Climate in Djibouti

Djibouti has an arid climate and is hot year-round, with lots of sunshine and not much rain. Most of the country is desert, ranging from the semi-arid to the arid, though the Goda Mountains have a cooler, milder climate. Between May and September, Djibouti is swelteringly hot and temperatures average a whopping 104°F (40°C), sometimes reaching highs of 113°F (45°C). Humidity levels are also high during this period, adding considerably to the discomfort.

The cooler season, which is also the rainy season, runs from mid-October to mid-April, when temperatures average a far more comfortable 77°F (25°C). Occasional rain showers are refreshing and do not disrupt travel too much, though some fog and cloud cover should be anticipated during the rainy season. Djibouti gets plenty of sunshine year-round, however, with an average of eight to ten hours of sun every day.

The best time of year to visit Djibouti is in the cooler, rainy season between November and April, as the dry season is uncomfortably hot. The month to avoid is July, which is not only swelteringly hot but also plagued by hot desert winds.