Sana'a

ISO3: YEM
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Time Zone: Asia/Aden

"سانا أم الثقافة | Sana'a, Mother of Culture"

15.3694° N, 44.1910° E

About:

Sana'a, Yemen, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally, was founded as Azal in the 2nd millennium BCE. It thrived as a center of Islamic learning in the 7th-8th centuries. The city was ruled by various empires, including the Ottomans and the British, until Yemen's unification in 1990. Sana'a became the capital of unified Yemen, but since 2015, it has been under Houthi control due to ongoing conflict. Despite damage from war, its ancient architecture remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When to visit:

Sana'a, the capital city of Yemen, experiences a hot desert climate with scorching temperatures during the summer months. To avoid the extreme heat and potential discomfort, it is recommended to visit Sana'a during the winter season, from November to February. During this time, the weather is more moderate, making it ideal for exploring the city's historic architecture, vibrant markets, and cultural sites. Additionally, winter is the peak tourist season in Sana'a, offering a bustling atmosphere and a range of events and festivals to enjoy.

When to avoid:

Sana'a, the capital city of Yemen, experiences its peak tourist season during the winter months, particularly from November to February. However, the worst time to travel to Sana'a on a holiday would be during the summer months from June to August. This period is characterized by scorching temperatures that can exceed 100°F (38°C), making outdoor activities uncomfortable and potentially hazardous. Additionally, the summer months coincide with the country's rainy season, which can lead to flooding and transportation disruptions. Travelers looking to visit Sana'a during a holiday are advised to plan their trip during the cooler and drier winter months for a more pleasant experience.

"Winter Season (Dec-Feb)"

In Sana'a, Yemen, the warmest part of the year typically falls between May and September, with average high temperatures ranging from 26°C (79°F) to 30°C (86°F). Rainfall during these months is relatively low, averaging around 10mm to 20mm per month, with August being the wettest month of the warm season.

Sunlight is abundant during this period, with an average of 8 to 9 hours of sunshine per day. Humidity is moderate, with average relative humidity ranging from 30% to 40%. Cloudiness varies throughout the warm season, with clearer skies in May and June, and increasing cloud cover as the season progresses, peaking in August.

For a visitor, a typical day in Sana'a during the warmest part of the year would feel comfortably warm, but not excessively hot. The low rainfall and moderate humidity make for a dry climate, and the abundant sunshine provides plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities. The increasing cloud cover later in the season can provide some relief from the sun. Despite the warmth, it's worth noting that Sana'a's high altitude can make the UV index quite high, so sun protection is advised.

"Summer (June-September)"

In Sana'a, Yemen, the warmest part of the year typically falls between May and September, with average high temperatures ranging from 26°C (79°F) to 30°C (86°F). Rainfall during these months is relatively low, averaging around 10mm to 20mm per month, with August being the wettest month of the warm season.

Sunlight is abundant during this period, with an average of 8 to 9 hours of sunshine per day. Humidity is moderate, with average relative humidity ranging from 30% to 40%. Cloudiness varies throughout the warm season, with clearer skies in May and June, and increasing cloud cover as the season progresses, peaking in August.

For a visitor, a typical day in Sana'a during the warmest part of the year would feel comfortably warm, but not excessively hot. The low rainfall and moderate humidity make for a dry climate, and the abundant sunshine provides plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities. The increasing cloud cover later in the season can provide some relief from the sun. Despite the warmth, it's worth noting that Sana'a's high altitude can make the UV index quite high, so sun protection is advised.

Language:

arabic

Sana'a, the largest city in Yemen, primarily features Arabic as its most commonly spoken language. Specifically, Yemeni Arabic, a variety of Peninsular Arabic, is the language of choice for the majority of the population. This dialect is unique to Yemen and parts of Somalia. In addition, English is taught in schools and used in business and other formal settings, making it a secondary language for many residents.