Weather in Mogadishu

Planning a trip to Mogadishu or just curious about the weather there right now? In this section, you will find up-to-date weather reports, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help plan your day.

Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, is distinguished by a hot and predominantly arid climate, typical of tropical regions located near the equator. Air temperature remains high here throughout the year, with monthly averages ranging from 25.8°C (in July) to 29.0°C (in March). Even night temperatures rarely drop below 23°C, ensuring warm weather around the clock.

Two main seasons can be distinguished in Mogadishu, although the temperature differences between them are small. The hotter and drier period usually falls during the months from January to March, when average temperatures reach their peak and precipitation is practically absent. From April to November, there is a slight decrease in daytime temperatures and an increase in the number of days with precipitation, especially in April-May, July, and November. However, even during these periods, the total amount of rainfall remains small, which highlights the arid nature of the city's climate. Overall, the weather in Mogadishu is characterized by an abundance of sunlight and consistently high temperatures throughout the year.

The climate in Mogadishu is characterized by consistently high temperatures year-round, yet there are notable seasonal nuances. The hottest month is usually March, when the average temperature reaches 29.0°C, and daytime highs often rise to 32.7°C. Nights during this period are also very warm, with minimum temperatures around 25.3°C. The "coolest" months are considered to be July and August: the average temperature in July is 25.8°C, and in August, night lows can drop to 23.2°C, while daytime highs hover around 28.4-28.6°C.

The period from January to April can be characterized as the most sweltering in Mogadishu. Daytime temperatures in these months often exceed 32°C (for example, 32.1°C in January, 32.3°C in February, and 32.7°C in March). Nights bring only relative relief, with temperatures rarely falling below 23.7°C (in January) and reaching up to 25.7°C (in April). Daily temperature fluctuations at this time are approximately 7-8°C, which means a perceptible but not drastic shift from daytime heat to steady warmth at night.

From June to September, a slightly milder season arrives in Mogadishu compared to the peak heat of the beginning of the year. Daytime temperatures during these months usually range from 28.4°C (in July) to 29.5°C (in September), which is perceived as comfortable warmth. Nights become a bit fresher, with minimum values from around 23.2°C (in August) to 24.2°C (in June). The difference between day and night temperatures during this period is somewhat smaller, around 5-6°C, creating a more even temperature background. Even in the "coolest" months, the weather in Mogadishu remains warm and pleasant for those who love the sun.

Mogadishu observes a clearly defined seasonality in rainfall distribution. The city experiences a long dry season that covers the months from December to March. During this period, rains are extremely rare or absent altogether. For example, in January, February, March, and December, the average monthly rainfall is 0 mm. February stands out as an absolutely dry month when not a single rainy day is recorded. In January, March, and December, despite zero precipitation amounts, there may be a few days (1-4) classified as "wet," which likely indicates very insignificant, unmeasurable precipitation or high humidity.

The rainy season in Mogadishu falls on the period from April to November. However, even in these months, the total amount of precipitation remains small, varying from 1 mm to 3 mm per month. A characteristic feature of this season is not so much the intensity as the frequency of the rains. For instance, in April, May, July, and November, the number of rainy days reaches 16-17, which constitutes more than half the month. This suggests that the rains are most likely short-lived and not very heavy showers, rather than prolonged downpours.

The wettest months in terms of rainfall amount are April and November, when 3 mm falls. In terms of the frequency of rainy days, the leaders are May, July, and November – each averaging 17 days with precipitation. The driest months, as already mentioned, are January, February, March, and December. Snow is not typical for Mogadishu due to high temperatures year-round.

When planning a trip to Mogadishu, it is important to consider its hot and predominantly dry climate. Regardless of the time of year, the foundation of your wardrobe should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Give preference to light colours, which reflect sunlight better. Be sure to bring sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and headwear (such as a wide-brimmed hat or cap) for protection against the intense equatorial sun. Comfortable open shoes, such as sandals, and light closed shoes for walking will also be indispensable.

Although the temperature in Mogadishu remains high year-round, there are slight seasonal differences in precipitation worth noting. From December to March lasts the driest period, when precipitation is practically absent – at this time, sun protection is especially relevant. From April to November, the number of days with precipitation increases (especially in April, May, July, and November), although the rains themselves are usually not heavy and short-lived. For this period, it would be useful to pack a light raincoat or a small compact umbrella. The layering principle is less relevant here due to consistently high temperatures, but a light cover-up or long-sleeved shirt may come in handy in the evening or for visiting air-conditioned places, as well as for additional sun protection.