What is the best time to visit Yemen?

Best Time to Visit Yemen

The best time to travel to Yemen is during the winter season (November to February) and spring season (March to May).

Winter in Yemen

Winter in Yemen is characterized by mild temperatures and clear skies. Travelers can expect pleasant weather conditions during this time, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. While winter is the least popular season to visit Yemen, it is still a great time to explore the country’s historical sites and monuments. Additionally, travelers can enjoy the vibrant culture and unique cuisine of Yemen during this season.

Spring in Yemen

Spring is the most popular season to visit Yemen, as the weather is mild and pleasant. Temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit, making it the ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. During this time, travelers can experience the country’s beautiful landscapes and stunning beaches. Additionally, there are many festivals and events taking place throughout the season, such as the Sana’a International Festival and the Hodeidah International Festival.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Yemen

Yemen in January

Weather

January in Yemen is typically warm and dry. Temperatures range from highs of 24°C (75°F) to lows of 11°C (52°F). Rainfall is rare, with an average of just 3mm (0.1in) of rain over the course of the month.

Events

• The first day of January is a national holiday in Yemen, called New Year’s Day. People celebrate with family and friends, exchanging gifts and enjoying traditional Yemeni food and music.
• The second week of January is the start of the coffee harvest season in Yemen. Coffee is an important part of Yemeni culture and the harvest is celebrated with traditional dances and songs.
• The third week of January is the start of the olive harvest season in Yemen. Olives are an important part of the Yemeni diet and are celebrated with traditional songs and dances.
• The fourth week of January is the start of the honey harvest season in Yemen. Honey is an important part of the Yemeni diet and is celebrated with traditional songs and dances.
• The last week of January is the start of the date harvest season in Yemen. Dates are an important part of the Yemeni diet and are celebrated with traditional songs and dances.

Yemen in January

Weather

January in Yemen is typically warm and dry with temperatures ranging from 14-25°C (57-77°F). There is usually very little rainfall during this time of year.

Events

• The Festival of the Prophet’s Birthday is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal, which typically falls in January. This is a religious holiday in which people celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
• The Festival of the Sacrifice is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which typically falls in January. This is a religious holiday in which people sacrifice animals in remembrance of the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
• The Festival of the New Year is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, which typically falls in January. This is a religious holiday in which people celebrate the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
• The Festival of the Prophet’s Ascension is celebrated on the 27th day of Rajab, which typically falls in January. This is a religious holiday in which people celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension to heaven.
• The Festival of the Prophet’s Return is celebrated on the 8th day of Shawwal, which typically falls in January. This is a religious holiday in which people celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s return from his journey to heaven.

Yemen in March

Weather

March in Yemen is generally warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit, depending on the region. The coastal areas tend to be milder, while the inland areas tend to be hotter. Rainfall is minimal, with most of the country receiving less than 2 inches of rain during the month.

Events

• The National Day of Yemen is celebrated on May 22nd, and is a public holiday. It marks the day in 1990 when the North and South of Yemen were unified.
• The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed on March 21st. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of racism and racial discrimination around the world.
• The International Women’s Day is observed on March 8th. This day is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women around the world and to advocating for gender equality.
• The International Day of Happiness is celebrated on March 20th. This day is dedicated to promoting happiness and well-being around the world.
• The World Water Day is celebrated on March 22nd. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of water and advocating for sustainable management of water resources.

Yemen in April

Weather

April in Yemen is generally warm with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to the mid 80s Fahrenheit. The nights are cooler, with temperatures dropping to the mid 50s. Rainfall is minimal during this month, with most of the country receiving less than one inch of rain.

Events

• The Great Yemeni Revolution of April 27th is celebrated in Yemen. This was a revolution that began in 2011 and eventually led to the overthrow of the government.
• The Festival of the Prophet’s Birthday is celebrated on April 8th. This is a religious holiday that commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
• The Festival of the Martyrs is celebrated on April 15th. This is a day to honor those who have died in the struggle for freedom and democracy in Yemen.
• The Festival of the New Year is celebrated on April 22nd. This is a day to celebrate the coming of the new year and to make wishes for the future.
• The Festival of the Opening of the Sea is celebrated on April 29th. This is a day to celebrate the opening of the Red Sea to international trade.

Yemen in May

Weather

May is a hot month in Yemen, with temperatures ranging from 18-35°C (64-95°F). The days are sunny and dry, with occasional showers in the afternoon. Humidity levels are high and the air is often hazy.

Events

• The month of May marks the start of the summer season in Yemen. People celebrate the arrival of the summer months with traditional festivals and activities.
• The city of Sana’a hosts the annual Sana’a Summer Festival, which is a celebration of traditional Yemeni culture and music. The festival typically takes place in mid-May.
• The city of Aden holds the annual Aden Summer Festival, which celebrates the culture and traditions of the city. The festival includes traditional Yemeni music, dance, and food.
• The city of Taiz holds the annual Taiz Summer Festival, which is a celebration of traditional Yemeni culture and music. The festival typically takes place in late May.
• The city of Hodeidah hosts the annual Hodeidah Summer Festival, which is a celebration of traditional Yemeni culture and music. The festival typically takes place in early May.

