Baalbek in December

April through June gives you perfect weather and the valley at its greenest. Temperatures hover around 70-75°F, wildflowers carpet the mountainsides, and you can explore the temples without melting. September and October offer similar conditions with the bonus of harvest season — wineries buzz with activity, and restaurants feature fresh grape dishes. Summer gets brutal. July and August see temperatures climb past 95°F, and the temple stones become too hot to touch comfortably. But if you must visit in summer, go early morning or late afternoon. Winter brings occasional snow and temperatures that can drop to 40°F. The temples look dramatic against snow-capped mountains, but many mountain roads become impassable. Spring also means longer days — sunset doesn't come until after 7 PM in May, giving you extra time to explore. Avoid major Islamic holidays when domestic tourism spikes and accommodation becomes scarce.