Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Jonglei, South Sudan, is classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as Aw, indicating a tropical savanna climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Throughout the year, temperatures exhibit a notable range, with minimums recorded at 21°C (70°F) in September and averages hovering around 29°C (84°F). The region can experience extreme heat, particularly in March, where maximum temperatures can soar to 42°C (108°F). This climatic profile underscores the challenges of adaptation and resource management in Jonglei, as residents navigate the implications of such temperature fluctuations.
Temperature patterns in Jonglei, South Sudan, reveal a distinct seasonal rhythm characterized by warm to hot conditions throughout the year. From January to March, temperatures peak, with average highs reaching 33°C (91°F) in March and maximums touching 42°C (108°F). As the dry season transitions into the rainier months, temperatures begin to decline slightly, with average highs dropping to around 26°C (79°F) from June to September, coinciding with increased humidity and rainfall. However, the region maintains relatively consistent minimum temperatures, often hovering around 21-23°C (70-74°F), providing a mild contrast to the intense midday heat. By November and December, temperatures begin to rise again, closing out the year with averages in the upper 29-30°C (85-87°F) range, indicating a return to the hotter dry season and highlighting the climatic variability in this tropical savanna region.
In Bor, temperatures can vary significantly throughout the year, with September experiencing a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and March reaching a maximum of 42°C (108°F). For more detailed climate information, you can visit monthly temperatures in Bor.
Precipitation in Jonglei, South Sudan, exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern, with the region experiencing minimal rainfall during the initial months of the year. January marks the dry season with 0 mm of precipitation, followed by slight increases in February (4 mm) and March (11 mm). By April, the wet season begins to emerge, with rainfall escalating significantly to 53 mm, and continuing to rise sharply in May and June, where totals reach 111 mm and 130 mm, respectively. This transition marks the onset of the rainy season, characterized by increasing precipitation and frequency of rainy days.
The peak precipitation occurs between July and August, with 151 mm recorded in August, accompanied by an average of 21 rainy days—the highest for the year. As the wet season progresses into September and October, precipitation remains substantial, with 119 mm and 91 mm respectively, before tapering off into lower totals in November (24 mm) and December (3 mm). This seasonal variability in rainfall not only influences agricultural practices but also impacts the local ecosystem, shaping the livelihoods and water resource management in Jonglei.
In Jonglei, South Sudan, sunshine duration presents a notable seasonal pattern, with hours peaking as the year progresses from winter to summer. January begins with 276 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 306 hours in February and reaching 340 hours in March. This upward trend in sunlight is significant in fostering agricultural activities as residents prepare for the upcoming growing season. April sees a slight decline to 329 hours, but May bounces back with 338 hours, maintaining a bright atmosphere conducive to farming before the onset of the rainy season.
As the year continues, sunshine hours remain relatively stable, with June through October recording consistent values around 320-340 hours. The months of July and August see 324 and 335 hours respectively, showcasing a remarkable abundance of sunlight even during the peak of the rainy season. Interestingly, while rainfall increases, Jonglei enjoys a robust amount of sunshine, vital for crop growth. By late fall, sunshine hours gently taper, with November and December registering around 324 and 331 hours, indicating a return to sunnier conditions as the dry season begins. This seasonal variation in sunshine highlights the region's climatic rhythm, providing essential light for agriculture and daily life.
The UV Index in Jonglei, South Sudan, remains notably high throughout the year, reflecting the region's intense sun exposure and geographic characteristics. From January to May, the UV Index fluctuates between 12 and 14, categorizing it as extreme, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. March and April are particularly striking, with the highest values of 14, underscoring the critical need for sun protection during these sunny months. This sustained intensity persists even during the wet season, where the UV Index remains firmly in the extreme category, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
As the year progresses into the later months, the UV Index remains elevated but begins to show a gradual decrease. By October, the index drops to 11, still within the extreme range, before settling at 10 in November and December, transitioning to a very high exposure category. Here, the burn time extends slightly to 15 minutes, suggesting a marginally lower risk compared to earlier months. Despite this reduction, the consistent high levels of UV Index throughout the year serve as a vital reminder for residents and visitors in Jonglei to prioritize sun safety measures, especially when engaging in outdoor activities.
UV Risk Categories
In Jonglei, South Sudan, daylight duration exhibits a consistent pattern throughout the year, with minor variations that reflect the region's equatorial climate. From January to February, residents experience a stable 11 hours of daylight, providing a dependable framework for daily activities. As March arrives, daylight begins to extend, reaching 12 hours. This increase in daylight persists from March through September, offering the community abundant opportunities for agricultural work, outdoor events, and other activities that benefit from extended hours of natural light.
As the year progresses into autumn, daylight gradually decreases again, with October marking a return to 11 hours of sunlight each day. This reduction continues through November and December, reinforcing the cyclical nature of daylight in Jonglei. The consistency in daylight duration throughout the year not only supports local lifestyles and farming practices but also illustrates the region's unique climatic stability, making it easier for residents to plan their daily routines around predictable patterns of natural light.
The climate in Bor, South Sudan, is characterized by high temperatures and a distinct wet season. Temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (71°F) in the cooler months to highs of 42°C (108°F) during the hottest months, particularly in February and March. The majority of rainfall occurs from May to August, with precipitation peaking in August at 151 mm (6.0 in). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, averaging over 276 hours per month. For more detailed climate information, visit Bor climate.
In summary, Jonglei, South Sudan, is characterized by a tropical savanna climate that brings distinct seasonal patterns in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The region experiences intense heat with high temperatures throughout the year, particularly from January to March, while rainfall sharply increases during the wet season from April to September. Sunshine duration remains relatively stable, providing ample light for agricultural activities, complemented by consistently high UV index levels that necessitate sun protection. Additionally, the predictable daylight duration allows residents to efficiently plan their daily activities. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for effective resource management and supports the resilience of local communities as they adapt to the challenges and opportunities presented by their environment.