The climate of Al Kawd
The geographical positioning of
Al Kawd, found in
Yemen, is characterized by a BWh Koppen climate classification. This predominates as a subtropical desert climate where aridity and warm temperatures are the prevailing features. Across the year, the variance in temperatures may range from a low of 23.8°C (74.8°F) to a peak of 33.4°C (92.1°F). This confirms the enduringly high temperatures typically associated with desert climates.
On the topic of atmospheric pressure, measurements demonstrate a monthly trend varying from 1003.1mb to 1015.7mb. The subtler fluctuation in relative humidity, moving from 66% to 74%, neatly complements this trend. Rainfall in the region is quite negligible. It peaks at a scant 9mm (0.35") in the rainier months, falling to as low as 1mm (0.04") in drier periods. This contributes to a yearly average which underscores the aridity of the climate.
Cloud coverage over Al Kawd is rather minimal throughout the year, with monthly averages oscillating between 7% and 25%. Clear skies are therefore a defining characteristic of this desert climate. Furthermore, the robust average visibility of 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year is to be expected given the low incidence of rainfall and cloud coverage. Winds, carrying speeds from 14.7km/h (9.1mph) to 20.5km/h (12.7mph), are consistently moderate without notable periods of calm or extreme gusts.
The best time to visit Al Kawd
The most hospitable periods for visiting
Al Kawd tend to coincide with marginally cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels. Any time between
May and
September fits this bill perfectly. During these months, the thermometer rests within the 33.4°C (92.1°F) to 32.6°C (90.7°F) range, offering intense, but bearable, heat for visitors. Simultaneously, relative humidity reduces to yearly lows between 66% and 69%, proving less sultrier conditions for exploration.
This period also falls within the sunnier half of the year. From May to September, daily sunshine hours reach between 12.1h and 12.2h, offering plentiful light for any planned outdoor activities. The UV index hits a high 8 in these months, calls for sufficient protective measures for skin health.
The worst time to visit Al Kawd
Avoid any plans to visit
Al Kawd between
October and
February. This period displays higher humidity levels from 67% to 74%. The winds during these months also increase, with
January and February witnessing very little decrease.
Another factor to consider is the reduced sunlight hours. From October through February, sunlight hours fall to range from 9.9h to 7.3h per day. Given the primary appeals of Al Kawd are outdoor-oriented, this reduction may hinder the enjoyment of tourist activities.
Spring weather in Al Kawd
Spring, from
March to
May, brings considerable warmth to
Al Kawd. Over this period, temperatures rise from 26.3°C (79.3°F) to 31.9°C (89.4°F), underlining the significant heat typical of the region's springtime. The relative humidity throughout spring fluctuates modestly, ranging from 74% in March and
April to a slightly less humid 71% in May.
When discussing rainfall, it remains relatively low from March to May with peaks of 3mm (0.12"), 3mm (0.12"), and 9mm (0.35") respectively. Consistent wind speeds during this period remain in the range of 20.3km/h (12.6mph) to 15.5km/h (9.6mph). Visibility maintains a stable 10km (6.2mi) throughout, ensuring clear and unobstructed views of the desert’s stark beauty.
Summer weather in Al Kawd
Summertime in
Al Kawd, from
June to
August, is characterized by the highest temperatures of the year, peaking at 33.4°C (92.1°F) and 33°C (91.4°F) in June and
July, respectively. Humidity levels drop to yearly lows between 66% and 67%, providing somewhat respite from the intense heat.
Rainfall during these months is predictably low with values ranging from 5mm (0.2") to 9mm (0.35"). The wind speeds remain consistent throughout the summer, alternating between 15.4km/h (9.6mph) to 19.6km/h (12.2mph). Coupled with lengthy daylight hours from 12.9h to 12.6h, these conditions provide ample opportunities for those willing to brace the heat of a desert summer.
Autumn weather in Al Kawd
Autumn, between
September and
November, offers slightly more moderate conditions in
Al Kawd. Temperatures start from a high of 32.6°C (90.7°F) in September and cool down to 28.5°C (83.3°F) by November. As temperatures decrease, so do the humidity levels, hovering between 69% and 70%.
