Weather in Jijiga

Be prepared for any surprises from nature when setting off for the city of Jijiga. Below you will find the latest information on meteorological conditions, detailed forecasts, and visual charts to help you plan the perfect day.

The climate of the city of Jijiga can be described as mild and favourable for visiting at any time of the year. Thanks to its geographical location, there is no exhausting heat here, which is typical for many African regions, and the temperature background remains surprisingly stable. Travellers can expect warm and comfortable weather, which is ideal for exploring the culture and nature of the region.

Temperature fluctuations throughout the year are insignificant: average figures vary from +18°C to +22°C. During the day, the air usually warms up to a pleasant +25...+27°C, creating excellent conditions for walking. However, daily variations should be taken into account: nights, especially during the winter period (December and January), can be cool with temperatures around +11°C, so a light jacket or sweater in your luggage will not be amiss.

Precipitation falls unevenly, forming distinct dry and wet seasons. The driest and sunniest times are the winter months and the beginning of the year, when rain is a rarity. The main periods of wet weather occur in spring (with a peak in the number of rainy days in April) and late summer. At this time, precipitation happens more often, refreshing the air and enlivening the local landscapes, but as a rule, it is not prolonged.

The climate that welcomes tourists to Jijiga can be called surprisingly even and favourable for travel in any season. Throughout the year, extreme weather conditions are not observed here: average temperature indicators vary within a comfortable range from +18°C to +22°C. The warmest months are traditionally February and March, when the air warms up to +27°C...+28°C during the day, creating excellent conditions for those who love warmth.

The summer period does not bring sweltering heat here; on the contrary, in July and August, daytime temperatures hold at a pleasant mark of around +24°C, which is slightly cooler than the spring maximums. Winter months, especially December and January, are also quite mild: during the day the thermometer rises to +25°C. However, it is winter that is considered the coolest time of the year due to night-time indicators, when the temperature can drop to +11°C.

A characteristic feature of the weather in this region, as in the entire country of Ethiopia, is noticeable temperature fluctuations during the course of a day. The difference between daytime warmth and night-time freshness is often 12–14 degrees. Therefore, even if the sun is shining brightly during the day, evenings can be quite brisk, and travellers are recommended to have a light jacket or sweater with them for walks after sunset.

When planning a trip to this region, it is worth considering that Jijiga is characterized by an uneven distribution of precipitation throughout the year. Winter months, especially January, February, and December, are the driest: at this time rain is a rarity, and the number of wet days tends toward zero (from 0 to 1 day per month). This is an excellent period for those who want to be guaranteed to avoid bad weather.

The rainy season here has its own features and peaks. The greatest number of inclement days falls in April, when precipitation can occur up to 15 days in a month. The second wave of humidity is observed from July to September, reaching a maximum in August (about 14 days with precipitation). Despite the high frequency of rain during these periods, their total volume in millimetres remains sufficiently low, which indicates light or short-term rains rather than powerful tropical downpours.

Between these two wet periods, in June, a short-term decline is observed, when the number of rainy days decreases to six. By October, the frequency of precipitation still remains noticeable, but already in November the weather becomes significantly drier, marking the transition to the calm winter season.

When getting ready for Jijiga, orient yourself towards the mild climate, which allows you to feel comfortable for most of the year. During the day, the air usually warms up to +25…+27 °C, so the basis of your wardrobe will be light items made of natural fabrics: T-shirts, shirts, and cotton trousers. However, due to daily temperature fluctuations, nights can be quite cool (down to +11 °C), especially in the winter months. Be sure to take a warm sweater, fleece jacket, or windbreaker with you so as not to freeze during evening walks.

Depending on the season, attention should be paid to protection from precipitation. In April, May, as well as from July to October, the number of rainy days increases, so a light raincoat or a compact umbrella will be very useful. In the dry season (especially January and February), precipitation is unlikely, but the sun remains active all year round. Do not forget to put sunscreen, sunglasses, and headwear in your luggage to avoid overheating.

For exploring the city and its surroundings, comfortable closed footwear is ideal, for example, broken-in sneakers or light trekking boots. This will protect your feet from dust and ensure comfort during long walks. Ethiopia is a country where the weather can change during the day, so it is best to adhere to the principle of layering in clothing to easily take off or put on items as necessary.