Last updated: January 18, 2025
Western Equatoria, South Sudan, exhibits a distinct Köppen-Geiger climate classification of type Aw, characterized by a tropical savanna climate. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F) in November, while the average temperature hovers around 26°C (80°F) throughout the year. Peaks are notably high, with maximum temperatures reaching 40°C (105°F) in February. This climatic profile underscores the region's warm temperatures and seasonal variations, which significantly influence local ecosystems and agricultural practices.
In Western Equatoria, South Sudan, temperature patterns exhibit notable seasonal trends throughout the year. The region begins the year with warm temperatures in January and February, where minimums stay around 19°C (66°F) and average highs reach up to 40°C (105°F). As the year progresses into March and April, a slight fluctuation occurs, with average temperatures beginning to decline despite consistent maximums of 40°C (104°F). May marks a transition into cooler temperatures, with averages dipping to 26°C (79°F) and maximums lowering to 36°C (97°F). The months of June and July bring the coolest conditions of the year, with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and 24°C (75°F), respectively. This cooler period persists into August and September before gradually warming again in the final months of the year, where November sees averages return to 26°C (79°F). December closes the year with a moderate average of 28°C (82°F) and maximums reaching 38°C (100°F), illustrating a cyclical fluctuation influenced by the region’s tropical climate.
Maridi experiences a minimum temperature of 19°C (66°F) in July and peaks at 40°C (103°F) in March, showcasing its warm climate throughout the year (monthly temperatures in Maridi). In Tambura, temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (105°F) in February, indicating a hot and dry period during early the year (monthly temperatures in Tambura). Yambio, on the other hand, has a minimum of 18°C (65°F) in November and reaches 40°C (104°F) in February, reflecting its similar temperature trends during the hotter months (monthly temperatures in Yambio).
Precipitation in Western Equatoria, South Sudan, reflects a pronounced wet and dry season pattern. The year starts off dry, with January recording a mere 2 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall over 0 days, and February sees a slight increase to 8 mm (0.3 in) across 2 days. However, March marks a significant shift as rainfall begins to rise, culminating in 55 mm (2.2 in) over 9 days. The peak of the rainy season occurs from April to October, where monthly totals consistently exceed 100 mm. Notably, May holds the highest precipitation of the year at 165 mm (6.5 in) across 22 days, paving the way for continued rain into the mid-year months.
The subsequent months further intensify the rainfall, with June, July, and August recording substantial amounts of 119 mm (4.7 in), 145 mm (5.7 in), and 163 mm (6.4 in), respectively. September and October maintain high levels of precipitation, reaching 171 mm (6.7 in) and 189 mm (7.4 in), while the number of rainy days peaks, particularly in August and September, each seeing 24 days of rain. As the year concludes, November experiences a decline to 53 mm (2.1 in) over 10 days, with December rounding out the year with just 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain across 1 day, highlighting the clear transition from the wet season back to the dry.
In Western Equatoria, South Sudan, sunshine duration exhibits a distinct seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight peaking during the early part of the year. January begins with 274 hours of sunshine, but this figure steadily increases, leading to a remarkable 336 hours in March. This period signifies the transition from the dry season, where clear skies dominate, to the early wet season. Notable is the slight decrease in April to 325 hours, followed by consistent sunshine hours through May and early June, hovering around 321-333 hours. This relatively stable sunshine duration during the pre-monsoon period fosters agricultural activities, as ample sunlight supports plant growth.
As the year progresses, sunshine hours remain abundant through the middle months, with values around 328 to 329 hours from July through October. These summer months sustain high sunlight availability, even amid increased rainfall typical of the rainy season, indicating resilience in sunshine despite cloud cover. Interestingly, while the overall sunshine hours remain relatively high, a minor decline is observed in November at 322 hours, before consistently rising again in December to 332 hours. This pattern highlights how Western Equatoria enjoys a bright climate year-round, providing ample sunlight for both ecosystems and local livelihoods, making it an essential feature of its tropical environment.
The UV Index in Western Equatoria, South Sudan, exhibits consistently high readings throughout the year, highlighting the region's exposure to intense solar radiation. Starting in January with a UV Index of 12, the severity of sun exposure remains significant, particularly with an extreme classification that requires caution for skin protection. The index reaches its zenith in April at 15, indicating the highest risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This period, which also coincides with the transition into the rainy season, underscores the importance of sun safety measures for residents and visitors alike.
As the year progresses, the UV Index shows a slight decline but remains within the 12 to 14 range for most months, reflecting continuous extreme exposure. By June and July, the index stabilizes at 12, before increasing again in August and September to 13. The UV levels begin to taper in November and December, but still maintain high readings of 12 and 11, respectively. This sustained exposure throughout the year emphasizes the need for effective sun protection strategies, including sunscreen use and protective clothing, to mitigate the risks associated with high UV levels in this tropical region.
UV Risk Categories
In Western Equatoria, South Sudan, daylight duration exhibits a moderate range throughout the year, with a consistent pattern characterized by approximately 11 hours of daylight in the first two months of the year. February maintains this trend, providing a steady light environment ideal for various activities. As the seasons shift into March, daylight begins to increase, reaching 12 hours per day, a duration that continues steadily through the spring and into the summer months. This consistent daylight supports agricultural practices and daily life, allowing for ample time to engage in outdoor activities.
Moreover, the daylight duration remains stable at 12 hours from March until September, highlighting the region's near-equatorial location, where variations in daylight length are minimal. Following this peak period, daylight begins to decrease again in October, returning to 11 hours, and this shorter duration persists through November and December. This gradual ebbing of daylight toward the end of the year underscores a cyclical rhythm that influences both ecological processes and the lifestyle of the local population, reinforcing the significance of daylight in the region's agricultural and cultural practices.
Maridi, South Sudan experiences a tropical climate with significant temperature variation throughout the year. Monthly average temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) in July and August to a peak of 29°C (85°F) in January, February, and March. The rainy season spans from April to October, with the highest precipitation in October at 192 mm (7.6 in). Despite this, Maridi enjoys substantial sunshine, peaking in March with 337 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Maridi climate.
The climate in Tambura, South Sudan, is characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (105°F) during the peak months, with average temperatures typically around 28-30°C (82-86°F). Rainfall increases significantly from March through October, peaking in May and August with up to 165 mm (6.5 in) and 163 mm (6.4 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with over 300 hours of sunlight each month, particularly in the dry season. For more detailed information, visit Tambura climate.
Yambio, South Sudan experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January and February are the warmest months with highs reaching up to 40°C (104°F), while temperatures in the cooler months, June to August, average around 24°C (75°F). The region sees substantial rainfall from April to October, peaking in October with 213 mm (8.4 in). Despite the rains, Yambio enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with over 300 hours per month typically from January through December. For more details, visit Yambio climate.
In summary, Western Equatoria, South Sudan, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by its warm temperatures, significant rainfall, abundant sunshine, high UV Index, and consistent daylight duration throughout the year. The region's tropical savanna climate not only influences the daily lives of its inhabitants but also plays a crucial role in agricultural productivity and biodiversity. As such, understanding these climatic elements is vital for developing effective strategies for sun protection, optimizing agricultural practices, and adapting to seasonal changes. The steadfast conditions of Western Equatoria exemplify the delicate balance between environmental factors and human activity, ultimately shaping the region's vibrant ecosystem and culture.