When to Visit Somalia
Climate guide & best times to travel
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Year-Round Essentials
Jilaal Dry Season (Dec-Mar)
Gu Rainy Season (Apr-Jun)
Hagaa Dry Season (Jul-Sep)
Deyr Rainy Season (Oct-Nov)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January sits in the middle of the Jilaal dry season, bringing hot, dusty conditions across most of the country. Coastal areas stay humid with temperatures around 30°C (86°F), while the interior can be significantly hotter during the day. It's actually one of the more comfortable months for travel, with clear skies and minimal rainfall, though you'll want to stay hydrated.
February
February continues the dry Jilaal season with increasingly warm temperatures as you head toward spring. The heat intensifies slightly from January, and you'll notice vegetation looking pretty parched in most areas. Coastal breezes provide some relief, but the interior can feel quite harsh—the kind of dry heat that makes you appreciate any shade you can find.
March
March marks the tail end of the Jilaal and is typically the hottest, driest month before the Gu rains arrive. Temperatures can push into the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F) in many areas, and the landscape looks its most barren. That said, there's an anticipatory feeling as everyone waits for the upcoming rainy season—you might catch the occasional pre-monsoon shower toward month's end.
April
April kicks off the Gu rainy season, bringing much-needed moisture and a transformation of the landscape. Rainfall can be substantial, particularly in southern regions, though it typically comes in intense afternoon thunderstorms rather than all-day drizzle. Temperatures moderate slightly from March's peak, but the humidity ramps up considerably—expect that sticky feeling that makes light, breathable clothing essential.
May
May sits at the peak of the Gu season with the heaviest rainfall of the year across most of Somalia. The countryside turns remarkably green, and rivers that were dry for months suddenly flow again. Travel can be challenging as roads become muddy and some areas less accessible, but temperatures stay relatively moderate. The combination of heat and humidity is real though—you'll definitely feel that 70% humidity.
June
June sees the Gu rains tapering off, though you'll still get occasional showers, especially in the first half of the month. The landscape is at its most lush, and agricultural areas are thriving. Temperatures remain warm but manageable, and as the month progresses, you'll notice the humidity starting to drop slightly as the southwest monsoon begins to influence weather patterns.
July
July marks the beginning of the Hagaa dry season, with the southwest monsoon bringing cooler temperatures to coastal areas—relatively speaking, of course. Inland areas remain hot, but the coast actually gets pleasant breezes that make it one of the more comfortable months along the Indian Ocean. Rainfall drops significantly, and you'll see mostly clear skies.
August
August continues the Hagaa season with conditions similar to July—warm but not oppressive, especially along the coast where monsoon winds keep things bearable. It's one of the driest months of the year, and the landscape starts showing signs of the extended dry period. Northern regions can be particularly hot, while southern coastal areas benefit from maritime influences.
September
September sits in a transitional period as the Hagaa winds down and conditions shift toward the Deyr rainy season. Temperatures start climbing again as the monsoon influence weakens, and you might catch early pre-monsoon showers, particularly in southern regions. The heat builds throughout the month—that pre-rain mugginess that makes everyone hope the Deyr arrives on schedule.
October
October brings the Deyr rains, though they're typically less intense than the Gu season. Rainfall is moderate and somewhat unpredictable—some years it's reliable, other years patchy at best. Temperatures remain warm, and humidity increases with the return of rain. The landscape gets a second wind of greenery, and it's actually a decent time for wildlife viewing in areas where animals congregate around water sources.
November
November continues the Deyr season with scattered rainfall that gradually decreases as the month progresses. It's a pleasant month overall—temperatures are moderate, the worst of the heat hasn't arrived yet, and the landscape still looks relatively green from recent rains. By month's end, you'll notice conditions drying out as the transition toward the Jilaal dry season begins.
December
December marks the start of the Jilaal dry season with clear skies and comfortable temperatures—probably the most pleasant month climate-wise. Humidity drops slightly from the rainy season levels, and while it's warm, it's not unbearably hot yet. Coastal areas are particularly nice this month, with calm seas and that post-monsoon clarity. It's a popular time for the limited tourism that does occur.