Syria in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Syria

32°C (90°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window: September ends the extreme summer heat while avoiding winter rains, with comfortable 32°C (90°F) days and cool 18°C (64°F) evenings ideal for all-day exploration
Minimal rainfall: Only 15mm (0.6 inches) total precipitation means outdoor activities rarely get cancelled - essential for visiting archaeological sites like Palmyra and Bosra
Shoulder season pricing: Accommodation costs drop 30-40% compared to peak spring months, with hotel rates typically ฿1,500-2,500 instead of ฿2,500-4,000
Harvest season cultural experiences: September coincides with olive and grape harvests, offering authentic agritourism opportunities and traditional festivals in rural areas

Considerations

Dust storms can occur: 2-3 times monthly, reducing visibility to 500m (1,640 ft) and affecting those with respiratory sensitivities - indoor museum days become necessary
High UV intensity: With UV index 8 and minimal cloud cover, sun exposure becomes dangerous quickly - outdoor sightseeing must be planned around shade availability
Temperature swings: 14°C (25°F) daily variation means packing both summer and light winter clothing, with evening temperatures dropping unexpectedly fast after sunset

Best Activities in September

Ancient City Archaeological Tours

September's dry conditions and moderate temperatures make this ideal for exploring Palmyra, Bosra, and Apamea without extreme heat or mud. Morning tours (7am-11am) offer the best lighting and comfortable temperatures before midday intensity. The clear, dust-free air provides exceptional photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed cultural heritage operators. Expect costs of $40-80 per day including transport and expert guides. Early morning departures essential - afternoon tours become uncomfortably hot by noon.

Damascus Old City Walking Tours

The cooler September evenings (18°C/64°F) make sunset walks through the Umayyad Quarter magical. Traditional craftsmen work outdoors during these comfortable temperatures, offering authentic cultural encounters impossible during summer months. The reduced humidity enhances the aromatic spice market experience.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works well, but cultural context tours cost $25-45 and provide invaluable historical perspective. Book through established cultural centers. Evening tours (4pm-8pm) avoid midday heat while capturing golden hour light.

Euphrates River Valley Excursions

September water levels are stable after summer draw-down, making boat trips and riverside archaeological sites accessible. The moderate temperatures allow comfortable full-day excursions to Dura-Europos and Mari without the exhaustion of summer heat. Wildlife viewing peaks as migratory birds begin arriving.

Booking Tip: Multi-day river valley tours typically cost $120-180 including accommodation and meals. Book through operators specializing in eastern Syria access. Vehicle transportation essential - distances reach 300km (186 miles) from Damascus.

Coastal Mountain Village Tours

September offers perfect hiking weather in the Alawite Mountains near Latakia. Temperatures at 800m (2,625 ft) elevation remain comfortable 24°C (75°F) while coastal areas hit 30°C (86°F). Traditional village festivals celebrate the olive harvest, offering authentic cultural immersion unavailable other seasons.

Booking Tip: Mountain village tours cost $60-100 per day including meals and local guide. Book locally in Latakia or Tartous - advance booking often unnecessary. 4WD transport required for remote villages. Bring layers for elevation changes.

Aleppo Citadel and Souk Exploration

The September weather makes climbing the Citadel's 200 steps manageable, while the covered souks provide natural air conditioning during midday heat. Restoration work is most active in these moderate months, offering unique behind-the-scenes access to conservation efforts. Traditional crafts workshops operate comfortably.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided tours cost $30-50 including Citadel admission. Professional guides provide crucial context about reconstruction efforts. Morning tours (8am-12pm) ideal for outdoor sites, afternoon for covered markets. Book through certified heritage guides.

Maaloula Christian Heritage Tours

September's clear skies provide impressive mountain views while comfortable temperatures make the monastery hikes achievable. The Aramaic-speaking community is most active during these pleasant months, with outdoor religious festivals and traditional music performances impossible during extreme weather periods.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Damascus cost $50-80 including transportation and monastery visits. Local guides speaking Aramaic available for $20-30 extra. Weekend visits offer more cultural activities but higher prices. 60km (37 miles) mountain driving requires experienced drivers.

September Events & Festivals

Mid to Late September

Olive Harvest Festival

Traditional olive pressing demonstrations and harvest celebrations occur in villages throughout western Syria. Families welcome visitors to participate in picking olives and pressing oil using ancient stone methods. Local specialties like fresh olive oil tastings and traditional dabke dancing performances.

Early September

Damascus Jasmine Festival

The final blooming season of Damascus jasmine is celebrated in the old city gardens. Evening cultural performances take advantage of the cooler temperatures, with traditional music and poetry readings in historic courtyards. The jasmine scent is strongest during September's moderate humidity.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light long-sleeved shirts in natural fibers - protect from UV index 8 sun while staying cool in 45% humidity

Warm jacket or fleece - evening temperatures drop to 18°C (64°F), requiring layers for comfort

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - minimal cloud cover means intense sun exposure throughout day

Dust mask or scarf - 2-3 dust storms monthly can reduce visibility and irritate airways

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - archaeological sites have uneven stone surfaces

Portable water bottle with purification tablets - staying hydrated crucial in dry climate with minimal rainfall

Power bank and dust covers for electronics - dust storms can damage exposed devices

Modest clothing covering knees and shoulders - required for religious sites and shows cultural respect

Light rain jacket - though only 2 rainy days expected, sudden showers can be intense

Cash in small denominations - many sites and local guides operate cash-only, cards not widely accepted

Insider Knowledge

September marks the start of traditional tea season - locals switch from cold summer drinks to hot tea ceremonies around 4pm when temperatures cool, offering authentic cultural interaction opportunities

Archaeological sites open at sunrise (6am) during September to take advantage of cool morning temperatures - arriving early means better photos, comfortable exploration, and meeting serious local historians

Rural villages celebrate harvest season with communal meals every Friday evening throughout September - respectful visitors are often invited to join these authentic cultural experiences

September dust storms follow predictable patterns - check local weather apps for dust warnings and plan indoor activities like museums and covered markets for affected days

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating daily temperature swings - tourists pack only summer clothes then freeze during 18°C (64°F) evenings, especially in mountain regions where temperatures drop faster

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday hours - even September's moderate temperatures become uncomfortable 11am-3pm with UV index 8, leading to exhaustion and poor experiences

Ignoring dust storm warnings - tourists continue with outdoor plans during low visibility conditions, missing photo opportunities and risking respiratory discomfort from airborne particles