Last updated: January 18, 2025
Northern Darfur, Sudan exhibits a BWh (hot desert) climate classification according to the Köppen-Geiger system. The region experiences significant temperature variations, with minimum temperatures plummeting to 4°C (40°F) in January, while peaks can soar up to a scorching 43°C (109°F) in May. The average temperature throughout the year stands at a balmy 26°C (79°F), illustrating the extreme heat that characterizes this desert environment. This climatic profile not only impacts local ecosystems but also poses challenges for water resources and agricultural practices in the area.
In Northern Darfur, Sudan, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal rhythm, characterized by relatively cooler months from December to February, where minimum temperatures can dip to 4°C (40°F) and average around 19°C (67°F). As the region transitions into spring, March and April witness a notable rise in temperatures, with averages climbing to 25°C (78°F) and 28°C (83°F), respectively, and maximums peaking at 41°C (106°F). The summer months of May through July are significantly warmer, with May recording the highest average temperature of 31°C (87°F) and maximums reaching up to 43°C (109°F). The latter part of the year sees a gradual decline in temperatures, with averages returning to the mid-twenties by October, indicating a cooler, albeit still warm, climate as the region heads into winter. This pattern underscores the characteristic heat and aridity of Northern Darfur, shaping its environmental and agricultural landscape throughout the year.
In Northern Darfur, the temperatures vary significantly across different regions. Kutum experiences a minimum of 4°C (40°F) in January, rising to a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in May, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Kutum. Meanwhile, El Fasher records a minimum of 5°C (42°F) in January and peaks at 41°C (107°F) in May, according to the monthly temperatures in El Fasher. Notably, Umm Kaddadah sees slightly higher temperatures, with January lows of 7°C (46°F) and May highs reaching 43°C (109°F), as stated in the monthly temperatures in Umm Kaddadah.
Northern Darfur experiences a pronounced dry season, with minimal precipitation occurring from January to March, during which no rainfall is recorded. A slight uptick in precipitation begins in April, with only 1 mm (0.0 in), but it remains negligible compared to the latter months. The region enters a more humid phase in June, starting with 10 mm (0.4 in) over just two days, setting the stage for the peak of the rainy season from July to August.
July marks a significant increase in rainfall, recording 46 mm (1.8 in) over nine days, while August becomes the wettest month, delivering a substantial 133 mm (5.2 in) across 17 days. This spike in precipitation is crucial for local agriculture and replenishes water resources after the long dry spell. As the rainy season wanes in September with 23 mm (0.9 in) and continues to decline through October and November, the region returns to dryness, emphasizing the stark contrast in rainfall patterns throughout the year.
In Northern Darfur, the duration of sunshine shows a clear seasonal pattern, with a steady increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. Starting at 268 hours in January, the sunshine hours rise consistently through February and March, peaking at an impressive 344 hours. April and May continue this upward trend, with May achieving the highest amount of sunshine for the year at 358 hours. This surge in sunlight supports the dry and hot climate, providing essential energy for the region's ecosystem during the peak of the hot season.
As summer transitions to fall, sunshine hours stabilize yet remain substantial. From June to August, the region experiences consistent sunshine, hovering around 348 to 358 hours. In September, the hours begin to decline slightly to 329 hours, followed by October and November, which retain valuable sunlight hours at 334 and 324 hours, respectively. By December, the duration of sunshine again reaches 331 hours, marking a smooth transition back to the drier and cooler months. Overall, Northern Darfur's climate is marked by abundant sunshine, which plays a pivotal role in supporting both local agriculture and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
Northern Darfur experiences consistently high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation throughout the year, with the UV Index often classified as extreme. Starting at 11 in January, the index increases to 12 in February and reaches its peak at 14 in both March and April. This period is critical for sun safety, as a burn time of just 10 minutes can lead to skin damage. Even in the following months, such as May, June, and July, the UV Index remains high, with measurements of 13 and fluctuating back to 14 during mid-summer, reinforcing the need for protective measures during outdoor activities.
As the year progresses into late summer and fall, the UV Index shows slight variations but remains predominantly in the 11 to 12 range, indicating ongoing risk for sunburn with an exposure category still marked as extreme until October. In November, the index maintains a value of 11, before dipping to 10 in December, where the burn time increases to 15 minutes and is categorized as very high. This consistent level of UV radiation emphasizes the importance of sun protection year-round for residents and visitors in Northern Darfur, given the potential for skin damage even during the cooler months.
UV Risk Categories
In Northern Darfur, daylight duration remains relatively stable throughout the year, showing only slight fluctuations between 11 and 12 hours. Starting in January and February, the region enjoys 11 hours of daylight, providing a consistent length of exposure to sunlight during the cooler winter months. As March arrives, daylight increases to 12 hours, a duration that is maintained through the summer months of April, May, June, July, and August. This consistent sunlight is crucial for supporting the region's ecosystems as well as agricultural practices.
As the year transitions from summer to fall, daylight duration begins to taper off again, returning to 11 hours in October and remaining there through December. This cyclical pattern of daylight serves to regulate local weather and climatic conditions, while also affecting daily life and routines for the inhabitants of Northern Darfur. The overall stability in daylight hours indicates that the region offers a predictable environment for both people and nature throughout the year.
El Fasher, Sudan, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. January to April sees averages ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 83°F), with maximum temperatures peaking at 40°C (105°F) in April. The rainy season occurs from July to August, bringing significant precipitation, especially in August with 153 mm (6.0 in) of rainfall. Despite the summer rains, El Fasher enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, reaching its peak in May with 359 hours. For more detailed information, visit El Fasher climate.
Kutum, Sudan experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. January to March sees average temperatures ranging from 18°C (65°F) to 24°C (75°F), while May to August often exceeds 29°C (85°F), peaking at 39°C (102°F) in May. Rainfall is scarce, with July and August being the wettest months, receiving 65 mm and 164 mm respectively. Abundant sunshine is consistent throughout the year, with May offering the most sun at 358 hours. For more information, visit Kutum climate.
Umm Kaddadah, Sudan, experiences a predominantly hot desert climate characterized by extreme temperatures and limited precipitation. Monthly average temperatures range from 20°C (69°F) in January to 32°C (90°F) in May, with maximum values peaking at 43°C (109°F) in May. Rainfall is minimal, with the bulk occurring from July to September, peaking at 83 mm (3.3 in) in August. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with over 300 hours of sunlight in most months, making it a bright yet arid location. For more detailed information, visit Umm Kaddadah climate.
In conclusion, Northern Darfur’s climatic characteristics showcase a region marked by extreme temperatures, abundant sunshine, and high UV exposure throughout the year. The stark contrast between the dry seasons and the peak of the rainy season highlights the unique challenges faced by the local ecosystem and agricultural practices. With a relatively stable daylight duration, the consistent exposure to sunlight supports both the environment and the livelihoods of the communities. Understanding these climatic trends is essential for developing effective strategies to manage resources, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote public health, particularly in relation to sun safety. As climate patterns continue to evolve, it remains critical to adapt and respond to the implications of these changes for the future of Northern Darfur.