What is the terrain and geography like in Djibouti?
Djibouti has two seasons. During the May-to-September hot season, daytime temperatures average over 100°F and often exceed 120°F. The high temperatures are sometimes accompanied by hot, sandy winds called the "Kahm Sin." The beginning and ending months of the hot season are also marked by high humidity. The cooler season, from October through April, has clear skies, refreshingly cool breezes, somewhat lower humidity, and temperatures in the 80s.
Because of its geographic location between the Ethiopian and Yemeni escarpments, Djibouti gets little precipitation. Occasional rains occur mostly in the hills in the interior, but the average annual rainfall is only 5 to 10 inches. Rains most often come to Djibouti City in the fall and spring; some years are rainless. Because of a high water table and lack of drainage, the rare heavy rain can cause flooding in and around the capital.
Djibouti has two seasons. During the May-to-September hot season, daytime temperatures average over 100°F and often exceed 120°F. The high temperatures are sometimes accompanied by hot, sandy winds called the "Kahm Sin." The beginning and ending months of the hot season are also marked by high humidity. The cooler season, from October through April, has clear skies, refreshingly cool breezes, somewhat lower humidity, and temperatures in the 80s.
Because of its geographic location between the Ethiopian and Yemeni escarpments, Djibouti gets little precipitation. Occasional rains occur mostly in the hills in the interior, but the average annual rainfall is only 5 to 10 inches. Rains most often come to Djibouti City in the fall and spring; some years are rainless. Because of a high water table and lack of drainage, the rare heavy rain can cause flooding in and around the capital.
Geographic Location | Africa |
Total Area |
8,958 Square Miles 23,200 Square Kilometers |
Land Area |
8,950 Square Miles 23,180 Square Kilometers |
Water Area |
8 Square Miles 20 Square Kilometers |
Land Boundaries |
321 Miles 516 Kilometers |
Irrigated Land |
4 Square Miles 10 Square Kilometers |
Border Countries | Eritrea 109 km, Ethiopia 349 km, Somalia 58 km |
Coastline |
195 Miles 314 Kilometers |
Geographic Coordinates | 11 30 N, 43 00 E |
Terrain | coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains |
Highest Point | 2,028 Meters |
Highest Point Location | Moussa Ali 2,028 m |
Lowest Point | -155 Meters |
Lowest Point Location | Lac Assal -155 m |
Natural Resources | geothermal areas |
Time Zone | UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) |