Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Southern Red Sea region in Eritrea is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BWh, indicating a hot desert climate characterized by minimal rainfall and high temperatures. Throughout the year, temperatures fluctuate significantly, with January recording a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and peaking at an average of 29°C (85°F). The hottest month, July, sees maximum temperatures soaring to an impressive 37°C (99°F). This distinctive climatic profile underscores the region's arid conditions and highlights the need for adaptive measures in both environmental management and human activities.
In the Southern Red Sea region of Eritrea, temperature patterns reveal a notable seasonal trend marked by a gradual increase from winter to summer. January and February experience cooler temperatures, with minimums around 21°C (70°F) and average highs reaching 33°C (91°F) in February. As spring approaches, March and April see a steady rise, with April averaging 29°C (85°F) and daily maximums climbing to 35°C (94°F). The peak of summer arrives in July and August, where temperatures consistently reach maximums of 37°C (99°F) and maintain high averages of 33°C (91°F). The transition to autumn in September brings a slight decrease, with average temperatures settling around 32°C (91°F), before dipping further in October and November. By December, temperatures cool down to a minimum of 22°C (71°F) and average highs of 32°C (89°F), rounding out a climatological cycle that showcases the region's distinctly hot and arid environment.
Edd and Assab both experience warm climates, with Edd recording minimum temperatures of 22°C (71°F) in January and maximums reaching 37°C (98°F) in August, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Edd. In comparison, Assab has a slightly lower minimum temperature of 21°C (70°F) in January and matches Edd's highest temperature at 37°C (99°F) in July, according to the monthly temperatures in Assab.
Precipitation in the Southern Red Sea region of Eritrea is markedly low throughout the year, reflecting its hot desert climate. Monthly rainfall is minimal, with January receiving the highest amount at only 7 mm (0.3 in) and February following closely with 5 mm (0.2 in). The trend continues with March through June reporting negligible amounts, typically around 2 to 4 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in), indicating a prolonged dry season. Notably, rainfall events are infrequent, with most months experiencing zero precipitation, reinforcing the arid characteristics of the region.
The onset of summer in July marks a slight increase in rainfall, with 13 mm (0.5 in) recorded, likely due to intermittent storms. August features a decline to 8 mm (0.3 in), and by September, precipitation drops sharply to just 1 mm (0.1 in), illustrating a short-lived peak in moisture during the summer months. The final months of the year, particularly October through December, witness no rainfall, further emphasizing the overall scarcity of precipitation. This seasonal pattern not only highlights the challenges posed by the climate for local ecosystems and agriculture but also underscores the need for effective water management strategies in this arid environment.
The Southern Red Sea region of Eritrea experiences a notable trend in sunshine duration, characterized by a significant increase from winter to summer. Beginning with January's 267 hours, sunlight hours steadily rise, reaching 300 hours in February. As spring transitions into summer, March records the year’s peak sunshine duration at 342 hours, closely followed by April and May, which report 339 hours and 350 hours, respectively. This upward trajectory illustrates how the region's longer days contribute to overall warmth, establishing a conducive environment for outdoor activities and agriculture during these months.
As summer unfolds, sunshine hours begin to slightly decline, yet remain impressively high, with June showcasing 330 hours and July at 320 hours. This trend continues into August and September, boasting around 325 and 322 hours respectively, indicating that while temperatures peak during these months, the sunlight remains abundant. Notably, October reestablishes a slight increase with 336 hours, before dipping to 321 hours in November and climbing back to 331 hours in December. Overall, the Southern Red Sea's consistent and robust sunshine throughout the year, especially during the spring and early summer, underscores the region's sun-soaked climate and its implications for local ecosystems and livelihoods.
The UV Index in the Southern Red Sea region of Eritrea reveals significant variations throughout the year, marked by exceptionally high levels that warrant attention for sun safety. Starting in January, the UV Index registers at 10, classified as "very high," with a recommended burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. As the months progress into February and March, the situation intensifies, reaching an extreme UV Index of 11 and 13 respectively, where the burn time reduces to a mere 10 minutes. April peaks at a UV Index of 14, compelling awareness and protective measures as outdoor activities become riskier without adequate sunscreen or clothing.
Following the summer months, the UV Index stabilizes at 10 for June, July, and August, remaining categorized as "very high," allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes again. As autumn approaches, September sees a slight uptick to 11, maintaining an extreme classification before easing to 10 in October. Notably, November and December transition to a slightly lower UV Index of 9, although still categorized as "very high" with a sustained burn time of 15 minutes. This data underlines the importance of precautionary measures year-round, particularly during the peak months of March and April, when the intensity of the sun is at its highest in this sun-drenched region.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in the Southern Red Sea region of Eritrea exhibits a relatively consistent pattern throughout the year, showcasing slight variations that reflect seasonal changes. In the winter months of January and February, daylight lasts approximately 11 hours, providing a steady rhythm to daily activities. As spring approaches in March, daylight extends to 12 hours, a trend that continues through April, May, and into the summer months. This consistent 12-hour daylight period optimizes opportunities for agricultural practices, tourism, and other outdoor endeavors.
As summer transitions to autumn in October, daylight begins to decrease again, returning to 11 hours for the final three months of the year. This gradual reduction signals a shift in the region's climatic profile as it moves towards the cooler winter season. Such subtle variations in daylight duration emphasize the relatively stable climate of the Southern Red Sea, allowing for predictable seasonal planning whether for local lifestyles or ecological considerations, ultimately contributing to the area's unique environment and culture.
Assab, Eritrea, experiences a hot and arid climate, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C (78°F) in January to 31°C (88°F) in May. The region sees its hottest months during July and August, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is minimal throughout the year, with a slight increase during the summer months, peaking at 13 mm (0.5 in) in July. Despite the dry conditions, Assab enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly from March to May, with over 340 hours per month. For more details on the climate conditions, visit Assab climate.
Edd, Eritrea, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. January marks the beginning of the year with minimum temperatures around 22°C (71°F) and average highs reaching 31°C (88°F). The hottest months are July and August, with maximum temperatures peaking at 37°C (98°F). Rainfall is minimal, averaging less than 12 mm in July, and virtually absent from November to March. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in May, where it sees up to 351 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Edd climate.
In conclusion, the Southern Red Sea region of Eritrea showcases a distinctive climate characterized by high temperatures, minimal precipitation, substantial sunshine, elevated UV Index levels, and consistent daylight duration throughout the year. The hot desert conditions, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system, promote a unique environmental dynamic that impacts both local ecosystems and human activities. Seasonal trends reveal notable peaks in temperature and sunshine during the summer months, accompanied by extreme UV exposure, underscoring the need for sun safety measures. Meanwhile, the steady daylight duration facilitates agricultural and outdoor pursuits, even as it fluctuates slightly throughout the year. Together, these climatic factors create a setting that highlights the importance of adaptive strategies for sustainable living and environmental stewardship in this sun-soaked region.