Climate and monthly weather forecast
Massawa, Eritrea

Meticulously situated in the Red Sea coast of eastern Eritrea, Massawa is characteristically bound by a Subtropical desert climate, known scientifically as the BWh Köppen classification. This seemingly perpetual sunny disposition is ruled by pronounced variations in humidity, with noticeable changes in temperature highs and lows, rainfall amounts, and the UV index throughout the year.

On studying the mean monthly values with great precision, a portrayal of highly fluctuating weather patterns throughout the year unfolds for this coastal city. Maximum temperatures creep from the subtle warmth of 29.1°C (84.4°F) in January to reach a blistering zenith of 40.8°C (105.4°F) in July, before gradually receding back to a milder 30.5°C (86.9°F) by December. In tandem, minimum temperatures also display a corresponding rise from 19.1°C (66.4°F) in January to a sultry 27.7°C (81.9°F) in July, tapering off to 19.7°C (67.5°F) by the year's end.

The nature of rainfall in Massawa is quite intriguing. The rain gauge oscillates from its maximum of 40mm (1.57") in December to the paltry figures of 0mm (0") in June. This desert city experiences the wettest conditions in the closing month whilst registering practically zero rainfall in June. Closely mirroring this, the number of rainfall days traverses from a maximum of 3.1 days in January to a mere 0.1 day in both June and September.

On the sunshine front, Massawa basks in approximately 8h-10h of sunlight from January to December. Throughout the year, it yields a generous UV index reading that varies from a dip of 8 in December to a shade-dodging peak of 12 from April to September. The sea temperature too follows a similar up-hill-down-hill pattern, heating up from a comfortable 26.7°C (80.1°F) in January to a balmy 32.6°C (90.7°F) in August, and cooling back to 27.8°C (82°F) by December.

Weather parameters signal an inviting phase from November to March with moderate temperatures ranging from highs of 30.5°C (86.9°F) to 33.9°C (93°F) and lows from 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). Sea temperatures during this period hover around a congenial 26.7°C (80.1°F) to 28.2°C (82.8°F), providing optimal conditions for marine activities. Coupled with comfortable daylight hours spanning 11.3h to 12.5h and a UV index around 9 to 12, these months offer considerable enjoyment for visitors.

The scorching heat becomes notoriously unbearable from May to September where temperatures rocket to their peak between 36.8°C (98.2°F) to 40.8°C (105.4°F). While UV index climbs to its maximum of 12, relative humidity dips to its lowest of 53 to 55.6% which may contribute to the atmospheric discomfort. Sea temperatures during these months may not provide the sought-after relief as they ascend to a warm 30.3°C (86.5°F) to 32.6°C (90.7°F).

Spring in Massawa which arrives in March and stays until May exhibits a steady rise in temperatures with highs from 31.8°C (89.2°F) to 36.8°C (98.2°F), lows from 20.1°C (68.2°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F), and an increase in sea temperature from 27.3°C (81.1°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F). Humidity levels begin their annual dip with values ranging 70.5 to 65%. Rainfall during this period still remains quite low with recorded values ranging from 10mm (0.39") to 8mm (0.31").

Summers from June to August bring along the most severe weather conditions. Maximum temperatures tip the scales at 40.2°C (104.4°F)-40.8°C (-41.4°F) and minimum temperatures range from 25.7°C (78.3°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F). Humidity drops further touching down at 53 to 55.6%. While daylight hours clock the year's maximum around 13h, sea temperatures too reach their pinnacle from 30.3°C (86.5°F) to 32.6°C (90.7°F). It's noteworthy that rainfall during summer is minimal to none.

Autumn, arriving in September and staying until November, sees temperatures gradually reducing from highs of 38.7°C (101.7°F) to 33.1°C (91.6°F) and lows from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). These months also mark the start of relative humidity's climb from 60.8 to 69.1%. Sea temperatures during this period relax from 32.2°C (90°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F) and rainfall sees a slight increase, marking the beginnings of the rainy season.

Winters in Massawa, comprising December to February, are relatively mild with temperatures averaging from highs of 30.5°C (86.9°F) to 29.1°C (84.4°F) and lows hovering between 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 19.1°C (66.4°F). The city experiences its highest relative humidity of 74.5 to 76.3% during these months and sea temperatures moderate to 27.8°C (82°F) to 26.7°C (80.1°F). Noteworthy is the spike in rainfall amount, peaking at 40mm (1.57") in December and averaging 2 to 3.1 days of rainfall.

The beginning of the year in Massawa, Eritrea, observes moderate weather patterns, bounding towards higher temperatures. Between 19.1°C (66.4°F) to 29.1°C (84.4°F), January presents a suitable climate for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Weather in January »

As February approaches, subtle changes in the monthly weather profile occur in Massawa. The weather remains stable with similar low temperatures compared to the previous month. Nonetheless, the high temperature elevates slightly to 29.4°C (84.9°F). Weather in February »

March sees a gentle warm-up in Massawa, with SVery100-SVs extending their rays more intensely. The high temperature increases further towards 31.8°C (89.2°F), suggestive of the forthcoming summer. Nonetheless, the weather remains agreeable, not being excessively humid or rainy. Weather in March »

April in Massawa is an appealing period, marked by higher temperatures and less rainfall. The high temperature peaks to a warm 33.9°C (93°F), signifying the transition from spring to summer. Even as temperatures climb, rainfall continues its downward trend, steering clear from the city's bustling outdoor activities. Weather in April »

The month of May ushers in an intense summer in Massawa with temperatures reaching 36.8°C (98.2°F). Despite the prevailing high temperatures, the spread of rainfall remains minimal, showcasing clear skies most days. The number of rainy days falls to a half compared to April, complementing the 12.9 hours of daylight perfectly. Weather in May »

June is the gateway to the warmest quarter of the year in Massawa, displaying the peak of summer through intense sun rays. Weather wise, the extreme values are registered this month with the temperature reaching a fervid 40.2°C (104.4°F). Weather in June »

July rides on the coattails of June but with a slight leap in temperature, marking the hottest month of the year. The mercury column reaches 40.8°C (105.4°F), creating an arid atmosphere throughout Massawa. The high UV index coupled with the intense temperatures necessitates taking proper precautions while outdoors. Weather in July »

Massawa in August is still in the grip of the peak summer season, although marginally cooler than July with maximum temperatures at 40.3°C (104.5°F). The weather pattern remains more or less consistent despite the sea temperature touching 32.6°C (90.7°F). Weather in August »

September, also known as the start of autumn in Massawa, brings about subtle changes in the weather. The high temperature falls down to 38.7°C (101.7°F), hinting at the commencement of cooler days ahead. Despite being the end of summer, the UV index remains at a lofty 12, emphasizing the need for sun protection. Weather in September »

October bears witness to a further cooling down in Massawa, indicating a shift in the weather. A marked decrease to 35.6°C (96.1°F) in the high temperature affirms the transition towards the year-end weather. Although the rainfall starts to pick up, it barely disrupts outdoor activities. Weather in October »

As November rolls in, Massawa sees a more considerable drop in temperature, making it a comfortable month for travel. The temperature dips to a bearable 33.1°C (91.6°F) during the day, making exploration a far more pleasant experience. Weather in November »

Rounding out the year, December in Massawa is a welcome contrast to the preceding hot summer months. The high temperature drops further to 30.5°C (86.9°F), presenting a relatively pleasant and mild cityscape. However, it's important to have an umbrella at the ready, considering the rainfall increases to 40mm (1.57"). Weather in December »