Damascus

Damascus is the capital of Syria and its largest city, with about 4.5 million people.

Damascus' climate is semi arid, due to the rain shadow effect of the Anti-Lebanon mountains. Summers are hot with less humidity. Winters are cool and rainy or snowy. January maximum & minimum temperatures are 11 °C (52 °F) and 0 °C (32 °F), lowest ever recorded being -13.5 °C (8 °F). The summer August maximum & minimum temperature are 35 °C (95 °F) and 17 °C (63 °F), with the highest ever recorded being 45.5 °C (113.9 °F). Annual rainfall is around 20 cm (8 in), occurring from November to March.

Damascus offers some of the best shopping in the Middle East. Prices are cheap, and since very few stores depend on tourists for their income, most will leave you alone to browse until you are ready to buy. Small stores are located throughout the old city, although the Souq al-Hamidiyya, located along the Roman straight street, offers the highest density of shops. The souq is a fantastic experience, but be prepared for the crowds.