Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Lower Juba, Somalia, is characterized by Köppen-Geiger classifications As (tropical savanna) and BSh (hot semi-arid). With a minimum temperature recorded at 22°C (73°F) in July, the region experiences a mild, albeit warmer, climate during this time. Typically, the average temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F), providing a warm environment year-round. However, temperatures can peak to an impressive 36°C (97°F) in May, highlighting the striking contrasts that define Lower Juba's climate. This unique climatic profile plays a crucial role in shaping the local ecology and agricultural practices in the region.
In Lower Juba, Somalia, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal rhythm, characterized by a warm climate throughout the year. January and February see consistent minimum temperatures around 23°C (73°F), with averages maintaining at 27°C (81°F) and peak maximums reaching 34°C (93°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures begin to rise slightly, with averages climbing to 28°C (83°F) and 29°C (84°F), while maximums peak at 35°C (96°F). The hottest month, May, experiences an increase in maximum temperature to 36°C (97°F) despite a minimum stable at 24°C (75°F). The onset of the warmer rainy season in June and July leads to a slight drop in average temperatures to 27°C (80°F) and 26°C (79°F), with maximums declining to around 31°C (89°F). As August and September progress, temperatures stabilize, but by October, the monthly averages and maximums rebound to the year’s earlier warmth before the cycle concludes in December with a return to averages of 28°C (82°F). Overall, the climate exhibits a relatively stable warm pattern, with a noticeable peak during the pre-monsoon months.
In the Lower Juba region of Somalia, Buur Gaabo experiences minimum temperatures of 23°C (73°F) in July, with a peak of 34°C (93°F) in April, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Buur Gaabo. Nearby Jamaame shares a similar July minimum of 23°C (73°F) but reaches a maximum of 32°C (91°F) in April, according to the monthly temperatures in Jamaame. Kismayo, on the other hand, has slightly cooler conditions in July with a minimum of 22°C (73°F), but it can soar to a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in May, as shown in the monthly temperatures in Kismayo.
Precipitation in Lower Juba, Somalia, follows a pronounced seasonal pattern, with the annual cycle marked by a stark contrast between the dry and wet seasons. The year begins with negligible rainfall in January and February, each recording a mere 5 mm (0.2 in), indicating dry conditions that last until late March. As the region transitions into the wet season, March experiences a modest increase with 18 mm (0.7 in) over three days, but it is April and May that showcase the highest rainfall, with 78 mm (3.1 in) and 142 mm (5.6 in) respectively. This period often sees heavy downpours, contributing significantly to the annual precipitation total.
After the peak in May, the rainfall begins to taper off, with June receiving 53 mm (2.1 in) over 18 days. The subsequent months see a gradual decline in both precipitation amounts and rainy days, with July recording 39 mm (1.5 in) and August slightly lower at 38 mm (1.5 in). September continues the trend with 33 mm (1.3 in), followed by October and November, which receive 42 mm (1.6 in) and 64 mm (2.5 in) respectively, as the region begins to dry up again. December concludes the year with 35 mm (1.4 in), illustrating a gradual return to drier conditions as rainfall disperses less frequently, marking another cycle towards the dry months ahead.
In Lower Juba, Somalia, sunshine duration demonstrates a remarkable seasonal trend, characterized by a steady increase from January through to the summer months. Starting the year with 289 hours of sunshine in January, there is a consistent rise, peaking in March with 356 hours. This period marks the transition towards the hotter months, where not only do temperatures begin to rise but also daylight hours increase, allowing for ample sunshine. April and May maintain high levels of sunlight, at 335 hours and 343 hours respectively, reinforcing the region's reputation as a sun-rich environment heading into the warmer, wetter season.
