Last updated: January 18, 2025
Al Maḩwīt, Yemen, exhibits a BWh (Hot Desert) and BWk (Cold Desert) climate, characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year. With a minimum temperature plunging to 3°C (38°F) in December, the region experiences a temperate winter, sharply contrasting with the scorching peak of 41°C (107°F) observed in May. The annual average temperature stabilizes around 23°C (74°F), illustrating the overall warmth typical of desert environments. This climatic profile underscores Al Maḩwīt's unique ecological challenges and potential for agricultural adaptation amidst temperature extremes.
In Al Maḩwīt, Yemen, temperature patterns reveal a distinct seasonal cycle marked by gradual warming and cooling phases throughout the year. The year begins with cool winter months, where January and February showcase minimum temperatures around 4°C (39°F) to 5°C (41°F) and average highs reaching 33°C (91°F) and 35°C (95°F) respectively. As spring unfolds, March through May witnesses a steady increase in both minimum and maximum temperatures, peaking in May at 41°C (107°F). The summer months of June and July maintain high averages of 26°C (80°F), but also reflect extreme maximum temperatures of 41°C (105°F). By late summer and into autumn, temperatures begin to moderate slightly, tapering off in October with averages around 23°C (73°F) before declining again in November and December, signaling the return of cooler winter conditions.
Shibam experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) in December and a maximum of 31°C (87°F) in June. This variation highlights the distinct seasonal changes in this region. For more details, you can refer to the monthly temperatures in Shibam.
Al Maḩwīt, Yemen, experiences a pronounced seasonal precipitation pattern, with most rain occurring during the summer months. January begins the year with relatively low rainfall, totaling 21 mm (0.8 in), and February sees a slight increase to 32 mm (1.2 in). March continues this upward trend, but it is April that marks a significant shift with 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, heralding the onset of the wet season. By May, precipitation peaks at 149 mm (5.9 in), accompanied by an increase in rainy days, reaching an average of 20 days of the month.
The summation of rainfall intensifies through the summer, with August receiving the highest monthly total at 194 mm (7.6 in) over 21 days. This period sustains high levels of precipitation, illustrated by June and July, both delivering substantial amounts of 101 mm (4.0 in) and 103 mm (4.1 in) respectively. Following this peak, September and October continue to contribute meaningful rainfall amounts of 131 mm (5.1 in) and 126 mm (5.0 in), before tapering off in November and December, where precipitation drops to 51 mm (2.0 in) and 30 mm (1.2 in), cycling back to the drier conditions prevalent at the year's start.
In Al Maḩwīt, Yemen, sunshine duration exhibits a consistent seasonal pattern, characterized by a gradual increase as the year progresses. Starting in January, the region receives 267 hours of sunshine, which slowly ascends through February to 303 hours and continues its upward trajectory in March, peaking at 344 hours. This trend remains relatively stable into the spring months, with April and May offering 338 hours and 345 hours respectively, showcasing the region’s transition towards sunnier days leading up to the summer.
As summer approaches, sunshine hours remain high, with June, July, and August reporting approximately 331 hours each month. This period stands out as a time of abundant sunlight. Interestingly, the months of September and October show only a slight decrease, maintaining similar totals of 324 hours and 334 hours. By November, sunshine hours begin to wane, dropping to 321 hours, and December rounds off the year with 328 hours. Overall, while Al Maḩwīt experiences its maximum sunlight from February through May, the summer months equally sustain elevated levels, establishing a climate that supports a rich array of ecological and agricultural activities.
In Al Maḩwīt, Yemen, the UV Index consistently indicates a high level of solar radiation exposure throughout the year, with most months categorized as "extreme." Starting in January, the UV Index is measured at 12, which remains alarmingly high at 13 in February. March and April reach their peak at 16, underscoring a critical need for protective measures against the harmful effects of UV rays during these months. Even as temperatures begin to moderate in early summer, the UV Index remains elevated, with values of 15 in May and 14 in both June and August, consistently signaling a burn time of only 10 minutes for unprotected skin.
As summer transitions into autumn, the UV Index slightly tapers, with July and October both recording an index of 13. September and August maintain a steady 14, continuing to advocate for outdoor caution. Remarkably, November drops to 12, and further declines in December bring the UV Index down to 10, transitioning that month into a "very high" exposure category with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. These trends illustrate the perennial threat posed by UV radiation in Al Maḩwīt, emphasizing the importance of sun safety practices year-round, particularly during the peak months.
UV Risk Categories
In Al Maḩwīt, Yemen, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, with minor fluctuations that reflect seasonal changes. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, providing consistent sunlit hours that set the foundation for the approaching spring. As March arrives, daylight increases to 12 hours, a trend that continues through April and May, where residents benefit from longer days, ideal for outdoor activities and agriculture.
The peak daylight duration occurs in June, with 13 hours of sunlight, creating the longest days of the year. Following this peak, daylight hours gradually return to 12 hours during July and August before reverting to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration enhances the predictability of Al Maḩwīt’s climate, allowing its inhabitants to plan their activities around consistent light availability, from the sunniest summer months to the shorter days of winter.
Shibam, Yemen experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) in December to a maximum of 31°C (87°F) in July and August. Rainfall is concentrated in the summer months, particularly in August, which receives about 247 mm (9.7 in) of precipitation. Despite the rainfall, Shibam enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, with March typically offering the highest sun exposure at 346 hours. For more detailed information, visit Shibam climate.
In conclusion, Al Maḩwīt, Yemen, presents a diverse climatic profile characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The combination of extreme temperatures in the summer, abundant precipitation during the wet season, and consistently high UV exposure necessitates careful outdoor planning and health precautions. Moreover, the steady daylight duration throughout the year supports agricultural activities while accommodating the evolving lifestyles of the local population. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for fostering resilience and adaptability in Al Maḩwīt, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in this unique desert environment.