Djibouti month by month
| Month | Air | Sea | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22-28 °C | 26 °C | ★★★★★ | Whale shark peak, flat sea, cool weather. |
| February | 22-29 °C | 26 °C | ★★★★★ | Last whale shark window, very pleasant. |
| March | 24-31 °C | 27 °C | ★★★★ | Dry season, calm sea, warming up. |
| April | 26-33 °C | 28 °C | ★★★★ | Last good month before summer, great snorkeling. |
| May | 29-37 °C | 29 °C | ★★ | Intense heat, khamsin starts. |
| June | 31-40 °C | 30 °C | ★ | Very hot, strong khamsin. Early-morning trips only. |
| July | 32-42 °C | 31 °C | ★ | Peak heat, 4x4 only at dawn. |
| August | 31-41 °C | 31 °C | ★ | Still very hot, bath-warm sea. |
| September | 30-38 °C | 30 °C | ★★ | Heat easing, khamsin weakening. |
| October | 27-34 °C | 28 °C | ★★★★ | Comfort returns, flat sea. |
| November | 24-31 °C | 27 °C | ★★★★★ | Whale shark season begins, ideal weather. |
| December | 22-29 °C | 26 °C | ★★★★★ | The perfect month: sharks, sea, temperatures. |
When to go for each activity
- Swimming with whale sharks — December and January. See our whale shark guide.
- Snorkeling at Moucha — October to April, from 6,000 DJF (~$34) per person. See the Moucha Island guide.
- 4x4 to Lake Assal — November to March, from 10,000 DJF (~$56) per person. See the Lake Assal guide.
- Lake Abbe camp night — November to March, cool nights. From 22,500 DJF (~$127) per person, see the Lake Abbe guide.
- Scuba diving — October to April. See our diving guide.
Practical tips by season
High season (Christmas, February, Easter): book 7–10 days ahead, boats and 4x4s fill up, especially for whale sharks and Moucha.
Summer (May–September): choose early departures (5–7 am), drink at least 3 litres of water a day and favour sea trips, where the breeze helps.
All year: SPF 50 sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, closed shoes for 4x4 trips. Payment on site in Djibouti francs: cash, D-Money or Waafi.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Djibouti?
October to April, with daytime temperatures around 25–32 °C, a flat sea and excellent underwater visibility. December and January are ideal: cooler weather, whale shark season and calm water.
When is whale shark season in Djibouti?
From November to February, peaking in December and January, when juvenile whale sharks feed on plankton in the Gulf of Tadjoura. DjibShare whale shark trips only run during this window.
Can you visit Djibouti in summer (June–August)?
Yes, but inland temperatures regularly exceed 45 °C and the hot khamsin wind blows hard. 4x4 trips leave very early (5–6 am). Sea trips stay pleasant in the early morning, with water around 30 °C.
What is the water temperature in Djibouti?
The sea rarely drops below 25 °C: 26–28 °C in winter (December–February) and up to 32 °C in summer (June–September). Visibility is best from October to April (15–20 m).
Is there a rainy season in Djibouti?
Djibouti is one of the driest countries in the world: under 150 mm of rain a year, mostly short showers between November and March. They almost never affect excursions.
How many days do you need in Djibouti?
For a first trip, 5 to 7 days: one day at Moucha Island, one whale shark day (in season), one day at Lake Assal, two days at Lake Abbe with a camp night, and one relaxing beach day.