Last updated: January 18, 2025
Mandera, Kenya, is characterized by a BWh climate, indicative of a hot, arid environment. Temperatures in this region reflect its climatic classification, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) recorded in January, while averages soar to around 30°C (86°F). The peak heat is observed in March, where temperatures can reach a maximum of 39°C (103°F), highlighting the extreme thermal conditions prevalent in this part of Africa. This climate significantly impacts the local ecosystem, agriculture, and socio-economic activities, presenting both challenges and adaptations for the region's inhabitants.
In Mandera, Kenya, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal trend characterized by consistently high warmth throughout the year. January begins with a mild minimum of 20°C (68°F), rising to an average of 30°C (86°F) and peaking at 38°C (100°F). As February progresses, temperatures slightly increase, with averages reaching 31°C (88°F), and March sees the highest recorded temperatures, including a maximum of 39°C (103°F). Following this peak, April marks a slight decrease in average temperature to 30°C (86°F) before temperatures stabilize around 29°C (85°F) from May through August, showcasing a more moderate period. The transition to cooler months begins in November, with a gradual decline in temperatures continuing into December. Overall, the climate remains predominantly hot, with the warmest months concentrated in the early part of the year while subtly shifting to a more moderate range as the year progresses.
Mandera experiences a climate characterized by a significant temperature range, with January temperatures dipping to a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and soaring to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) by March, reflecting the region's distinct seasonal variations. For more detailed information, refer to monthly temperatures in Mandera.
Mandera, Kenya experiences a starkly defined precipitation pattern, with extremely low rainfall during the early months of the year. January and February register virtually no precipitation, receiving only 1 mm and 0 mm respectively, contributing to the region's arid climate. March marks the onset of the short rainy season, with a modest 7 mm recorded over 2 days. The most significant rainfall occurs in April, which accounts for a substantial 88 mm spread over 12 days, followed by a decrease in rainfall during May with 45 mm over 8 days.
As the year progresses into the drier months, precipitation dwindles significantly once again, with June, July, and August receiving minimal amounts—1 mm, 3 mm, and 2 mm respectively—indicating a return to predominantly dry conditions. The late months of the year see another spike in rainfall, particularly in October with 87 mm over 9 days and November contributing an additional 47 mm across 9 days. December concludes the year with a slight increase in precipitation to 8 mm. This cyclical rainfall pattern underscores the pronounced contrast between the wet and dry seasons, influencing both the local ecosystem and agricultural practices in the region.
In Mandera, Kenya, sunshine duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal pattern, with consistent increases leading into the warmer months of the year. Starting in January with 286 hours of sunlight, there is a steady rise through February and March, peaking at an impressive 357 hours in March. This trend emphasizes the region's transition into a sunnier climate as the dry season approaches. April maintains a high level of sunshine at 334 hours, followed closely by 349 hours in May, illustrating that the early rainy season still benefits from considerable sunlight.
As the year progresses, the sunshine gradually decreases but remains plentiful throughout the second half of the year. From June to August, hours of sunshine range between 304 hours and 324 hours, reflecting a slight dip as the region experiences rainfall. However, sunshine hours bounce back in September with 331 hours, further climbing to 339 hours in October and maintaining 329 hours in November, suggesting a return to predominantly sunny days. December concludes the year with 348 hours of sunlight, affirming Mandera's status as a sunny locale that thrives on its extended periods of clear weather, making it a significant aspect of the region's climate and lifestyle.
In Mandera, Kenya, the UV Index consistently hovers at extreme levels throughout the year, highlighting the region's intense solar radiation. Beginning with a UV Index of 13 in January, the situation escalates in February with a peak of 15 and reaches its highest point of 16 in March. This intensity persists into April with a UV Index of 15, followed by 14 in May, maintaining a critical exposure category that indicates a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. The extreme UV conditions during these months underscore the need for precautionary measures, such as sunscreen and protective clothing.
As the year progresses, UV levels remain high, with the index dropping only slightly. June records a UV Index of 12, while July, August, and September see stable readings of 13. Although there is a gradual decline towards the end of the year, with November at 12 and December at 11, the UV Index remains in the extreme category across all months. This persistent exposure presents a clear message about the necessity of sun safety practices for residents and visitors alike, particularly during the sunniest parts of the year when the risk of skin damage is at its peak.
UV Risk Categories
In Mandera, Kenya, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, with variations primarily occurring in the beginning and end of the annual cycle. January and February each provide approximately 11 hours of daylight, marking the shorter days of the year. As the equinox approaches, March sees an increase to 12 hours, a duration that is maintained consistently through the months of April, May, June, and beyond. This consistent exposure to sunlight facilitates agricultural productivity and influences local activities that rely on natural light.
As the year progresses towards its conclusion, daylight duration begins to decrease once more, with both November and December returning to 11 hours of daylight. The overall stability in daylight hours reflects Mandera's proximity to the equator, resulting in only slight fluctuations throughout the year. This consistency not only enhances daily routines for residents but also underscores the importance of sunlit periods for cultural and agricultural practices within the region.
Mandera, Kenya experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. Daily temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in both March and April. The region sees its highest precipitation in April (88 mm) and October (87 mm), but overall, rainfall is infrequent, with many months receiving less than 10 mm. Sunshine is abundant, averaging over 300 hours per month, contributing to the intense heat throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Mandera climate.
In conclusion, Mandera, Kenya, presents a unique climate characterized by high temperatures, minimal precipitation, and consistently intense sunlight throughout the year. With extreme levels of solar radiation reflected in the high UV Index and a stable pattern of daylight hours, the region experiences significant solar exposure that shapes both its ecosystem and human activities. The pronounced seasonal variations, particularly during the wetter months and peak sunshine periods, emphasize the need for adaptive strategies in agriculture and daily life to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather conditions. Overall, the interplay between temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, and UV exposure plays a crucial role in defining the environmental landscape and lifestyle of Mandera's inhabitants.