WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Yemen

Location

Climate

Yemen's climate: The best times to travel

Yemen is located on the Arabian Peninsula, and enjoys a desert climate with regional variations. In general, there are two seasons: the dry season and the wet season (or monsoon). The best time to visit Yemen is from October to February.when temperatures are cooler and rainfall lower.

Dry season: October to February

The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit Yemen. During these months, temperatures are moderate, varying between 20°C and 30°C during the day, and dropping to 5°C at night in some mountainous regions. Rainfall is also very low, making travel easier.

Wet season: March to September

The wet season is characterized by higher temperatures, reaching up to 40°C in some regions. Rainfall is also heavier, particularly during the monsoon season between June and August. Travel may be more difficult due to flooded roads and high humidity. It is therefore generally advisable to avoid this period when visiting Yemen.

Major cultural events and public holidays in Yemen

Yemen hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, offering travelers a unique opportunity to discover local traditions and immerse themselves in Yemeni culture. Here are some of the most important events and holidays to consider when planning your trip:

• National holiday: Celebrated on May 22, National Day marks the unification of Yemen in 1990. Festivities take place throughout the country, with parades, fireworks and concerts.
• Ramadan: The holy month of Ramadan is observed by Muslims all over the world, including Yemen. During this period, the faithful fast from sunrise to sunset. Restaurants and shops may have modified opening hours, and some tourist activities may be limited. Ramadan generally lasts 29 or 30 days, and the date varies from year to year.
• Eid el-Fitr: Marking the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is an important holiday in Yemen. Families gather to share festive meals and give gifts to children. Numerous activities are organized throughout the country, and tourist sites can be very crowded.
• Eid al-Adha: Also known as the "Feast of Sacrifice", this celebration takes place around 70 days after the end of Ramadan. It commemorates the sacrifice of Abraham and is marked by prayers, family meals and donations to the needy. As with Eid el-Fitr, tourist sites may be busier during this period.

Low and high season in Yemen

As already mentioned, the best time to visit Yemen is from October to February. This period also corresponds to the peak tourist season, with a greater influx of travellers. It is therefore advisable to book your accommodation and activities in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Low season: March to September

The low season coincides with the wet season and monsoon season, making weather conditions less favorable for travel. However, if you don't mind the rainfall and higher temperatures, you can take advantage of generally lower accommodation rates and less crowded tourist sites.

High season: October to February

High season is the most popular period for travelers, thanks to ideal weather conditions. Accommodation prices can be higher and tourist sites more crowded. So plan your trip well in advance to make the most of your stay in Yemen.

Yemen, a country at the south-western tip of the Arabian Peninsula, has been in the throes of major political, economic and social upheaval for several years. Despite this situation, immigration and international tourism continue to be topics of interest.

Immigration statistics for Yemen

According to available data, there has been a significant increase in the number of immigrants arriving in Yemen in recent years. In fact, the current humanitarian crisis has led to a massive influx of refugees and migrantsThese are mainly from neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and Somalia, but also from further afield, such as Syria.

Number of immigrant arrivals per year

Here are some figures on the number of immigrants arriving in Yemen:

• In 2015: approximately 117,000 arrivals
• In 2016: approximately 111,500 arrivals
• In 2017: approximately 99,000 arrivals
• In 2018: around 150,000 arrivals
• In 2019: approximately 138,000 arrivals

These figures show that despite the difficulties and dangers, many people continue to migrate to Yemen in the hope of finding refuge or a better life.

Immigrant origin

The main nationalities of immigrants to Yemen are as follows:

• Ethiopia about 90 % of immigrants
• Somalia about 10 % of immigrants
• Other countries (notably Syria, IraqBangladesh: less than 1 % of immigrants

Migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia predominate, crossing the Red Sea in often overcrowded and dangerous boats to Yemen.

Most popular visas in Yemen

Despite the political and security situation, some visas are still issued by the Yemeni authorities. The most commonly requested types of visa are :

1. Work visa
2. Family visit visa
3. Study visa
4. Transit visa

It is important to note that tourist visa applications are currently suspended due to armed conflicts and security risks for foreign travelers.

International tourism figures for Yemen

Until the late 2000s, Yemen was one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Arabian Peninsula. Visitors were attracted in particular by the country's archaeological and architectural treasures, such as the ancient city of Shibam, nicknamed "The Great City".the Manhattan of the desert"or the archaeological site of Marib.

The decline in tourism since 2011

Yemen's tourism sector has been severely affected by the political turmoil triggered by the Arab Spring in 2011, as well as by the civil war that has been raging since 2014. As a result, the number of international tourist arrivals has fallen drastically:

• In 2010: approximately 934,000 arrivals
• In 2011: approximately 196,000 arrivals
• In 2012: approximately 144,000 arrivals
• In 2013: approximately 61,000 arrivals

Since then, data on international tourism in Yemen are extremely limitedThe security situation is very precarious and borders are closed to foreign tourists.

The uncertain future of Yemeni tourism

Given the humanitarian crisis affecting the country, with millions of lives at risk and a largely destroyed tourism infrastructure, it is difficult to envisage a rapid recovery of the tourism sector in Yemen. However, should the political and security situation improve, the country's cultural and natural potential could once again attract travellers in search of authentic, off-the-beaten-track discoveries.