Eritrea’s climate is surprisingly diverse for a country its size because of its varied geography — ranging from coastal plains along the Red Sea to high mountain plateaus and arid lowlands.

 

 

Climate Zones of Eritrea

 

 

1. Coastal Plain Climate (Red Sea Coast – Massawa, Assab)

 

• Type: Hot desert climate.

• Temperature: Very hot year-round; summer highs can exceed 40°C (104°F).

• Rainfall: Extremely low (often less than 200 mm/year).

• Seasons:

   

  • Hot, humid summer – May to September.

  • Milder, drier winter – October to April.

• Notable: High humidity in places like Massawa makes the heat feel more intense.

 

 

2. Central Highlands Climate (Asmara, Keren)

 

• Type: Temperate to subtropical highland climate.

• Temperature: Much cooler than the coast; daytime highs around 20–25°C (68–77°F). Nights can be chilly, sometimes dropping below 10°C.

• Rainfall: 400–600 mm/year, mostly in summer.

• Seasons:

  • Cool dry season – October to May.

  • Warm rainy season – June to September.

• Notable: Asmara’s pleasant, spring-like weather year-round has earned it the nickname “City of Eternal Spring.”

 

 

3. Western Lowlands Climate (Barentu, Teseney)

 

• Type: Semi-arid to arid.

• Temperature: Hot most of the year, with summer temperatures regularly over 38°C (100°F).

• Rainfall: Seasonal rains during summer (June–September), often from monsoon winds.

• Notable: More fertile than the coastal plain, supporting seasonal agriculture.

 

 

4. Eastern Escarpment Climate

 

• Transitional zone between the highlands and coastal plain.

• Climate varies greatly over short distances, from temperate slopes to semi-arid foothills.

 

 

Rainy Seasons

 

• Main rainy season: June to September (linked to the East African summer monsoon).

• Small rains: March–April in some areas.

• Coastal areas may see brief showers from October to March due to the Red Sea convergence.

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