Climate

The most hospitable and pleasant climate in Syria is to be found near the coast. Here, Mediterranean conditions give hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, with average daily temperatures of 29°C in summer and 10°C in winter. Annual rainfall along the coast ranges from 750 to 1,000mm (30 to 40 inches).

Moving inland from the coast, Syria's climate becomes increasingly drier and less welcoming. Temperatures in the plateau region average around 35°C in summer and 12°C in winter and annual rainfall varies from 250mm to 500mm (10 to 20 inches). Winters in the northern interior can be cold, with temperatures often falling to below freezing.

In the desert area, summer temperatures average 40°C, with frequent highs of around 46 °C. Rainfall is extremely low.