The climate of Mogadishu
Mogadishu, the capital city of
Somalia, features a Subtropical steppe climate, denoted as BSh according to the Köppen climate classification. Geographically perched along the eastern coast of Africa, this city borders the Indian Ocean, a factor which significantly influences its prevailing climate conditions.
Throughout the year, Mogadishu maintains rather stable temperatures, but with certain variations to be aware of within specific parameters. Peak temperatures fluctuate from 29°C (84.2°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), offering a generally warm ambiance. The lower temperature limit also retains similar consistency, ranging from 23°C (73.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), indicating mild nights that seldom experience severe cold.
The region witnesses a notable humidity pattern, oscillating in the higher side from 77% to 81%. Sizable alterations in monthly rainfall levels can be observed with the least downpour registering at 0mm (0"), while the rainiest month can see an upsurge to 82mm (3.23"). This meteorological aspect is mirrored in the count of rainy days, which could rise from a minimum of zero days to a peak of 10 days in the wettest month.
Unusual weather conditions or patterns that stand out are periods devoid of rainfall, particularly the dry spells at the onset of the year. On the contrary, the stretch from
April to
September generally witnesses a spike in rainfall volumes, most intense rainfall being recorded from
May to
July.
The best time to visit Mogadishu
Providing a seamless blend of pleasant temperatures and ample sunshine, the period between
January and
April emerges as the best time to explore
Mogadishu. Favourable factors during these months include minimal rainfall, averaging barely 0mm (0") to 8mm (0.31"), and the accompanying dearth of wet days with the count not exceeding more than five. Besides, the longest spell of sunshine, accounting for nine hours in a day, is observed predominantly in this season, offering ample daylight for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Mogadishu
Contrastingly, the period stretching from
May to
September presents the least favorable time to visit
Mogadishu. This span is earmarked by the heaviest rainfall, with volumes soaring up to 82mm (3.23") and a concurrent rise in the number of rainy days peaking at 10. Temperature highs continue to linger around 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), while relative humidity rises to 81%, amplifying the discomfort level. These factors combined lead to a less than ideal condition for outdoor activities or exploration.
Spring weather in Mogadishu
Spring brings in some diversity to the weather in
Mogadishu.
March kicks off with an average high temperature of 31°C (87.8°F), fairly low rainfall of 8mm (0.31"), and virtually cloud-free sky ensuring nine hours of sunshine. However, this pattern sees a significant shift as
April arrives with a considerable surge in rainfall to 61mm (2.4"), while the count of rainy days rises to five, muting the previous vibrancy. Despite this, temperature highs remain consistent at 32°C (89.6°F), accompanied by a relative humidity of 77%.
Summer weather in Mogadishu
Influence of the subtropical steppe climate is more evident during the summer months. Rainfall increases further, reaching its zenith at 82mm (3.23") in
June, coinciding with the highest number of rainy days, totaling ten. Meanwhile, temperatures hover between a high of 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) and a low of 24°C (75.2°F) to 25°C (77°F), while the average sea temperatures mitigate from 28.4°C (83.1°F) to 26.1°C (79°F). However, the amount of daily sunshine recedes, averaging around 7.3 hours in June and
July.
Autumn weather in Mogadishu
As autumn rolls around, the weather experiences a reverse trajectory. While
September continues to receive a fair amount of rainfall of 25mm (0.98"),
October and
November see a decrease in precipitation levels, settling at 32mm (1.26") and 43mm (1.69"), respectively. The temperature throughout these months remains stable with an average high of 29°C (84.2°F) to 30°C (86°F). Despite the decrease in the number of rainy days, the humidity stays consistent, averaging around 80%.
Winter weather in Mogadishu
Winter months in
Mogadishu bear a stark contrast to those familiar with frigid winters elsewhere.
December ushers in comfortably warm weather with temperatures sliding between chilling lows of 24°C (75.2°F) and highs of 31°C (87.8°F). Rainfall drops significantly to just 9mm (0.35") contributing to just one rainy day throughout the month. The amount of sunshine hovers around 8.3 hours per day, accompanied by an average sea temperature of 27.5°C (81.5°F), creating a tantalizing allure for beach-goers.
Weather in January
Expect a typical tropical climate when visiting
Mogadishu,
Somalia in
January, characterized by high temperature accompanied by high humidity levels. An increase in daylight hours extends outdoor activities. Discrepancies in predicted temperature from the previous month are minimal.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February continues the warm trend, with ambient temperature and high humidity defining
Mogadishu's weather. The city revels in its tropical glory with ample sunshine and longer daylight hours, inviting for both tourists and locals.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March ushers in a noticeable shift in
Mogadishu's weather pattern. The city begins to see the incipience of the rainy season and a slight uptick in daytime temperature. An added degree on the thermometer characterizes the transition from
February's temperate clime.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Mogadishu witnesses a significant increase in rainfall, marking the peak of the rainy season. As such, carry an umbrella and expect showers. The city adapts to this seasonal change with temperatures gently climbing, alongside comparative humidity and rainfall from
March.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May perpetuates the monsoon weather, saturated with abundant rain showers and high humidity. Unchanged high temperature from
April persists in maintaining the tropical climate vibe in
Mogadishu. Compared to April, May sees another high rainfall volume of 61mm (2.4"), but with an additional day of rainfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in a transition from the heavy rains of
May to the lighter, less frequent showers providing a brief respite for
Mogadishu's inhabitants. The city is still occupied by high humidity readings and relatively unchanged temperature ranges, extending the feel of the tropical atmosphere.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the trend of warm tropical weather with minor temperature changes from
June. Although rainfall eases from June’s amounts, July still receives reasonable precipitation levels. The coast lovers see a further drop in sea temperatures.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sees a further reduction in rainfall, marking the city's gradual shift towards the dry season. Compared to
July, August temperature metrics and sunlight continue comparable. Rainfall decreases bringing 44mm (1.73") to the
Mogadishu cityscape in August.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Mogadishu marks a definitive turn towards dry weather, culminating in moderate rainfall and stable temperatures. Following the trend, comparative rainfall from
August drops even further. The received rainfall dwindles to 25mm (0.98") making September one of the drier months of the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October welcomes increased rainfall after the drier spell in
September. However, sunshine and temperature ranges remain stable, consistent with the preceding month. Compared to September, rainfall increases to 32mm (1.26") in October.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November signals an onset towards another rainy season as increased precipitation accompanies unchanged temperature levels from
October. November experiences higher rainfall at 43mm (1.69"), offering a pleasant change to the preceding dry months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December ushers in drier weather, making it an ideal time for holiday festivities and outdoor adventures in
Mogadishu. Rainfall significantly reduces compared to
November, indicating the conclusion of the second rainy season. A stark drop in rainfall compared to November makes December the driest month of the year with only 9mm (0.35") of average rainfall.
Weather in December » [Resources]