Last updated: January 18, 2025
Dikhil, Djibouti, exhibits a BSh climate classification according to the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by a hot semi-arid environment. The region experiences a striking temperature variation, with minimum averages plummeting to 12°C (54°F) in January, while peaking at maximums of 44°C (111°F) in June. The average annual temperature hovers around a warm 29°C (85°F), underscoring the extreme heat conditions typical of this arid landscape. The climate of Dikhil not only shapes its local weather patterns but also poses unique challenges and opportunities for its inhabitants and ecosystems.
In Dikhil, Djibouti, a distinct seasonal temperature pattern emerges throughout the year, reflecting the region's hot semi-arid climate. The year begins with relatively cooler temperatures in January, where the minimum dips to 12°C (54°F), gradually warming as February and March approach, with maximums reaching 39°C (102°F) by late March. By May and June, temperatures surge, with maximums peaking at 44°C (111°F), marking the height of the heat season. The intensity of summer persists into July and August but begins to taper off slightly, maintaining warm averages as minimums range between 21°C (71°F) and 23°C (74°F). The transition to fall features a gradual cooling, with October and November delivering moderate temperatures that again dip to more pleasant levels by December. This cyclical fluctuation in temperature underscores the extreme heat characteristic of Dikhil while highlighting the subtle yet crucial shifts between seasons.
Dikhil experiences a minimum temperature of 12°C (54°F) in January and a maximum of 43°C (110°F) in June, highlighting its significant temperature variation across the year. In comparison, Galafi has a slightly higher minimum temperature of 14°C (58°F) in January and peaks at 44°C (111°F) in June. For more detailed information on their climates, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Dikhil here and in Galafi here.
Dikhil, Djibouti, experiences a starkly arid climate with minimal annual precipitation, predominantly concentrated in the period between April and August. In the early months of the year, rainfall is nearly negligible, with January receiving just 2 mm and February only 3 mm. As spring progresses into April, there is a noticeable increase, with precipitation rising to 29 mm and peaking further in May at 39 mm. This seasonal uptick is critical for the region, as it corresponds with the brief wet season that sustains local ecosystems. However, rainfall decreases abruptly in June, highlighting a sharp transition back to dry conditions.
The summer months of July and August still offer sporadic rainfall but remain variable, with 23 mm and 37 mm, respectively, often accompanied by several rainy days. September and October see a slight decline in rainfall, averaging 12 mm and 13 mm, while November and December fall back to nearly dry conditions with just a few millimeters. Overall, Dikhil's precipitation is characterized by limited amount and variability, emphasizing the struggle for water resources in this arid environment, where most of the rainfall occurs within a concise timeframe, allowing for brief bursts of ecological activity amid the overarching dryness.
Dikhil, Djibouti, basks in an abundant annual sunshine duration that demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, with hours peaking during the warmer months. Beginning in January with 270 hours of sunshine, the days start to grow longer as the winter wanes. February sees a slight increase to 301 hours, followed by a significant leap in March to 344 hours, marking the onset of more prolonged daylight. This upward trajectory continues, reaching its zenith in May with 350 hours, indicating that early summer is the sunniest period of the year in Dikhil. Although there is a slight dip in June to 329 hours, sunshine remains robust throughout the summer months, demonstrating the region's consistent exposure to sunlight.
As summer transitions into autumn, the sunshine hours maintain a solid level, with 323 hours in July and 335 hours in August. A gradual decline occurs in September and October, with sunshine hours ranging from 325 to 339 hours, before settling into November at 327 hours. This trend indicates that while the days may shorten slightly, Dikhil remains illuminated through early winter, closing the year with 336 hours in December. The consistent presence of sunshine not only enhances the arid landscape but also plays a critical role in the local climate, supporting both ecological systems and human activities reliant on solar energy.
The UV Index in Dikhil, Djibouti, presents a striking overview of the region's sun exposure, characterized by consistently high levels that pose significant risks. Throughout the year, the UV Index remains predominantly in the extreme category, with values frequently reaching 11-14 during the peak sunlight months. January begins with an index of 11, but as February progresses to 13 and March remains steady at 13, residents and visitors are warned of serious risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. April and May typify the pinnacle of solar intensity, both recording an index of 14, indicating an urgent need for sun protection, where a mere 10 minutes of unprotected skin exposure can result in burns.
As summer unfolds, the UV Index fluctuates but remains within the extreme range, with June reducing slightly to 11 and July peaking at 12. Notably, August returns to 14, which showcases the persistent threat of harmful UV radiation during this month. This trend begins to taper off in September and October with values of 12 and 11 respectively, transitioning to November, which also rates at 11. However, December sees a decrease to 9, categorized as very high with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. This reduction, although still high, highlights the importance of year-round vigilance regarding sun safety in Dikhil, where the overwhelming UV exposure is a constant presence.
UV Risk Categories
Dikhil, Djibouti, showcases a relatively stable daylight duration throughout the year, allowing residents to enjoy consistent hours of sunlight. In the early months of January and February, the daylight lasts for 11 hours, providing a modest but consistent exposure to natural light. As spring approaches, daylight begins to extend, reaching 12 hours in March and maintaining this duration consistently from April through August. This extended period of daylight during the spring and summer months enhances opportunities for outdoor activities and agricultural pursuits, characteristic of the region's social and economic lifestyle.
As the year transitions into autumn, daylight duration begins to revert toward its winter levels. September maintains the 12-hour mark, but by October, the daylight starts to dwindle back to 11 hours. This pattern continues through November and December, as shorter days envelop Dikhil in the final months of the year. Despite this slight variation, the stable nature of daylight duration signifies a reliable environmental cycle that supports both the daily routines and activities of the community, positioning Dikhil as a place where sunlight is both abundant and predictable.
Dikhil, Djibouti experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) in January to 34°C (93°F) in June, with maximums reaching up to 43°C (110°F) in June and May. Precipitation is minimal, peaking in May with 41 mm (1.6 in) and significantly reducing in the remaining months, often less than 10 mm (0.4 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in May which records around 349 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Dikhil climate.
Galafi, Djibouti experiences a hot and arid climate characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) in January to 35°C (95°F) in June, with maximums reaching up to 44°C (111°F) in June. Precipitation is sparse, with the wettest months being May and August, receiving around 36 mm and 46 mm, respectively. Despite limited rainfall, Galafi enjoys abundant sunshine, totaling over 300 hours per month from February to May. For more information, visit Galafi climate.
In conclusion, Dikhil, Djibouti, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by its extreme temperatures, minimal precipitation, and consistently high UV index, all underscored by stable daylight duration throughout the year. The region's hot semi-arid climate fosters an environment where residents experience significant solar exposure, especially during the summer months when temperature peaks coincide with high UV levels. With over 350 hours of sunshine in late spring and sustained daylight hours, the community benefits from ample opportunities for agriculture and outdoor activities. However, the potential hazards posed by UV radiation necessitate a vigilant approach to sun safety, emphasizing the importance of protective measures. Understanding these climatic dynamics not only aids in community preparedness but also enhances the resilience of local ecosystems and human activities in this arid landscape.