Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the River Nile region in Sudan is characterized by a BWh Köppen-Geiger classification, indicating a hot desert climate. Throughout the year, temperatures exhibit significant variation, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) occurring in January, escalating to an average of 30°C (87°F). During the peak of summer in June, temperatures can soar to maximums of 47°C (116°F), illustrating the extreme heat conditions prevalent in this arid landscape. This climatic profile not only influences the local biodiversity but also poses challenges for water management and agricultural practices along the Nile.
Temperature patterns along the River Nile in Sudan exhibit distinct seasonal trends, reflecting a notable transition from cooler to increasingly intense heat throughout the year. January marks the coldest month, with minimum temperatures dipping to 7°C (45°F) and average highs around 22°C (73°F). Gradually, as spring approaches, temperatures rise, peaking in June with an extreme maximum of 47°C (116°F). The transition from March to April sees significant warming, particularly as average temperatures climb from 28°C (82°F) to 32°C (89°F). By May, the heat intensifies further, reaching an average of 35°C (95°F), which is sustained into the peak summer months of June and July. However, a slight reprieve occurs in late summer and autumn, as temperatures begin to cool, ultimately returning to a milder state in December, where averages settle around 24°C (76°F). This cyclical temperature trend underlines the harsh climatic conditions characteristic of the region, directly impacting both the ecosystem and human activities reliant on the Nile.
The climate in Ed Damer, Berber, and Atbara exhibits similar temperature patterns, with January minimums at 8°C (47°F) for all three locations. By June, Ed Damer reaches a maximum of 47°C (116°F) while Berber and Atbara peak at 46°C (115°F). For more detailed monthly temperatures, you can explore monthly temperatures in Ed Damer, monthly temperatures in Berber, and monthly temperatures in Atbara.
Precipitation along the River Nile in Sudan is characterized by an arid climate, with minimal rainfall recorded throughout the year. The months from January to April are notably dry, with no precipitation occurring at all during this period. As the dry season transitions to the wetter months, May sees the first signs of rain, bringing only 3 mm (0.1 in) over a single day. This scant amount of precipitation is followed by an even drier June, which receives just 2 mm (0.1 in), indicating the persistence of the dry conditions typical of the region.
The peak of rainfall occurs in August, with a substantial 25 mm (1.0 in) falling over three days, marking the climax of the rainy season. This contrasts sharply with the preceding and subsequent months, as only 6 mm (0.2 in) is recorded in July and minimal precipitation returns in September with 3 mm (0.1 in), while October and November experience further dryness. Overall, the River Nile region showcases a distinct lack of rainfall, contributing to its desert-like climate and significantly influencing local agriculture and water resource management.
The River Nile region in Sudan experiences a remarkable trend in sunshine duration, characterized by a steady increase as winter transitions into summer. January begins the year with 265 hours of sunshine, gradually climbing to 304 hours in February and reaching a significant milestone in March with 346 hours. As the days lengthen, April enjoys 349 hours, before peaking in May at an impressive 366 hours of bright sunshine. This month not only marks the highest recorded sunshine but also heralds the onset of the hottest months of the year, where consistent sunlight fuels the desert heat.
Following May's peak, sunshine hours remain robust but slightly decline during the summer months, with June, July, and August receiving 352, 350, and 340 hours, respectively. This slight decrease does not equate to a major drop in sunlight but indicates a more stable distribution of sunny days. As the year progresses into autumn, sunshine hours gradually decrease, with September at 324 hours and October at 331 hours. The trend of diminishing sunlight continues through November and December, with month-end totals of 316 hours and 322 hours, respectively. Overall, the yearly pattern illustrates the Nile region’s capacity for abundant sunshine, which plays a vital role in shaping its unique climate and influencing local ecosystems.
The UV Index in the River Nile region of Sudan exhibits striking seasonal patterns, characterized by persistently high to extreme levels throughout the year. Starting in January, the UV Index registers at 9, categorized as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As the year progresses into February, the UV Index escalates to 11, entering the extreme exposure category, and remains elevated through the spring months of March, April, and May, where it peaks at 13. During this period, the critical burn time is notably reduced to just 10 minutes, highlighting the heightened risk of overexposure to ultraviolet radiation.