As the year progresses, sunshine hours remain impressively consistent, never dropping significantly in late spring and summer. The months from June to August showcase an impressive range of 332 to 350 hours of sunshine, averaging well over 10 hours per day. Notably, August enjoys one of the highest totals at 350 hours, providing ample sunlight amidst the ongoing rainy season. As the year draws to a close, sunshine gradually stabilizes around 350 hours in December, culminating in a rich annual total reflecting the area's predominantly sun-drenched climate. Overall, the sunshine patterns underscore a period of vibrancy and warmth that characterizes life in Lower Juba throughout the year.
The UV Index in Lower Juba, Somalia, reveals alarming levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, predominantly categorized as extreme. Beginning in January with a UV Index of 13, the region experiences dangerously high levels of UV exposure, which escalate to 15 in February and consistently remain at this peak level through March and April. Such extreme UV levels dictate a minimal burn time of only 10 minutes, indicating the pressing need for protective measures against sun exposure during these months.
As the seasons progress, the UV Index remains remarkably high, though it experiences a slight decrease during the mid-year period. Both June and July register a UV Index of 11, still classified as extreme, while August sees a modest rise to 12. This pattern stabilizes with fall and winter months like September through December returning to 12 or 13, maintaining that critical risk for sunburn. With the burn time consistently capped at 10 minutes, residents and visitors must prioritize sun safety measures, including sunscreen, protective clothing, and limit exposure time to mitigate the adverse health effects of prolonged UV exposure in Lower Juba's relentless sunshine.
UV Risk Categories
In Lower Juba, Somalia, daylight duration remains remarkably consistent throughout the year, featuring 12 hours of daylight each day irrespective of the season. This steady light exposure is a defining characteristic of the region's equatorial climate, where fluctuations in daylight are minimal compared to higher latitudes. As such, residents can reliably anticipate an equal balance of day and night, contributing to a stable environment for both human activities and local ecosystems.
The consistency of 12 hours of daylight facilitates agricultural planning, cultural practices, and daily routines that thrive under reliable sunlight. This uniformity allows for predictable growing seasons, as crops receive consistent sunlight throughout the year. While the equatorial region generally sees minimal variation in daylight, Lower Juba's constant exposure provides a unique backdrop for life, fostering a rhythm that relies on these equal portions of day and night to influence various socio-economic activities in the area.
The climate in Buur Gaabo, Somalia, is characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year, with average monthly highs ranging from 26°C (79°F) in the cooler months to 34°C (93°F) in April and May. The wettest months are April and May, receiving significant rainfall of 85 mm (3.4 in) and 174 mm (6.9 in) respectively, while January and February are the driest with only 9 mm (0.4 in) and 7 mm (0.3 in). Sunshine is abundant, with over 290 hours per month, peaking in March at 357 hours. For more details on the climate, visit Buur Gaabo climate.
Jamaame, Somalia experiences a warm, tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 26°C (79°F) to 29°C (84°F) throughout the year. The hottest months are typically April and May, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 32°C (90°F). Precipitation peaks in May at 129 mm (5.1 in), while the annual sunshine duration remains high, with over 350 hours in several months. Despite the use of significant rainfall during the main rainy season, Jamaame enjoys a generally sunny disposition. For more detailed information, visit Jamaame climate.
Kismayo, Somalia experiences a warm tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. Temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (73°F) in July to a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in May, with average monthly temperatures typically around 28°C (82°F). The city sees its highest precipitation in May, averaging 123 mm (4.9 in), while the dry months—January and February—receive only 4 mm (0.2 in) and 3 mm (0.1 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant, with March boasting the maximum sunshine hours at 356. For more detailed information, visit Kismayo climate.
In conclusion, Lower Juba, Somalia, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by consistent warmth, high UV exposure, and stable daylight duration throughout the year. With Köppen-Geiger classifications indicating a tropical savanna and hot semi-arid climate, the region experiences significant variations in temperature and precipitation that shape its ecological and agricultural framework. The nearly uniform 12 hours of daylight enhances the area's agricultural practices, while the extreme UV Index underscores the necessity for protective measures against sun exposure. Together, these elements influence the daily lives of residents, informing their interaction with the environment and highlighting the resilience required to thrive in this vibrant yet challenging landscape.