The climate of Dire Dawa
Situated in
Ethiopia,
Dire Dawa experiences a BSh climate type according to the Köppen climate classification. The BSh climate designation labels the weather patterns of Dire Dawa as a subtropical steppe, a type that suggests arid, warm temperatures throughout the year. Monthly average temperatures in Dire Dawa range from 14°C (57.2°F) to 33.5°C (92.3°F), peaking in the months from
May to
August.
Annual weather in Dire Dawa further reveals a varied pattern, especially in terms of humidity and rainfall. The relative humidity fluctuates between 31.3% in
October to 49.8% in
February. There is also significant variation in rainfall with 15mm (0.59") in
January increasing to a high of 117mm (4.61") in August. The number of rainfall days follows a similar pattern as rainfall, with a minimum of a single day in
December and a maximum of eight days in August.
Dire Dawa also boasts a considerable amount of daylight, varying from 11.6 hours in January and December to 12.7 hours in
June. Correspondingly, the potential sunshine hours hover between 7 to 9 hours throughout the year. The UV index readings remain relatively constant, fluctuating from 10 in December to 12 from
March to
September. Quite notably, Dire Dawa experiences no months without rainfall and sustains warm temperatures year-round.
The best time to visit Dire Dawa
Given its climatic pattern, the optimal period to visit
Dire Dawa spans from
November to
March. During this phase, the area registers some of the lowest instances of rainfall, with an average ranging from 8mm (0.31") to 33mm (1.3"). These months also display relatively comfortable temperature readings, ranging between 15°C (59°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), and receive up to 9 hours of sunshine per day. Additionally, the relative humidity values during this timeframe range from 39.1% to 49.8%, ensuring a comfortable atmospheric moisture level for visitors.
The worst time to visit Dire Dawa
The least favourable time to visit
Dire Dawa typically runs from
April to
October. These months exhibit high rainfall, peaking at 117mm (4.61") in
August, and an increased number of wet days, reaching up to 8 days. Despite the 7 to 9 hours of sunshine available, the temperatures also rise to quite high levels, particularly between
May and August, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 33.5°C (92.3°F). The aforementioned factors create a rather unfavorable environment for leisure activities and sightseeing.
Spring weather in Dire Dawa
Spring in
Dire Dawa occurs from
March to
May. March initiates the spring with 30°C (86°F) high temperatures, and by May, the highs reach 33.5°C (92.3°F). The lower limit of temperatures also rises, starting at 16.3°C (61.3°F) in March and escalating to 21.3°C (70.3°F) in May. This period marks a considerable increase in rainfall, starting from 67mm (2.64") in March and peaking at 103mm (4.06") in
April.
Summer weather in Dire Dawa
June ushers in the summer season, persisting until
August. The temperature records during this season register between an agreeable 20.6°C (69.1°F) to a scorching 33.5°C (92.3°F). June and
July bring 20mm (0.79") and 80mm (3.15") rainfall respectively, but rainfall ascends significantly in August, reaching 117mm (4.61"). Despite the high rainfall,
Dire Dawa enjoys a significant amount of sunlight, ranging from 12.6 to 12.7 hours of daylight and 7 to 8 hours of sunshine daily.
Autumn weather in Dire Dawa
September signals the arrival of autumn, which extends till
November. The high temperatures start to reduce, from 31°C (87.8°F) in September to 27.5°C (81.5°F) by November. Correspondingly, the lower limit drops, starting from 20.5°C (68.9°F) in September and falling to 15.7°C (60.3°F) in November. The rainfall also diminishes significantly from 60mm (2.36") in September to 17mm (0.67") by November.
Winter weather in Dire Dawa
Winter in
Dire Dawa is observed from
December through
February. This period witnesses relatively cooler conditions with average monthly temperatures varying between 14°C (57.2°F) and 28°C (82.4°F). From December to February, the rainfall decreases to 8mm (0.31"), 15mm (0.59") and 33mm (1.3") respectively. Furthermore, these months offer ample sunlight with daylight amounts varying from 11.6 to 11.8 hours per day and 9 hours of potential sunshine each day. Despite being winter, Dire Dawa maintains pleasant conditions with relatively low humidity readings, ranging from 42.6% to 49.8%.
Weather in January
The onset of the year in
Dire Dawa,
Ethiopia commences with agreeable weather conditions, featuring warmth, relatively low humidity, and sparse rains. The weather tends to align with its normal characteristics of a dry and hot environment.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Proceeding into
February,
Dire Dawa's climate gradually intensifies in terms of humidity and temperature, attributing to an increase in rainfall levels. The monthly forecasts display a prominent shift to warmer and moister conditions, distinguishing February from its drier predecessor,
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Dire Dawa's
March weather delineates an explicit transition towards warmer averages and elevated rainfall frequency. Comparatively to
February, the city experiences increased temperature variations leading to occasional discomfort due to the heat.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Moving to
April, the residents of
Dire Dawa begin to brace for the impending Summer heat as the city charts an upswing in humidity levels. The month transitions from its milder
March climate to a resolutely hotter and yet, inexplicably charismatic weather.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Dire Dawa prescribes conspicuously higher temperatures as exposure to the sun rises. While the city transitions from the somewhat mixed climes of
April, the Summer heat intensifies and rainfall follows a decreasing trend. Nevertheless, the city witnesses a significant amount of rainfall measuring 55mm (2.17") over six rainfall days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Dire Dawa,
Ethiopia highlights the peak of the summer season as temperatures reach the maximum for the year at 33.5°C (92.3°F). Past the moderate conditions in
May, the weather in June can be challenging due to sweltering temperatures, especially around midday.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Entering
July, residents in
Dire Dawa experience respite from the intense
June heat. The city welcomes a decline in the hot weather, leading to relatively cooler day times compared to the previous months. However, July also sees a significant increase in rainfall, with levels rising to a whopping 80mm (3.15") over six rainfall days.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
Dire Dawa, the weather in
August slightly cools down from the high temperatures recorded in
June. The rainfall intensity maximizes during this period, totaling an extensive 117mm (4.61"), and the highest rainfall days occurring eight times during the month.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Dire Dawa's
September weather signifies an interesting phase as temperatures start to drop, and the rains begin to recede. After a high rainfall in
August, the city observes a decreased rainfall of 60mm (2.36") over seven rainfall days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Dire Dawa epitomizes the start of the cooler season with a significant drop in temperature from the preceding months. Alongside this, the city also notices considerably less rainfall, declining to a minor 19mm (0.75") across four days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
Dire Dawa enters
November, weather patterns reveal a continuation of the downward temperature trend. Offering less rainfall measuring just 17mm (0.67") over two days, the city experiences drier conditions, with humidity also seeing a drop compared to the prior month.
Weather in November »Weather in December
As the year concludes,
December in
Dire Dawa represents the coldest period of the year, with temperatures further receding from
November levels. The rains reduce to a minimum of 8mm (0.31"), making it among the driest months of the year, with only one rainy day.
Weather in December » [Resources]