As summer approaches, UV Index values remain predominantly extreme, with readings of 11 to 12 from June to August, maintaining a 10-minute burn time throughout these months. The onset of autumn brings a gradual decline, with October witnessing a drop to 10, and November returning to 9, both labeled as very high exposure. By December, the UV Index stabilizes at 8, still indicating a significant risk for skin damage. These fluctuations underscore the need for protective measures year-round, as the region's strong sunlight and high UV levels pose ongoing health considerations for both residents and visitors.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration along the River Nile in Sudan displays a consistent pattern throughout the year, reflecting a reliable cycle of light that defines the region's climate. January and February both offer 11 hours of daylight, providing a stable foundation as the year begins. With the arrival of March, daylight increases slightly to 12 hours, a trend that continues through April and May, maintaining the same duration. This gradual increase in daylight is crucial as it coincides with rising temperatures as the region transitions toward summer.
As the summer solstice approaches in June and July, daylight reaches its peak at 13 hours, maximizing exposure to the sun’s rays and supporting local ecosystems. Following this summer peak, daylight begins to steadily diminish, returning to 12 hours in August and September, before dropping back to 11 hours in the final months of the year—October, November, and December. This cyclical light pattern not only influences the region's natural rhythms but also affects agricultural practices and daily life for the communities along the Nile.
Atbara, Sudan experiences a hot desert climate with extreme temperatures, where summer months see highs reaching up to 46°C (116°F) in June and May. The coolest months are January and February, with average temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and 24°C (75°F). Rainfall is minimal, mostly occurring in the summer, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 21 mm (0.8 in). Atbara enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the spring, with over 349 hours recorded in April, making it a predominantly sunny destination year-round. For more information, check the Atbara climate.
Berber, Sudan experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal precipitation. January marks the coolest month with temperatures ranging from 8°C (47°F) to 38°C (101°F), while May and June are the hottest, with maximums reaching up to 46°C (115°F). Rainfall is scarce, primarily occurring between June and August, with August being the wettest month at just 19 mm (0.7 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, peaking in May with 367 hours of sun. For more detailed insights, visit Berber climate.
Ed Damer, Sudan, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall. January sees average temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to a peak of 39°C (102°F), with the hottest months, May and June, reaching highs of up to 47°C (116°F). Rainfall is scarce, with most months receiving little to no precipitation, peaking slightly in August at 19 mm (0.8 in). Despite the heat, sunshine is abundant, with May providing the most at 367 hours. For more detailed information, visit Ed Damer climate.
El Bauga, Sudan experiences a hot desert climate, with temperatures soaring from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) in January to a peak of 46°C (115°F) in June. The average high temperature remains above 35°C (95°F) from May through September, while precipitation is minimal, peaking at 13 mm (0.5 in) in August. Sunshine is abundant, with May enjoying the most at 368 hours. The dry season lasts from January to April, with virtually no rainfall, making it one of the driest areas in Sudan. For more details on the climate specifics, visit El Bauga climate.
El Matama, Sudan experiences a hot desert climate with minimal rainfall and high temperatures throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a mild 23°C (73°F) in January to a scorching 34°C (94°F) in May, with July seeing highs of up to 44°C (112°F). Precipitation is scarce, with most months receiving little to no rain; August is the exception, experiencing 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in May with 363 hours, contributing to the arid conditions. For more detailed information, visit El Matama climate.
Shendi, Sudan experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and limited rainfall. Average monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in January to a maximum of 46°C (115°F) in June, with very hot conditions persisting throughout most of the year. Rainfall is minimal, with the majority occurring between May and August, and totals rarely exceeding 34 mm (1.3 in) in August. Sunshine is abundant, with the highest hours recorded in May at 364 hours. For more details, visit Shendi climate.
In conclusion, the climatic conditions along the River Nile in Sudan are characterized by a harsh desert climate defined by extreme temperatures, minimal precipitation, and an abundance of sunshine. The seasonal patterns reveal a stark contrast between the intense heat of summer and the more temperate conditions experienced during the winter months. Alongside these temperature trends, the UV Index consistently approaches extreme levels, emphasizing the need for protective measures against sun exposure. Furthermore, daylight duration remains relatively stable throughout the year, with a noticeable peak during the summer months. Altogether, these elements underscore the importance of understanding the region's climate for effective water management, agricultural planning, and community health, as residents navigate the challenges presented by such an environment.