Last updated: January 18, 2025
Ma’rib, Yemen, exhibits a Köppen-Geiger climate classification of BWk (cold desert) and BWh (hot desert), characterized by extreme temperature variations. During the coldest month of January, temperatures can dip to a minimum of 1°C (35°F), contrasting sharply with the scorching maximum of 42°C (107°F) experienced in July. The region maintains an overall average temperature of 24°C (76°F), highlighting the stark climatic conditions that influence both the local environment and the livelihoods of its inhabitants.
The temperature patterns in Ma’rib, Yemen, reveal distinct seasonal variations throughout the year, starting with chilly winter months and transitioning into the intense heat of summer. January marks the year's coldest point, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C (35°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F), gradually warming into February as averages reach 20°C (69°F). By late spring, April and May witness further increases, with average temperatures surging to 25°C (78°F) and 27°C (81°F), respectively, setting the stage for the sweltering summer months. July typically sees peak conditions, boasting an extreme maximum of 42°C (107°F) and sustaining an average around 30°C (86°F). This intense heat persists into August and September, before tapering off in the cooler autumn months of October through December, where temperatures finally ease back to averages of 18°C (64°F) by year's end. Overall, Ma’rib experiences a clear transition from cool to hot, defining its desert climate's rhythmic seasonal cadence.
Ma'rib experiences a notable temperature range throughout the year, with January temperatures dipping to a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and peaking at a scorching 42°C (107°F) in July. This significant variation illustrates the region's extreme climate conditions, making it essential for residents and visitors to prepare accordingly for both the coldest and hottest months. For more details on monthly temperatures in Ma'rib, visit monthly temperatures in Ma'rib.
Precipitation in Ma’rib, Yemen, is markedly scarce, with the region typically classified as arid. The phenomenon begins in January with absolutely no rainfall, setting a dry tone that persists up until late February when a mere 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain is recorded. March introduces a slight uptick in rainfall, accumulating 10 mm (0.4 in) over just one day, but it isn't until April that precipitation becomes more noticeable, reaching 18 mm (0.7 in) across two days. This increase in spring rainfall reflects the beginning of the local rainy season, albeit still minimal compared to wetter regions.
The pattern continues into the summer months, with July experiencing the highest monthly total of 23 mm (0.9 in), also spread over two days, before tapering back to just 5 mm (0.2 in) in August. Following this peak, precipitation decreases significantly once more, with September and October yielding only 2 mm (0.1 in) and 3 mm (0.1 in), respectively. November offers a scant 1 mm (0.0 in), and December brings another dry month, ensuring Ma’rib maintains its reputation as a parched desert landscape with overall precipitation levels insufficient to support lush vegetation or agricultural endeavors.
Ma’rib, Yemen, experiences a pronounced seasonal variation in sunshine duration, with a consistent trend of increasing sunlight as the year progresses from winter into summer. Beginning with 272 hours of sunshine in January, the region steadily gains luminosity, reaching 344 hours in March as spring emerges. April and May continue this upward trajectory, peaking at 351 hours of sunshine in May. This increase signals the onset of hotter months, where the sun's presence becomes more commanding. Even during the summer, sunshine remains abundant, with June through August witnessing an impressive range of 338 to 351 hours, ensuring that the region bask in warmth and light.
As the year advances towards autumn, sunshine hours begin to slightly decline, yet remain robust compared to early months. September to November sees gradual decreases, with November recording 324 hours—still reflective of considerable sunlight. This trend indicates that while the hottest months offer the most sun, subsequent months transition into shorter days without a dramatic drop in brightness. Overall, Ma’rib's sunshine duration uniquely supports its arid climate, enhancing the local environment and influencing agricultural activities and daily life throughout the year.
The UV Index in Ma’rib, Yemen, presents a consistent pattern of extreme solar radiation exposure throughout the majority of the year, signaling a significant health risk from excessive sun exposure. From January to May, the UV Index ranges from 12 to 15, categorizing it as extreme with a burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin. This relentless exposure underscores the necessity for sun protection measures, particularly during the spring months when UV levels peak at 15. The sustained intensity of solar radiation poses challenges for outdoor activities, necessitating awareness and preventive strategies against potential skin damage.
As the year progresses into the summer months and then autumn, the UV Index remains notably high but slightly reduces to 13 from June to October, still classified as extreme. Despite this slight decrease, the burn time remains at 10 minutes, highlighting that skin protection is essential even when UV levels fluctuate. By November, the UV Index drops to 11, and further to 10 in December, entering the very high category, which allows for a marginal increase in safe exposure time to 15 minutes. The persistent elevation in UV Index throughout the year serves as a reminder for residents and visitors in Ma’rib to adopt proactive sun safety practices, particularly during the sunnier months.
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In Ma’rib, Yemen, daylight duration exhibits a subtle yet noteworthy rhythm throughout the year. During the winter months of January and February, the region enjoys approximately 11 hours of daylight. As spring arrives, the daylight duration increases to 12 hours in March and remains steady throughout April and May, creating an ideal balance of light for outdoor activities and agricultural practices. This period of extended daylight supports a variety of life, contributing to the warming climate and growth cycles of local flora.
As summer approaches in June, Ma’rib experiences its longest stretch of daylight, peaking at 13 hours. However, daylight hours begin to decline again starting in July, settling back to 12 hours from that month through September, before tapering to 11 hours in October and remaining at that level through November and December. This fluctuation in daylight duration reflects the region's seasonal dynamics, providing consistent lighting for daily life while aligning with the agricultural schedule of its inhabitants. Overall, the steady cycle of day length in Ma’rib plays a crucial role in shaping the local environment and lifestyle throughout the year.
The climate in Ma'rib, Yemen, is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) in January to 33°C (91°F) in July. The region experiences low precipitation, with most months receiving less than 15 mm; July has the highest rainfall at 13 mm. Additionally, Ma'rib enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, boasting over 330 hours of sunshine in most months. Overall, the climate is dry and warm, making it suitable for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Ma'rib climate.
In conclusion, Ma’rib, Yemen, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by extreme temperatures, minimal precipitation, and high solar radiation, all of which distinctly influence the region’s environment and human activity. The significant variance in temperature—from the chilly winter months to the scorching summer—coupled with a predominantly arid climate and abundant sunshine, underscores the need for effective adaptations in agriculture and daily life. The high UV Index throughout most of the year necessitates vigilance regarding sun safety, reinforcing the importance of protective measures. Together, these climatic elements create a landscape shaped by resilience and adaptation, highlighting the interplay between nature and human endeavors in this fascinating desert region.