Last updated: April 14, 2025
Eritrea's climate is characterized by stark contrasts, ranging from extreme temperatures to varied precipitation levels. In Gash-Barka, summer heat peaks at a blistering 43°C (110°F) in June, while the winter months bring a chill, with minimums dipping to 6°C (42°F) in Debub during December. Precipitation is equally variable; January records a dry spell with 0 mm in Gash-Barka, while the rainy season in August can deliver a deluge of up to 251 mm (9.9 in) in Debub. Humidity levels further illustrate this climatic diversity, averaging a low of 28% in March in Gash-Barka and soaring to 70% in October along the Southern Red Sea. This unique blend of temperatures and moisture defines Eritrea's distinct climate zones and influences its ecosystems and agriculture.
Eritrea boasts a diverse range of climate zones, each influenced by its unique geography. The Anseba and Gash-Barka regions experience a BWh (Arid desert) climate, characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. In contrast, the Debub and Maekel zones showcase a BSh (Semi-arid) climate, offering slightly more rainfall and milder temperatures. Meanwhile, both the Northern Red Sea and Southern Red Sea regions also fall under the BWh classification, embodying the arid conditions prevalent along Eritrea's coastline. This climatic variety significantly shapes the country's ecology and agricultural practices.
| Climate Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| BSh | Hot semi-arid climate with low rainfall and high temperatures. |
| BWh | Hot desert climate with extremely low rainfall and high temperatures. |
Eritrea's climate showcases a fascinating range of temperatures throughout the year, with notable contrasts between regions. In Debub, January begins with a chilly minimum of 6°C (43°F), gradually warming through spring into the early summer months, with highs peaking around 12-13°C (54-55°F). Meanwhile, in Gash-Barka, the heat escalates dramatically, starting the year at a steamy 39°C (102°F) in January and climbing to a blistering 43°C (109°F) by April and May, before slightly retreating in the latter part of the year. Despite a gradual dip in temperatures as the year progresses, Gash-Barka maintains a consistently high climate, with minimums only falling to around 38°C (100°F) by December. This stark contrast illustrates Eritrea's diverse climate zones, offering a mix of cooler highlands in the south and sweltering heat in the western lowlands, capturing the essence of this unique country’s weather patterns.
Eritrea exhibits intriguing precipitation patterns that vary significantly throughout the year and across its regions. While January brings dry conditions with a minimum rainfall of 0 mm in Gash-Barka, August stands out as a month of abundant rainfall, peaking at 251 mm (9.9 in) in Debub. This month also features the highest frequency of rainy days, with up to 28 days of precipitation recorded in Anseba. Conversely, June sees a stark contrast, with 0 days of precipitation in the Southern Red Sea. Such seasonal variability underlines the region's diverse climatic characteristics, highlighting the importance of understanding these trends for agriculture and water resource management.
Eritrea experiences a notable range of humidity levels throughout the year, reflecting the diverse climates of its regions. In March, the Gash-Barka region sees a minimum humidity of just 28%, creating a dry atmosphere as the country transitions from the cooler months. As the year progresses into October, humidity peaks at 70% in the Southern Red Sea area, marking the onset of the rainy season and significantly influencing the local climate. This trend highlights the variability in humidity across different regions, illustrating how geographic and seasonal factors interplay to shape Eritrea's weather patterns.
Eritrea’s UV Index trends reveal a striking variability across its regions, especially in March. In the Northern Red Sea, the average daily maximum UV Index peaks at 12, indicating significant sun exposure. Conversely, the situation in Debub is even more intense, with an average daily max UV Index soaring to 15. This notable difference underscores the need for heightened sun protection measures, particularly in areas like Debub, where the risk of UV-related health issues is notably greater. As Eritrea continues to experience these high UV levels, understanding local trends becomes essential for public health and safety.
UV Risk Categories
Eritrea enjoys a remarkable amount of sunshine throughout the year, with notable variations across its regions. In January, sunshine duration ranges from 255 hours in the Northern Red Sea to a sunnier 271 hours in Gash-Barka, indicating that the latter region is already basking in more light as the year begins. The trend intensifies in May, where both Gash-Barka and the Southern Red Sea experience a significant increase in sunshine, with 355 hours in Gash-Barka and an impressive 350 hours in the Southern Red Sea. This steady rise in sunshine hours highlights Gash-Barka as a particularly sun-kissed destination during the height of spring, drawing attention to Eritrea’s diverse climatic appeal.
Eritrea exhibits a striking variation in sunny weather across its regions and months. In Gash-Barka, the likelihood of clear skies peaks at an impressive 94% in January, inviting sun-seekers to enjoy the dry, vibrant landscapes. In contrast, Debub experiences a significant dip in sunny weather during July, with only 28% likelihood, suggesting a more temperate climate that may appeal to those preferring milder conditions. This regional contrast highlights Eritrea's diverse climatic landscape, catering to a variety of preferences throughout the year.
