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When to go to Djibouti

Djibouti in summer, from May to September, is swelteringly hot. The average daily temperature is at around 40 °C (104 °F) and can reach up to 45 °C (113 °F) at summer’s peak in July. In the vicinity of the salt lakes, temperatures as high as 50 °C (122 °F) have been reported. And all over the country, the high humidity does nothing to help you feel more comfortable during the summer time.

The best time to visit Djibouti, therefore, is in the country’s so-called winter, from October to April, when average temperatures move down to a more reasonable 25 °C (77 °F). The coolest days come in January and December.

If you plan to go snorkeling or scuba diving, the best times to go are from September to May, when the Red Sea waters are at their clearest.

Because Djibouti is a Muslim country, the major festivals in the country are Eid Al Adha, the Prophet’s Birthday, and Eid Al Fitr. Since the dates of these festivals are based on the lunar calendar, there is no fixed date for them on the Gregorian calendar.

One festival that you will definitely catch if you visit Djibouti in winter is the Christmas celebration, which takes place on the 7th of January instead of the 25th of December. Although there are very few Christians in the country, they celebrate Christmas with much zeal and enthusiasm, with lights and candles, midnight prayers, and Christmas music.