Weather
Mountains
Despite being a relatively small country, the weather variations in Syria are quite pronounced. These variations are the result of differing landscapes and seasons. Along the Mediterranean Sea coast the air tends to be more humid and temperature extremes are muffled, while inland the desert allows for hot days and cool nights. Winters, running from about December to February, average only about 45° F (7° C) in many parts of the country, including the desert, however the coast and inland valleys are much warmer as Damascus has a daily high of about 60° F (16° C) during this time and both the coast and the mountains tend to get a fair amount of rain during these months. Summers can get quite hot, most noticeably in the southeastern desert. Damascus tends to be around 80° F (27° C) many days, but the desert regularly reaches 105° F (40° C) during summer days.
Wildlife
Syria's wildlife is limited in scope due to the dry desert that covers much of the country. Despite this, there are areas that are very fertile and hence decent diversity. Camels, horses, antelopes, gazelles, rabbits, jackals, and deer are all mammals in the country. The sea life is very limited and is best seen off the western coast in the Mediterranean Sea, which is home to thousands of corals, shellfish, and fish of all varieties.
The bird life is excellent, most of which are migratory birds, although some species do remain year round. Among these birds are the flamingo, pelican, falcon, eagle, and ostrich. The amphibian life is quite limited, but the number of reptiles is decent. Lizards and chameleons are the most popular reptiles.