Rainfall increases slightly during these months, reaching up to 7mm (0.28") in
October. Meanwhile, wind speeds lessen, dropping to as low as 14.7km/h (9.1mph) in September and picking up slightly to 19.8km/h (12.3mph) towards November. Lasting from 12.2h in September to 11.5h in November, daylight hours remain sufficient for the enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Winter weather in Al Kawd
Winter, spanning from
December to
February, sees the coolest temperatures in
Al Kawd with lows of 23.9°C (75°F) in December to highs of 26.8°C (80.2°F) by February. Relative humidity remains from 71% in December and
January, rising to 74% in February.
Throughout winter, rainfall is sparse, with values of 3mm (0.12") in December and February and 1mm (0.04") in January. Generally milder winds of 17.6km/h (10.9mph) in December and February with a surge to 20.3km/h (12.6mph) in January, make the winter months windy, yet not overwhelmingly so. With daylight hours hovering between 11.4h and 11.7h, winter in Al Kawd offers comfort to visitors not familiar with extreme desert conditions.
Weather in January
Breaking away from the cold climate that other parts of the world experience,
Al Kawd,
Yemen presents a warm
January offering. Substantial shifts in weather conditions can be noted from the previous
December as the rainfall decreases from 3mm (0.12") to a mere 1mm (0.04").
Weather in January »Weather in February
Al Kawd transitions into
February exhibiting slight modifications in weather patterns previously observed in
January. Sunshine take precedence as twilight lengthens bit by bit and cloud coverage is sporadic at best. For most of the month, the city is bathed in daylight with increased hours of sunshine.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Al Kawd's
March weather transitions from the cool winter breeze to warming temperatures characteristic of the upcoming summer season. As the days lengthen, the scatterings of cloud become less frequent, making way for clear blue skies.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Al Kawd approaches the calendar's fourth page with temperatures pushing onward from the 29.8°C (85.6°F) witnessed in
March. For the first time in the year, average daytime temperatures exceed 30°C (86°F). This should not deter tourists, as the low rainfalls expected during this period rarely disrupt outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Al Kawd exhibits a typical tropical weather style. Clear, blue skies dominate the city's skyline, paving the way for extended hours of bright sunshine. The thermometers are not left out of the game, they record exponentially rising temperatures heralding the onset of summer.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June plays host to the warmest days in
Al Kawd, with temperatures soaring to year-high averages of 33.4°C (92.1°F). Frequently cloudless skies ensure maximum exposure to the sun's searing heat, casting a mirage-like glow on the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
July unfolds, the weather in
Al Kawd moderates, initiating a subtle, yet perceptible journey towards cooler days in the later part of the year. Despite the temperature reduction, the city still basks in extensive sunshine due to the long daylight hours resultant from the summer solstice.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
August,
Al Kawd eases into a period of lessened heat intensity. Cloud formations become more regular, though the heavens are still stingy with rains, recording just 9mm (0.35"). Still, the bright sun prevails, extending the streak of lush sunshine from
July.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September,
Al Kawd witnesses a clear shift in weather patterns. It deviates less from the rest of the year in terms of temperature and precipitation norms, falling safely within the grasp of a consistently warm climate. With the equinox in sight, daylight and darkness approach parity, hinting at the impending shift from summer to autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Al Kawd's
October displays fewer extremes, rather balanced averages in temperature, humidity, and rainfall, making it a favorable period to visit. Accelerating from the equinox, daylight gradually recedes but still offers sufficient light for outdoor activities.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Al Kawd allows a refreshing breather from the previous sweltering months. With the sun's trip southward, twilight shortens progressively till the winter solstice. Similarly, temperatures decrease, signaling the start of the cool season without forgoing the traits of sustained dryness.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Winter arrives in
Al Kawd's
December, tabling the coolest temperatures experienced in the year. Average temperatures oscillate from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 26.8°C (80.2°F), providing a favorable climate for outdoor activities and excursions.
Weather in December »