Yemen Weather by Month

Yemen, located in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula, is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, Oman to the east, the Red Sea to the west, and the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden to the south. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from coastal plains and arid deserts to rugged mountains and fertile highlands. Yemen’s mountainous regions, which include the Sarawat range, provide a striking contrast to the hot coastal lowlands and arid deserts, creating a variety of climate zones.

Yemen’s geography influences its weather patterns significantly, with regions experiencing distinct climates. Coastal areas along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden tend to be hot and humid, while the mountainous highlands enjoy more moderate temperatures, though they can become quite cool in winter. The desert regions, particularly in the north and east, are hot and dry, with little rainfall throughout the year. Yemen experiences two distinct rainy seasons, primarily in the spring and late summer, which impact the country’s agriculture and overall climate.

January

General Overview

Average temperature: 15-27°C (59-81°F) in coastal regions, 5-20°C (41-68°F) in the highlands
Rainfall: Minimal, mostly dry

January is one of the cooler months in Yemen, particularly in the highland regions, where temperatures can drop significantly at night. Coastal areas along the Red Sea and Arabian Sea remain warm, though humidity levels are lower than in summer. The desert regions are hot during the day but cool off at night. Rainfall is minimal across the country during this month, making it part of Yemen’s dry season.

Regional Differences

Coastal regions (Aden, Al Hudaydah): Warm, with temperatures between 20-27°C (68-81°F), and dry
Highlands (Sana’a, Taiz): Cool, with temperatures ranging from 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Deserts (Rub’ al Khali): Hot during the day, cooler at night, with temperatures ranging from 10-25°C (50-77°F)

January is a great month for travel, particularly in the highlands, where the temperatures are pleasant for exploring cities like Sana’a.

February

General Overview

Average temperature: 16-28°C (61-82°F) in coastal regions, 7-22°C (45-72°F) in the highlands
Rainfall: Minimal, dry season continues

February remains part of the dry season in Yemen, with little to no rainfall across most of the country. Temperatures begin to rise slightly compared to January, but the weather is still relatively mild. Coastal regions remain warm, while the highlands enjoy cool, pleasant weather during the day, with colder nights.

Regional Differences

Coastal regions: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 21-28°C (70-82°F)
Highlands: Cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 7-22°C (45-72°F)
Deserts: Hot during the day, cool at night, temperatures ranging from 12-27°C (54-81°F)

February is another ideal month for travel, especially in the highlands, where temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities.

March

General Overview

Average temperature: 18-30°C (64-86°F) in coastal regions, 10-24°C (50-75°F) in the highlands
Rainfall: Minimal, transition toward the rainy season begins in the highlands

March marks the beginning of the transition from the dry season to the spring rainy season, particularly in the highlands. While most of the country remains dry, light showers may start to occur in the highland areas. Coastal regions remain warm and dry, but temperatures start to rise as the country moves closer to the hotter months.

Regional Differences

Coastal regions: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 23-30°C (73-86°F)
Highlands: Cool with occasional light rain, temperatures ranging from 10-24°C (50-75°F)
Deserts: Hot during the day, mild at night, temperatures between 15-29°C (59-84°F)

March is a transitional month, but it is still a good time to explore the highlands and coastal areas, as rainfall remains light.

April

General Overview

Average temperature: 20-33°C (68-91°F) in coastal regions, 12-26°C (54-79°F) in the highlands
Rainfall: Increasing rainfall in the highlands

April is the start of the spring rainy season in Yemen, especially in the highland regions. Rainfall becomes more frequent, particularly in the western highlands, which can see occasional downpours. The coastal and desert regions remain relatively dry, though temperatures rise, making the weather warmer and more humid along the coast.

Regional Differences

Coastal regions: Hot and dry, with temperatures between 25-33°C (77-91°F)
Highlands: Pleasant with increasing rain, temperatures ranging from 12-26°C (54-79°F)
Deserts: Hot during the day, mild at night, temperatures between 18-31°C (64-88°F)

April is a good month for those who want to experience the start of the rainy season in the highlands, while the coast remains a warm, dry option for beachgoers.

May

General Overview

Average temperature: 25-35°C (77-95°F) in coastal regions, 16-28°C (61-82°F) in the highlands
Rainfall: Frequent showers in the highlands

May is part of the spring rainy season in the highlands, with regular showers that help nourish the fertile lands of the region. The rains are usually short and intense, followed by sunny periods. Coastal regions become hotter and more humid, while the desert areas experience scorching daytime temperatures.

Regional Differences

Coastal regions: Hot and humid, with temperatures between 28-35°C (82-95°F)
Highlands: Warm with frequent rain, temperatures ranging from 16-28°C (61-82°F)
Deserts: Extremely hot during the day, mild at night, temperatures between 22-35°C (72-95°F)

May is an ideal time to visit the highlands for those who enjoy cooler temperatures and greener landscapes, but the coastal and desert regions can be quite hot.

June

General Overview

Average temperature: 28-37°C (82-99°F) in coastal regions, 18-30°C (64-86°F) in the highlands
Rainfall: Rainfall continues in the highlands, dry elsewhere

June is one of the hottest months in Yemen, particularly along the coasts and in the desert regions. The highlands continue to experience rainfall, although it begins to taper off toward the end of the month. Coastal areas are hot and humid, making it less comfortable for outdoor activities.

Regional Differences

Coastal regions: Very hot and humid, with temperatures between 30-37°C (86-99°F)
Highlands: Warm with rain, temperatures ranging from 18-30°C (64-86°F)
Deserts: Extremely hot, with daytime temperatures around 28-38°C (82-100°F)

June is a good month for mountain trekking in the highlands, where the rains keep temperatures moderate, but coastal and desert regions are best avoided due to the heat.

