Climate and monthly weather forecast
Somalia

Somalia, located on the Horn of Africa, spans a total area of 637,657 square kilometers, with a long coastline stretching more than 3,000 kilometers along the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Its geographical position dictates the unique climate condition. Somalia falls under the Bsh or Mid-Latitude Steppe and Desert Climate category. The mean annual temperature is well above 18°C (64.4°F), and the coldest month also has a mean temperature above -3°C (26.6°F), indicating the absence of any significant winter chill. The majority of the country is semi-arid with a fairly scanty distribution of rainfall throughout the year. This climate yields high temperature variability but overall low precipitation levels. The coastal regions, although warm, are somewhat tempered by sea breezes, while the interior regions can experience more extreme temperatures due to their distance from these maritime influences.

The ideal time for a visit to Somalia is during the cooler months from October to March. During this period, temperatures range from a comfortable 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), making outdoor activities and exploration more enjoyable. These months also coincide with the Jilal season, the driest time of the year, thereby offering clear, sunny days suitable for sightseeing. Additionally, this period sees relatively fewer visitors, offering a less crowded experience of the country's rich culture and scenic landscapes.

Travelling to Somalia is least advisable during the hot and humid months from April to September. During these months, temperatures in Somalia can escalate well above 40°C (104°F), especially in the interior regions. In addition to the intense heat, these months are associated with the Gu and Dayr rainy seasons, which can lead to sudden, heavy showers, making travel conditions challenging and unpredictable. The humidity coupled with high temperatures can create uncomfortable conditions for outdoor activities and exploration.

Although Somalia does not have a distinct spring season due to its equatorial location and semi-arid climate, the period between March and June, often referred to as the Gu season, brings some spring-like features. The temperatures during this period range from 30°C (86°F) to 40°C (104°F), with sporadic rain showers contributing to relative humidity. Despite the high temperatures, the rainfall encourages a burst of vegetation growth, adding to the country's scenic beauty.

The summer months, from June to September, are hot and humid in Somalia. The mercury consistently hovers above 40°C (104°F) in many parts of the country, with certain interior regions occasionally experiencing higher temperatures. Despite being considered the driest part of the year, brief rain showers, known as the Dayr season, can occur, especially in the southern regions of the country. Coastal areas offer a slightly cooler experience due to maritime influences.

Much like spring, Somalia does not have a typical autumn season. The period from September to December, however, sees a decrease in temperatures, falling to a range between 25°C (77°F) and 35°C (95°F). This period, marking the transition from the hot summer to the relatively cooler months, experiences minimal rainfall, making it an excellent time to enjoy the country's outdoor experiences.

The cooler months of December to February can be considered Somalia's winter season. With temperatures fluctuating between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), these months are significantly more temperate than the scorching summer. Rainfall is almost absent during this period, known as the Jilal season, making it the driest time of the year. The milder temperatures coupled with low precipitation make thisthe most comfortable time for outdoor activities and exploration of the country's natural beauty. This season's cooler temperatures also offer respite to the local population and visitors alike, from the otherwise harsh, hot conditions prevalent for most of the year.

January is part of the Jilal season, the driest and coolest period of the year in Somalia. The country experiences average temperatures ranging between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) during this month, a relief from the scorching temperatures that dominate most of the year. Weather in January »

Following the relatively cooler and drier January, the weather in Somalia in February experiences a gradual increase in temperature, indicating the transition towards the warmer months of the year. Average temperatures across the country range from 22°C (71.6°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). Weather in February »

March in Somalia signifies the commencement of the warmer part of the year. Average temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F) across the country, a noticeable increase from the conditions in February. In Hargeisa, the northern region, temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), while in Mogadishu, located in the south, temperatures typically range between 30°C (86°F) and 35°C (95°F). Compared to February, March is noticeably warmer, signifying a transition towards the significantly hotter months ahead. Weather in March »

April signifies the advent of the intensely hot weather in Somalia. It is the hottest month of the year, with average temperatures ranging from 30°C (86°F) to 40°C (104°F) across the country. The northern region, including Hargeisa, experiences temperatures typically fluctuating between 25°C (77°F) and 35°C (95°F), while the southern city of Mogadishu sees higher temperatures, usually hovering between 35°C (95°F) and 40°C (104°F). April is notably hotter than March, its preceding month, and slightly warmer than May, its succeeding month. Weather in April »

In May, Somalia continues to experience high temperatures, though slightly cooler than the peak heat witnessed in April. Average temperatures during this month typically range from 28°C (82.4°F) to 38°C (100.4°F) across the country. Weather in May »

June ushers in a downward trend in the otherwise high temperatures experienced in Somalia during the previous months. The country sees average temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F), with the northern region, including Hargeisa, experiencing temperatures between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), and Mogadishu in the south experiencing temperatures between 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F). Compared to May, June is noticeably cooler, offering respite from the intense heat experienced during the peak of the summer season. Weather in June »

July in Somalia marks the beginning of the Xagaa season, characterized by slightly higher temperatures than June and considerably drier conditions. Average temperatures during this month usually range from 27°C (80.6°F) to 37°C (98.6°F) across the country. Weather in July »

August continues the trend of the Xagaa season in Somalia, marked by warm temperatures and notably dry conditions. Average temperatures throughout the country range from 29°C (84.2°F) to 39°C (102.2°F) during this month. The northern region, including the city of Hargeisa, sees temperatures typically between 24°C (75.2°F) and 34°C (93.2°F), while in Mogadishu, located in the south, temperatures usually range between 34°C (93.2°F) and 39°C (102.2°F). August is somewhat hotter than July, showcasing a small peak in the heat as the Xagaa season progresses. Weather in August »

September in Somalia signifies the end of the Xagaa season and a transition towards slightly cooler and wetter conditions. The average temperatures during this month usually range from 27°C (80.6°F) to 37°C (98.6°F) across the country. Weather in September »

October in Somalia marks the onset of the Dayr season, the second, shorter rainy season of the year. During this month, average temperatures throughout the country range from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). The northern region, including Hargeisa, typically sees temperatures fluctuating between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F), while in the southern city of Mogadishu, temperatures generally range from 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F). October is slightly cooler than September, reflecting the downward trend in temperatures as the country moves further into the Dayr season. Weather in October »

November in Somalia is situated within the Dayr season, the shorter and less intense rainy period of the year. Average temperatures during this month typically range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 33°C (91.4°F) across the country. In Hargeisa, located in the north, temperatures usually fluctuate between 18°C (64.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), while in Mogadishu, situated in the south, temperatures generally range from 28°C (82.4°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). November is somewhat cooler than October, a continuation of the downward trend in temperatures as the country moves further into the Dayr season. Weather in November »

December in Somalia marks the beginning of the Jilal season, the driest and coolest season of the year. The average temperatures during this month usually range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) across the country. In Hargeisa, located in the north, temperatures typically fluctuate between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F), while in Mogadishu, situated in the south, temperatures generally range from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). December is slightly cooler than November, signaling the onset of the Jilal season. Weather in December »