Weather in Khartoum

Travelling to Khartoum or simply planning your day? In this section, you will find the latest weather information, detailed forecasts, and clear charts to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Khartoum is characterised by a hot desert climate (according to the Köppen classification — BWh). This means the city experiences extremely high temperatures throughout the year and very low rainfall. Visitors should be prepared for intense sunlight and dry air during practically any season.

In Khartoum, two main seasons can be distinguished: a long, very hot and dry season lasting most of the year, and a short, slightly less hot "wet" season occurring during the summer months. From April to June, the highest average temperatures are observed, often exceeding 40°C. Even in the "coolest" months, such as January and December, the average temperature remains above 20°C, and daytime highs can reach 30°C.

Rainfall in Khartoum is a rare phenomenon. Most months are absolutely dry. A small amount of precipitation, mainly in the form of short showers, is possible between June and September, peaking in August with about 1 mm of rainfall and up to 7 rainy days. During the rest of the year, rain is practically non-existent. Tourists should plan their trip with these climatic features in mind, especially if they are sensitive to the heat.

The annual temperature trend in Khartoum shows significant fluctuations, with heat prevailing most of the time. The sweltering months are May and June, when the daily average temperature holds at 34.2-34.4°C, and daytime peaks regularly breach the 40-41°C mark. The "mildest" month is considered to be January with an average temperature of 22.7°C; at this time, nights bring coolness down to 15.5°C, while during the day the air warms up to a comfortable 29.8°C.

The summer period, which conventionally lasts from April to October, is characterised by intense heat. The months from May to June are particularly sweltering, with average maximum temperatures peaking at 41.3°C (May) and 40.7°C (June). Even nights during this time remain very warm, with minimums around 27-28°C. The air is predominantly dry, creating a sensation of intense dry heat. A slight decrease in average daily temperatures is observed in August (31.0°C), coinciding with the peak of minor precipitation.

The winter months, from November to March, bring milder weather to Khartoum, although it remains warm. Average temperatures during this period range from 22.7°C in January to 28.4°C in March. Daytime highs are usually in the 29-36°C range, making the daytime pleasant. However, nights can be noticeably cooler, especially in December and January, when the temperature drops to 15.5-17.4°C. Khartoum's climate is characterised by significant diurnal temperature variations, where the difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum can be 12-15°C, especially in the dry months.

Khartoum is distinguished by an extremely arid climate, and precipitation here is an exceptionally rare phenomenon. For most of the year, the city receives no significant amount of moisture, and many months pass absolutely without rain or snow.

In Khartoum, a very short and weakly expressed "wet" season can be identified, falling during the summer months. August is the month with the highest amount of rainfall, yet even then, only about 1 mm falls. This precipitation is distributed over approximately 7 rainy days. In June, July, September, and October, isolated days with precipitation (1-2 days) may also be observed, but the total amount of moisture falling in these months, according to the provided data, is zero or close to this value. Given the high temperatures, any precipitation will be in the form of rain, likely short showers.

The overwhelming majority of months in the year in Khartoum are absolutely dry. From January to May, as well as in November and December, the average monthly rainfall is 0 mm, and no rainy days are recorded during these periods. Thus, for most of the year, travellers should expect clear, sunny weather without any precipitation.

When planning a trip to Khartoum, it is important to consider its hot desert climate. The basis of your wardrobe should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen, which will help cope with the high temperatures. Do not forget a head covering (wide-brimmed hat or cap), sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF factor, as the sun in Sudan is very active throughout the year. Light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing will also help you endure the heat more easily.

Although it is hot year-round in Khartoum, there are slight seasonal nuances worth noting. In the "coolest" months, such as December and January, night temperatures can drop to 15-17°C, so a light jumper, cardigan, or thin jacket will come in handy for the evening and morning hours. During the day, however, the temperature still rises to a comfortable 30°C and above. The short "wet" season from June to September brings minimal rainfall (especially in August, when about 1 mm falls), so heavy rain gear is unnecessary; if you take anything, it could be an ultra-light folding umbrella in case of a rare short shower, although its necessity is unlikely. The principle of layering your clothing will be particularly useful to adapt to diurnal temperature fluctuations.

Besides clothing, take care to pack comfortable closed shoes for walking, as you will likely be moving around a lot exploring the city, and closed shoes will protect your feet from dust and hot sand. A light scarf or shawl (for example, made of cotton or silk) can be a multifunctional accessory: it will protect your neck and face from the sun and dust that can be kicked up by the wind in the desert climate. Also, do not forget moisturising cream for your skin and lip balm, as the air in Khartoum is predominantly very dry.