cooler weather.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 33 |
| February | 27.3 |
| March | 26.9 |
| April | 5.6 |
| May | 1.3 |
| June | 0 |
| July | 0 |
| August | 0 |
| September | 1 |
| October | 1.2 |
| November | 11.1 |
| December | 13.2 |
What to pack
For a winter trip to Gaza, pack layers to adapt to mild days and cooler nights. A light jacket or sweater is useful for evenings, especially in January and February, when temperatures can dip to +7.6 °C. Comfortable walking shoes and a compact umbrella may come in handy during the brief rainy season.
Summer travel to Gaza requires lightweight, breathable clothing to cope with the heat. Opt for loose-fitting fabrics, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect against the sun. If you plan to swim, bring a quick-dry towel and reef-safe sunscreen, as the sea temperature in August reaches +30.6 °C. A reusable water bottle is essential to stay hydrated during long walks.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 4 |
| February | 4 |
| March | — |
| April | 4.1 |
| May | 4.2 |
| June | 3.8 |
| July | 3.8 |
| August | 3.7 |
| September | 3.5 |
| October | 3.4 |
| November | 3.5 |
| December | 3.9 |