South Sudan - When to Visit

When to South Sudan

Climate guide & best times to travel

South visit Sudan experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The country's climate is characterized by hot temperatures year-round, with the dry season running from November to April and the wet season from May to October. During the dry season, temperatures are high with minimal rainfall, making travel easier as roads become more accessible. The wet season brings heavy rains, particularly from June to September, which can make transportation challenging as many unpaved roads become impassable. Temperatures remain consistently warm throughout the year, typically ranging from the low 20s°C at night to the mid-to-high 30s°C during the day. The hottest months are generally March and April, just before the rains begin. Humidity levels average around 70% year-round, though it feels more oppressive during the rainy season. The capital, Juba, and southern regions receive more rainfall than the northern areas, creating diverse ecological zones from savanna to wetlands.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
South visit Sudan is landlocked with no beaches, but riverside relaxation along the White Nile is best during December to February when temperatures are slightly cooler and rainfall is minimal.
Cultural Exploration
December to February offers the best conditions for cultural exploration with dry weather, accessible roads, and comfortable temperatures for visiting local communities and attending traditional ceremonies.
Adventure & Hiking
November to March provides optimal conditions for wildlife viewing in national parks and trekking, with dry trails, accessible roads, and clearer skies for outdoor activities.
Budget Travel
May to September during the wet season sees fewer visitors and potentially lower costs, though travel logistics become more challenging with muddy roads and limited accessibility to remote areas.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January is peak dry season with hot, sunny days and virtually no rainfall. This is one of the best months for travel with excellent road conditions and comfortable evenings. Wildlife viewing is exceptional as animals congregate around water sources.

37°C (99°F) High
20°C (68°F) Low
3mm (0.1in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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February

February continues the dry season with increasingly hot temperatures and minimal precipitation. Conditions remain ideal for travel and outdoor activities, though midday heat can be intense. Dust from the Harmattan winds may occasionally affect visibility.

38°C (100°F) High
22°C (72°F) Low
5mm (0.2in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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March

March is one of the hottest months with scorching daytime temperatures. The dry season persists but the first hints of humidity appear as the wet season approaches. Travel remains feasible but the heat can be exhausting for outdoor activities.

39°C (102°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
20mm (0.8in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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April

April marks the transition to the wet season with occasional afternoon thunderstorms and peak temperatures. The landscape begins to green up with early rains. Travel is still manageable but roads may start becoming muddy in some areas.

38°C (100°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
75mm (3.0in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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May

May sees the wet season establish itself with regular rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures. Roads begin deteriorating in rural areas, making some regions difficult to access. The countryside transforms into lush greenery, and humidity increases noticeably.

36°C (97°F) High
23°C (73°F) Low
120mm (4.7in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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June

June brings heavy rains and high humidity, with frequent afternoon downpours. Many unpaved roads become impassable, significantly limiting travel options. This is the beginning of the challenging travel period, though temperatures moderate slightly from the dry season peaks.

34°C (93°F) High
22°C (72°F) Low
140mm (5.5in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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July

July is peak rainy season with the heaviest precipitation of the year. Travel is extremely challenging as flooding affects many areas and roads are often impassable. Temperatures are slightly cooler but high humidity makes conditions feel oppressive.

32°C (90°F) High
21°C (70°F) Low
160mm (6.3in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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August

August continues the wet season with persistent heavy rains and widespread flooding in low-lying areas. Infrastructure challenges are at their peak, making this one of the most difficult months for travel. The landscape is verdant but accessibility is severely limited.

32°C (90°F) High
21°C (70°F) Low
150mm (5.9in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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September

September sees rainfall beginning to decrease but conditions remain wet and humid. Roads slowly start to dry out but many remain challenging. The transition period offers increasingly better travel prospects as the month progresses toward the dry season.

33°C (91°F) High
21°C (70°F) Low
120mm (4.7in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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October

October marks the transition to the dry season with decreasing rainfall and improving road conditions. The landscape remains green from recent rains while accessibility improves. This is a good month for wildlife viewing as conditions become more favorable.

34°C (93°F) High
21°C (70°F) Low
85mm (3.3in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
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November

November ushers in the dry season with minimal rainfall and excellent travel conditions. Roads dry out and become accessible, making this an ideal time to visit. Temperatures are hot but manageable, and wildlife viewing improves significantly.

35°C (95°F) High
21°C (70°F) Low
30mm (1.2in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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December

December offers prime dry season conditions with clear skies and virtually no rain. This is one of the best months for travel with excellent road conditions and comfortable temperatures. Holiday travel may bring slightly more visitors to accessible areas.

36°C (97°F) High
20°C (68°F) Low
10mm (0.4in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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Activities in South Sudan