Travel to Lebanon — everything you need to know
When to go to Lebanon?
- Apr – Jun — Spring — ideal : Perfect temperatures (18–26°C), lush greenery, blossoms in the Lebanese mountains.
- Sep – Oct — Autumn — excellent : Cooling heat, clear skies, grape harvest in the Bekaa Valley.
- Jul – Aug — Summer — lively but hot : Humid heat in Beirut (30–35°C), but cool mountains and numerous festivals.
- Dec – Mar — Winter — skiing possible : Cold and rain in the mountains, snow around the Cedars. Beirut stays mild.
Weather in Lebanon
Check the weather city by city, starting with Beirut.
- Beyrouth: daytime highs from 17 to 31 °C depending on the season, 61 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 12 to 34 °C depending on the season, 34 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Lebanon?
Lebanon is a country of many faces, packing an astonishing geographical, cultural and religious diversity into less than 11,000 km². Its Phoenician and Roman ruins, bustling markets, cuisine recognised as one of the best in the Arab world, and vibrant arts scene made it one of the most appealing destinations in the Middle East. Since 2019, the country has been mired in an unprecedented economic and political crisis, but continues to draw visitors captivated by its extraordinary soul.
Beyrouth
Beirut is a city of striking contrasts, where street-art districts like Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael sit alongside the still-visible ruins of the devastating port explosion of August 2020. Despite the deep economic crisis, the Lebanese capital retains a creative energy and intense cultural life, with its art galleries, fine dining and unique music scene. The historic centre, under reconstruction, and the seafront (Corniche) invite leisurely strolls.
Highlights : Gemmayzeh district — street art, bars and Ottoman architecture, Martyrs' Square — Beirut's historic heart, National Museum of Beirut — collection of Phoenician sarcophagi and Roman mosaics, Beirut Corniche — iconic promenade facing the Mediterranean.
Baalbek
Baalbek is home to the most imposing ruins of the Roman Empire, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Temple of Jupiter, with its 20-metre-high columns and hewn stones weighing over 1,000 tonnes, is one of the grandest constructions of antiquity. The Baalbek Festival, held every summer since 1955 among these extraordinary ruins, is one of the most prestigious cultural events in the Arab world.
Highlights : Temple of Jupiter — 20 m columns among the tallest of antiquity, Temple of Bacchus — the best-preserved Roman temple in the world, Temple of Venus — elegant circular temple, Baalbek Festival — classical and jazz concerts among the ruins in summer.
Byblos (Jbeil)
Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, founded over 7,000 years ago by the Phoenicians, who invented the alphabet there. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its old town blends Phoenician remains, an Egyptian temple, Roman fortifications, a Crusader cathedral and a medieval fishing harbour into a unique whole. Its lively small port, seafood restaurants and pedestrian street rank among the most pleasant spots in Lebanon.
Highlights : Phoenician ruins of Byblos — 5,000-year-old seaside temples, Crusader Castle — medieval fortress overlooking the ancient town, Old Port of Byblos — fishing harbour with colourful boats, St. John-Mark Cathedral — 12th-century Crusader church.
Jeita Grotto and the Cedars of Lebanon
Jeita Grotto is one of the most beautiful underground cave systems in the world, with two levels of stalactites and stalagmites in multicoloured hues, explored on foot and by boat. Not far away, the Cedars of Lebanon forest, the country's national emblem featured on its flag, is a sacred remnant of the cedar forests that once covered all of Lebanon. In winter, the ski resorts of the Lebanese mountains (Faraya, Mzaar) offer an unusual experience in a Middle Eastern country.
Highlights : Jeita Grotto — stalactite spectacle and underground boat ride, Cedars of Bsharré forest — millennia-old UNESCO-listed cedars, Qadisha Valley — sacred gorge of the Maronite monasteries, Mzaar Kfardebian resort — skiing at 2,465 m altitude.
Travel budget for Lebanon
The catastrophic economic crisis since 2019 has caused the Lebanese pound to plunge by 98%, paradoxically making Lebanon very affordable for visitors paying in foreign currency. Most transactions are now carried out in US dollars ('fresh dollars'). Official prices in LBP are often fictitious.
- Backpacker : 35–60 €/j — Simple accommodation, street food and local restaurants, sherut transport
- Comfort : 90–150 €/j — Charming hotel, fine dining, taxis and excursions
Practical tips for travelling to Lebanon
- Flight from Paris : Direct flights with Air France or MEA from CDG, about 4h30. Beirut–Rafic Hariri Airport.
- Visa : Free visa on arrival for French citizens, valid 1 month (renewable). Entry refused with an Israeli stamp.
- Currency : US dollar is the reference currency. Lebanese pound (LBP) is hyperinflated. Euros accepted. ATMs often limited.
- Language : Arabic and French (co-official) — a Francophone country where French is very widely understood and spoken
- Electricity : Type C/D/G (220V) — European plugs often compatible. Frequent power cuts, generators are common.
- Health : Hepatitis A/B vaccines recommended. Good quality medical infrastructure in Beirut despite the crisis. Avoid tap water.
- Safety : Unstable situation: economic crisis, political tensions and occasional security risks. Check government travel advisories before departing.
- Cuisine : World-renowned Lebanese cuisine. Excellent Bekaa wines (Château Ksara, Massaya, Château Musar). Don't miss a full mezze spread.
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