Somalia Weather by Month

Somalia, located on the easternmost part of Africa and often referred to as the “Horn of Africa,” is a country with a highly diverse and striking geography. Bordered by Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the west, and Kenya to the southwest, Somalia’s eastern border is defined by the long coastline along the Indian Ocean, stretching over 3,000 kilometers. The country is marked by flat plateaus, highlands, and arid desert landscapes, particularly in the northern and central regions. The southern part of Somalia, where the Juba and Shabelle rivers flow, is more fertile and supports agriculture.

Somalia’s climate is generally arid and semi-arid, characterized by hot temperatures and low rainfall. The country experiences two primary rainy seasons, the “Gu” (April to June) and the “Deyr” (October to November), along with two dry seasons, the “Jilal” (December to March) and the “Xagaa” (July to September). Coastal regions enjoy a maritime climate, while the interior experiences harsher desert-like conditions. Given the range of geographic and climatic conditions, Somalia’s weather varies significantly by region and season. Understanding these variations is essential for travelers, locals, and those engaged in agriculture and other weather-dependent activities.

Somalia’s Weather by Month

January: The Dry Jilal Season

Northern Somalia (Hargeisa, Berbera)

• Average Temperature: 25°C (77°F) during the day, 15°C (59°F) at night
• Rainfall: Almost none, less than 5 mm
• Humidity: Low, around 40-50%
• Winds: Light to moderate

Central Somalia (Galkayo, Garowe)

• Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Very low, around 30%
• Winds: Moderate winds, with occasional stronger gusts

Southern Somalia (Mogadishu, Kismayo)

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60-65%
• Winds: Light coastal breezes

Summary: January falls in the middle of Somalia’s dry season, known as the “Jilal.” The northern and central regions experience extremely dry conditions, with little to no rainfall and low humidity. Temperatures remain warm during the day, particularly in southern and coastal regions, where humidity levels are higher. Wind conditions vary, with light breezes along the coast and stronger gusts in the interior.

February: Continued Dry Weather

Northern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
• Rainfall: Almost none, less than 5 mm
• Humidity: Low, around 40-50%
• Winds: Light to moderate

Central Somalia

• Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 19°C (66°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Very low, around 25-30%
• Winds: Moderate to strong winds, especially in the inland desert areas

Southern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
• Winds: Light coastal winds

Summary: February remains part of the dry Jilal season, with virtually no rain across the country. Temperatures continue to rise slightly, especially in central and southern Somalia. Northern regions remain relatively cool, while southern Somalia sees warmer temperatures along the coast. The dry, arid conditions persist, with strong winds often blowing through the central desert areas.

March: Transition Toward the Gu Rainy Season

Northern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 17°C (63°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 5-10 mm
• Humidity: Low to moderate, around 45-50%
• Winds: Light to moderate breezes

Central Somalia

• Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 5-10 mm
• Humidity: Very low, around 25-30%
• Winds: Moderate, with occasional gusts

Southern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 10-15 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60-65%
• Winds: Light coastal breezes, with occasional stronger winds inland

Summary: March marks a transitional period as Somalia moves toward the Gu rainy season. Rainfall begins to increase slightly, particularly in the southern regions, though northern and central areas remain mostly dry. Temperatures rise, especially in central Somalia, while southern coastal regions experience high humidity. Winds are generally light, with occasional stronger gusts in the desert regions.

April: The Start of the Gu Rainy Season

Northern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 20-30 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 55-60%
• Winds: Light to moderate

Central Somalia

• Average Temperature: 33°C (91°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light to moderate, around 15-25 mm
• Humidity: Low to moderate, around 40-45%
• Winds: Light to moderate winds, with occasional gusts

Southern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 33°C (91°F) during the day, 25°C (77°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 40-60 mm
• Humidity: High, around 65-70%
• Winds: Light coastal breezes

Summary: April is the official start of the Gu rainy season in Somalia. Rainfall increases, particularly in the southern regions, which receive the most precipitation. Northern and central regions also begin to see more rain, though it remains light to moderate. Temperatures continue to rise across the country, and humidity levels increase, especially along the coast. This month marks a shift from the dry season to more favorable conditions for agriculture.

May: Peak of the Gu Rainy Season

Northern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate to heavy, around 50-70 mm
• Humidity: High, around 65%
• Winds: Moderate winds, with occasional stronger gusts during rainstorms

Central Somalia

• Average Temperature: 34°C (93°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 40-50 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 50-55%
• Winds: Light to moderate, with occasional gusts

Southern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Heavy, around 80-100 mm
• Humidity: High, around 70-75%
• Winds: Light to moderate coastal winds

Summary: May is the peak of the Gu rainy season, with substantial rainfall across much of Somalia. Southern Somalia receives the most rain, while northern and central regions also experience increased precipitation. Temperatures remain warm, particularly in the central parts of the country. The combination of rain and higher humidity makes May a crucial month for agriculture, particularly in the southern farming regions.

