Beirut in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Beirut

17°C (63°F) High Temp

11°C (51°F) Low Temp

127 mm (5.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather - cool 11-17°C (51-63°F) temperatures make Lebanon Mountain Trail and Shouf Biosphere Reserve comfortable for long treks without summer's exhausting heat
Museum and cultural site season - locals spend more time indoors, so you'll find authentic crowds at National Museum, Sursock Museum, and traditional hammams rather than tourist-packed spaces
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - hotels drop rates 40-60% compared to summer peak, with luxury Beirut properties often available for $80-120/night instead of $200+
Fresh winter produce season - manakish topped with seasonal greens, pomegranate molasses dishes, and citrus from Lebanon are at their absolute peak in local markets

Considerations

Unpredictable rain pattern - 127mm (5.0 inches) falls over 10 days but timing varies wildly, potentially disrupting beach plans and outdoor dining on short notice
Reduced daylight for sightseeing - sun sets around 5:30pm, limiting afternoon exploration and forcing earlier dinner reservations at popular rooftop venues
Choppy Mediterranean conditions make day trips to Lebanon or Lebanon beaches less appealing, with swimming uncomfortable for most visitors

Best Activities in February

Beirut Old City Walking Tours

February's cool temperatures make extended walking through Downtown Beirut, Gemmayzeh, and Mar Mikhael districts comfortable. Rain creates dramatic lighting for photography of Roman ruins and Ottoman architecture. Local cafes are cozy gathering spots between outdoor exploration, and you'll experience authentic neighborhood rhythms without summer tourist crowds.

Booking Tip: Book guided walking tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed cultural guides. Expect to pay $25-40 per person for 3-4 hour tours. Look for operators offering indoor backup activities. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Baalbek and Bekaa Valley Day Trips

Winter transforms the Lebanon into a green landscape perfect for exploring ancient Roman temples without summer's brutal heat. February's crisp air provides crystal-clear mountain views for photography. Wine tastings at local vineyards are particularly cozy in winter, and you'll avoid the crowds that pack Baalbek during warmer months.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips typically cost $60-90 per person including transport and guide. Book 10-14 days ahead as winter schedules are limited. Choose operators with covered vehicles for rainy day comfort. See current options in the booking section below.

Traditional Hammam Experiences

February's cool, damp weather makes traditional Lebanese hammam treatments particularly appealing. Historic bathhouses in Beirut offer authentic thermal experiences that feel luxurious against the winter chill. This is peak season for locals to use these facilities, providing genuine cultural immersion rather than tourist-focused experiences.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammam sessions cost $20-40 and should be booked 24-48 hours ahead. Look for establishments offering massage and tea service. Best experienced late afternoon before dinner. See current spa options in the booking section below.

Lebanon Mountain Trail Hiking

Cool February temperatures create ideal conditions for multi-hour hikes through cedar forests and mountain villages. Winter rains bring waterfalls and green landscapes impossible to see in summer's drought conditions. Trails are less crowded, and mountain guesthouses offer warm hospitality with hearty winter meals.

Booking Tip: Day hiking tours cost $45-70 per person. Book 7-10 days ahead with operators providing rain gear and warm meals. Multi-day treks require 3-4 week advance booking. Weather can change rapidly - choose flexible operators. See current mountain tour options in the booking section below.

Sidon and South Lebanon Cultural Tours

February's moderate temperatures make exploring Sidon's Sea Castle, traditional souks, and soap museum comfortable for full-day adventures. Cooler weather means less crowded historical sites and more opportunities for authentic interactions with local artisans. Traditional sweets and warm tea taste particularly good in winter market stalls.

Booking Tip: Day trips to Sidon typically cost $50-75 including transport and local guide. Book 5-7 days ahead, especially for weekend departures. Choose tours including indoor cultural sites as weather backup. See current southern Lebanon tour options in the booking section below.

Jeita Grotto Cave Exploration

Lebanon's famous underground limestone caves maintain constant cool temperatures that feel refreshing rather than cold in February. Winter's reduced tourist crowds mean better photo opportunities and more intimate cave boat experiences. The approach through Nahr al-Kalb valley is particularly scenic with winter greenery.

Booking Tip: Cave entry costs $15-20 per person with transport tours adding $25-35. Book Easttimor-day or 1-2 days ahead - rarely full in winter. Choose morning departures to avoid afternoon rain. See current cave tour options in the booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Beirut International Film Festival Winter Screenings

Indoor cultural programming perfect for February's unpredictable weather, featuring regional cinema and documentary premieres with English subtitles. Venues include historic theaters in Hamra and Downtown districts.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with grip - Beirut's limestone sidewalks become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily exploring neighborhoods

Packable rain jacket - afternoon showers are unpredictable but brief, lasting 15-30 minutes with little warning

Layering pieces (cardigan, light sweater) - temperature swings from cool mornings to mild afternoons require flexible clothing options

Waterproof phone case or small umbrella - sudden downpours can damage electronics during outdoor market visits

Warm scarf for evening dining - outdoor restaurant terraces and rooftop bars get chilly after sunset around 5:30pm

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with indoor heating creates unexpected skin dryness

Comfortable pants for religious sites - shorts aren't appropriate for mosque and church visits, and cool weather makes long pants comfortable

Light wool socks - feet stay warmer and drier during extended walking on potentially wet pavement

Daypack with waterproof lining - protect camera gear and documents during unexpected rain while sightseeing

Casual dressy shoes for nightlife - Beirut's evening scene expects polished appearance even in winter months

Insider Knowledge

Take advantage of winter breakfast timing - Lebanese locals eat hearty morning meals in February featuring seasonal labneh, olive oil, and winter vegetables. Best traditional spreads are served 8-11am at neighborhood cafes.

Use February's rain days for covered souk exploration - Souk el Gharb and traditional markets in Tripoli are perfect rainy-day activities where you'll find locals shopping for seasonal items rather than tourist crowds.

Book accommodation with reliable heating - older Beirut buildings may have inconsistent heating systems. Properties built after 2010 generally have better climate control for comfortable winter stays.

February is peak season for authentic cultural experiences - Lebanese families gather more frequently indoors, and you're more likely to be invited to join local celebrations or meals than during tourist-heavy summer months.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming Mediterranean means warm - February feels genuinely cool and wet, requiring actual winter clothing rather than just light layers

Not checking daily weather before outdoor plans - rain patterns are unpredictable, and a sunny morning can turn into afternoon downpours within hours

Overpacking summer clothes expecting mild weather - temperatures rarely exceed 17°C (63°F), making summer dresses and shorts uncomfortable for most activities