Asmara
Capital of Eritrea
Asmara is the capital of Eritrea and has a population of about 963,000 as of 2020. The city is known for its religious landmarks, including several prominent cathedrals and mosques.
What to see
The city features notable religious architecture, including the Enda Mariam Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. The Great Mosque of Asmara is also located in the city.
When to go
Temperatures are generally mild throughout the year, with daily highs ranging from 18 °C to 25 °C and lows between 8 °C and 13 °C. The months of January through June and September through December typically see less rain, ranging from 22 mm to 49 mm. July and August are the wettest months, experiencing 158 mm to 173 mm of rain and the highest number of rainy days, with 18 to 22 days respectively.
Getting there
Asmara International Airport is located 5 km from the city. Another option is the Port Sudan New International Airport in Sudan, which is 490 km away.
Top sights in Asmara
Weather by month
The warmest month is June, with an average high of 25 °C. The wettest is August, with about 173 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 18 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 21 | 20 | 19 |
| Average low, °C | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 9 |
| Rainfall, mm | 36 | 32 | 47 | 49 | 46 | 33 | 158 | 173 | 30 | 30 | 22 | 38 |
| Rainy days | 3 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 18 | 22 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Asmara (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Great Mosque of Asmara