Last updated: January 18, 2025
Tigray, located in northern Ethiopia, exhibits a diverse climate characterized by multiple Köppen-Geiger climate classes, including BSh (semi-arid), Aw (tropical savanna), BSk (cold semi-arid), and Cwa (temperate with dry winters). The region experiences a wide temperature range, with January averaging a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and peaking at an average maximum of 37°C (99°F) in June. Overall, Tigray's climate is marked by a generally warm average of 19°C (66°F), presenting unique challenges and opportunities for its ecosystems and agriculture.
Tigray, Ethiopia, experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year. The coldest months are January and December, with minimum temperatures dropping to 4°C (39°F) and maximums reaching around 33°C (92°F). As the year progresses into the warm season, February through June witnesses a gradual rise in average temperatures, peaking at 21°C (70°F) in April and May, while maximums reach as high as 37°C (99°F) in June. The onset of the cooler rainy season in July and August brings lower maximum temperatures, averaging around 31°C (88°F), alongside a drop in minimum temperatures to 11°C (53°F). The climate then transitions back into cooler conditions in the autumn months of September to November, where temperatures moderately fluctuate but remain relatively mild, maintaining averages close to 18°C (65°F). This clear delineation between warmer and cooler periods highlights Tigray's unique climatic character.
Mek'ele experiences a minimum temperature of 4°C (39°F) in January and peaks at 31°C (88°F) in June, while Axum has a slightly warmer minimum of 5°C (41°F) in January and a maximum of 35°C (95°F) in June. Adigrat records a minimum of 5°C (42°F) in December, with a maximum of 28°C (83°F) in May. For detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Mek'ele, monthly temperatures in Axum, and monthly temperatures in Adigrat.
Precipitation in Tigray, Ethiopia, demonstrates a pronounced seasonal pattern, primarily influenced by the monsoon rains. The year begins with minimal rainfall in January, averaging only 9 mm (0.3 in), which gradually increases through February and March, where totals reach 38 mm (1.5 in) and 36 mm (1.4 in), respectively. April and May then see a significant uptick, with precipitation amounts of 74 mm (2.9 in) and 78 mm (3.1 in), coinciding with the onset of the rainy season. By June, rainfall sharply escalates to 113 mm (4.4 in), paving the way for the peak of the rainy season in July and August.
During these peak months, Tigray receives its highest precipitation, with July recording a substantial 289 mm (11.4 in) and August following closely with 349 mm (13.7 in). This wet period is characterized by an increase in rainy days, with both July and August averaging 29 days of rainfall each. Following the heavy rains, September sees a decrease to 124 mm (4.9 in) before tapering off sharply in October and November with 20 mm (0.8 in) and 16 mm (0.6 in), respectively. By December, precipitation dwindles to a mere 6 mm (0.2 in), signaling the end of the rainy season and the return to drier months.
Tigray, Ethiopia, exhibits a notable pattern in sunshine duration throughout the year, characterized by a steady rise from winter into the summer months. January begins with 271 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing in February to 304 hours. The trend continues into March, where sunshine peaks at 349 hours, marking the sunniest month of the year. As the dry season progresses, April and May also maintain high sunshine levels with 340 hours and 346 hours, respectively, providing ample sunlight that fosters agricultural productivity.
However, as the rainy season approaches in June, the sunshine hours slightly decrease to 326 hours. This decline continues in July and August, with 310 hours and 307 hours of sunshine, albeit remaining sufficient for most agricultural practices. As the rainy season subsides, Tigray experiences a resurgence of sunshine from September through November, averaging around 316 to 336 hours during these months. Overall, Tigray's climate showcases a strong interplay between sunshine duration and seasonal shifts, with winter and early spring months leading to the highest sunlight levels, ultimately supporting the region's vibrant ecosystems and agriculture.
The UV Index in Tigray, Ethiopia, remains notably high throughout the year, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Starting in January with a UV Index of 12, the intensity peaks in March, April, and May, each registering a UV Index of 15. This consistent exposure means that even brief stays outdoors can lead to skin burns in as little as 10 minutes. Throughout these months, residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen, to mitigate health risks associated with intense UV radiation.
As the year progresses into the summer and early autumn months, the UV Index continues to hover around 13 to 15, reflecting sustained high levels of solar radiation. July and August see a UV Index of 14 and 15, respectively, maintaining the extreme exposure category. Following this peak, there’s a slight decrease in intensity during September and October (both at 13), before tapering to 12 in November and 11 in December. Despite these declines, the UV Index remains at dangerous levels, emphasizing the importance of sun safety practices year-round in Tigray.
UV Risk Categories
In Tigray, Ethiopia, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, primarily fluctuating between 11 and 12 hours. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in January and February, providing a modest amount of sunlight for both daily activities and agriculture. As the days lengthen, March marks the transition into longer periods of daylight, peaking at 12 hours from March through September. This consistent daylight duration during the mid-year months supports agricultural growth, allowing farmers to optimize their work schedules.
However, as the year progresses into the fall and winter months, daylight duration once again decreases to 11 hours from October through December. This reduction signals the return of shorter days, which may slightly affect agricultural activities and routine life in Tigray. Overall, the gradual shifts in daylight duration, while modest, highlight the region's consistency in day length, supporting various seasonal practices and behaviors closely tied to natural light.
Adigrat, Ethiopia, experiences a temperate climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) in December to a maximum of 28°C (83°F) in March and May. The region receives the most precipitation during the summer months, particularly in July and August, with totals reaching 286 mm (11.3 in) and 367 mm (14.4 in), respectively. Adigrat enjoys ample sunshine, with March and May boasting the highest hours at 347 and 350, making it a relatively sunny location year-round. For more details, visit Adigrat climate.
The climate in Axum, Ethiopia, features mild temperatures throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 18°C (65°F) in August to 34°C (93°F) in the warmer months of March to May. The coolest months are January and December, with minimum temperatures around 5°C (41°F). Rainfall is concentrated from June to August, peaking in July with 280 mm (11.0 in), while the driest months are January and December, receiving just 1 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation. Sunshine remains abundant, with March enjoying the highest exposure at 352 hours. For more detailed information, visit Axum climate.
Korem, Ethiopia, experiences a temperate climate with significant seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation. The average monthly temperatures range from 16°C (61°F) in January to 21°C (70°F) in May, peaking in March and April. Rainfall is most prevalent during the summer months, particularly in July and August, which see over 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain. The region enjoys ample sunshine, with February boasting the highest at 303 hours. For more detailed information, visit Korem climate.
Mek'ele, Ethiopia experiences a temperate climate characterized by mild temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 28°C (82°F), while the rainy season peaks from July to August, with precipitation reaching up to 309 mm (12.2 in) in August. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with March being the sunniest month, boasting 350 hours of sunshine. Overall, the climate is conducive for varying agricultural activities, making Mek'ele a vital region for farming. For more details, visit Mek'ele climate.
In conclusion, the climatic conditions of Tigray, Ethiopia, showcase a diverse interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours that collectively shape the region's ecosystems and agricultural practices. The area's distinct seasonal patterns, characterized by extreme UV levels and substantial rainfall during the summer months, underscore the importance of environmental awareness and protective measures to mitigate health risks for residents and visitors alike. As Tigray navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by its climate, understanding these dynamic patterns remains essential for effective resource management and sustainable development.