Damascus Travel Guide

City Facts

Location

Southwestern Syria.

Time Zone

GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from 1 April to 30 September).

Electricity

220V, 50Hz; continental two-pin plugs are standard.

Average January Temperatures

10ºC (50ºF).

Average July Temperatures

36ºC (96.8ºF).

Average Annual Rainfall

200-500mm (8-20 inches).

Cost of Living

Special Events

Syrian International Rally
June
Three-day car rally starting in Damascus and heading off around the country, organized by the Syrian Automobile Club.
Website: www.syrianrally.com

Baalbek Festival
July/August
Many Damascenes attend this prestigious festival with international performances of music and dance, across the border in Lebanon (Syrian Air flies from Damascus to Beirut from where taxis go to Baalbek. Karnak Buses go from Damascus to Baalbek (journey time - 3 hours).
Baalbek, Lebanon
Website: www.baalbeck.org.lb

International Flower Show
July/August
Flower traders and enthusiasts gather every year for the capital's annual flower show.
Teshreen Park
Website: www.syriatourism.org

Jazz Lives in Syria
August
Annual four-day Jazz festival featuring local and international talents.
Damascus Citadel
Website: http://jazzlivesinsyria.com

Damascus Film Festival
November
Omayyad Conferences Palace and several cinemas in the center of town
Websites: www.cinemasy.com; www.damascusfest.com

Ramadan
Ninth month of the Muslim Hijra calendar (dates change every year)
Muslims abstain from food, drink and sex between sunrise and sunset and evenings are spent eating together, shopping and going to the old city.
Throughout Damascus

Eid al Fitr
Feast held at the end of Ramadan to celebrate the ending of fasting.
Throughout Damascus

Eid al Adha
November
Also called the festival of sacrifice, it begins on 27 November. The festival follows the annual Islamic pilgrimage and commemorates the trials of the Prophet Abraham. Please note that most venues do not serve alcohol the night before, and the first day of eid.
Throughout Damascus