Country Summary
This page presents high-level information for South Sudan's climate zones and its seasonal cycle for mean temperature and precipitation for the latest climatology, 1991-2020. Climate zone classifications are derived from the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system, which divides climates into five main climate groups divided based on seasonal precipitation and temperature patterns. The five main groups are A (tropical), B (dry), C (temperate), D (continental), and E (polar). All climates except for those in the E group are assigned a seasonal precipitation sub-group (second letter). Climate classifications are identified by hovering your mouse over the legend. A narrative overview of South Sudan's country context and climate is provided following the visualizations.
The Republic of South Sudan is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It became the world’s newest nation and Africa’s 55th country on July 9th, 2011. Approximately 80% of the total population, which is at estimated 11.2 million (2020) people, lives in rural areas and works in agriculture. South Sudan has large oil revenues, with nearly 98% of the country’s budget revenues from oil. South Sudan’s industrial sector and socio-economic infrastructure is still underdeveloped. The country largely depends on imported goods, services and capital from Sudan. Poverty rates are very high and subsistence agriculture remains the main source of income for the vast majority of the population. South Sudan has one of the richest agricultural areas in Africa; located in the White Nile valley, the region is very fertile, with sufficient water supplies. South Sudan faces a number of natural hazard risks, including floods and drought. Climate variability is likely to negatively impact agriculture, while projected increases in rainfall intensity may increase the risk of floods and the spread of waterborne diseases.