Climate Zones in the Middle East
Geography: KS3, topic 19.1.3
Climate Zones by Country
The Middle East has a varied climate across the different countries but is mainly hot and dry for most of the year.
Iraq
- Average rainfall across the region and between countries is varied.
- Even within countries average rainfall can vary hugely.
- For example in Iraq, average rainfall is over 2,000 mm near the northern coast compared with the desert areas which receive little to no rainfall for most of the year.
Yemen
- In Yemen, average temperatures during the year range from lows of 14°C in December to highs of 23°C in June.
Saudi Arabia
- In Saudi Arabia, average temperatures during the year range from lows of 14°C in January to highs of 35°C in July.
- Average rainfall varies with 0 mm during the months of June-December and highest average rainfall of 22 mm in April.
UAE
- In the United Arab Emirates, average temperatures during the year range from lows of 18°C in January to highs of 36°C in August.
Climate Zones in the Middle East
The Middle East features three different climate zones: arid, semi-arid and Mediterranean.
Arid
- The arid (desert) climate is mainly hot and dry with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
- Precipitation is below 250 mm per year.
- The temperature can exceed 50°C during the day but can drop below freezing at night.
- The arid climate severely affects life in countries such as Saudi Arabia.
- The arid climate means irrigation is necessary to grow crops in Saudi Arabia.
Semi-arid
- The semi-arid climate is also hot but receives more precipitation than a desert.
- Precipitation is on average between 250 and 500 mm per year.
- The rain is usually enough to support some agriculture, but long droughts often result in people starving.
Mediterranean
- The Mediterranean climate has warm dry summers and mild, wet winters.
- The precipitation is on average not more than 900 mm per year.
Test yourself on Climate Zones in the Middle East
Which month does Saudi Arabia experience the highest rainfall on average?
What are the 3 climate zones found in the Middle East?
Select the characteristics of arid climates.