Last updated: January 18, 2025
Western Darfur, Sudan, is characterized by a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen-Geiger classification BSh), marked by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. January experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum reaching 9°C (48°F), while the region heats up sharply in May, where maximum temperatures can soar to 42°C (107°F). The average annual temperature is around 26°C (79°F), creating a stark contrast that reflects the region's climatic extremes. This climatic profile not only influences local ecosystems but also shapes the livelihoods and agricultural practices of its inhabitants.
Temperature patterns in Western Darfur, Sudan, exhibit distinct seasonal trends marked by both warmth and moderate fluctuations. The year begins with cool conditions in January, where minimum temperatures drop to 9°C (48°F), gradually rising to a peak in May, where temperatures reach up to 42°C (107°F). As spring progresses, the average temperatures climb steadily, reflecting increasing warmth. By mid-summer, particularly in June and July, temperatures remain high, although slight cooling occurs, with averages around 26°C (79°F) to 29°C (85°F). The transition to autumn brings a slight decline in temperatures, with averages returning to the mid-20s °C by November. The cycle concludes with cooler winter months, as December sees a minimum of 11°C (52°F), highlighting the region's pronounced seasonal shifts within its overall hot semi-arid climate.
Geneina experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year, with January registering a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and May reaching a maximum of 42°C (107°F). This significant variation highlights the region's hot climate, particularly as the year progresses towards summer. For more detailed insights, visit monthly temperatures in Geneina.
Precipitation in Western Darfur, Sudan, exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the summer months. From January to April, the region experiences minimal rainfall, often recording 0 mm from January through March, with only sporadic drops in February and April amounting to just 1 mm each. This dry spell extends through November and December, underscoring the arid conditions that prevail.
The onset of the rainy season begins in May, with precipitation increasing dramatically to 11 mm. June marks a significant uptick with approximately 43 mm of rainfall, paving the way for July and August, which are the wettest months of the year, receiving 157 mm and 226 mm, respectively. This torrential downpour is accompanied by numerous rain days—20 days in July and 24 days in August—followed by a tapering off in September and October, where rainfall decreases to 63 mm and 23 mm, respectively. This seasonal distribution highlights the stark contrast between the dry and wet periods in Western Darfur's climate.
In Western Darfur, Sudan, sunshine duration reflects a notable seasonal trend characterized by increasing daylight hours as the region transitions from winter to summer. The year begins with 268 hours of sunshine in January, gradually climbing to 303 hours in February and peaking at 340 hours in March. This upward trend continues into the pre-summer months, reaching 356 hours in May, which marks the transition into the hottest part of the year, yet still enjoys significant sunlight.
As the summer progresses, sunshine hours remain fairly consistent, with a slight decline in July to 333 hours before beginning a gradual decrease in August, dropping to 313 hours. However, this decline is moderate compared to the abundant sunshine of the preceding months. From September onward, sunshine duration levels off, ranging between 317 to 330 hours through the fall months. Notably, the steady illumination during these months underscores the region's capacity for solar energy, making it an optimal location for harnessing natural light throughout the year.
The UV Index in Western Darfur, Sudan, presents a pronounced pattern throughout the year, characterized by extremely high levels during the peak months. Starting in January with a UV Index of 10, which falls into the "very high" exposure category, there is a notable increase in February, reaching 12—an "extreme" category indicating a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend of heightened UV radiation continues into March, April, and May, maintaining a consistent index of 13, underscoring the necessity for protection from sun exposure during these months.
As summer approaches, the UV Index peaks in August at 14, marking the highest level recorded, necessitating extreme caution for outdoor activities due to a burn time of merely 10 minutes. Following this peak, the index gradually decreases in September and settles at 12 before returning to the very high category of 10 in October and November. By December, the UV Index slightly declines to 9, though it remains a concern for sun safety. This seasonal pattern highlights the importance of vigilant sun protection measures, particularly during the summer months when UV exposure is at its most intense.
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In Western Darfur, Sudan, daylight duration exhibits a consistent pattern throughout the year, reflecting the region's geographical positioning. January and February each receive about 11 hours of daylight, providing relatively short sunny days as the year commences. As spring approaches, March marks a slight increase to 12 hours, a duration that remains stable through the summer months. This consistent exposure continues from March through September, promoting an environment conducive to agriculture and outdoor activities.
As the year transitions into autumn, daylight hours gradually decrease again, returning to 11 hours in both October and November, before holding steady through December. This cyclical pattern emphasizes the region’s slight variations in daylight, while overall maintaining a fairly consistent amount of sunlight year-round. Such stability in daylight duration contributes to the climate's predictability, allowing for planning in various sectors, from farming to community events.
The climate in Geneina, Sudan, is characterized by high temperatures and minimal precipitation. January to April experiences warm days with average temperatures ranging from 21°C (71°F) to 30°C (86°F) and little to no rainfall. The hottest months, May to August, peak at over 40°C (104°F) while July and August see significant rainfall, with averages of 157 mm (6.2 in) and 226 mm (8.9 in), respectively. Year-round, Geneina enjoys ample sunshine, with May offering the most at 356 hours. For more details, visit Geneina climate.
In conclusion, Western Darfur, Sudan, presents a dynamic climatic profile characterized by significant temperature fluctuations, a pronounced rainy season, and distinct patterns in sunshine and UV exposure. The region experiences extreme temperatures and substantial sunlight, particularly between March and August, which not only influences local ecosystems but also shapes agricultural practices and daily life. Understanding these climatic trends is essential for effective planning in environmental management, public health, and economic activities. Continuous awareness of factors such as the UV Index and daylight duration is vital for safeguarding public health and optimizing resource utilization, ensuring that the inhabitants of Western Darfur can adapt harmoniously to their environment.