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Palmyra

Weather in Тадмор: What to Expect by Season

Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

Weather overview

Тадмор lies in the heart of the Syrian Desert, where the climate is defined by extreme dryness and sharp temperature shifts. Rain is rare here, with most months receiving little to no precipitation. The sun dominates the sky year-round, offering clear days even in winter.

From November to March, Тадмор experiences cooler weather, with daytime temperatures rising above 12 °C but nights often dropping near freezing. The desert cools quickly after sunset, so evenings can feel chilly. April through October brings intense heat, with summer months regularly exceeding 35 °C and peaking near 39 °C in July and August.

Temperature

Winter in Тадмор is mild during the day but cold at night. In January, the coldest month, temperatures range from +2.7 °C at night to +12.4 °C by afternoon. By March, daytime highs reach +19.6 °C, while nights remain cool at +7.3 °C. The transition to spring is rapid, with April already feeling warm at +25.8 °C during the day.

Summer arrives in full force by June, when Тадмор sees daily highs of +36.1 °C and lows around +20.6 °C. The heat peaks in July and August, with temperatures often climbing to +38.8 °C and rarely dropping below +22.5 °C even at night. By September, the worst of the heat subsides, though days remain hot at +34.7 °C. October brings relief, with temperatures settling between +15.3 °C and +28.5 °C.

Average air temperature °C
Average air temperature
Month Minimum Maximum
January 2.7 12.4
February 4.1 15.1
March 7.3 19.6
April 12.2 25.8
May 16.9 31.4
June 20.6 36.1
July 22.5 38.8
August 22.6 38.7
September 19.9 34.7
October 15.3 28.5
November 8 20
December 4 13.9

Precipitation

Тадмор is one of the driest places in Syria, with almost no rainfall for most of the year. The few showers that occur happen between November and March, with January and March seeing the highest totals—around 19 mm and 20 mm, respectively. Even in these months, rain is light and infrequent.

From May to October, precipitation is virtually nonexistent. June, July, and August often record no rain at all, while September and October see only trace amounts. The dry air and relentless sun make hydration essential, especially during the summer months.

Precipitation amount mm
Precipitation amount
Month Precipitation
January 19.1
February 17
March 20.7
April 10.4
May 9.3
June 0.1
July 0.1
August 0
September 0.1
October 8.7
November 18.1
December 13.7

What to pack

For a winter trip to Тадмор, pack layers to handle the temperature swings. Days may be mild, but nights can drop near freezing, so a warm jacket is useful. A scarf or shawl will help with the desert wind, which can feel biting in December and January. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the ruins, as the terrain is uneven.

Summer visitors should prioritize sun protection. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in breathable fabrics will help manage the heat, while a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential. A reusable water bottle is critical—Тадмор’s dry air and high temperatures demand constant hydration. If visiting in April or October, pack a mix of light layers for the warm days and something slightly warmer for the cooler evenings.