Last updated: January 18, 2025
Mafraq, Jordan, is characterized by a diverse climate that spans multiple Köppen-Geiger classes, specifically BSk (Cold Semi-arid), BWk (Hot Arid), and BWh (Hot Semi-arid). This region experiences a striking range of temperatures, with a minimum of -6°C (22°F) occurring in January, and soaring to a maximum of 46°C (115°F) in July. The annual average temperature is approximately 19°C (66°F), highlighting the extreme fluctuations that define Mafraq's climate. These dynamic conditions not only shape the local ecosystem but also influence agricultural practices and water resource management in this arid landscape.
Mafraq, Jordan, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns, with a cold winter giving way to a hot summer. In January, temperatures are at their lowest, with nighttime lows around -6°C (22°F) and daytime highs reaching 22°C (72°F). As winter transitions to spring, February records slightly warmer averages, peaking in March when temperatures can climb to 32°C (90°F). The onset of warmer months shows a sharp increase, especially in May and June, where maximum temperatures soar to 41°C (106°F) and 44°C (112°F), respectively. July marks the peak of summer, with maximum temperatures hitting 46°C (115°F), before gradually tapering as fall approaches, bringing cooler weather by October and November, where daytime highs again fluctuate between 22°C (71°F) and 31°C (88°F). This annual cycle underscores the striking contrasts between the chilly winters and sweltering summers that define the region's climate.
Umm al Jimal experiences temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in January to a maximum of 42°C (108°F) in July, while Dayr al Kahf similarly sees a minimum of -3°C (26°F) in March and the same peak of 42°C (108°F) in July. For more details on the climate, visit monthly temperatures in Umm al Jimal and monthly temperatures in Dayr al Kahf.
Mafraq, Jordan, experiences a marked seasonal variation in precipitation, predominantly concentrated in the winter and early spring months. January leads the precipitation totals with 30 mm (1.2 in) of rainfall over approximately five days, followed closely by February and March, both receiving about 32 mm (1.2 in and 1.3 in, respectively) across similar durations. As the region transitions into late spring, a noticeable decline in rainfall occurs, with April dropping to 20 mm (0.8 in) over three days, and May further reducing to just 7 mm (0.3 in) over a single day.
From June to September, Mafraq experiences a significant dry spell, with negligible precipitation, often recording little to no rainfall. In these summer months, July and August report complete dryness, highlighting the arid nature of the region. The pattern is briefly interrupted in October and November, when light rainfall returns with totals of 6 mm (0.3 in) and 17 mm (0.7 in), respectively, though still indicating a stark contrast to the wetter winter months. This seasonal precipitation distribution underscores the challenges of water resource management faced by the local population in this predominantly dry climate.
Mafraq, Jordan, showcases a significant increase in sunshine duration as the year progresses, ultimately peaking during the summer months. Starting with January, the region receives around 226 hours of sunlight, which gradually rises through the winter and early spring. February sees an uptick to 272 hours, while March and April enjoy even more sun, with 332 and 353 hours, respectively. This steady ascent reaches a remarkable high in June, where sunlight hours achieved a peak of 398 hours, leading into the intensely bright months of July and August, which bring in 409 and 387 hours, respectively. The abundance of sunshine during these peak summer months greatly influences agricultural productivity and outdoor activities in the region.
However, as the summer recedes, sunshine hours begin to decline, reflecting the transition into autumn and winter. September experiences a drop to 348 hours, and this downward trend continues through October, with 323 hours recorded, and further decreases are noted in November and December, which receive 285 and 277 hours, respectively. This seasonal fluctuation underscores the arid climate of Mafraq, where the extended hours of sunlight during the summer months juxtapose with the shorter days of winter, contributing to the region's overall climatic patterns and local lifestyle choices.
Mafraq, Jordan, experiences varying levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation throughout the year, with notable increases during the spring and summer months. In January, the UV Index starts at a moderate level of 5, allowing for a relatively safe exposure time of 30 minutes before sunburn risk increases. As the season progresses into February, the UV Index rises to 6, categorized as high, advising reduced exposure time to 25 minutes. The intensity escalates dramatically in March and April, where values reach 8 and 10, both classified as very high, resulting in a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. This trend continues into May and June, as the UV Index peaks at extreme levels of 12 and 13, warranting only a scant 10 minutes of safe exposure.
As summer transitions into fall, UV levels remain significantly high but begin a gradual decline. The UV Index hovers at 12 in July and decreases to 11 in August, maintaining extreme conditions before dropping to very high levels of 10 in September and 8 in October. By November, the Index revisits a high category at 6, allowing for longer safe exposure at 25 minutes, and finally declines to a moderate level of 4 in December with a burn time of 30 minutes. This annual UV trend indicates the importance of sun protection for residents and visitors during the hotter months, emphasizing the need for precautions against potential health risks associated with high UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Mafraq, Jordan, daylight duration displays a clear seasonal pattern, reflecting the transition from winter to summer. Starting in January with about 10 hours of daylight, the amount gradually increases in February to 11 hours. This trend continues as the days grow longer through March and April, maintaining 11 and then stretching to 12 hours, respectively. In May and June, residents benefit from the longest days of the year, reaching 13 and 14 hours of sunlight, with July also holding onto 14 hours. This extended daylight supports various outdoor activities and agricultural practices during the peak summer months.
As summer wanes, daylight hours begin a gradual decline, marked by a decrease to 13 hours in August and a return to 12 hours in September. October sees another drop to 11 hours, before returning to 10 hours of daylight in both November and December. This cyclic pattern of daylight duration outlines the importance of adapting to seasonal changes, impacting daily routines and activities throughout the year while highlighting the distinct climatic transitions characteristic of Mafraq's environment.
Dayr al Kahf, Jordan experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures range from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in February to a peak of 42°C (108°F) in July, with average monthly temperatures fluctuating between 7°C (45°F) and 28°C (83°F). Precipitation is minimal during the summer months, with January receiving the most at 23 mm (0.9 in), while June to August sees virtually no rain. The region benefits from abundant sunshine, particularly in July with 410 hours, contributing to its arid conditions. For more detailed information, explore the Dayr al Kahf climate.
Umm al Jimal, Jordan experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from -3°C to 20°C, while July sees maximums of 42°C. Precipitation is highest in winter months, peaking at 33 mm in March, and virtually disappears by summer. Sunshine is abundant, with July receiving the most hours at 410. For more details, visit Umm al Jimal climate.
In conclusion, Mafraq, Jordan, presents a unique climate characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, UV index, sunshine duration, and daylight. The region's cold winters transition into hot summers, which are marked by extreme UV exposure and abundant sunshine. With precipitation concentrated primarily in the winter and early spring months, this aridity poses challenges for local water resource management. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for residents, policymakers, and researchers, as it underscores the need for effective adaptation strategies to cope with the changing environment. Overall, Mafraq's climatic dynamics illustrate the complexity of living in a semi-arid region, where the interplay of temperature, sunlight, and moisture plays a critical role in shaping daily life and the ecosystem.