July

General Overview

Average temperature: 29-39°C (84-102°F) in coastal regions, 20-32°C (68-90°F) in the highlands
Rainfall: End of the spring rainy season in the highlands, dry elsewhere

July is one of the hottest months in Yemen, especially in the coastal regions, where temperatures soar and humidity levels are high. The highlands remain cooler but still warm, and the rainy season ends by the middle of the month. Desert areas experience extreme heat during the day but cool off at night.

Regional Differences

Coastal regions: Very hot and humid, with temperatures between 32-39°C (90-102°F)
Highlands: Warm and dry by mid-month, temperatures ranging from 20-32°C (68-90°F)
Deserts: Scorching during the day, with temperatures between 30-40°C (86-104°F)

July is not the best month for travel in Yemen due to the extreme heat, though the highlands offer a slightly cooler option for visitors.

August

General Overview

Average temperature: 29-38°C (84-100°F) in coastal regions, 20-32°C (68-90°F) in the highlands
Rainfall: Beginning of the second rainy season in the highlands

August marks the beginning of the late-summer rainy season in the highlands, bringing cooler temperatures and regular showers. Coastal and desert regions remain hot, with high humidity along the coast. The rains in the highlands are beneficial for agriculture and create lush landscapes.

Regional Differences

Coastal regions: Hot and humid, with temperatures between 31-38°C (88-100°F)
Highlands: Warm with increasing rain, temperatures ranging from 20-32°C (68-90°F)
Deserts: Extremely hot, with temperatures between 30-40°C (86-104°F)

August is a good time to visit the highlands, where the rains offer cooler, more comfortable weather, but the coastal and desert regions are challenging due to the heat.

September

General Overview

Average temperature: 27-36°C (81-97°F) in coastal regions, 18-30°C (64-86°F) in the highlands
Rainfall: Heavy rain in the highlands, tapering off by the end of the month

September continues the rainy season in the highlands, with regular downpours that decrease toward the end of the month. Coastal areas remain hot and humid, while the desert regions also experience very high temperatures. The highlands are lush and green during this time, making it ideal for nature lovers.

Regional Differences

Coastal regions: Hot and humid, with temperatures between 29-36°C (84-97°F)
Highlands: Warm with rain, temperatures ranging from 18-30°C (64-86°F)
Deserts: Extremely hot, with temperatures between 28-38°C (82-100°F)

September is an ideal month to visit the highlands for those interested in exploring Yemen’s natural landscapes, but it’s still very hot along the coast and in the deserts.

October

General Overview

Average temperature: 25-34°C (77-93°F) in coastal regions, 16-28°C (61-82°F) in the highlands
Rainfall: Rainy season ends, dry conditions return

October marks the end of the late-summer rainy season in the highlands, and the country transitions back to dry conditions. Temperatures remain warm, but the high humidity levels along the coast start to drop, making coastal areas more bearable. The highlands experience cooler, more pleasant temperatures, while the desert regions remain hot.

Regional Differences

Coastal regions: Warm and less humid, with temperatures between 27-34°C (81-93°F)
Highlands: Cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 16-28°C (61-82°F)
Deserts: Hot during the day, with temperatures between 25-36°C (77-97°F)

October is a great month for travel across most of Yemen, as the weather becomes more comfortable, particularly in the highlands and coastal areas.

November

General Overview

Average temperature: 22-31°C (72-88°F) in coastal regions, 12-24°C (54-75°F) in the highlands
Rainfall: Dry season returns, minimal rainfall across the country

November brings dry and pleasant weather across most of Yemen. Temperatures cool down, especially in the highlands and coastal areas, where the humidity is much lower. The desert regions remain warm but not as extreme as in the summer months, making November a great time for exploring the country.

Regional Differences

Coastal regions: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Highlands: Cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 12-24°C (54-75°F)
Deserts: Warm during the day, cool at night, with temperatures between 20-32°C (68-90°F)

November is an excellent month for travel, as the comfortable weather allows for outdoor activities and exploration in most regions.

December

General Overview

Average temperature: 18-28°C (64-82°F) in coastal regions, 8-22°C (46-72°F) in the highlands
Rainfall: Minimal, dry conditions prevail

December is one of the most comfortable months for travel in Yemen, with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. The highlands are cool, while the coastal areas are warm but not overly hot or humid. The desert regions experience cooler nights, making the weather more bearable for visitors.

Regional Differences

Coastal regions: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 20-28°C (68-82°F)
Highlands: Cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 8-22°C (46-72°F)
Deserts: Warm during the day, cool at night, with temperatures between 15-28°C (59-82°F)

December is a great month for visiting Yemen, as the weather is mild across the country, making it ideal for exploring cities, historical sites, and natural landscapes.

Summary of Yemen’s Climate by Region

Coastal Regions (Aden, Al Hudaydah)

Best months: November to March (warm and dry)
Hottest months: June to September (very hot and humid)

Highlands (Sana’a, Taiz)

Best months: October to March (cool and dry)
Rainy seasons: March to May, July to September (frequent showers)

Desert Regions (Rub’ al Khali)

Best months: November to March (mild during the day, cool at night)
Hottest months: June to August (extremely hot)

Yemen’s climate is highly variable depending on the region, with coastal areas experiencing hot and humid conditions, while the highlands enjoy cooler, more moderate temperatures. The best time to visit Yemen depends on the type of activities you want to pursue, with the winter months offering more comfortable weather for exploring all regions of the country.