Last updated: January 18, 2025
Khartoum, Sudan, exhibits a BWh climate classification, characterized by a hot desert climate. Throughout the year, temperatures oscillate significantly, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) recorded in January and soaring to a maximum of 46°C (114°F) in May. The average annual temperature rests around 30°C (86°F), highlighting the city's typically arid conditions and extreme heat, particularly during the summer months. This climatic profile plays a crucial role in shaping the region's ecology, agriculture, and daily life.
Temperature patterns in Khartoum, Sudan, exhibit distinct seasonal trends characterized by gradually increasing heat from winter to summer. In January, the city experiences its coolest temperatures, with minimums around 9°C (48°F) and daytime averages of 23°C (74°F). As the year progresses into February and March, both minimum and average temperatures rise, reaching a peak average of 29°C (84°F) by March. The months of April and May herald the onset of intense heat, with May recording maximums of 46°C (114°F) and consistent averages around 35°C (95°F). Following the scorching summer, temperatures stabilize slightly during the wet season from June to September, maintaining averages of 33°C (91°F) but with milder minimums. As temperatures begin to cool in October, they further decrease through November and December, leaving the winter months with more comfortable averages and lower extremes, showcasing a clear shift from the oppressive summer heat to a more moderate climate.
Omdurman experiences a minimum temperature of 9°C (48°F) in January, while in May, it can soar to a maximum of 45°C (114°F) as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Omdurman. Similarly, Khartoum records slightly higher minimum temperatures, starting at 10°C (49°F) in January, with a peak temperature of 46°C (114°F) in May, as noted in the monthly temperatures in Khartoum.
Khartoum, Sudan, experiences a predominantly dry climate marked by minimal precipitation, particularly in the first half of the year. From January through April, no measurable rainfall occurs, leading to 0 mm of precipitation during these months. The onset of the rainy season begins in May, albeit modestly, with only 4 mm (0.1 in) of rain. This trend of low precipitation continues into June, where 6 mm (0.2 in) is recorded, slightly increasing as the season progresses.
The peak of the rainy season is observed in August, when Khartoum receives its highest monthly total of 34 mm (1.3 in), falling over approximately five days. Following this, precipitation decreases again in September, with 6 mm (0.2 in), and October, bringing in 7 mm (0.3 in) before returning to dry conditions with 0 mm noted from November to December. This seasonal pattern highlights the pronounced variability in precipitation, reinforcing Khartoum's classification as an arid desert region with a brief and concentrated rainy season.
In Khartoum, Sudan, sunshine duration showcases a pronounced seasonal trend, with a steady increase in hours from winter into summer. January begins the year with 268 hours of sunlight, gradually climbing through February to reach 304 hours. As spring unfolds, March and April see a pronounced boost, each month providing 345 hours of glorious sunshine. This upward trajectory culminates in May, where the city basks in 360 hours of sunlight, marking it as one of the sunniest months of the year, setting the stage for the peak of the dry season.
Despite the slight dip in June to 346 hours, sunshine remains abundant throughout the summer months, with July and August also showcasing impressive figures of 342 and 337 hours respectively. As the rainy season approaches in September, sunshine hours begin to taper, yet they still remain significant at 326 hours. The trend continues into the fall, with October and November maintaining robust sunlight hours of 332 and 317 hours. This consistent availability of sunlight not only contributes to the arid environment but also supports various activities and agricultural practices in the region.
The ultraviolet (UV) index in Khartoum, Sudan, reveals significant seasonal variations, reflecting the region's intense sunlight exposure. Throughout the winter months, January starts with a UV index of 9, categorized as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This level of UV radiation escalates significantly in February, reaching an extreme rating of 11, and maintains this intensity into March and April, where the index remains at a maximum of 13, demanding vigilant sun protection as the burn time shrinks to a mere 10 minutes. In May, the UV index holds steady at this extreme level, fortifying the need for protective measures, particularly as temperatures rise.
Entering the summer months, the UV index slightly declines in June to 10, yet remains classified as very high. July through September stabilize back at a UV index of 11, maintaining extreme levels until late fall; during this period, burn times remain critically short at 10 minutes. As the year transitions into November and December, the UV index dips but remains notable, measuring 9 and 8 respectively, both still within the very high exposure category. Given these levels year-round, residents and visitors in Khartoum must exercise caution and apply sun protection measures consistently to mitigate health risks associated with high UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
In Khartoum, Sudan, daylight duration reveals a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, closely aligned with the region's tropical climate. January and February each provide around 11 hours of daylight, offering a consistent amount of light during the winter months. As spring commences in March, daylight begins to increase, extending to 12 hours and continuing at this duration through April and May. This steady accumulation of daylight promotes a growing season that coincides with warmer temperatures.
The longest days are typically seen during June, where daylight stretches to 13 hours, marking the peak of summer. Following this, daylight retracts slightly to 12 hours from July to September, maintaining a stable light environment conducive to various activities. By October, daylight once again falls to 11 hours, remaining consistent through the final months of the year. Overall, the variations in daylight duration throughout the seasons in Khartoum play a pivotal role in shaping the region's climate, ecology, and lifestyle.
Khartoum, Sudan, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal precipitation. Temperatures range from a pleasant 10°C (49°F) in January to a scorching 46°C (114°F) in May, with averages hovering around 33°C (91°F) during the summer months. Rainfall is scarce, accumulating primarily between May and August, peaking in August with 34 mm (1.3 in). The city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in May, which boasts 360 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Khartoum climate.
Omdurman, Sudan experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal precipitation throughout the year. January temperatures range from a mild 9°C (48°F) to a scorching 40°C (105°F), gradually increasing to peak averages of 35°C (94°F) in June and July. Rainfall is scarce, with the highest precipitation in August at 32 mm (1.3 in) and virtually none from November to March. Sunshine is abundant, with May seeing the most hours at 360. For more detailed information, visit Omdurman climate.
In conclusion, Khartoum, Sudan, is characterized by a climate that features extreme temperatures, a pronounced UV index, minimal precipitation, and a stable daylight duration throughout the year. The city's hot desert climate, marked by high sunshine hours and significant seasonal variations in both UV radiation and temperature, necessitates careful attention to sun protection, particularly during the peak months from March to May. Moreover, the consistent daylight duration facilitates agricultural activities and daily life, despite the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions. Understanding these climatic factors is vital for residents and visitors alike, as they navigate the unique environmental landscape of Khartoum.