Last updated: January 18, 2025
Muhafazat Hadramaout, located in Yemen, exhibits a BWh climate classification, characterized by its arid and desert-like conditions. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, with a minimum of 2°C (35°F) in January, highlighting the cooler winter months. On average, temperatures rise to a balmy 26°C (80°F), while reaching their peak at a sweltering 45°C (112°F) in July. This extensive temperature range underscores the unique climatic challenges faced by the region, shaping both its natural environment and the livelihoods of its inhabitants.
The temperature patterns in Muhafazat Hadramaout, Yemen, reveal distinct seasonal shifts characterized by an overall increase in warmth as the year progresses. January starts with cooler conditions, featuring minimum temperatures around 2°C (35°F) and an average of 20°C (69°F). As winter transitions into spring, temperatures gradually rise, with March seeing averages of 24°C (76°F) and maximums reaching 38°C (100°F). The arrival of summer brings a marked increase in heat, peaking in July with maximum temperatures at 45°C (112°F), maintained through August. As autumn approaches, temperatures begin to cool, evidenced by a drop in minimums and averages in October and November, but remain relatively warm, with averages around 27°C (80°F). By December, the region returns to cooler temperatures once again, mirroring the trends of earlier months. This cyclical temperature pattern underscores the intense heat characteristic of the region, punctuated by short, mild winters.
Sana' experiences a temperature range from a chilly minimum of 5°C (40°F) in January to a scorching maximum of 41°C (106°F) in July, creating distinct seasonal variations. In contrast, Thamud has a slightly cooler minimum temperature of 4°C (39°F) in December, while also reaching higher extremes with a maximum of 44°C (112°F) in July. For more details, see the monthly temperatures in Sana' here and in Thamud here.
In Muhafazat Hadramaout, Yemen, precipitation is remarkably scarce, reflecting the region's arid climate. January and February witness virtually no rain, recording just 1 mm each, while March begins to show a slight increase with 9 mm. The onset of late spring and summer introduces the most significant rainfall, with May recording 13 mm and June following closely with 14 mm. July peaks with 17 mm, marking the wettest month of the year, although this amount remains minimal when compared to wetter regions.
Despite the brief periods of precipitation, the number of rainy days throughout the year remains extremely limited, with May and July being the only months to receive more than a single day of rain. May experiences its lone wet day, while July sees two days of rainfall. This pattern is indicative of a largely dry climate, where moisture, when it does arrive, tends to be concentrated in just a few short bursts. Consequently, the overall low levels of precipitation contribute to the arid conditions that dominate this unique environment.
In Muhafazat Hadramaout, Yemen, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with notable increases from winter to summer. Starting the year with 270 hours of sunshine in January, the region gradually experiences more sunlight as spring approaches, peaking in May at 358 hours—the highest monthly total. Both April and May maintain elevated sunshine levels, showcasing the region's transition from the cooler, shorter days of winter to the longer, brighter days of summer. This upward trend in sunlight contributes to rising temperatures and supports the arid climate typical of the area.
As summer unfolds, sunshine duration remains consistently high, with June, July, and August all recording around 336-340 hours of sunshine. While this is slightly lower than May's peak, it still reflects robust sunshine, underscoring the intensity of the summer months. In contrast, the later months of the year experience a gradual decline, with November and December recording 318 and 327 hours, respectively. This pattern suggests a diminishing light as the year comes to a close, yet even in winter, sunlight remains abundant compared to many other climates. Overall, Muhafazat Hadramaout showcases a predominantly sunny environment, which plays a crucial role in shaping its distinct climatic characteristics.
The UV Index in Muhafazat Hadramaout, Yemen, consistently indicates extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout most of the year, with readings frequently in the range of 12 to 15. Starting from January with a UV Index of 12, the values escalate to 15 in both April and May, mirroring the peak sunshine hours experienced during these months. This extreme exposure implies a very short burn time of just 10 minutes for unprotected skin, reinforcing the need for caution and adequate sun protection measures during daily outdoor activities.
As the year progresses, the UV Index experiences slight fluctuations but remains predominantly high. For instance, readings drop a bit to 10 in December—still categorized as very high but allowing slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Nonetheless, even in the cooler months, the UV levels warrant vigilance, with values rarely falling below 10. This overall trend highlights the necessity for residents and visitors alike to plan sun protection strategies year-round, ensuring skin safety amidst the consistently intense sunlight characteristic of the region.
UV Risk Categories
In Muhafazat Hadramaout, Yemen, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, with minor variations marking seasonal transitions. Both January and February see 11 hours of daylight, maintaining a consistent experience during the winter months. As spring arrives, March ushers in an increase to 12 hours, which remains steady through April and May, indicating longer days that align with the warming climate and higher sunshine hours typical for this period.
As summer approaches, daylight peaks in June at 13 hours, providing ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural growth. However, the duration then slightly decreases, returning to 12 hours from July through September, before tapering back to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This cyclical pattern not only reflects the region's subtropical climate but also highlights the predictability of daylight, allowing residents to plan their daily lives according to this consistent sunlight exposure.
Sana', Yemen experiences a diverse climate characterized by warm temperatures and minimal precipitation throughout the year. January temperatures range from a cool 5°C (40°F) to a pleasant average of 20°C (68°F), while the hottest months, June and July, see highs reaching up to 41°C (105°F). Rainfall is scarce, with only July recording a significant 15 mm (0.6 in), and the rest of the year averaging less than 5 mm monthly. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in May, which boasts an impressive 359 hours. For more detailed information, visit Sana' climate.
Thamud, Yemen experiences a predominantly hot and dry climate, with temperatures peaking in the summer months, where averages reach up to 34°C (94°F) in July and August. Winter months are milder, with January averages around 19°C (67°F), while nighttime lows can drop to 5°C (41°F). Precipitation is minimal, with most months receiving little to no rain, peaking slightly in May (6 mm) and July (8 mm). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in May with about 360 hours. For more detailed information, visit Thamud climate.
In conclusion, the climatic conditions of Muhafazat Hadramaout, Yemen, present a unique blend of arid environments characterized by extreme temperatures, limited precipitation, and high UV exposure. The region's sunshine and daylight duration patterns, coupled with its intense UV Index readings, underscore the necessity for effective sun protection and careful planning for outdoor activities throughout the year. While the climate poses challenges, particularly during the sweltering summer months, the predictability of these climatic factors enables residents and visitors to adapt successfully, making the most of the abundant sunlight and warm temperatures that define this remarkable area.