Climate - Djibouti

Index

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• Introduction - Coast, Interior
• Cyclones
• Best Time
• What to pack

Introduction

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The climate of Djibouti is tropical desert on the coast and in the north, while it is semi-desert in the central-southern highlands. Djibouti is a small African country located in the Horn of Africa, halfway between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer.

Coast

Along the coast, where the capital is located, it's hot all year round.
In the period that we can call winter, from December to February, the temperature is high, around 29 °C (84 °F) during the day; the sun shines, the rains are rare, and the air is humid, but the sea breeze blows.
Starting from March, the temperature gradually increases, and the heat becomes intense, especially in May, when the daytime temperatures are around 35 °C (95 °F); nights are warm too, and the humidity is still high.
In June, the summer begins, characterized by intense heat but with lower humidity, especially in June and July, when the wind from the desert, the Khamsin, often blows, which can also lift dust and sand and therefore reduce visibility. Summer continues until September with really high temperatures, often exceeding 40 °C (104 °F), while at night, they remain around 30 °C (86 °F). On the coast, the sea breeze can lower the temperature in the afternoon, while increasing moisture. September is perhaps the worst month, since the temperatures remain high, but the atmosphere returns to be quiet and the humidity from the sea makes the heat oppressive. In October, the heat continues to be sultry, but the temperatures decrease a bit and become similar to those of May.
Here are the average temperatures of Djibouti City, the capital.

In Djibouti City, about 120 millimeters (4.7 inches) of rain fall per year, a value typical of a desert climate. Here is the average precipitation.

In Djibouti, the sun shines all year round, but especially in spring and autumn. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.

The sea in Djibouti is warm throughout the year, and becomes very warm in summer: the water temperature ranges from 26/27 °C (79/81 °F) in winter to 29/31 °C (84/88 °F) in summer.

Interior

In the inland region, the climate is semi-desert in the highlands covering the central and southern parts of the country, for instance, in the Day Forest National Park, where there are mountains reaching 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) as well as canyons, or in southern cities such as Randa, Arta, and Holl-Holl. On the contrary, Mount Moussa Ali, which reaches 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) and is the highest peak of the country, being located in the north, is desert.
In fact, in the period from July to October, the central and southern inland areas can receive some rain because they are brushed by the monsoon of the Arabian Sea, as well as some additional rain in winter, from November to March. Rain showers are rare but sometimes intense, so much so that the wadis, the riverbeds that remain dry for most of the year, can occasionally become streams and may overflow, creating landslides and floods, as occurred in November 1994, in April 2004, and in March 2013. In the central and southern highlands, annual rainfall ranges from 200 to 300 millimeters (8 to 12 inches).
Here is the average precipitation in Ali Sabieh, located in the south, at 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level.

The temperature decreases with altitude, though it remains pretty high even at 700 meters (2,300 feet). Here are the average temperatures in Ali Sabieh.

In Djibouti, there is also a depression, where lake Assal, a salt lake located at 155 meters (510 ft) below sea level, is found. In the west, there is a larger saltwater lake, Lake Abbe.

Tropical cyclones

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Every now and then, Djibouti can be affected by tropical cyclones coming from the Arabian Sea, but more rarely and with less intensity than in neighbouring Somalia and Yemen because cyclones tend to weaken when they penetrate inland or enter the Gulf of Aden. However, the remains of a cyclone can sometimes reach Djibouti, bringing heavy rains that can cause floods, as happened with Tropical Storm 1A in May 1984 and with Cyclone Sagar in May 2018.
Cyclones form from May to December, and are more frequent at the beginning (May-June) and at the end (October-December) of the period.

Best Time

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The best time to go to Djibouti runs from December to February, since it's the least hot of the year. November and March are generally acceptable months as well, although a bit hotter. The worst time is the long summer because of the scorching heat.
During the summer, the sea is so warm as to allow long dives along the reef, and swimming is also an effective way to escape the oppressive heat.

What to pack

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In winter: on the coast, bring summer clothes and possibly a light sweatshirt for the evening. When going to the reef, you can bring snorkeling equipment, including water shoes or rubber-soled shoes.
In inland areas, bring light clothes, a sun hat, a desert turban, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a sweatshirt for the evening. In the mountains, add a sweatshirt and a light jacket for the evening.
It's better for women to avoid shorts and miniskirts.

In summer: on the coast, bring tropics-friendly, lightweight clothes. When going to the reef, you can bring snorkeling equipment, including water shoes or rubber-soled shoes.
In inland areas, bring lightweight clothes, of natural fabric (cotton or linen), and a desert turban; possibly a light raincoat for the rain showers. In the mountains, add a sweatshirt for the evening.
It's better for women to avoid shorts and miniskirts.

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