Syria Travel Information

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When to Go to Syria

To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.

Climate

Syria is a large desert country, but there are differences depending on where you are as the country is also comprised of Mediterranean coast and mountain. 

The best climate is generally found along the Mediterranean coast with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters; average daily temperatures are 29°C in summer and 10°C in winter, but highs may reach almost 40°C in summer. Annual rainfall along the coast ranges from 750mm to 1,000mm.

As one moves inland the climate becomes increasingly drier and hotter. Temperatures in the plateau region average around 35°C in summer and 12°C in winter and annual rainfall varies from 250mm to 500mm. Winters in the northern interior can be cold, with temperatures often falling to below freezing; a cold wind blowing off the steppe can be biting between November and March.

The interior desert area sees summer temperatures average 40°C, with frequent highs of around 46 °C or even higher. Rainfall is negligible.

Seasonality

Syria is a year-round destination with only the summer months of June to August being quieter. Spring and late summer are best, especially spring in the mountains and along the Orontes River valley.

National Holidays

Date	Description
01 Jan 09	New Year's Day
20 Jan 09	Islamic New Year
08 Mar 09	Revolution Day
09 Mar 09	Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
20 Mar 09	Orthodox Easter
21 Mar 09	Mother's Day
12 Apr 09	Easter
17 Apr 09	Independence Day
01 May 09	Labour Day
06 May 09	Martyrs' Day
21 Sep 09	Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
06 Oct 09	October Liberation War
28 Nov 09	Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
25 Dec 09	Christmas Day
29 Dec 09	Islamic New Year

National Events

Event	Occurs	Description
Silk Road Festival	Annually in September	The famous Silk Road linked China with the Mediterranean via Syria, and this festival is a commemoration of the crossroads of cultures and civilisations that the silk commerce brought. Held every September in Syria the ancient cities of Damascus, Palmyra and Aleppo host music performances, art exhibitions, sporting events, seminars, competitions and much more. Specific details are published on the Syrian Tourism website (www.syriatourism.org).