Weather overview
Захла sits in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, where the climate shifts noticeably with the seasons. Winters here are cool and wet, with January and February bringing the most rain and temperatures often hovering around +6.9 °C to +7.4 °C. By March, the air begins to warm, and the landscape starts to green up, though evenings can still feel crisp.
From May through September, Захла enjoys its dry season, with long stretches of sunshine and little rainfall. July and August are the warmest months, with daytime highs reaching +31 °C to +33.3 °C, while nights remain comfortable. The transition months of April and October offer mild weather, making them ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings without extreme heat or cold.
Temperature
Temperatures in Захла vary widely between seasons. In winter, December through February, averages range from +6.9 °C to +8.2 °C, with occasional dips near 0 °C at night. Frost isn’t common, but mornings can feel chilly, especially in the valley’s higher elevations.
By April, the mercury climbs steadily, and May brings warm days around +19.5 °C on average. The peak of summer in July and August sees highs of +31 °C to +33.3 °C, though the dry air makes the heat more bearable than in coastal areas. Evenings cool off quickly, dropping to around +19 °C in August, so layers are useful year-round.
Autumn arrives gently in Захла, with September still warm at +23.5 °C on average, while October and November see a gradual cooldown. By December, temperatures settle back into single digits, marking the return of winter’s quiet rhythm.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3.2 | 11.9 |
| February | 2.8 | 11.8 |
| March | 6.5 | 15 |
| April | 9.3 | 20.3 |
| May | 12.8 | 25.3 |
| June | 16.4 | 29.1 |
| July | 19.2 | 31 |
| August | 18.9 | 33.3 |
| September | 18.5 | 31.7 |
| October | 13.1 | 25.7 |
| November | 9.6 | 19.4 |
| December | 5 | 14.2 |
Precipitation
Rainfall in Захла is heavily concentrated in the cooler months. January is the wettest, with nearly 171 mm of rain, while February and December also see significant precipitation. These months can bring occasional downpours, though storms are usually short-lived.
From June to September, rain is rare, with July and August often recording less than 2 mm of precipitation. The dry season makes this period ideal for outdoor activities, though the lack of rain can leave the landscape parched by late summer. April and May offer a balance, with minimal rain and pleasant temperatures.
By November, the rains return, though not as intensely as in winter. The shift from dry to wet seasons is gradual, giving travelers a window of mild weather in October before the heavier showers of November and December set in.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 170.8 |
| February | 124.7 |
| March | 99.1 |
| April | 43.6 |
| May | 21.1 |
| June | 2.5 |
| July | 0.4 |
| August | 1.5 |
| September | 1.5 |
| October | 15 |
| November | 72.1 |
| December | 116.7 |
What to pack
For a winter trip to Захла, pack layers to handle the cool days and colder nights. A warm jacket is useful for December through February, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding hills. Waterproof footwear is a good idea during the rainy season, as streets can become slick.
In spring and autumn, lightweight clothing works well, but evenings can still be cool, so a light sweater or jacket is worth bringing. For summer, breathable fabrics are essential, along with sun protection—hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen will help you stay comfortable under the strong July and August sun.
Year-round, comfortable walking shoes are a must, as Захла’s terrain includes both city streets and rural paths. If you’re visiting in May or September, when temperatures are mild, a mix of short- and long-sleeve options will cover most conditions without overpacking.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 2.1 |
| February | 2.1 |
| March | — |
| April | 2.2 |
| May | 2.5 |
| June | 2.3 |
| July | 2.4 |
| August | 2.1 |
| September | 2 |
| October | 2 |
| November | 2 |
| December | 1.8 |