Months in Arabic are not always just names on a calendar.
In Jordan and Palestine, some months are connected to popular Arabic sayings that describe exactly what people expect from the weather. Extreme heat, unpredictable days, and the first signs of rain can all be summed up in a few memorable words.
If you are learning Levantine Arabic, Jordanian Arabic, or Palestinian Arabic, these common Arabic expressions are a fun way to understand how native speakers talk about the weather and the changing seasons.
"2aab il-lahhaab \ آب اللّهّاب"
August has a reputation, and it is not a gentle one.
"2aab il-lahhaab \ آب اللّهّاب" is a common Arabic saying used to describe the intense heat of August. The word "lahhaab" gives the idea of flames or burning heat, which explains why the expression fits the month so well.
When August reaches its hottest days in Jordan and Palestine, you may hear people use "Aab il-Lahhaab" to describe the weather.
It is short, dramatic, and very accurate.
"ShbaaT Maa 3aleih RbaaT \ شباط ما عَليه رباط"
Never trust February's weather.
The popular Levantine Arabic saying "ShbaaT maa 3aleih rbaaT \ شباط ما عَليه رباط" describes February as a month that cannot be tied down or controlled.
The morning may be sunny, the afternoon rainy, and by evening the temperature can suddenly drop. In Jordanian Arabic and Palestinian Arabic, this expression perfectly describes February's unpredictable weather.
Basically, if it is February, be ready for anything.
"Aylool Theiloh Mablool \ أيلول ذيلُه مَبلول"
September may start with summer, but its "tail" tells a different story.
"Aylool theiloh mablool \ أيلول ذيلُه مَبلول" literally means "September's tail is wet." The "tail" refers to the end of the month, when the first rain may begin to appear and the weather slowly starts moving toward autumn.
The beginning of September can still feel hot and sunny in Jordan and Palestine. By the end of the month, however, clouds and rain may start making an appearance.
For Arabic learners, this is a great example of how Levantine Arabic expressions use simple images to describe everyday life.
A Whole Weather Forecast in One Phrase
What makes these Arabic sayings interesting is how much meaning they fit into just a few words.
"2aab il-lahhaab" tells you to expect heat. "ShbaaT maa 3aleih rbaaT" warns you not to trust February's weather. "Aylool theiloh mablool" reminds you that rain may be waiting at the end of September.
When you learn Arabic, vocabulary and grammar are only part of the language. Understanding common Arabic expressions and popular Arabic sayings can help you follow real conversations and understand the cultural ideas behind the words.
For learners of Levantine Arabic, Jordanian Arabic, and Palestinian Arabic, sayings like these offer a fun look at how native speakers describe the weather and the seasons.
And the best part is that every year, when the weather changes, someone says one of these phrases and everyone immediately knows exactly what they mean.
