Climate and monthly weather forecast
Djibouti

Djibouti, situated in the Horn of Africa, features a rugged, arid landscape that includes volcanic formations, lowlands, plateaus, and highlands. Proximity to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean also brings maritime influence to certain regions. The Köppen climate classification assigns most of Djibouti with a "BWh" category, signifying a hot desert climate. A small segment of the country experiences a "BSh" or hot semi-arid climate. Annual temperatures in Djibouti seldom dip below 20°C (68°F) and often escalate beyond 40°C (104°F). Precipitation is scarce, particularly from June to September when virtually no rain falls. From November to February, the country experiences a slight increase in rainfall, averaging between 30mm (1.18") to 50mm (1.97") per month. It is important to note that weather conditions can vary regionally due to geographical diversity.

Optimum periods for visiting Djibouti generally coincide with the cooler months of the year, from November to early February. During these months, average daytime temperatures hover between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), making outdoor activities and sightseeing more pleasant than during the sweltering summer months. In addition, the possibility of scattered showers, albeit minimal, adds a bit of freshness to the otherwise arid environment. Underwater enthusiasts may also find this period favourable for diving and snorkelling in the Red Sea.

It is typically inadvisable to visit Djibouti from June to August due to exceedingly high temperatures. During this period, the average highs can soar to a blistering 40°C (104°F) or even more, rendering any outdoor activity uncomfortable and potentially dangerous due to heat-related risks. Moreover, this period corresponds with the absolute driest months of the year, when the country receives virtually no rain, intensifying the arid and scorching conditions.

In Djibouti, the concept of spring is not as clearly defined as it is in temperate regions due to its tropical climate. Nevertheless, March to May can be considered analogous to spring. During this period, the country experiences a gradual rise in temperature, moving from an average of 30°C (86°F) in March to the high 30s by May. This period is quite dry, with rainfall less than 25mm (0.98") on average, making the overall climate still relatively comfortable for travellers.

The summer months of June to August in Djibouti are synonymous with extreme heat. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F), and nights offer little respite with lows rarely dropping below 30°C (86°F). Rainfall during these months is nearly non-existent, adding to the harshness of the weather. The coastal areas provide slight relief with marginally lower temperatures due to the sea's moderating influence.

From September to October, Djibouti experiences a slight decrease in temperature, with averages ranging from 35°C (95°F) to 38°C (100.4°F). Rainfall remains sparse, with September being particularly dry. However, in late October, there is a slight uptick in precipitation, signifying the onset of Djibouti's modest rainy season that extends into the winter months.

The winter months, from November to February, bring the most agreeable weather conditions to Djibouti. Average daytime temperatures range between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F), and the nights are relatively cooler. This period sees the most precipitation, albeit modest by global standards, averaging between 30mm (1.18") to 50mm (1.97") monthly. Despite this, the overall weather during this period is more pleasant than at any other time of the year.

January marks one of the cooler periods in Djibouti, with temperatures averaging from 23°C (73.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F) throughout the country. The capital city, Djibouti City, located along the coast, sees similar temperature ranges, but benefits from the moderating influence of the sea. Weather in January »

In February, Djibouti experiences a mild increase in temperature compared to January. The average temperature ranges from 24°C (75.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), marking the gradual transition towards the hotter months. Djibouti City, with its coastal location, sees similar temperature trends, although the influence of the sea helps moderate the heat to some degree. Unlike January, February sees a decrease in rainfall with an average precipitation of approximately 20mm (0.79"). Weather in February »

The month of March in Djibouti witnesses a further rise in temperatures, with average values typically ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). Djibouti City follows a similar pattern, albeit with a slightly moderated temperature range due to its coastal location and the cooling influence of the sea. March also signals the deepening of the dry phase of the year, with the average precipitation amounting to a mere 10mm (0.39"). Weather in March »

April signals the onset of Djibouti's hot season with average temperatures scaling from 28°C (82.4°F) to 35°C (95°F). Djibouti City, benefiting from its coastal location, sees marginally moderated temperatures but follows the same rising trend as the rest of the country. Precipitation in April remains scant, with an average of approximately 10mm (0.39"), maintaining the dry spell that started in March. Weather in April »

May in Djibouti is characterized by a substantial increase in temperature, a clear continuation of the country's hot season. The average temperatures tend to range from 30°C (86°F) to 37°C (98.6°F), with coastal areas such as Djibouti City experiencing slightly moderated conditions due to the cooling influence of the sea. May continues the sustained dry spell that began in March, with average precipitation registering a minimal 10mm (0.39"). Weather in May »

June signifies the height of the hot season in Djibouti, with average temperatures soaring from 31°C (87.8°F) to 39°C (102.2°F), marking it among the hottest months of the year. The coastal city of Djibouti sees a similar trend, with its temperatures slightly moderated by the sea's influence, yet still registering exceptionally high readings. Rainfall in June is virtually non-existent, continuing the prolonged dry phase with less than 10mm (0.39") of average precipitation. Weather in June »

July in Djibouti is marked by extreme heat, continuing the peak of the hot season that began in June. Average temperatures remain exceptionally high, fluctuating from 32°C (89.6°F) to 41°C (105.8°F), with July typically being the hottest month of the year. Weather in July »

August in Djibouti experiences a minor relief from the extreme temperatures of July, yet the climate remains significantly hot. Average temperatures oscillate from 31°C (87.8°F) to 39°C (102.2°F), marking a slight decline from July but still representative of the hot season. Weather in August »

September in Djibouti marks the beginning of a gradual transition towards cooler months, though the country's climate remains decidedly hot. Average temperatures start to decrease, ranging from 30°C (86°F) to 37°C (98.6°F). Weather in September »

October in Djibouti continues the transition towards relatively cooler months. Average temperatures decrease further, typically ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 34°C (93.2°F). Djibouti City, with its coastal position and the moderating influence of the sea, mirrors this downward trend in temperatures. The persistent dry phase in Djibouti sees a slight shift in October, with average precipitation rising to about 10mm (0.39"). Weather in October »

November in Djibouti furthers the progression towards more temperate conditions. Average temperatures continue to decline, typically varying from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). Djibouti City, along the coast, also reflects this trend, with somewhat moderated temperatures due to the sea's influence. The predominantly dry phase in Djibouti experiences another minor shift in November, with average precipitation rising to approximately 20mm (0.79"). Weather in November »

December in Djibouti represents the height of the relatively cooler season. Average temperatures decline to their lowest for the year, generally fluctuating between 23°C (73.4°F) and 29°C (84.2°F). This trend is mirrored in Djibouti City, which, due to the moderating influence of the sea, sees temperatures slightly tempered compared to inland areas. In terms of rainfall, December experiences a small increase, with average precipitation reaching approximately 30mm (1.18"). Weather in December »