Beirut in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Beirut

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak summer season means extended beach club hours until 2am and rooftop bars stay open latest in the year - perfect for Beirut's legendary nightlife scene
Completely dry month with zero rainfall allows uninterrupted exploration of archaeological sites like Lebanon and coastal drives to Lebanon without weather delays
Sea temperature reaches 27°C (81°F) - ideal for swimming and water sports along the Mediterranean coast from Ramlet al-Baida to Lebanon
Festival season is in full swing with Lebanon International Festival, Beiteddine Art Festival, and numerous outdoor concerts taking advantage of clear skies

Considerations

Midday temperatures of 30°C (86°F) combined with 70% humidity make walking tours between 11am-4pm genuinely uncomfortable - most locals retreat indoors
Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months and popular restaurants require reservations 3-5 days ahead
Extreme UV index of 11 requires constant sun protection and makes prolonged outdoor sightseeing challenging without frequent shade breaks

Best Activities in July

Baalbek Temple Complex Archaeological Tours

July's dry weather provides perfect conditions for exploring Lebanon's most impressive Roman ruins. Early morning visits (7am-10am) offer comfortable temperatures around 24°C (75°F) and dramatic lighting on the Temple of Jupiter columns. The complete lack of rainfall means no muddy pathways or cancelled tours that plague other months.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours starting before 8am to avoid midday heat. Expect to pay LBP 75,000-120,000 for guided day trips from Beirut including transport. Look for operators providing shade umbrellas and water. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Mediterranean Coastal Swimming and Beach Clubs

July offers the warmest sea temperatures at 27°C (81°F) making it ideal for extended swimming sessions. Beach clubs from Sporting to Skybar operate full schedules with daybeds available from 9am-sunset. The consistent dry weather means no beach closures and reliable daily sunshine for 12+ hours.

Booking Tip: Reserve beach club daybeds 2-3 days ahead during July peak season. Daily rates range from $25-80 USD depending on location and amenities. Book midweek for better availability and rates. Current options available in booking section below.

Cedar Mountains Day Trips and Hiking

Escape Beirut's heat with day trips to the Cedars at 2,000m (6,562 ft) elevation where temperatures drop to pleasant 20°C (68°F). July's dry conditions provide excellent visibility for mountain photography and reliable trail access. The Qadisha Valley hiking trails are at their most accessible with no mud or snow.

Booking Tip: Mountain day trips typically cost $40-70 per person including transport. Bring layers as temperature drops 10°C (18°F) from Beirut. Book with operators providing 4WD vehicles for higher elevation access. See mountain tour options in booking widget below.

Old Souks and Downtown Walking Tours

Navigate Beirut's reconstructed downtown and traditional souks during the cooler evening hours when temperatures drop to 26°C (79°F). July evenings extend until 8pm with natural light, perfect for photography of the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and Roman United Kingdom ruins. The dry weather ensures all outdoor archaeological sites remain open.

Booking Tip: Schedule walking tours for 6pm-8pm starts to avoid midday heat. Group tours range from $15-35 per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Look for guides fluent in Arabic and French for deeper cultural insights. Current walking tour options in booking section below.

Jeita Grotto Underground Cave System

July heat makes the consistently cool 16°C (61°F) temperature inside Jeita Grotto particularly refreshing. The cave's underground boat ride and walking paths provide perfect midday relief from surface temperatures. As Lebanon's top natural attraction, the dry summer weather ensures reliable daily operations.

Booking Tip: Visit during midday heat (11am-3pm) for maximum temperature relief. Admission costs approximately $15-20 USD per adult. Combine with nearby Lebanon shrine for full-day excursions costing $35-55 including transport. Check current availability in booking widget below.

Byblos Ancient Port and Archaeological Site

July's zero rainfall and clear skies provide optimal conditions for exploring one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. The coastal location offers sea breezes that moderate the heat, and the extended daylight hours allow for complete exploration of Phoenician, Roman, and Crusader ruins.

Booking Tip: Combine Lebanon with coastal drives for cooling sea breezes. Day trips from Beirut cost $30-50 including entrance fees and guide. Best visited early morning or late afternoon. Choose tours including the traditional souk and fishing harbor. Current Lebanon tours available in booking section below.

July Events & Festivals

Throughout July

Baalbek International Festival

Lebanon's most prestigious cultural festival features international orchestras and performers in the dramatic setting of Roman temple ruins. Evening performances take advantage of July's perfect weather and clear skies for unforgettable outdoor concerts.

Mid to Late July

Beiteddine Art Festival

Classical music and dance performances in the impressive 19th-century palace courtyards. July's dry weather ensures reliable outdoor evening performances with temperatures perfect for sitting in stone amphitheaters.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index reaches dangerous level 11 requiring maximum protection

Lightweight linen or cotton clothing in light colors - avoid synthetic fabrics that trap heat in 70% humidity

Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses for extended outdoor sightseeing and archaeological site visits

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable mesh - streets heat up significantly and you'll walk on ancient stone surfaces

Light sweater or jacket for mountain excursions where temperature drops 10°C (18°F) from sea level

Portable fan or cooling towels for midday temple and ruin exploration when shade is limited

Electrolyte supplements or powder - high temperatures and walking require extra hydration beyond water

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for mosque visits and conservative mountain villages

Waterproof phone case for beach clubs and boat excursions along the Mediterranean coast

Cash in small Lebanese Pound denominations - many local vendors and taxi drivers don't accept cards or large bills

Insider Knowledge

Local families escape to mountain villages like Ehden and Bcharre during July heat waves - follow their lead for afternoon relief and authentic village experiences

Beach clubs offer better value Tuesday-Thursday with 30-40% lower daybed rates compared to weekends when wealthy Gulf tourists arrive

Restaurants switch to later dinner service in July - locals eat around 9-10pm when temperatures drop, so don't expect full menus before 8pm

The Central Bank's currency crisis means USD cash gets significantly better exchange rates than cards - bring clean, recent bills for 15-20% savings

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling walking tours or archaeological site visits between 11am-4pm when even locals avoid being outdoors - book early morning or evening slots instead

Underestimating mountain temperature differences - bringing only beach clothes for Cedar Mountains trips where it can be 10°C (18°F) cooler

Expecting European meal times - restaurants don't hit their stride until 8-9pm in July when the heat breaks and locals begin socializing