Suhail typically becomes visible across the Arabian Peninsula from early August through September, appearing low on the south-eastern horizon shortly before sunrise.

On August 24, the star is expected to become visible before dawn, marking the beginning of the traditional Suhail season, which lasts around 53 days.

The best chance of seeing it is from a dark, elevated location away from artificial lights. Suhail appears around 30 to 50 minutes before sunrise, when it can be spotted close to the horizon.

The appearance of Suhail has traditionally been regarded as a sign that the most intense summer heat is beginning to ease.

Over centuries, observers noted that the star’s appearance coincided with a gradual fall in temperatures of a few degrees. The period is also traditionally associated with:

The south-easterly winds typically move towards the Hajar Mountains in Oman and the east coast of the UAE.

However, the appearance of Suhail does not mean that summer heat ends immediately. Rather, it marks the start of a gradual seasonal transition, with hot conditions continuing before temperatures become more moderate.

Yes, traditionally, but the change is gradual.

Temperatures can remain high after the star becomes visible, but the traditional observations associated with Suhail point towards cooler nights, increasing humidity and changing wind patterns as the season progresses.

For centuries, the star has therefore served as one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most recognisable signs that the long, intense summer is beginning to give way to more moderate conditions.

The traditional Suhail season lasts approximately 53 days.

Al Jarwan has previously said that around 45 days after Suhail appears, day and night become nearly equal in length, signalling the gradual arrival of autumnal conditions.

Winter traditionally begins around 100 days after the appearance of Suhail, according to Al Jarwan.

The star therefore served as a useful natural calendar for communities across the Arabian Peninsula, helping people anticipate changes in weather and seasonal conditions long before modern forecasting systems.

The rising of Suhail has played an important role in the cultural and astronomical heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. For generations, people observed the movement and appearance of stars to help determine seasonal changes, rainfall patterns and the onset of hotter or cooler weather.

Its appearance was traditionally linked to agricultural activities including camel grazing, date harvesting and palm-tree pollination, with some of these activities taking place around 70 to 80 days after the star’s rise.