Climate of Hadar, Ethiopia: Tropical Savanna with Distinct Wet/Dry Seasons

Hadar (Afar Region, Great Rift Valley) experiences a tropical savanna (Aw) climate:

• Temperature: Avg 25°C (77°F); hot season Mar–May (~30°C/86°F); cooler Dec–Jan (~20°C/68°F). Diurnal swing up to 20°C.
• Rainfall: ~1,000 mm/yr; wet season Jun–Sep (heavy storms); dry Oct–May.
• Humidity: 80%+ wet; 40–60% dry.
• Vegetation: Grassland/acacia savanna; greens up dramatically in rains.
• Wildlife: Zebra, gazelle, antelope, lion, leopard, hyena, diverse birds.

Seasonal contrast drives ecology and human (pastoral) adaptation. Famous for Australopithecus afarensis fossils ("Lucy").