Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Northern State, Sudan is characterized by a BWh Köppen-Geiger classification, indicative of a hot desert environment. Temperature variations are pronounced, with minimums dipping to 4°C (39°F) in January and soaring to impressive maximums of 47°C (118°F) in June. The region experiences an average temperature of 29°C (84°F), illustrating the extreme conditions typical of this arid landscape. These climatic traits profoundly influence the local ecology, agriculture, and socio-economic activities, shaping both the challenges and opportunities for the inhabitants of this vibrant region.
Northern State, Sudan exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, characterized by a stark transition from cooler to intensely hot months. January begins with cooler temperatures, featuring minimums around 4°C (39°F) and an average of 19°C (66°F). As the year progresses, temperatures steadily rise, peaking in the scorching summer months of May and June, where maximums reach up to 46°C (116°F) and 47°C (118°F) respectively. The transition into the monsoon season in July and August brings slightly milder temperatures, with averages stabilizing around 36°C (97°F), while the nights remain warm. By late autumn, the temperatures begin to cool again, with November and December reflecting a return to mild conditions, with minimums ranging from 5°C (41°F) to 11°C (52°F). This fluctuation marks the region’s dramatic climate character, with seasonal shifts heavily influencing local life and activities.
Kuraymah experiences a minimum temperature of 5°C (42°F) in January and peaks at 46°C (115°F) in June, while Dongola records slightly lower January temperatures at 4°C (40°F) and reaches a maximum of 47°C (118°F) in the summer month. Similarly, Merowe shares the same January minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 46°C (115°F) in June. For more detailed information, you can check the monthly temperatures in Kuraymah, Dongola, and Merowe.
Northern State, Sudan is characterized by an extremely arid climate, with precipitation levels predominantly hovering around zero throughout most of the year. From January to April, the region records no rainfall, underscoring the dry conditions typical of the winter months. This pattern persists until May, when the first signs of precipitation emerge, albeit minimal, with just 1 mm recorded. The following months of June and September witness a return to dry conditions, with no rainfall, further emphasizing the stark contrast in the region's moisture availability.
The modest increase in precipitation during the summer months of July and August, where rainfall reaches 2 mm and 4 mm respectively, marks the onset of the very brief rainy season. However, even these amounts are insufficient to significantly alter the landscape or support extensive agricultural activity. As temperatures decline towards the end of the year, the return to zero rainfall in the subsequent months reiterates the drought-like conditions endemic to Northern State, solidifying its reputation as one of the driest regions in Sudan.
In Northern State, Sudan, sunshine duration exhibits a striking seasonal trend characterized by a steady increase from winter to summer. Beginning the year with 264 hours in January, the region experiences a consistent rise in sunlight, peaking in May with an impressive 367 hours. This month marks a significant transition into the hottest period of the year, where extended daylight not only enhances the harsh heat but also provides ample sunlight for activities. Notably, April and June also display high sunlight totals, with 346 hours and 359 hours respectively, making these months vital for both daily life and any agricultural undertakings in this predominantly arid environment.
As the year progresses into the late summer and early autumn, sunshine hours slightly decline but remain substantial. July features a near-similar sunlight duration of 366 hours, while August follows closely with 351 hours. The subsequent months of September, October, and November also maintain above-average hours, although a gradual decrease begins to set in, with hours ranging from 329 to 316. Interestingly, despite the drop in hours towards the year's end, Northern State continues to enjoy more sunlight than many regions, reflecting the underlying climatic conditions that favor a predominantly sunlit landscape. This enduring availability of sunlight, even in the cooler months, is a defining characteristic of the region's climate and lifestyle.
The UV Index in Northern State, Sudan, presents notable seasonal variations, reflecting the region's intense solar exposure throughout the year. Starting in January with a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, the month indicates a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the year progresses, February marks a leap to an 11, entering the extreme exposure category where the recommended burn time is reduced to just 10 minutes. This trend continues into March and April, where the UV Index peaks at 13, reinforcing the need for protective measures against the potential dangers of prolonged sun exposure.
