South Sudan is located near the equator and has a tropical climate with distinct dry (December to May) and rainy seasons (June to November). The annual average temperature is around 30°C, with higher temperatures during the dry season and increased humidity during the rainy season due to the higher rainfall. These climate patterns are deeply intertwined with the timing of agricultural and traditional events.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: High temperatures ranging from 30 to 35°C
- Precipitation: Rain begins to increase from the end of March, leading to unstable weather just before the rainy season starts in May
- Characteristics: Intermittent rainfall towards the end of the dry season allows for activities by the riverbank to resume
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relationship with Climate |
| March-April |
Bor Dinka Wrestling Festival |
A traditional wrestling competition demonstrating the strength of adult males, held during a time when setting up venues at the end of the dry season is easy. |
| April |
Easter |
Christian gatherings and parades take place. Worship and outdoor meetings are conducted in the cool mornings before the rains. |
| May |
Mundari Cattle Camp Festival |
The Mundari tribe's cattle herders gather to trade and showcase their decorated cattle. It takes place on the dry grasslands just before the rains begin. |
| May |
Eid al-Fitr |
Based on the Islamic calendar, it is a celebration among families and neighbors under stable weather at the end of the dry season. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Around 30°C, but humidity rises sharply
- Precipitation: The rainy season begins in earnest from June, with increased thunderstorms and localized heavy rain
- Characteristics: River swelling enhances fishing and water transportation, but transportation becomes difficult
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relationship with Climate |
| June |
Pojulu Cultural Festival |
Traditional dances and songs of the Pojulu tribe, with handicraft displays, held against the backdrop of lush nature at the beginning of the rainy season. |
| July |
Independence Day (July 9) |
Celebrates South Sudan's independence in 2011. Indoor events and nighttime ceremonies are central due to the peak of the rainy season. |
| July-August |
Juba Art and Culture Festival |
A comprehensive festival of music, dance, and art held in the capital Juba. Many semi-outdoor stages are utilized to accommodate for the rain. |
| August |
Eid al-Adha |
Livestock is sacrificed and shared with family and neighbors. Cattle raised on the abundant pastures during the rainy season may be used. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: Slightly more stable at around 30°C
- Precipitation: The rainy season continues until around September, with a transition to the dry season beginning in November
- Characteristics: River levels peak, and preparation for rice and grain farming becomes active
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relationship with Climate |
| September-October |
Kakwa Cultural Festival |
Performances of singing and dancing by the Kakwa tribe. An outdoor stage is ideal during the cool evenings towards the end of the rainy season. |
| October |
Agricultural Thanksgiving |
A ritual wishing for a successful harvest specific to each region. A traditional event thanking the fertile soil after river flooding. |
| November |
Kakuma Refugee Camp Film Festival |
Filmmakers from inside and outside refugee camps participate. Held at a relatively easier time for movement during the latter part of the rainy season. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Temperature: High, dry season temperatures of 25 to 30°C
- Precipitation: Very little, with continued sunny weather
- Characteristics: River levels fall, transportation networks recover. Agricultural burning and livestock movements take place
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relationship with Climate |
| December |
Christmas (December 25) |
Christian worship and post-worship celebrations. Churches are lively during the cool nights of the dry season. |
| January |
New Year (January 1) |
A national celebration. Outdoor sports events and family outings are common, taking advantage of the dry season's sunny weather. |
| February |
Traditional Livestock Movement Ritual |
A ceremony to move livestock to new pastures before the dry season's grasses wither. Movements occur on flatlands where transportation has recovered. |
| February |
International Women's Day (Early March Celebration in Some Areas) |
A regional event honoring women's social roles. Gatherings are easier in the late dry season. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relations
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Example Major Events |
| Spring |
Intermittent rainfall at the dry season’s end, high temperatures |
Bor Dinka Wrestling, Easter, Mundari Cattle Festival, Eid al-Fitr |
| Summer |
Heavy rain and high humidity at the start of the rainy season |
Pojulu Cultural Festival, Independence Day, Juba Art Festival, Eid al-Adha |
| Autumn |
Transition period from the rainy season to the dry season |
Kakwa Cultural Festival, Agricultural Thanksgiving, Kakuma Film Festival |
| Winter |
Dry season dryness and high temperatures |
Christmas, New Year, Livestock Movement Ritual |
Additional Information
- Many events are influenced by Christianity, Islam, and ethnic beliefs, mixing religious calendars with natural calendars.
- Agricultural and pastoral activities are closely linked to the climate, and rituals and festivals celebrate the cycles of life resources and milestones of harvest and movement.
- Recent climate changes have made the timing of the start and end of the rainy season more volatile, affecting traditional event scheduling.
In South Sudan, the natural environment and cultural events are inseparable, and understanding the climate deeply supports the livelihoods of local communities.
Patchy light drizzle