Lebanon in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Lebanon

18°C (64°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

145mm (5.7 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect skiing conditions at Mzaar Kfardebian and Cedars with 1.2-2m (4-6.5 ft) snow base from early December
Christmas season brings spectacular decorations and festivities - Beirut's Souks district transforms into winter wonderland with 15m (49 ft) tree
Cooler temperatures 8-18°C (46-64°F) make exploring archaeological sites like Baalbek comfortable without summer's brutal heat
Winter storms create dramatic coastline views and fewer crowds at tourist sites - Jeita Grotto visits drop 60% from summer peaks

Considerations

Mountain roads above 1,000m (3,280 ft) require snow chains or 4WD - rental cars need winter equipment surcharge of $15-25/day
December rainfall 145mm (5.7 inches) over 12 days disrupts outdoor activities, especially in Bekaa Valley
Many beach clubs and coastal restaurants close for winter season - Batroun and Byblos dining options reduce by 40%

Best Activities in December

Baalbek Roman Ruins Winter Tours

December's cool 8-18°C (46-64°F) temperatures make exploring these massive Roman temples comfortable - summer heat of 35°C+ (95°F+) makes midday visits unbearable. Winter light creates dramatic shadows on Jupiter's Temple columns. Tourist numbers drop 50% from peak season, allowing better photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators for $35-50 per person. Winter tours run 10am-3pm to maximize daylight. Many combine with Anjar ruins. See current tour options in booking section below.

Cedar Mountains Skiing

Lebanon's ski season peaks in December with 1.2-2m (4-6.5 ft) snow base at resorts above 1,500m (4,920 ft). Mzaar Kfardebian offers 42 slopes while Cedars provides authentic Lebanese mountain culture. Equipment rental costs drop 30% from European alternatives.

Booking Tip: Book ski packages 14-21 days ahead for best lodge deals, typically $80-120/day including lift tickets. Weekend rates increase 40%. Midweek skiing offers better value and fewer crowds. See current packages in booking section below.

Beirut Christmas Markets and Souks

Beirut's winter festivities rival European Christmas markets but with Middle Eastern flair. Souks district features 15m (49 ft) Christmas tree and artisan stalls selling local crafts. Evening temperatures 8-12°C (46-54°F) perfect for mulled wine equivalent - sahlab with cinnamon.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently. Food tours covering Christmas specialties cost $45-65 and book up quickly after December 15th. Evening walking tours 6-9pm showcase best lighting displays. See current food tours in booking section below.

Jeita Grotto Cave Exploration

Winter rain increases underground river flow, making boat tours through lower grotto more spectacular. Cave temperature stays constant 16°C (61°F) year-round - perfect escape from December's variable weather. December visitor numbers 60% lower than summer, reducing wait times significantly.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead online for $15-20 entry. Combine with Harissa cable car (weather permitting) for $25-35 packages. Tours run 9am-5pm but afternoon visits after 2pm have shortest queues. See current combinations in booking section below.

Bcharre Mountain Village Tours

Gibran Khalil Gibran's hometown transforms into winter wonderland with snow-capped peaks backdrop. December offers clear mountain views 70% of days versus summer haze. Traditional Lebanese mountain hospitality peaks during winter months with families offering authentic home-cooked meals.

Booking Tip: Day tours from Beirut cost $65-85 including transport and typically include Gibran Museum visit. Mountain roads require 4WD December-March, included in tour packages. Book 10-14 days ahead for guaranteed departure. See current mountain tours in booking section below.

Tyre and Sidon Coastal Archaeological Sites

December's cooler temperatures 10-16°C (50-61°F) make exploring these UNESCO sites comfortable for hours versus summer's heat exhaustion risk. Winter Mediterranean storms create dramatic backdrops for Roman hippodrome ruins. Coastal roads less crowded, easier parking.

Booking Tip: Self-guided visits cost $5-8 entry per site. Guided archaeological tours $45-60 covering both cities plus transport from Beirut. December weather requires flexible scheduling - book tours with free cancellation. See current archaeological tours in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Beirut Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Official lighting of Beirut Souks' giant Christmas tree typically December 8-10th with live performances, carol singing in Arabic and French, and traditional Lebanese Christmas sweets distribution

Mid December

Faqra Winter Festival

Mountain resort celebration featuring traditional Lebanese winter foods, folk dancing, and snow activities. Showcases authentic mountain culture with arak tastings and traditional meze preparations

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - mountain trails above 800m (2,625 ft) muddy and slippery in December

Layered clothing system: temperatures vary 10°C (18°F) between coast and mountains on same day

Compact umbrella - December brings 12 rainy days with sudden afternoon downpours lasting 30-45 minutes

Warm jacket rated for 5°C (41°F) - mountain evenings drop quickly after sunset at 5:30pm

SPF 30+ sunscreen - mountain snow reflection increases UV exposure, even with UV index of 3

Waterproof phone case - essential for cave tours and unexpected rain while sightseeing

Wool socks and thermal underlayer - ski resorts require proper winter gear, rentals expensive

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster than summer conditions

Cash in small bills - many mountain restaurants and Christmas market vendors don't accept cards

Headlamp or flashlight - winter daylight ends 5:30pm, useful for early morning or evening activities

Insider Knowledge

Lebanese families traditionally eat fish on Christmas Eve - book seafood restaurants by December 20th or they'll be fully reserved through New Year

Mountain roads above Broummana require snow chains by law December-February - rental agencies charge $20-30/day for winter equipment package

Arez cedar trees at Cedars Of God best photographed in snow December-January - summer crowds of 500+ daily drop to under 50 in winter

Beirut's electricity cuts increase in winter storms - carry portable chargers and download offline maps before mountain trips

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating mountain weather - coastal Beirut might be 15°C (59°F) while Cedars is -5°C (23°F) same day

Not booking Christmas period accommodations by November - December 20-January 2 sees 300% price increases and full bookings

Wearing cotton layers instead of wool/synthetic - December humidity 65% means cotton stays damp and cold