As spring transitions into summer, the UV Index remains predominantly in the extreme range, particularly consistent through May, June, and July, with values stable at 13 or 12. The shorter burn time of just 10 minutes throughout these months highlights the critical importance of sun safety practices during this time. By late autumn, the UV Index begins to decrease, dropping to 9 in November and 8 in December, signaling a return to higher risk but still necessitating vigilance. The overall trend underscores the pervasive intensity of the sun in Northern State, where effective sun protection is crucial nearly year-round due to its consistently high UV levels.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Northern State, Sudan exhibits a gradual increase during the first half of the year, reflecting a clear seasonal pattern. In the early months of January and February, the region experiences about 11 hours of daylight, which serves as an introductory phase to the longer days ahead. As spring unfolds, March and April introduce an additional hour, bringing daylight to 12 hours, followed by May and June where the duration further extends to 13 hours. This peak daylight period coincides with rising temperatures, reinforcing the notion of summer's arrival and its accompanying sustained sunlight.
As summer transitions into autumn, the daylight hours begin to decrease subtly but steadily. By August, the duration reverts to 12 hours, and subsequently returns to 11 hours in October and November, marking the onset of shorter days as winter approaches. December concludes the year with the least daylight, at 10 hours. This cyclical pattern of daylight highlights the region's equatorial characteristics, where variations in day length are less extreme compared to higher latitudes but still impactful in shaping daily activities and lifestyle choices among the local populace.
Ad Dabbah, Sudan experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal precipitation throughout the year. January sees temperatures ranging from 5°C to 38°C, while May and June are the hottest months, with averages reaching 34°C and 36°C, respectively. Sunshine is abundant, with May boasting the highest at 366 hours of sunlight. Rainfall is scarce, occurring mainly from May to August, with August receiving the most at only 5 mm. For more detailed information, visit Ad Dabbah climate.
Argo, Sudan, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extreme temperatures and minimal precipitation. Monthly average temperatures soar from a mild 18°C (65°F) in January to a peak average of 36°C (97°F) during the summer months of June and July. Rainfall is scarce, with over 99% of months registering 0 mm, only slight increases in July and August bringing 1 mm and 3 mm, respectively. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking at 370 hours in May. For more detailed climate information, visit Argo climate.
Dongola, Sudan experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extreme temperatures and minimal precipitation throughout the year. Daily maximum temperatures range from a cool 18°C (65°F) in January to a scorching 47°C (118°F) in June, with little variation during summer months. Rainfall is scarce, averaging less than 3 mm in July and August, while the rest of the year remains dry. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in May and June, with over 360 hours of sun each month. For more details, visit Dongola climate.
Karmah an Nuzul, Sudan experiences a hot desert climate with extreme temperature variations throughout the year. During the summer months of May to July, average temperatures reach up to 36-34°C (93-97°F), peaking at a maximum of 47°C (117°F) in June. Minimal precipitation, mostly occurring in July and August, leads to a dry environment, contributing to the region's arid conditions. Despite the heat, Karmah an Nuzul enjoys abundant sunshine, with over 300 hours each month from February to April. For more detailed climate information, visit Karmah an Nuzul climate.
Kuraymah, Sudan, experiences a hot desert climate with extremely high temperatures, particularly in the summer months of May through July, where maximums can reach up to 46°C (114°F). Temperatures during winter hover between 5°C (42°F) and 38°C (100°F). Precipitation is minimal, with most months receiving little to no rainfall; May to August sees the highest levels with only trace amounts. The area enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, peaking in May with 365 hours. For more details, visit Kuraymah climate.
Merowe, Sudan experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extremely high temperatures and minimal precipitation throughout the year. Monthly average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) in January to a peak of 36°C (97°F) during the hotter months of June and July. Rainfall is scarce, with most months receiving no more than a few millimeters, while sunshine hours are abundant, reaching up to 365 hours in May. This combination of heat and aridity contributes to its distinct climatic conditions, making the region quite inhospitable for some vegetation and wildlife. For more details, visit Merowe climate.
In conclusion, the climatic conditions of Northern State, Sudan, present a compelling interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours that profoundly influence the region's environment and lifestyle. The extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall underscore the area's aridity, while the notable sunshine hours and high UV Index highlight the need for careful sun protection. Furthermore, the predictable patterns in daylight duration not only guide agricultural practices but also reflect the region's adaptation to its unique climatic rhythms. Together, these factors weave a complex tapestry that defines the daily life, health considerations, and agricultural viability in Northern State, making it a fascinating subject for both environmental study and local resilience.