Weather in Хартум: what to expect by month

Хартум sits in the heart of Sudan, where the Blue and White Nile rivers meet, and the climate reflects the city’s desert surroundings. The weather in Хартум is defined by two distinct seasons: a long, dry period and a short, unpredictable rainy stretch. From November to April, the air stays bone-dry, with almost no rainfall and plenty of sunshine. The heat builds steadily, peaking in May and June, when daytime temperatures often climb above +40 °C.

The rainy season in Хартум arrives in July and lasts through September, bringing brief but intense downpours. August is typically the wettest month, with around 43 mm of rain, though showers are usually short-lived. By October, the skies clear again, and the city returns to its dry, hot rhythm. If you’re planning a visit to Хартуму, timing your trip around these patterns can make a big difference in comfort.

Temperatures in Хартуме vary widely throughout the year, with a clear seasonal shift from mild to scorching. In January, the coolest month, the average temperature hovers around +23.9 °C, with nights dipping to a comfortable +17.8 °C. By March, the heat starts to rise noticeably, and by April, daytime highs reach +40.2 °C. The peak of the heat arrives in May, when the average temperature hits +35.6 °C, and the mercury can soar to +42.1 °C during the day.

The intense heat in Хартуме persists into June, with averages around +35.4 °C, before easing slightly in July and August as the rainy season begins. Even then, temperatures remain high, with averages of +32.6 °C in July and +30.6 °C in August. The heat returns in full force in September and October, with averages of +33 °C and +32.5 °C respectively, before cooling down in November and December to more manageable levels.

Хартум is one of the driest capital cities in the world, with most of the year passing without a drop of rain. From October to May, the city sees virtually no precipitation, and the landscape remains parched. The dry season is so pronounced that even in May, the first month with any measurable rainfall, the total is just 1.7 mm. The brief rainy season kicks off in June, but the real change comes in July, when the city receives about 7.8 mm of rain.

The heaviest rains in Хартуме fall in August, with an average of 43.3 mm, though this is still modest compared to many other cities. The showers are often sudden and intense, but they rarely last long, and the ground dries quickly under the hot sun. By September, the rains begin to taper off, with around 31.5 mm, and by October, the city returns to its dry state. If you’re visiting Хартум during the rainy season, a light rain jacket or umbrella can be useful, but don’t expect prolonged wet weather.

Packing for Хартум means preparing for extreme heat and almost no rain for most of the year. From November to April, lightweight, breathable clothing is essential, along with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect against the strong sun. Evenings can be cooler, especially in January and February, so a light jacket or shawl is a good idea. Sunscreen with high SPF is a must, as the UV index remains very high throughout the dry season.

If you’re visiting Хартум in May or June, when temperatures peak, opt for loose, long-sleeved clothing to shield your skin from the sun while allowing airflow. A reusable water bottle is crucial to stay hydrated, as the heat can be dehydrating. During the rainy season, from July to September, a compact umbrella or a light raincoat can come in handy, though you’ll still spend most of your time in dry conditions. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended year-round, as the ground can get very hot during the day.