Weather in Sana'a

About Sana'a

Sana'a's 30-storey gingerbread tower houses rise like a child's drawing come to earth, their white-outlined windows glowing in the dusty light. One of Arabia's oldest inhabited cities sprawls across mountain plateaus where frankincense once changed hands.

Country

Yemen

Best months to visit

January, February, March, June, September, October, November

Currency

YER

Language

Arabic

Things to do in Sana'a

Explore the Old City UNESCO site Tour historic tower houses Visit the Great Mosque Bargain in the spice bazaar Hike surrounding Yemeni villages Taste Yemeni coffee and qat culture

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

23C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

February

24C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

March

25C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

April

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

May

27C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

June

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

July

28C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

August

27C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Recommended

September

27C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

October

24C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

November

23C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

December

22C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Sana'a's Old City is one of the world's most extraordinary urban landscapes, a UNESCO-listed maze of centuries-old tower houses decorated with white gypsum tracery around intricately patterned brickwork, rising several storeys above narrow alleys and bustling souks. Despite the country's ongoing difficulties, it remains one of the Arabian Peninsula's most architecturally remarkable cities on paper for future travel.

Best areas to stay in Sana'a

Old City of Sana'a

The UNESCO-listed walled old town of distinctive tower houses with gypsum-decorated facades and the Great Mosque.

Suq al-Milh

The historic covered market at the heart of the Old City, traditionally selling spices, textiles and silverware.

Bab al-Yemen

The historic gateway marking the entrance to the Old City's southern side.

Al-Saleh Mosque area

The modern district around one of the largest mosques in the Arabian Peninsula.

Getting to Sana'a

✈

Flights

Sana'a International Airport has had highly limited commercial service in recent years due to the conflict; international guidance should be checked before any travel is considered.

⏱

From London

Not currently applicable given travel advisories.

🚕

Getting around

Historically, the Old City was navigated entirely on foot through its narrow lanes.

Frequently asked questions

Is it currently advisable to travel to Sana'a?

Travel to Yemen has been subject to long-standing government advisories against all travel due to conflict; check current official guidance before considering any visit.

What makes Sana'a's Old City unique?

Its multi-storey tower houses, some over 1,000 years old, are decorated with elaborate white gypsum friezes around windows and brickwork, unlike anywhere else in the region.

What is the Old City's souk like?

The Suq al-Milh (Salt Market) is a sprawling traditional market historically selling spices, qat, silverware, textiles and salt in a labyrinth of covered lanes.

What is qat and is it part of local culture?

Qat is a mildly stimulant leaf widely chewed socially in Yemen; afternoon qat sessions are a significant part of traditional social life.

What other historic sites are near Sana'a?

The nearby rock village of Thula and the fortified town of Kawkaban are known for dramatic clifftop settings, though accessibility depends on the security situation.

Traveler reviews

☆☆☆☆☆

Reviews are not available while travel advisories remain in place. The Old City of Sana'a remains one of the most architecturally significant historic sites in the Arabian Peninsula for future visits.

Travel note · — —

☆☆☆☆☆

Pre-conflict accounts describe the gypsum-decorated tower houses and Suq al-Milh as unlike anywhere else in the region, with a uniquely vertical old-city skyline.

Travel note · — —

☆☆☆☆☆

Always consult current government travel advisories before planning any visit to Yemen.

Travel note · — —