Sanaa

Capital of Yemen

Sanaa
Photo: ai@ce, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sanaa is the capital city of Yemen, with a population of nearly 3 million people as of 2015. Visitors travel here to see historic and cultural landmarks including the Great Mosque of Sanaa and the National Museum of Yemen.

What to see

The city features several religious and cultural landmarks. The Great Mosque of Sanaa and the Al-Saleh Mosque serve as primary sites for visitors interested in religious architecture. The Bab al Yemen stands as a notable structure within the city. For those interested in local history and artifacts, the National Museum of Yemen is available to explore.

When to go

Sanaa experiences mild temperatures throughout the year. Daily high temperatures range from 21 °C in January and December to 27 °C in June, while daily lows vary between 8 °C and 15 °C. Rain is infrequent across most months. August receives the most rain, with about 52 mm falling over roughly 4 days. Most other months see very little precipitation, making them suitable for travel.

Getting there

Sanaa International Airport is the primary entry point for the city. It is located 14 km from the center of Sanaa, providing direct access for travelers.

Top sights in Sanaa

  1. Great Mosque of SanaaGreat Mosque of Sanaa
  2. Al-Saleh MosqueAl-Saleh Mosque
  3. Bab al YemenBab al Yemen
  4. National Museum of YemenNational Museum of Yemen

Weather by month

The warmest month is June, with an average high of 27 °C. The wettest is August, with about 52 mm of rain.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high, °C212223242627262525232221
Average low, °C89111214151515141098
Rainfall, mm283040221238529323
Rainy days011210240111

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Sanaa (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

Other cities in Yemen