Last updated: January 18, 2025
Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, exhibits a BSh climate as per the Köppen-Geiger classification, characterized by a distinct semi-arid environment. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 7°C (45°F) in January, while the rising heat of May pushes the maximum temperature to an average of 31°C (89°F). Overall, the average temperature throughout the year is a comfortable 20°C (69°F), making Dire Dawa a unique location with a warm climate that influences both its ecology and the livelihoods of its inhabitants.
In Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, temperature patterns exhibit a subtle seasonal variation, characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. The coldest month is January, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), while temperatures begin to rise in February, reaching a peak maximum of 31°C (87°F) by March and persisting through May. From June to August, temperatures moderate slightly, maintaining an average range around 21°C (69°F), with maximums hovering between 28°C and 31°C. As the year transitions, October through December experiences a gradual decrease in temperatures, with minimums ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 15°C (59°F) and maximums tapering off to 26°C (80°F), creating a relatively mild winter climate. Overall, the region's climate fosters a warm, semi-arid environment, heavily influenced by consistent temperature patterns across the seasons.
Dire Dawa experiences a temperature range with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) in January and peaks at 31°C (89°F) in May. This variation highlights the city's warm climate, particularly in the spring months. For more detailed information on its monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Dire Dawa.
Precipitation patterns in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, reveal a distinct seasonal cycle, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the spring and summer months. January marks the beginning of the year with minimal precipitation, recording just 5 mm (0.2 in) over 1 day. As February approaches, rainfall increases significantly to 21 mm (0.8 in) over 4 days, setting the stage for the wettest months. March and April witness a dramatic rise in precipitation, with 59 mm (2.3 in) and 151 mm (5.9 in) respectively, indicating the onset of the rainy season.
May continues this trend with 149 mm (5.9 in), followed by a slight decrease in June to 44 mm (1.7 in). The peak rainfall occurs during the months of July and August, accumulating 98 mm (3.8 in) and 136 mm (5.4 in) over 18 and 24 days respectively. September maintains moderate precipitation levels of 132 mm (5.2 in), while October sees a decline to 91 mm (3.6 in). The year concludes relatively dry, with November receiving 40 mm (1.6 in) and December just 8 mm (0.3 in), showcasing the marked contrast between wet and dry periods in this semi-arid climate.
In Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, sunshine duration follows a consistent pattern, showcasing an impressive rise from the cooler winter months to the sun-soaked summer. Beginning with 278 hours of sunshine in January, the days gradually lengthen, leading up to the peak month of March, which basks in a remarkable 347 hours. This trend highlights the region's transition into its warm season, with February and May also experiencing substantial sunlight at 313 hours and 341 hours, respectively. Throughout this period, sunshine remains abundant, creating optimal conditions for growth and outdoor activities.
As the year progresses into the subsequent months, the sunshine hours remain fairly stable, hovering around the mid-300s, with June, July, and August all featuring over 330 hours. This consistency underscores Dire Dawa's climate, providing plentiful sunlight that is essential for agriculture and daily life. The slight dips in April and November, with 328 and 330 hours respectively, are subtle compared to the overall sunny disposition of the region. By December, the sunshine returns to 342 hours, rounding off the year on a bright note, demonstrating that while there are variations, Dire Dawa is primarily a land filled with sun—a crucial resource for its ecosystem and inhabitants.
In Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, the UV Index presents a consistent and concerning pattern throughout the year, indicating extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation exposure. The year begins with a UV Index of 13 in January, gradually increasing to a peak of 15 in both March and April. This intensity signifies that even brief exposure, with a burn time of only 10 minutes, can lead to skin damage, emphasizing the need for protective measures. February also remains high at 14, before dipping slightly in June to 12, showcasing a narrow margin of variability in ultraviolet intensity during the peak sunny months.
The summer months reflect a notable persistence of high UV levels, with the index stabilizing around 14-15 from July to September. Despite some fluctuations, the UV Index during these months continues to denote extreme exposure risks, requiring constant vigilance against sunburn. As the year transitions to October, November, and December, the UV Index decreases to 12 and 11, yet continues to warrant caution due to its potential for skin damage. Overall, the data underscores the persistent threat of high UV radiation, necessitating protective measures year-round for residents and visitors in Dire Dawa.
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In Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, daylight duration remains relatively stable throughout the year, demonstrating only minor fluctuations that reflect the region's geographic and climatic conditions. January and February each enjoy approximately 11 hours of daylight, establishing a solid foundation as the year begins. As the sun rises higher in the sky during March, daylight increases to 12 hours, a duration that persists across the following months of April through September. This consistency offers a favorable environment for agricultural activities and daily life, enabling residents to benefit from the ample daylight available during this period.
As the year progresses into October, November, and December, daylight decreases back to 11 hours. This shift marks the transition to shorter days as the region envelops itself in the cooler months. Despite this reduction, the relatively consistent daylight duration throughout the year ensures that the inhabitants of Dire Dawa experience a predictable rhythm, significantly contributing to the local lifestyle and agricultural practices. Overall, the stable daylength emphasizes the region's equatorial location, allowing for a reliable cycle that supports both ecological and human needs.
Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, experiences a diverse climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet seasons. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) in January to a maximum of 31°C (87°F) in March, with the hottest months being April and May. Precipitation peaks during the rainy season from April to August, with April recording the highest rainfall at 151 mm (5.9 in). Despite the rainfall, Dire Dawa enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in March with 347 hours. For more detailed information, visit Dire Dawa climate.
In conclusion, the climatic conditions of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, characterized by a semi-arid BSh climate, showcase a unique interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The region experiences consistently warm temperatures year-round, with a distinct rainy season that brings substantial rainfall between March and August. Coupled with extreme UV exposure and stable daylight durations, these factors create an environment that greatly influences the local ecosystem and agricultural practices. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for fostering sustainable strategies to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather conditions while enhancing the resilience of the community and its agricultural systems.