Last updated: January 18, 2025
Djibouti experiences a BWh (hot desert) climate, characterized by consistently high temperatures and minimal rainfall throughout the year. The minimum temperature hovers around 20°C (68°F) in January, while the average temperature remains a warm 29°C (85°F). The peak heat occurs in July, where maximum temperatures can soar to 41°C (107°F). This climate profile highlights Djibouti's arid conditions, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies in agriculture and water management.
In Djibouti, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal progression, where the year unfolds from mild to hot conditions. January begins with cooler nights averaging around 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), gradually warming through February and March, with highs reaching 32°C (90°F) by March. April and May introduce significant heat, with maximum temperatures climbing to 33°C (91°F) and 38°C (101°F), respectively. The peak of summer arrives in June and July, where the thermometer consistently hits 41°C (106°F) to 41°C (107°F), with average daytime temperatures soaring to 34°C (94°F). As August and September approach, temperatures remain elevated but slightly cooler, while October brings a gradual decline, signaling the onset of milder conditions in November and December, where temperatures retreat to 23°C (75°F) at night and peak at 32°C (90°F). This cyclical pattern showcases the transition from cooler to intensely hot months, emblematic of Djibouti's BWh climate.
Djibouti experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with minimum temperatures reaching 20°C (68°F) in January and peaking at 41°C (107°F) in July. This variation highlights the region's warm climate, making it essential to consider when planning travel or outdoor activities. For more detailed monthly temperature information, you can refer to monthly temperatures in Djibouti.
Precipitation in Djibouti is characterized by a highly variable and predominantly dry climate, with most rainfall occurring during limited periods throughout the year. The wet season typically peaks in May, where rainfall reaches 57 mm (2.2 in), contributing to the year’s highest precipitation total despite the short duration of rain events. Following May, the rainfall sharply declines in June, with just 5 mm (0.2 in) recorded, and minimal precipitation occurs throughout July and August, maintaining an arid atmosphere. Notably, January and February mark the start of the year with relatively low rain levels of 13 mm (0.5 in) and 23 mm (0.9 in), setting the stage for the subsequent gradual increase in precipitation levels.
As the year progresses, October and November serve as transitional months, where precipitation notably increases again, with 39 mm (1.5 in) and 51 mm (2.0 in), respectively. December shows a reduction to 29 mm (1.1 in), while the duration of rain events mostly spans a few days each month. Despite these scattered rainfall occurrences, the overall trend reflects a predominantly dry climate, with an average of just 6 days of rain in the month of October compared to the nearly 0 days in June and low totals in the peak summer months of July and August. This irregular distribution of rainfall plays a crucial role in shaping Djibouti's arid environment and influences agricultural practices within the region.
In Djibouti, sunshine duration exhibits a consistent upward trend as the year progresses from winter into summer, reflecting the region's predominantly sunny and arid climate. Starting with 270 hours of sunshine in January, each subsequent month witnesses an increase, peaking in March with 342 hours. This upward trajectory continues into late spring, as April and May maintain high totals of 339 hours and 347 hours, respectively. The arrival of summer months, particularly June through August, experiences slightly varying sunshine hours but remains robust, hovering around 326 to 334 hours. This steady abundance of sunlight not only enhances the picturesque desert landscape but also provides ample solar energy opportunities throughout the year.
As autumn approaches, the sunshine duration begins to stabilize, with October reporting 339 hours and a slight decline into November with 322 hours. December sees a resurgence, bringing 333 hours of sunlight to close the year. Despite an overall consistency in bright days, the peak months are concentrated in the spring, particularly May, which stands out with the highest number of sunshine hours. This seasonal pattern highlights Djibouti’s favorable conditions for outdoor activities and solar energy harnessing, as sunshine remains a defining characteristic throughout the vast majority of the year.
The UV Index in Djibouti reflects the country's exposure to intense solar radiation, revealing patterns that emphasize the importance of sun protection throughout the year. January starts with a UV Index of 11, categorized as extreme, which sets a high standard for the months to follow. This extreme exposure persists into February and March, maintaining a UV Index of 12. April peaks at an even higher index of 14, signifying the potential for severe sunburn within just 10 minutes of unprotected exposure. Even as temperatures transition into the summer months, the UV Index remains predominantly extreme, particularly in July and August, when values return to 11 and 13, respectively. This consistency underscores the need for vigilant sun safety measures during these months.
As the year progresses into autumn and winter, there are slight fluctuations in UV levels. By November, the UV Index decreases to 10, categorized as very high, while December registers an index of 9. Despite the lower values, the potential for harm from UV radiation remains significant, indicating a burn time of 15 minutes. Given the consistently high UV Index throughout much of the year, residents and visitors to Djibouti must prioritize sun protection, utilizing appropriate clothing, sunblock, and seeking shade to safeguard against the risks associated with extreme ultraviolet exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Djibouti, daylight duration presents a fairly stable pattern throughout the year, characterized by a mild variation between 11 to 12 hours of sunlight. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, which provides a consistent foundation as residents experience relatively long days during these cooler months. As March arrives, daylight increases to 12 hours, a trend that sustains itself through the following months of April, May, June, July, and August, reflecting Djibouti's equatorial proximity where variations in daylight are minimal.
As autumn progresses, daylight duration begins to taper off, with October, November, and December returning to 11 hours each month. This cycle of daylight aligns closely with the climatic transitions but emphasizes the overall consistency of sunlight that Djibouti experiences year-round. The stable daylight duration not only supports the region's agricultural practices but also enhances outdoor activities, allowing for extensive exploration and enjoyment of the natural landscape throughout the majority of the year.
Djibouti experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures year-round. January to March sees average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 80°F), while the hottest months, June to August, can reach averages of 33°C to 34°C (91°F to 94°F). Precipitation is minimal, with rainfall peaking in May (57 mm) and November (51 mm), while the summer months typically receive less than 10 mm. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in March and May, which record up to 347 hours. For more detailed information, visit Djibouti climate.
Loyada, Djibouti, experiences a hot desert climate with minimal rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) in January to a peak of 41°C (106°F) in June and July, with average temperatures around 29°C (84°F) during the hottest months. The wettest months are May and November, receiving up to 57 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation, while June through August see significantly less rainfall. Sunshine is abundant, with over 300 hours per month during most of the year, making Loyada a sunny destination. For more details, visit Loyada climate.
In summary, Djibouti's climatic profile reveals a distinctive hot desert environment, characterized by consistently high temperatures, limited precipitation, and abundant sunshine. With a UV Index that remains predominantly extreme, the need for sun protection is paramount throughout the year. Daylight duration fluctuates minimally, offering a stable 11 to 12 hours of sunlight that supports both daily activities and agricultural practices. This interplay of factors creates a unique landscape where residents and visitors alike can experience the beauty and challenges of living in an arid climate, underscoring the importance of adaptive strategies to thrive in such conditions.