Beit Sahour

Planning your day in Beit Sahour or just curious about the weather? Below, you'll find the most up-to-date information, including forecasts and helpful weather charts, to stay informed of all changes.

The climate in Beit Sahour can be characterized as desert (arid). This means the city greets visitors with extremely hot and very dry summers, while winters are mild but also see very little precipitation. Two main seasons are clearly defined throughout the year, which is important to consider when planning your trip.

The summer months, especially from June to September, are characterized by consistently clear and sunny weather. Average maximum temperatures during this period often exceed +30°C, and in July and August, they can reach nearly +34°C. Rain in the summer is extremely rare; in fact, from May to October, precipitation is almost non-existent, highlighting the region's arid nature.

Winter, lasting roughly from December to February, brings cooler weather with average temperatures between +12°C and +16°C. It is during the winter and early spring months that the bulk of the annual precipitation falls, although it remains very sparse. For example, January and February might have about 10-11 days with some precipitation, but the total monthly amount remains very modest, usually no more than 2 mm. The total annual precipitation is only about 8 mm, which is typical for a desert climate.

Beit Sahour has a climate with pronounced seasonal temperature fluctuations. The annual temperature range is quite broad: the hottest months are July and August, when average temperatures reach 28.2-28.3°C, and daily highs regularly climb to 33.9°C. The coolest months are January and February, with an average temperature of about 12.1-12.7°C and minimum nighttime temperatures dropping to 8.4-8.7°C.

The summer period, from June to September, is characterized by hot and dry weather. Daytime temperatures during this time often exceed 30°C, peaking in July and August. Nights bring some relief as temperatures drop to 20-22°C, creating noticeable diurnal fluctuations. This is especially evident in mid-summer, when the difference between the daytime high and the nighttime low can be around 11-12°C. Precipitation is virtually non-existent in the summer months, confirming the arid nature of the summer season.

Winter in Beit Sahour, spanning from December to February, is notably mild. Average daytime temperatures range from 15-18°C, while nighttime temperatures drop to an average of 8-10°C. Although frost is not typical, nights can be quite cool. Most of the precipitation, though small in quantity, falls during the winter months. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer but still noticeable, at around 7-8°C. The shoulder seasons—spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November)—offer comfortable warm weather with gradual changes in temperature readings.

Beit Sahour experiences a pronounced seasonality in precipitation. The year is clearly divided into dry and relatively wet periods. The dry season occurs during the summer and early autumn months, while the bulk of the precipitation falls in winter.

The wettest months in Beit Sahour are January and February. On average, each of these months receives 2 mm of precipitation. January also leads in the number of rainy days, with about 11, while February has around 10. As spring arrives, precipitation decreases: March sees about 1 mm (approximately 7 rainy days), and April also sees 1 mm (about 4 rainy days). Given the small total amount, any precipitation is likely to be light rain or drizzle. Snow is highly unlikely based on average temperatures.

Summer in Beit Sahour is a period with almost no precipitation. From June through September, the average rainfall is 0 mm, and no rainy days are recorded during these months. May and October are transitional months: although the average rainfall is also 0 mm, there can be up to 2 days classified as "wet," which might indicate traces of precipitation or high humidity. In November (1 mm, about 7 rainy days) and December (1 mm, about 8 rainy days), precipitation gradually returns, marking the start of the wetter season.

When planning a trip to Beit Sahour, it's important to choose the right wardrobe to stay comfortable in any weather. Summers here, especially from June to August, are hot and dry, with average temperatures around 26-28°C and highs often exceeding 30°C. During this period, your luggage should consist mainly of light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect against the strong sun. May and September-October are also warm, but with more moderate temperatures. Comfortable walking shoes are a must-have at any time of year, as you'll likely want to explore the city and its surroundings.

The winter months, from December to February, bring cooler weather with average temperatures around 12-14°C, while lows can drop to 8°C. During this period, as well as the shoulder seasons (March-April and November), layering is recommended. Pack T-shirts, long-sleeves, sweaters or a fleece jacket, along with a light but warm jacket, perhaps a windbreaker. Although total precipitation is low (around 1-2 mm per month), winter months (January-February) can have up to 10-11 days with some rain, so a compact umbrella or light raincoat might come in handy. Evenings can be chilly even in the shoulder seasons, so an extra warm layer won't go amiss.