June: End of the Gu Rains

Northern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light to moderate, around 20-30 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
• Winds: Moderate to strong winds

Central Somalia

• Average Temperature: 35°C (95°F) during the day, 26°C (79°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 15-25 mm
• Humidity: Low, around 45%
• Winds: Moderate winds, with occasional strong gusts

Southern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 30-50 mm
• Humidity: High, around 65-70%
• Winds: Moderate, with occasional coastal breezes

Summary: June marks the end of the Gu rainy season, with rainfall decreasing across the country. Northern and central regions experience lighter showers, while the south continues to receive moderate rain. Temperatures remain warm, particularly in central and northern Somalia, and winds pick up in some areas as the season transitions. Despite the reduced rainfall, conditions remain favorable for farming and other outdoor activities.

July: The Dry Xagaa Season Begins

Northern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 35°C (95°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, less than 10 mm
• Humidity: Low, around 40%
• Winds: Strong winds, especially in desert regions

Central Somalia

• Average Temperature: 37°C (99°F) during the day, 28°C (82°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Very low, around 25-30%
• Winds: Moderate to strong winds

Southern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60-65%
• Winds: Light to moderate coastal winds

Summary: July marks the beginning of the Xagaa dry season, with rainfall dropping to near zero in most regions. Central and northern Somalia experience very dry and hot conditions, with strong winds sweeping across the arid desert areas. Southern regions remain warm but more comfortable due to coastal breezes. The dry weather makes July a challenging month for agriculture, particularly in the central regions.

August: Continued Dry and Hot Conditions

Northern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 36°C (97°F) during the day, 25°C (77°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Low, around 40%
• Winds: Strong winds, with occasional dust storms

Central Somalia

• Average Temperature: 38°C (100°F) during the day, 29°C (84°F) at night
• Rainfall: None
• Humidity: Very low, around 25%
• Winds: Strong desert winds, with frequent gusts

Southern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, less than 5 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
• Winds: Moderate coastal breezes

Summary: August continues the hot and dry Xagaa season, with high temperatures and minimal rainfall across Somalia. Central regions bear the brunt of the heat, while northern areas experience similar hot and dry conditions. Strong winds often cause dust storms in desert regions, particularly in central Somalia. Southern regions are slightly cooler due to coastal influences, but overall, it remains a dry and challenging month.

September: End of the Xagaa Season

Northern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 34°C (93°F) during the day, 23°C (73°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 10-15 mm
• Humidity: Low, around 45%
• Winds: Moderate, with occasional gusts

Central Somalia

• Average Temperature: 36°C (97°F) during the day, 27°C (81°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, less than 10 mm
• Humidity: Very low, around 30%
• Winds: Moderate winds, with occasional stronger gusts

Southern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: Minimal, around 5-10 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 65%
• Winds: Light to moderate coastal breezes

Summary: September marks the end of the Xagaa dry season. While rainfall is still minimal, there is a slight increase in precipitation, particularly in the northern and southern regions. Temperatures begin to cool slightly, especially in the southern coastal areas, making conditions more comfortable. Winds remain moderate, though dust storms are less frequent than in the peak summer months.

October: Start of the Deyr Rainy Season

Northern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 30-50 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 55-60%
• Winds: Light to moderate winds

Central Somalia

• Average Temperature: 34°C (93°F) during the day, 26°C (79°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light to moderate, around 20-30 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 45-50%
• Winds: Light, with occasional gusts

Southern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 21°C (70°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 60-80 mm
• Humidity: High, around 70%
• Winds: Light coastal breezes

Summary: October marks the beginning of the Deyr rainy season in Somalia, bringing moderate rainfall across the country, especially in the southern and northern regions. Temperatures remain warm, but the onset of rain provides some relief from the heat. The Deyr rains are crucial for agriculture, replenishing water sources and aiding in crop growth, particularly in southern Somalia.

November: Peak of the Deyr Rainy Season

Northern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate to heavy, around 50-70 mm
• Humidity: High, around 65%
• Winds: Moderate, with occasional rainstorms

Central Somalia

• Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F) during the day, 24°C (75°F) at night
• Rainfall: Moderate, around 40-50 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 50-55%
• Winds: Light to moderate, with rain in the afternoons

Southern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
• Rainfall: Heavy, around 80-100 mm
• Humidity: High, around 70-75%
• Winds: Light to moderate coastal winds

Summary: November is the peak of the Deyr rainy season, with substantial rainfall across Somalia, especially in the south. The rains provide a vital boost to agriculture, filling water sources and ensuring a good crop yield. Temperatures are relatively cool, particularly in the south, and humidity levels are high, making it a critical month for both farming and travel in the region.

December: End of the Deyr Rainy Season

Northern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 20-30 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
• Winds: Light to moderate winds

Central Somalia

• Average Temperature: 30°C (86°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 15-25 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 50%
• Winds: Light, with occasional gusts

Southern Somalia

• Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 22°C (72°F) at night
• Rainfall: Light, around 30-40 mm
• Humidity: Moderate, around 65%
• Winds: Light coastal breezes

Summary: December marks the end of the Deyr rainy season, with rainfall tapering off across Somalia. Northern and central regions experience drier conditions, while the south continues to receive light rains. Temperatures remain comfortable, especially in the southern coastal areas, and humidity levels begin to decrease. This transitional month is ideal for agricultural activities and marks the onset of the drier Jilal season.