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Lebanon, a slice of the Paradise, enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate and four distinct seasons.
Summer
(June to September) with temperatures along the coast ranging from 20-32°C (68-90°F) and the mountains typically from 6-22°C (45-70°F).
Fall
(October-November) with cool weather to the mountains, 5-20°C (40-68°F), while maintaining the warm on the coast and in the South, 15-28°C (60-85°F).
Winter
(December to mid-March) is the time for various outdoor sports. Ski activities, snowboarding of all skill levels, and kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails to be explored. This is the rainy season of Lebanon , and the snowy one in the mountains. Temperature will go for below 0°C at night and range from -5°C (25-40°F) during the day. The coast is wet and cool, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-67°F).
Spring
( April - May )
Warm and flourishing season. After the winter rain and the melting snow, the scenery comes alive with wildflowers. Temperature range from 0-15°C (32-60°F) in the mountains to 15-25°C (58-72°F) along the coast.
Thanks to its location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, Lebanon has been shaped by many civilizations throughout history. Its position as a meeting point for diverse peoples is evident in the extraordinary richness of its archaeological sites and historical monuments.
From Stone Age settlements to Phoenician city-states, from Roman temples to rock-cut Christian hermitages, from Crusader Castles to Mamlouk mosques and Ottoman /hammams,/ the country's historical sites are a true encyclopedia of ancient and modern world history.
Arabic is Lebanon's official language, Yet English and French are widely spoken. Most Lebanese speak at least two or three languages, and visitors will find no problems communicating.
Lebanese time is G.M.T. +2 hours in winter (October to March) and +3 hours in summer (April to September), when daylight savings time is observed.
Electric current is 110/220 volts, 50 cycles. A two-pin plug, with round pins is commonly used (Type C, similar to many European countries), but other types of plugs are also in use so it is best to check before you go.
Telephones: While the telephone system in Lebanon is well-developed, there are few public pay phones, and international phone calls are expensive. Most Lebanese use mobile phones, and coverage extends throughout the country.
The country code for Lebanon is (961). This is followed by the local area code and the telephone number.
The area code for mobile phones is (03) and the area code for Beirut is (01).
If you are dialing Lebanon from outside the country, omit the (0) in the area code.
There are Internet cafés available throughout Lebanon, and many larger hotels now offer high-speed and wireless Internet access for free or for a small fee.
The official Lebanese currency is the Lebanese pound or lira (LL). Notes are available in denominations of: LL1,000; LL5,000; LL10,000; LL20,000; LL50,000; and LL100,000. There are also LL250 and LL500 coins. U.S. dollars are used widely throughout the country. Restaurants, hotels, and stores often quote their prices in U.S. dollars, and many establishments will convert and provide U.S. dollar prices for you upon request. If you plan to use U.S. dollars, it is advisable to bring small bills (US$1 to US$20 notes).
The US$/LL exchange rate is relatively stable, hovering around US$1=LL1,500.
The appreciation of the Euro since early 2002 has benefited European travelers.
The Euro/LL exchange rate has fluctuated from €1=LL1,400 in June 2002 to €1=LL1,800 in April 2006.
Check our useful links for the latest exchange rate before you go. Money or travelers checks can be exchanged at banks, private money exchange shops, and major hotels.
Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club) are accepted at most large establishments throughout the country. ATMs are also widely available in Beirut and larger cities and will usually dispense both U.S. dollars and Lebanese pounds.
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