Africa spans six major climate regimes across 8,000 km from the Mediterranean to the Cape. The Climate Division tracks their normals, seasonal cycles and long-term shifts.
Mild wet winters and hot dry summers along the Maghreb coast. Most rainfall falls between November and March; summers are rain-free and dominated by subtropical high pressure.
The world's largest hot desert. Extreme diurnal temperature ranges, negligible rainfall, and persistent dust transport. Daytime highs regularly exceed 45°C in summer.
A semi-arid transition between the Sahara and the savanna. A single short rainy season (June to September) driven by the West African monsoon, highly variable year to year and sensitive to drought.
Hot and humid year-round with two rainfall peaks near the equator. The Congo Basin is the second-largest rainforest on Earth and a key driver of continental moisture recycling.
Distinct wet and dry seasons with warm temperatures throughout. Supports the continent's grasslands and most of its agriculture; rainfall timing governs planting and harvest.
Altitude moderates the heat across the East African and southern highlands, producing cool, temperate conditions. Frost and even snow occur on the highest massifs in winter.
Dry dusty Harmattan winds sweep West Africa while the Mediterranean north receives its main rains.
The principal wet season for the Horn and East Africa, vital for the region's crops and pasture.
Moist Atlantic air pushes north, delivering the Sahel's single rainy season and peak storm activity.
Southern Africa enters its summer rainfall season as East Africa receives its second, shorter rains.
Climate Division · African Union Meteorological Agency · Long-term continental normals