Coastal areas are cool and often rainy while mountain zones are cold with regular snow at higher elevations. Expect fewer tourists on the coast but active winter sports in the mountains.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
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Average temperature across Lebanon in January.
Where to Go in Lebanon in January
Coastal Plain
Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre
Rain-lashed days are common along the coast in January, when Mediterranean storms sweep in from the west and drizzle or heavy rain can shut down parts of Beirut and Tripoli. Daytime temperatures are usually mild - low teens Celsius - but dampness makes it feel cooler; evenings are chilly enough for a waterproof layer. Travelers should watch flood-prone streets around Beirut’s low-lying neighborhoods and bring good shoes for slick souks and archaeological sites like Tyre’s Roman blighted shoreline.
Mount Lebanon & Ski Areas
Faraya, Mzaar, The Cedars, Qornet al-Sawda
Heavy snow and frequent winter storms make January the heart of ski season in Mzaar, Faraya and the Cedars of Lebanon; higher passes are often snowbound and some mountain roads may be closed after storms. Daytime temperatures at ski-lift elevations stay below freezing while valleys are cold but sunnier. Bring full winter gear if you plan to ski or snowshoe; avalanche risk and icy roads mean check resort and road reports before driving.
Bekaa Valley
Zahle, Baalbek, Chtaura, wineries
January brings cold, clear mornings across the Bekaa and nights that commonly drop to freezing in outlying fields and valleys. Daytime sunshine often feels sharp but cool; the Roman ruins at Baalbek are dramatic against a crisp winter sky. Travelers should pack warm layers for early mornings and evenings, as farm roads can be muddy after rain and some guesthouses are quieter before the festival season.
North Lebanon & Akkar
Tripoli, Batroun, Koura, Akkar hills
January is cool, wet and cloudy in the north, with frequent rain across Tripoli and higher snowfall in the Akkar highlands; coastal winds can make it feel colder than temperatures indicate. Historic souks feel atmospheric in damp weather but coastal roads can be slick. Travelers should pack waterproof layers and expect some museums and daytrip operators to operate on reduced schedules during heavy rains.
South Lebanon & Litani Basin
Jezzine, Nabatieh, Tyre’s wetlands, Sour
January is cool and often wet in the south, with storm systems bringing steady rain and occasional blustery winds along the Tyre and Sidon coasts. Wet marshlands near Tyre fill after autumn rains, which can make walking in some archaeological areas muddy. Travel plans should allow flexibility for wet days; pack waterproof footwear and a warm, windproof jacket for exposed coastal ruins.
Events & Festivals in January
Ski season (Mount Lebanon)
Ski lifts and resorts in the Mount Lebanon range are typically open with regular snowfall through winter.
Planning a trip to Lebanon?
See how January compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
