Climate in Yemen

Yemen has a highly diverse climate, with major differences between regions. Annual temperatures range from lows of -3°C in the coldest regions to highs of 34°C in the warmest areas. Annual precipitation ranges from 115mm in drier regions to 393mm in wetter parts of the country. Some regions receive significant snowfall, with up to 139cm annually, while other areas see little to none. The warmest areas are warm year-round while the coldest regions remain cold, making Yemen a country of sharp climate contrasts.

Temperature patterns across Yemen vary by region, with distinct differences between areas. The Southwest is the warmest part of the country, with peak temperatures reaching 34°C and an annual average of 24°C. Cooler conditions are found in the Southwest, where winter lows drop to -3°C and an annual average of 1°C. This 23°C difference in annual averages between regions means travellers can experience vastly different conditions depending on which part of Yemen they visit. The biggest regional differences emerge in summer, with up to 26°C variation across the country. For example, Zabīd in the Muḩāfaz̧at al Ḩudaydah averages 24°C annually, while Laḩij in the Muḩāfaz̧at Laḩij averages 1°C.

Yemen sees notable variation in rainfall across its regions, ranging from 115mm to 393mm per year. The Southwest receives the most rainfall, at approximately 393mm annually. The Southwest is the driest, with around 115mm per year. Winter tends to be the wetter season across most of Yemen, though precipitation occurs throughout the year. The Southwest sees the most snowfall, with up to 139cm annually, while other parts of the country receive little to none. Visitors heading to wetter areas can expect more frequent rain than those staying in drier parts of the country.