Middle East, Libya

Overview

Libya has it all: ancient cities of rare and exquisite splendour, the Sahara that you thought existed only in your imagination and the unmistakeable cachet of being ruled by one of modern history's most iconic figures, Colonel Muammar Qaddafi.

When To Go

Libya is at its best in October and November when the skies are clear, the temperatures are mild and, depending on end-of-summer rains, the desert may even have a greenish tinge in places. The next best period is from March through to early May, although there's a higher chance of sandstorms in April and, by May, temperatures are really starting to rise. December through to February is also a popular time, although temperatures can be surprisingly cool and night-time temperatures in the Sahara routinely drop below zero; 'sleeping' under the stars in sub-zero conditions is not recommended. In summer mid-May to September, temperatures can be fiercely, unbearably, witheringly hot - don't even think of a desert expedition at this time.

Visas

Nationals of most African and Arab countries don't require visas to enter Libya. Everyone else does.

Weather

With one of the harshest deserts in the world meeting the mild Mediterranean, most of Libya has a changeable climate. Summer is generally very hot, with average temperatures on the coast of around 30°C 86°F and often accompanied by high humidity. In the south temperatures can reach a sweltering 50°C 122°F or higher. Around 2500 years ago, the historian Herodotus claimed that 'in the upper parts of Libya, it is always summer'. And, yet, in winter the weather can be cool and rainy on the coast, even snowing occasionally in the mountains. Desert temperatures can drop to subfreezing at night; over the course of a year, Libya's desert regions receive less than 100mm 4in of rain. During the spring in northern Libya, you may encounter the ghibli, a hot, dry, sandladen wind which can raise the temperature in a matter of hours to 50°C 122°F. The ghibli can last from just a few hours to several days.

Getting There

International flights to Libya have slowly been increasing. British Airways were the first off the blocks, with Royal Jordanian close behind. In addition, Afriqiyah, Lufthansa, Alitalia, EgyptAir, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Olympic Airways are now helping connect Tripoli with most of the Arab capitals and with Europe and the Far East.

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