Best Time to Visit Beirut

Spring and autumn: the sweet spots

March to June is when Beirut is at its easiest. March is still fresh and can be showery, but by April the days are mild and mostly dry. May is lovely. You can walk the Corniche (the seafront promenade) in the afternoon without wilting, and the sea is not yet warm enough to be crowded with swimmers.

Autumn works nearly as well. September and October are warm and settled, and the sea has had all summer to heat up. By November the rain returns, but it's still mild. If you want café terraces in Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael without the summer sweat, aim for May or October.

Summer: beach season and busy weeks

July and August are the hottest months, and they're tied at 32°C. Nights stay warm and the air feels heavy near the coast. It's dry, though, with almost no rain at all. This is the time for beach clubs, rooftop evenings and seafront swims.

It's also high season. Many Lebanese living abroad come home to visit family, so flights fill up and the coast gets lively. If you hate heat, escape uphill. Mountain villages and the Chouf cedar reserve are noticeably cooler than the city. Baalbek is a hot, shadeless site in midsummer, so go early or choose another season.

Music fans should know about the Baalbeck International Festival. It has long been held in summer among the Roman ruins, though the schedule varies from year to year.

Winter: wet, quiet and green

December to February brings the rain. January is the wettest month, with showers on about 13 days. Storms can be heavy and sudden, and the sea turns rough. Days are cool rather than cold, so you can still wander the National Museum or the souks, with indoor stops handy.

Winter is low season, so hotels are easier to find. Travelling with kids? It's a calm time for museums and long lunches over mezze (small shared dishes). Skiers can head to the mountains, since you can reach resorts like The Cedars within a few hours of the city. Snow is never guaranteed, so check conditions before you go.

If you want one simple answer, pick late April, May or October. You'll get sunshine, mild evenings and enough room to enjoy the city.