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Lebanon

Best Time to Go Rock Climbing in Lebanon

Month-by-month conditions, temperatures and rainfall for planning a climbing trip to Lebanon.

Lebanon's Climbing Calendar: Month-by-Month Guide

Data typeJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Popularity1 out of 102 out of 102 out of 105 out of 101 out of 108 out of 102 out of 103 out of 1010 out of 103 out of 105 out of 103 out of 10
Temperature (°C)13°14°16°19°23°26°28°28°26°22°18°14°
Rain☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️🌧️🌧️🌧️☀️☀️☀️
Rainfall (mm)160mm140mm100mm50mm20mm10mm0mm0mm10mm70mm120mm150mm

Color Key:

Red: Hot temperature, chance of rainfall, or unfavorable conditions

Yellow: Moderate conditions

Green: Popular with climbers, ideal temperature, low rainfall, or favorable conditions

Blue: Cold temperature

🌧️ Indicates chance of rain, ☀️ indicates low chance of rain

Popularity: Red (1-5) - Fewer visitors, Yellow (6) - Moderate, Green (7-10) - Peak season, best time to meet other climbers

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Lebanon's Climbing Seasons and Top Crags

Lebanon offers a variety of climbing destinations that are perfect for every season. Discover the most popular crags to visit throughout the year.

Spring: March-May

Spring is generally considered one of the most favorable seasons for rock climbing due to mild temperatures and stable weather conditions. This makes it suitable for various types of climbing, including sport climbing, lead climbing, top rope, bouldering, and trad climbing. In Lebanon, popular crags during this season include: 1. Tannourine Limestone cliffs, diverse routes, stunning views. 2. Nahr Ibrahim (Adonis Valley) Limestone sport climbing in the dramatic river gorge north of Beirut — well-bolted routes in a stunning setting. 3. Faqra Historical site, well-bolted routes, scenic surroundings. 4. Afqa Known for its waterfalls, offers both sport and trad climbing. 5. Laqlouq Beautiful landscapes, a mix of sport and traditional routes.

Summer: June-August

Summer is generally characterized by warm weather and long days, making it ideal for bouldering and sport climbing in many regions. In Lebanon, climbing is best in the early mornings and late afternoons. Popular crags include: 1. Baatara Gorge Stunning limestone formations and breathtaking views. 2. Afqa Known for its impressive cliffs and diverse climbing routes. 3. Laqlouq Offers a mix of sport and trad climbing in a scenic setting. 4. Tannourine Features beautiful rock faces and a variety of climbing options. 5. Harissa Short limestone sport routes on the ridge above Jounieh Bay — afternoon sea breezes keep the crag cooler than inland areas in summer.

Fall: September-November

Autumn generally offers clear skies, low precipitation, and mild temperatures, making it suitable for all types of rock climbing. In Lebanon, fall is considered the peak climbing season with perfect conditions. Most popular crags: 1. Tannourine Limestone cliffs, diverse routes, stunning views. 2. Nahr Ibrahim (Adonis Valley) Limestone gorge with bolted sport routes — prime conditions in autumn with lower crowds than summer. 3. Balaa Known for its impressive rock formations, scenic surroundings. 4. Faqra Historical site, features a mix of sport and trad routes. 5. Baatara Gorge Dramatic gorge, unique geological features, challenging climbs.

Winter: December-February

Winter is generally not recommended for rock climbing due to cold weather and potential snow. However, in Lebanon, winter offers unique climbing opportunities on sunny days. Most popular crags: 1. Chouwen Known for its limestone cliffs and scenic views. 2. Kfardebian Features a variety of routes amidst beautiful mountain scenery. 3. Faqra Offers a mix of sport and trad climbing options. 4. Afqa Impressive limestone cliffs by a dramatic waterfall grotto north of Beirut — some routes stay dry and climbable on mild winter days. 5. Tannourine Home to impressive rock formations and a tranquil environment.

Lebanon's diverse climbing spots and favorable weather make it a year-round destination for climbers. The best seasons for rock climbing in Lebanon likely follow the general Mediterranean climate pattern, with spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) being the most favorable due to mild temperatures and stable weather conditions. Plan your visit according to the season and enjoy the best climbing experiences in Lebanon.

Where to stay in Lebanon

Once you have picked your month, the next question is usually where to base yourself. Prices in the good season move quickly, so it is worth looking early.

Find places to stay in LebanonFind hostels on Hostelworld

Getting around Lebanon

Most crags are outside town, so a car is the most efficient way to reach them. You can compare car rentals here.

Mobile data in Lebanon

An eSIM gives you mobile data as soon as you land, with no SIM shop and no roaming bill. You install it on your phone before you fly and keep your own SIM for calls and texts. Saily covers Lebanon, and the small plans cost a few dollars. Check that your phone supports eSIM first.

Get a Saily eSIM

Insurance that covers climbing

Most standard travel policies exclude rock climbing, and a lot of them exclude riding a scooter too. Check your own policy first — and if it does not cover you, this is the one I use.

  • Covers rock climbing, which most standard travel policies exclude
  • Buy it after you have already left home, and extend it monthly if you stay in Lebanon longer
  • Emergency medical cover and evacuation, which is the part that actually matters
Get Travel Insurance

Some links on this page are affiliate links, marked as sponsored. If you book through them it costs you nothing extra and helps keep this site free. I only recommend accommodation and insurance I would use myself, and always read the policy wording for your own activities.

Discover Your Next Adventure

Curious about the best times to visit other climbing destinations? Explore our interactive tool to find popular countries for each month of the year!

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Last updated: 2024-09-17

Written by Stephan Bochet