Lebanon in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Lebanon

16°C (61°F) High Temp

8°C (46°F) Low Temp

95mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

68% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Ski season at Mzaar and Cedars - Lebanon's ski resorts operate 5-6 days per week with fresh powder on 2,800m (9,186 ft) slopes, lift tickets cost $25-40
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - Beirut hotels drop rates 40-60% compared to summer, with luxury properties offering $80-120/night deals
Perfect hiking weather in lower altitudes - 12°C-15°C (54°F-59°F) in valleys makes 3-5 hour treks comfortable without summer's oppressive heat
Truffle season in Baalbek region - local hunters harvest premium truffles selling for $200-400/kg, with restaurant menus featuring seasonal truffle dishes

Considerations

Mountain roads frequently close - Douma-Cedars highway shuts during snowstorms, requiring 4WD vehicles and chains above 1,200m (3,937 ft)
Limited coastal swimming - Mediterranean averages 17°C (63°F), too cold for most visitors though locals still swim at Tyre and Batroun
Shorter daylight hours - sunrise at 6:45am, sunset at 5:15pm gives only 10.5 hours of daylight for sightseeing

Best Activities in January

Cedars Ski Resort Mountain Activities

January delivers Lebanon's best skiing conditions with 120-180cm (47-71 inches) of base snow. The Cedars operates 5 lifts accessing 42km (26 miles) of slopes at 2,000-3,000m (6,562-9,843 ft) elevation. Morning temperatures of -5°C to 2°C (23°F-36°F) provide perfect powder conditions before afternoon warming. Ski lessons cost $30-50, equipment rental $25/day.

Booking Tip: Reserve ski packages 2-3 weeks ahead during January peak season. Look for operators offering transport from Beirut ($40-60 return), equipment, and lift passes. Book weekday trips for 30% savings versus weekends.

Baalbek Archaeological Complex Tours

January's cool 10°C-14°C (50°F-57°F) temperatures make exploring this UNESCO site comfortable without summer's blazing sun. The 2-3 hour walking tour through Jupiter's Temple covers 2km (1.2 miles) of ancient stones. Crisp winter air provides exceptional photography light, and you'll avoid summer crowds of 2,000+ daily visitors - January sees only 200-400.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours through certified archaeological guides ($40-60 for 2-3 hours). Tours run 9am-4pm daily except Mondays. Combine with Bekaa Valley wine tastings for full-day experiences costing $80-120 per person.

Qadisha Valley Hiking Adventures

Winter transforms this sacred valley with flowing waterfalls and green landscapes. January temperatures of 8°C-12°C (46°F-54°F) at 1,000m (3,281 ft) elevation make 4-6 hour hikes ideal. The monastery trail covers 8km (5 miles) of moderate terrain. Snow-capped mountain backdrops create impressive photography opportunities unavailable in summer's haze.

Booking Tip: Join guided hiking groups for safety on potentially icy sections. Tours typically include transportation from Beirut, professional guide, and monastery visits for $50-80 per person. Waterproof boots essential above 1,200m (3,937 ft).

Beirut Food Walking Tours

January brings Lebanon's comfort food season - hearty stews, grilled meats, and warming beverages perfect for cool 12°C-16°C (54°F-61°F) evenings. Restaurant terraces use heaters creating cozy atmospheres. Manakish vendors serve fresh-baked bread hourly, while traditional soup kitchens operate extended hours. Evening food tours run 6-10pm when restaurants are busiest.

Booking Tip: Book evening food tours focusing on winter specialties. Tours cost $35-55 including 6-8 tastings across Hamra, Gemmayzeh, and Achrafieh neighborhoods. Look for tours including traditional winter drinks like sahlab and mulled wine.

Chouf Mountains Cedar Forest Exploration

Winter reveals the dramatic beauty of Lebanon's cedar forests under snow. At 1,200-1,800m (3,937-5,906 ft) elevation, temperatures range from 2°C-8°C (36°F-46°F). The protected forest covers 550 hectares with trees over 1,000 years old. January's clear mountain air offers 50km (31 mile) visibility to the Mediterranean coastline.

Booking Tip: Book 4WD transport and guided nature walks through eco-tourism operators. Day trips cost $60-90 including transport, guide, and traditional lunch. Check weather conditions - tours cancel during heavy snowfall above 1,400m (4,593 ft).

Tyre and Sidon Coastal Archaeological Sites

January's mild coastal temperatures of 14°C-18°C (57°F-64°F) make exploring ancient Phoenician ruins comfortable. Tyre's Roman hippodrome and Sidon's Sea Castle require 3-4 hours of walking on stone surfaces. Winter's softer light enhances photography of seaside archaeological sites. Coastal winds average 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) providing natural cooling.

Booking Tip: Combine both UNESCO sites in single-day tours departing Beirut at 8am, returning 6pm. Tours cost $45-70 including transport, entrance fees, and guide. Book through licensed archaeological tour operators for detailed historical context.

January Events & Festivals

Mid January

Faqra International Festival Winter Edition

Annual celebration of Lebanese mountain culture featuring traditional dabke dancing, live music, and local craft exhibitions at 1,500m (4,921 ft) elevation. The festival showcases winter traditions including traditional food preparation and folk music performances in an alpine setting.

Late January

Beirut Art Fair

Contemporary art exhibition featuring Middle Eastern and international artists across galleries in Achrafieh and Downtown Beirut. The fair includes artist talks, installation pieces, and gallery openings taking advantage of January's cooler weather for indoor cultural activities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for mountain trails above 1,000m (3,281 ft) where snow and ice are common

Layered clothing system - temperatures vary 15°C (27°F) between coast and mountains, need base layer, fleece, and waterproof shell

Warm hat and gloves - mountain temperatures drop to -5°C (23°F) at ski resorts, extremities get cold quickly

Rain jacket with hood - 12 rainy days means 40% chance of precipitation, showers last 1-3 hours

UV protection sunglasses - snow reflection at altitude increases UV exposure, winter sun still reaches index 4

Thermal underwear - required for mountain activities, ski areas, and early morning archaeological site visits

Sturdy umbrella - wind speeds of 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) on coast require durable umbrella for city exploration

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 30-40% faster, especially during mountain photography

Moisturizer and lip balm - 68% humidity drops to 45% in mountains, causing skin and lip drying

Cash in small bills - mountain villages and ski areas prefer cash, ATMs scarce above 1,200m (3,937 ft)

Insider Knowledge

Lebanese ski resorts operate Thursday-Sunday only during January - plan mountain trips accordingly as lifts close Monday-Wednesday for maintenance

Restaurants in mountain towns close 2-5pm daily during January - locals take extended lunch breaks, plan meals around 1pm or after 6pm timing

Beirut's shared taxis (service) double fares during rainy days - use ride-hailing apps like Careem or Uber for consistent pricing during weather

Many coastal hotels offer 'winter wellness packages' combining spa treatments with heated pools - rates 50-70% below summer prices with added amenities

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting mountain drives without 4WD vehicles - roads above 1,000m (3,281 ft) require all-wheel drive and snow chains during January conditions

Packing only summer clothes assuming Mediterranean climate - mountain areas experience sub-zero temperatures and significant snowfall

Booking coastal swimming activities - Mediterranean water temperature of 17°C (63°F) too cold for comfortable swimming despite sunny days