Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Upper Nile, South Sudan, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BSh, indicating a hot semi-arid environment. Here, temperatures exhibit notable extremes, ranging from a minimum of 17°C (63°F) in January to an average of 29°C (85°F) throughout the year, with maximum peaks reaching an astonishing 44°C (111°F) during the month of March. This climate not only influences local ecosystems but also poses significant challenges for agriculture and water resources in the region.
In Upper Nile, South Sudan, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends characterized by both increasing heat and subsequent cooling. The year begins with cooler temperatures in January, where minimums drop to 17°C (63°F), but as the months progress, temperatures rise significantly, peaking in March with maximums reaching 44°C (111°F). April maintains this warmth, while May shows a slight decline in maximum temperatures, indicating the onset of a transitional period. By June and July, the region experiences the cooler months of the wet season, with averages falling to around 26°C (79°F), before gradually returning to warmer conditions in October and November. Overall, the temperature fluctuations reveal a complex interplay between dry and wet seasons, with extremes that influence both the climate and the livelihoods of the region's inhabitants.
In January, both Malakal and Kodok experience similar minimum temperatures of 17°C (64°F and 63°F, respectively), providing a mild start to the year. By March, the weather becomes significantly hotter in both locations, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 44°C (111°F) in each city. For more detailed information on the climate, you can visit the links for monthly temperatures in Malakal and monthly temperatures in Kodok.
Precipitation in Upper Nile, South Sudan, follows a pronounced seasonal pattern, aligning closely with the region's climate dynamics. The year begins with no precipitation in January and February, indicating a dry spell. However, as March arrives, there is a minimal amount of rainfall at 1 mm (0.1 in), signaling the onset of the rainy season. April sees a marked increase, with 11 mm (0.4 in), while May ramps up significantly to 53 mm (2.1 in). The rainy season reaches its peak during the months of July and August, where precipitation accumulates dramatically to 160 mm (6.3 in) and 183 mm (7.2 in), respectively, highlighting the wettest months of the year.
As the rainy season progresses into September, precipitation begins to decline to 118 mm (4.6 in), followed by further reductions in October (69 mm (2.7 in)) and November (5 mm (0.2 in)), before the cycle resets with another dry December. The frequency of rainy days also underscores these patterns, with minimal days of rain earlier in the year, culminating in 22 days of rain in August and 21 days in July. This variation illustrates how essential the wet season is for replenishing local water sources and supporting agriculture, despite the preceding dry months that dominate the landscape.
In Upper Nile, South Sudan, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend characterized by a progressive increase from the cooler winter months into the warmer, sunnier periods of the year. January begins with 276 hours of sunshine, with February witnessing a notable uptick to 308 hours. As March approaches, the region enjoys its peak sunshine duration at 345 hours, which coincides with the transition into the hot season. April maintains high levels of sunshine with 337 hours before slightly peaking again in May at 346 hours, underscoring the region's consistent exposure to radiant sunlight as temperatures rise.
As the rainy season arrives in June, sunshine hours begin to decrease slightly, maintaining 327 hours, but remain substantial. July sees a further decline with 305 hours, hinting at the increased cloud cover and afternoon showers typical of the season. Nevertheless, August and September bounce back to 323 hours each, and October stabilizes with 332 hours, rekindling brighter days as the season shifts towards drier conditions. Throughout the year, the consistent availability of sunlight enhances agricultural productivity, while the marked variations hint at the influence of seasonal weather patterns on solar exposure in the region.
The Ultraviolet (UV) Index in Upper Nile, South Sudan, reflects a consistently high risk of solar radiation exposure throughout the year. From January to April, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, peaking in April at 14, necessitating minimal sun exposure to avoid skin damage, with a burn time of merely 10 minutes. February and August also register exceptionally high values of 12 and 14, respectively, underscoring the need for effective sun protection strategies during these months. This seasonal pattern emphasizes the region's significant sun exposure, particularly in the pre- and post-rainy seasons, where the risk of sunburn is alarmingly high.
As the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index drops slightly to 10, transitioning to a very high exposure category and extending burn time to 15 minutes. Despite this reduction, caution remains essential, as the UV exposure still poses a risk to skin health. The persistence of high UV levels emphasizes the importance of protective measures, including sunscreen, clothing, and shade, especially given the extreme values recorded during the warmer months. This awareness is crucial for both residents and visitors, as proper precautions can mitigate the adverse effects associated with prolonged sun exposure in this climate.
UV Risk Categories
In Upper Nile, South Sudan, daylight duration shows a subtle yet important seasonal pattern throughout the year. The year starts with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, providing a consistent amount of light during the cooler months. As March approaches, daylight begins to increase, peaking at 12 hours from March through September. This stable period of extended daylight aligns with the hotter dry season and reflects optimal conditions for agricultural activities, promoting growth and productivity among local farmers.
As the calendar shifts towards the end of the year, daylight gradually recedes back to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This return to shorter days coincides with the onset of the cooler months, creating a fluctuation that can influence daily routines and agricultural practices. Despite the reduction in daylight, the overall consistency throughout the seasons provides a crucial framework upon which the local community can rely for planning their daily lives and activities in this vibrant region.
Kodok, South Sudan experiences a hot tropical climate with significant temperature variation throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 26°C (79°F) in the cooler months of July and August to highs of 34°C (93°F) in April. Rainfall is minimal from January to March, but increases dramatically during the rainy season from June to August, reaching a peak of 193 mm (7.6 in) in August. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the dry months, with March and May recording the highest hours of sunlight at 345 and 347 hours, respectively. For more detailed information, visit Kodok climate.
Malakal, South Sudan experiences a hot tropical climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. The hottest months are typically March and April, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 44°C (111°F). Rainfall is minimal during the dry season (January to February) but intensifies during the wet season from May to August, peaking in July with 153 mm (6.0 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with March recording the highest at 344 hours. For more detailed information, visit Malakal climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental patterns of Upper Nile, South Sudan, reveal a dynamic interplay between temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV exposure, and daylight hours. The region experiences pronounced seasonal variations, with extreme heat and significant UV intensity during the drier months, complemented by substantial rainfall and moderately cooler temperatures during the wet season. Understanding these climatic characteristics is vital not only for local agriculture and water resource management but also for ensuring the health and safety of residents and visitors in navigating sun exposure. As the community adapts to these environmental conditions, fostering awareness and preparedness can contribute to sustainability and resilience in the face of climate variability.