Syria in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Syria

18°C (64°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

65mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Fewer crowds at major sites like Palmyra and Crac des Chevaliers - you'll often have ancient ruins to yourself compared to spring peak season
Clear mountain air in January offers impressive visibility for photography at Qala'at Salah El-Din and the Anti-Lebanon range extending 50-80km (31-50 miles)
Winter citrus season brings exceptional fresh orange and mandarin juice at street stalls for 50-100 SYP, plus seasonal makdous (stuffed eggplant) appears on restaurant menus
Hotel rates drop 30-40% from peak season pricing, with Damascus Old City accommodation ranging 3,000-8,000 SYP versus 5,000-12,000 SYP in April-May

Considerations

Unpredictable rain can disrupt outdoor archaeological site visits - sites like Palmyra become muddy and less photogenic, with 40% chance of rain on any given day
Shorter daylight hours mean sites close by 4pm, limiting your exploration time to 6-7 hours versus 10+ hours in summer months
Mountain roads to Krak des Chevaliers and Qala'at Salah El-Din can be temporarily closed during heavy rain - check conditions morning of travel

Best Activities in January

Damascus Old City Walking Tours

January's cool temperatures make extended walking through the UNESCO World Heritage souks comfortable. The Straight Street and Umayyad Mosque are less crowded, and winter light creates dramatic shadows in the ancient alleyways. Rain rarely affects covered bazaar areas.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed heritage guides 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost 2,000-4,000 SYP for 3-4 hours. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism. See current options in booking section below.

Aleppo Citadel and Souk Exploration

Winter months provide clear views from the citadel's 50m (164ft) height across the city. The rebuilt sections of the Great Mosque and covered souks offer shelter during January's occasional rain showers. Fewer tourists mean better interaction with local craftspeople.

Booking Tip: Full-day guided tours range 3,500-6,000 SYP including transport from Damascus. Book 10-14 days ahead through registered operators. Private guides offer more flexibility during weather changes.

Palmyra Archaeological Site Tours

January's moderate temperatures allow comfortable exploration of the 6km (3.7 mile) site without extreme heat. Clear winter air enhances photography of the Temple of Bel ruins. However, muddy conditions after rain can limit access to some areas.

Booking Tip: Two-day trips from Damascus typically cost 8,000-15,000 SYP including accommodation. Book through operators with 4WD vehicles for weather contingencies. See current tour availability in booking section below.

Krak des Chevaliers Castle Visits

Cool January weather makes the steep 20-minute climb to the castle comfortable. The 750m (2,460ft) elevation provides panoramic views of the Homs Gap on clear days. Stone interiors stay warm even during cool weather.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Damascus range 4,000-7,000 SYP. Independent travel requires checking road conditions due to January rain. Licensed drivers with weather updates recommended.

Bosra Roman Theater Performances

January occasionally hosts cultural performances in the 2nd-century theater. The 15,000-seat venue's acoustic properties are best experienced during cooler months when audiences can sit comfortably for 2-3 hour shows.

Booking Tip: Check Syrian Ministry of Culture calendar for January events. Performance tickets typically 500-1,500 SYP. Book accommodation in Daraa city 20km (12.4 miles) away as local options are limited.

Anti-Lebanon Mountain Day Hikes

January snow creates impressive landscapes at elevations above 1,500m (4,920ft). Lower elevation trails around Maaloula remain accessible and offer views of ancient Christian monasteries. Cool temperatures make 3-4 hour hikes comfortable.

Booking Tip: Mountain guides essential for January conditions, typically 2,500-4,500 SYP per day. Weather can change rapidly - book flexible operators who adjust routes based on conditions.

January Events & Festivals

Early January

Orthodox Christmas Celebrations

January 7th Orthodox Christmas brings special services at Damascus's Mariamite Cathedral and Maaloula's ancient monasteries. Candlelit processions and traditional chanting create unique cultural experiences unavailable other months.

Throughout January

Winter Citrus Harvest Festivals

Coastal areas near Tartus celebrate orange and lemon harvests with local food festivals. Fresh citrus tastings, traditional preserving demonstrations, and seasonal sweets mark community celebrations throughout the month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots with good grip - ancient stone surfaces become slippery when wet, and archaeological sites have uneven terrain

Layered clothing system including wool sweater - temperatures swing 12°C (22°F) between morning and afternoon

Compact umbrella and packable rain jacket - January showers are brief but intense, lasting 15-30 minutes

Power bank and plastic bags for electronics - humidity reaches 70% and can affect devices during site visits

SPF 30+ sunscreen despite winter season - UV index of 3 still requires protection during 6-7 hours of daily sightseeing

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for navigating 2,000-year-old cobblestones in Damascus Old City

Thermal underlayer for early morning departures - 6°C (43°F) temperatures common before 9am

Quick-dry pants instead of jeans - cotton takes hours to dry in 70% humidity after rain exposure

Headlamp or small flashlight - archaeological sites have dark underground sections and winter daylight ends by 5pm

Tissues and hand sanitizer - increased indoor time during rainy weather requires extra hygiene precautions

Insider Knowledge

Local families visit archaeological sites during January school holidays (first two weeks) - plan major sites like Palmyra for late January to avoid domestic crowds

Damascus taxi drivers often refuse longer trips during heavy rain - pre-arrange transport for day trips or use hotel concierge services during poor weather

Winter is truffle season in coastal mountains - restaurants in Tartus and Lattakia feature seasonal truffle dishes unavailable other months, typically 800-1,500 SYP supplements

Archaeological sites like Crac des Chevaliers often waive entrance fees during extreme weather days as compensation for limited visibility - ask at ticket office during storms

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all archaeological sites remain fully accessible during rain - some sections of Palmyra and outdoor portions of museums close during heavy weather

Packing only summer clothes because Syria is 'Middle Eastern' - January nights in Damascus drop to 6°C (43°F) and mountain areas see snow

Scheduling back-to-back outdoor sites without weather contingencies - build flexibility for indoor alternatives like National Museum or covered bazaars