In Eritrea's Anseba region, daylight hours show a notable seasonal variation, providing a glimpse into the country’s changing climate. During December, residents enjoy approximately 11 hours of sunlight, which gradually increases to around 13 hours by June. This trend not only enhances outdoor activities and agriculture during the longer days of summer but also underscores the importance of adapting to the shifting patterns of daylight throughout the year. As the sun journeys across the sky, the rhythms of life in Anseba subtly shift, reflecting both the beauty and the challenges of seasonal change.
Anseba, Eritrea boasts a diverse climate, characterized by warm temperatures year-round and a distinct wet season. January starts off cool with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 32°C, while August tends to be the wettest month, drenched by 204 mm of rain with humidity peaking at 60%. The transition to the dry season begins in October, offering respite with lower precipitation and mild temperatures around 22°C. Whether you seek the sunny skies of spring or the refreshing rains of summer, Anseba presents a captivating climate ideal for exploration. Discover more about the region's weather patterns at Anseba climate.
The climate in Debub, Eritrea, is characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with averages ranging from 18°C (65°F) in January to about 23°C (73°F) in April and May. As the year progresses into the summer months, notably July and August, temperatures can reach up to 37°C (99°F), coinciding with the region's peak rainfall—a notable 251 mm (9.9 in) in August, marking the height of the rainy season. Despite this intense precipitation, the humidity varies, peaking at 60% in August and dropping to around 34% in March. Overall, Debub offers a uniquely balanced climate, combining warmth with a refreshing rainy season, making it an intriguing destination for travelers interested in exploring the region's diverse weather patterns. For more detailed insights, visit the Debub climate.
The climate in Gash-Barka, Eritrea is characterized by a striking contrast between scorching temperatures and limited rainfall. With January temperatures starting at a mild 9°C (49°F) and soaring to maximums of 39°C (102°F) in the dry months, locals and visitors alike experience intense heat, especially from April to June when highs reach up to 43°C (109°F). Rainfall is relatively sparse, peaking in August with 152 mm (6.0 in), marking the wettest month of the year, while other months barely see any precipitation. Humidity levels rise during this period, peaking at 57% in August, adding to the climate's sultriness. For a detailed look at the conditions that define this unique region, check out the Gash-Barka climate.
Nestled in Eritrea, Maekel's climate offers a delightful blend of warmth and refreshing moisture throughout the year. Temperatures range from cool January lows of 6°C (43°F) to summer highs of 32°C (90°F) in June and July, providing an inviting backdrop for both exploration and relaxation. The region experiences its peak rainfall in August, with 242 mm (9.5 in) soaking the landscape, while the humidity peaks at 60% during this month, creating a verdant environment. As the seasons change, visitors can expect a comfortable and inviting climate that highlights the beauty of Maekel's diverse surroundings. For more detailed information, check out Maekel climate.
Nestled along the coastline, the Northern Red Sea in Eritrea showcases a climate characterized by warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall. From January to April, temperatures rise steadily, peaking in May and June at an average of 32°C (90°F), while the region remains relatively dry, experiencing minimal precipitation in the summer months. Humidity levels vary, reaching their highest in August at 60%, contributing to a tropical feel that contrasts sharply with the cooler winter months. As the year progresses, a refreshing shift occurs with increased rainfall in November and December, wrapping up the year with milder temperatures averaging around 25°C (77°F). For more insights about this vibrant climate, visit the Northern Red Sea climate.
The climate of the Southern Red Sea in Eritrea boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere year-round, with January temperatures starting at a comfortable 21°C (70°F) and peaking at 31°C (88°F) during the day. As the months progress, temperatures rise steadily, reaching impressive highs of 37°C (99°F) in July and August. Rain is minimal, with most months experiencing less than 15 mm of precipitation, ensuring plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities. Humidity levels can fluctuate but are typically moderate, peaking at 69% in August, adding a refreshing touch to the otherwise dry heat. To explore more about this fascinating climate, check out the details on Southern Red Sea climate.
The climate of Eritrea showcases a striking contrast between scorching heat and refreshing rainfall, reflecting its diverse topography. In Gash-Barka, temperatures can soar to a blistering 43°C (110°F) in June, while Debub experiences cooler lows of 6°C (42°F) in December, illustrating the significant temperature variation across the regions. Precipitation patterns are equally dramatic, with Gash-Barka seeing virtually no rain in January, while Debub is drenched with up to 251 mm (9.9 in) in August, marking the peak of the rainy season. Furthermore, humidity levels fluctuate widely, dipping to a dry 28% in March in Gash-Barka but rising to a humid 70% by October in the Southern Red Sea region. Overall, these trends indicate that Eritrea's climate is not only extreme but also richly varied, shaping the local ecosystems and lifestyles throughout the year.