How do temperatures and rainfall differ between Lebanon’s coast, mountains, and Bekaa Valley?

Lebanon experiences sharp climatic contrasts due to its varied topography, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, humid winters.1

Temperature Variations

• Coast: January mean minimum temperatures are in the low 50s F (about 10–12 °C).1
• Bekaa Valley: This inland region experiences colder winters, with January mean maximums in the low 50s F (low 10s C) and mean minimums in the mid-30s F (about 2 °C).1
• Mountains: At higher elevations, such as the highest settlements at 5,000 feet (1,524 meters), temperatures are approximately 15 °F (8 °C) cooler than on the coast.1

Rainfall Distribution

• Coast: Receives an average of 30 to 40 inches (750 to 1,000 mm) of precipitation annually.1
• Mountains: Precipitation increases significantly with altitude, exceeding 50 inches (1,270 mm). On the highest peaks, this falls as heavy snow that persists until early summer.1
• Bekaa Valley: Being in the rain shadow of the mountains, this region is significantly drier, receiving only 15 to 25 inches (380 to 640 mm) of annual rainfall.12

Nearly all of the country's precipitation occurs during the winter months.1