Yemen in June

Weather

June is the beginning of the hot season in Yemen. Temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F) during the day, and the humidity is high. It is recommended to wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

Events

• The annual Sana’a International Book Fair is held during the first week of June. It is a celebration of Yemeni culture and literature, with many authors and publishers from around the world attending.
• The annual Sabir Festival is held in the city of Taiz during the second week of June. It is a celebration of traditional Yemeni music and dance, with performances by local and international artists.
• The annual Al-Hudaydah Festival is held in the city of Al-Hudaydah during the third week of June. It is a celebration of Yemeni culture and heritage, with traditional music, dance, and food.
• The annual International Festival of Yemeni Cuisine is held in the city of Aden during the fourth week of June. It is a celebration of Yemeni cuisine, with many local restaurants and chefs participating in the event.
• The annual International Festival of Yemeni Arts is held in the city of Sana’a during the last week of June. It is a celebration of Yemeni art and culture, with many local and international artists participating in the event.

Yemen in July

Weather

July is the hottest month in Yemen, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F). The humidity is high, and there is very little rainfall.

Events

• Eid al-Fitr: This Islamic holiday marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with feasts, gifts, and family gatherings.
• Yemeni Unification Day: This holiday celebrates the unification of North and South Yemen in 1990. It is marked with parades, concerts, and fireworks.
• Al-Muharram: This Islamic holiday marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year and is celebrated with processions and special prayers.
• Al-Hajj: This Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam and is observed by Muslims worldwide.
• National Day: This holiday celebrates the independence of Yemen from the British in 1967. It is marked with parades, concerts, and fireworks.

Yemen in August

Weather

August is the hottest month in Yemen, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) in some areas. The humidity is also high, making the weather feel even hotter. Rainfall is low, with only a few showers in some areas.

Events

• Eid al-Adha is celebrated in August, marking the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. It is a time of feasting and family gatherings.
• The annual Yemeni Revolution Anniversary is celebrated on August 14th, marking the start of the 2011 revolution against President Saleh.
• The annual Yemeni Independence Day is celebrated on August 22nd, marking the day in 1967 when the British withdrew from South Yemen.
• The annual Summer Festival in Sana’a is held in August, with music, dancing, and traditional Yemeni food.
• The annual Al-Hudaydah Festival is held in August, celebrating the city’s culture and heritage.

Yemen in September

Weather

September in Yemen is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 23-35°C (73-95°F). The humidity is low, making the air feel dry and comfortable.

Events

• Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of the month. This is a major Muslim holiday that marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
• The Yemeni National Dialogue Conference is held in September. This is a series of meetings between the government and various political groups in Yemen to discuss the country’s future.
• The Yemeni National Festival is held in September. This is a celebration of the country’s culture and heritage, with music, dance, and traditional food.
• The Al-Hudaydah International Film Festival is held in September. This is a celebration of Yemeni cinema, with screenings of films from around the world.
• The Yemeni National Day is celebrated on the 22nd of September. This is a day to celebrate the country’s independence and its achievements.

Yemen in October

Weather

October marks the end of the hot summer season in Yemen. Temperatures start to cool down by the end of the month, with an average high of 30°C (86°F) and an average low of 18°C (64°F). The humidity is quite high, with an average of around 75%. Rainfall is also quite common during this month, with an average of around 6 inches (150 mm).

Events

• Eid al-Adha: One of the most important religious holidays in Yemen, Eid al-Adha is celebrated in October. It is a four-day celebration that honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience to God.
• National Day: October 14th is celebrated as National Day in Yemen, commemorating the unification of North and South Yemen in 1990.
• Sana’a International Book Fair: Held in the capital city of Sana’a, this annual event is one of the largest book fairs in the Arab world. It usually takes place in October and features a variety of activities, including book signings, lectures, and workshops.
• Al-Hudaydah Festival: This annual festival is held in the city of Al-Hudaydah and celebrates the city’s cultural heritage. It features traditional dance, music, and food, as well as art exhibitions and competitions.
• Al-Mukalla Festival: This festival is held in the city of Al-Mukalla and celebrates the city’s history and culture. It features traditional music, dance, and food, as well as art exhibitions and competitions.

Yemen in November

Weather

November is the start of the cooler season in Yemen, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F). The days are mild and pleasant, and the evenings are cool. Rainfall is low, with an average of only 1-2 days of precipitation.

Events

• The first day of November is celebrated as the National Day of Yemen. It is a day of national pride and celebration, with parades, music, and dancing.
• The second week of November is the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Thousands of pilgrims from Yemen and around the world travel to the holy city to perform the traditional rituals.
• The third week of November is the start of the annual Sana’a International Festival. The festival is a celebration of Yemeni culture, with traditional music, dance, and food.
• The fourth week of November is the start of the annual Sana’a International Film Festival. The festival showcases the best of Yemeni and international cinema.
• The last week of November is the start of the annual Sana’a International Book Fair. The fair is a celebration of literature, with book signings, readings, and discussions.

Yemen in December

Weather

December in Yemen is typically warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (18-30 Celsius). Rainfall is very rare, with only a few days of light rain or drizzle.

Events

• The National Day of Yemen is celebrated on December 18th, commemorating the unification of the North and South Yemen in 1990.
• The annual Sana’a International Book Fair is held in December, showcasing books from all over the world.
• The annual Yemen Music Festival is held in December, featuring traditional and modern music from Yemen and other countries.
• The annual Sana’a International Film Festival is held in December, showcasing films from all over the world.
• The annual Al-Hudaydah International Festival is held in December, celebrating the culture and history of the city.