WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Djibouti

Location

Climate

Located on the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is a fascinating destination offering a unique blend of cultures, landscapes and experiences.

Djibouti's seasons: between heat and rain

Djibouti's climate is mainly desert, with high temperatures all year round. However, there are two main seasons:

• The dry season which runs from November to April. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C, with a peak in March and April when temperatures can reach 35°C.
• The rainy season which runs from May to October, with moderate rainfall and slightly lower temperatures, fluctuating between 20°C and 25°C.

Although rainfall is generally light during the wet season, it can sometimes cause flooding and make certain roads impassable. It is therefore advisable to check weather conditions before planning your trip.

Best time to visit Djibouti

To take full advantage of Djibouti's beauty and the activities and events it has to offer, the ideal time to visit the country is between November and February. During this period, temperatures are cooler and more pleasant, making travel and sightseeing more comfortable. It's also the best time to observe the local wildlife, especially the whale sharks that feed in the plankton-rich waters of the Gulf of Tadjourah.

Major cultural events not to be missed

Djibouti's festive calendar features several major cultural events throughout the year:

• Independence Daycelebrated every year on June 27, marks Djibouti's independence from France in 1977. Festivities include parades, concerts and fireworks.
• Djibouti International Poetry Festival is an annual event held in April that brings together poets from all over the world for public readings, workshops and performances.
• Muslim religious holidays such as Eid el-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are celebrated with fervor by the majority of the population. They provide an opportunity to share festive meals with family and friends.

These events are an excellent opportunity to discover the local culture and meet the locals in a friendly, festive setting.

Public holidays and low and high season periods

In addition to religious holidays, Djibouti also celebrates several national holidays, such as New Year's Day (January 1), Labor Day (May 1) and National Day (June 27). On these days, most shops and public services are closed, but tourist sites generally remain accessible. Regarding the low and high season periods, it's important to note that :

• Low season is generally between May and October, corresponding to the rainy season. Prices for accommodation and tourist activities are often lower during this period, but some attractions may be less accessible due to weather conditions.
• High season extends from November to April, coinciding with the dry season. Prices tend to rise during this period, but crowds are generally moderate compared to other tourist destinations.

So it's best to plan your stay in Djibouti according to your desires and constraints, keeping in mind climatic conditions and tourist numbers.

Djibouti's must-see regions

Djibouti offers a wide variety of landscapes and sites to explore. Here are a few must-see regions:

• The city of Djiboutithe country's capital, is a fascinating blend of African, Arab and French influences. Be sure to visit the central market, the historic district and the port.
• Lake Assallocated in the Grand Bara region, is the lowest point in Africa and the third deepest salt lake in the world. Its turquoise waters and lunar landscapes are breathtaking.
• Day Forest National Park is home to one of the region's last remaining tropical dry forests and offers the opportunity to observe endemic flora and fauna.
• The Gulf of Tadjourah is a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers, thanks to its preserved coral reefs and exceptional marine fauna, including the famous whale sharks.

The Republic of Djibouti, located in the strategic Horn of Africa region, is a country that attracts many migrants and tourists thanks to its geographical position, its openness to international markets and its stable political climate.

International migration in Djibouti: general data

According to United Nations data, the stock of international migrants in Djibouti was around 49,000 in 2019, or almost 5 % of the country's total population. This proportion places Djibouti among the African countries with the highest representativeness of international migrants relative to their population. The main countries of origin of migrants in Djibouti are neighboring countries such as Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea. These migratory flows are mainly linked to economic and political factors, including the search for jobs, access to social services and escape from conflict or persecution.

The different types of visa required in Djibouti

There are several categories of visa to enter Djibouti, depending on the length of stay and the purpose of the visit. Here are the main visa categories and their respective requirements:

• Tourist Visa Djibouti visa: This visa is intended for foreign visitors wishing to travel to Djibouti for vacations or family visits. It is generally valid for 30 days and can be extended on site.
• Transit visa This visa is granted to international travelers who stop over in Djibouti for a short period (less than 24 hours) before continuing their journey to another destination. It does not give the right to work or settle in the country.
• Business Visa Djibouti visa: This visa is issued to people visiting Djibouti to take part in meetings, conferences or professional training courses. The duration of validity varies according to the specific needs of the applicant, ranging from a few days to several months.
• Work visa This visa is intended for foreign workers employed by Djiboutian companies or international organizations based in the country. It is generally valid for one year and can be renewed.
• Student visa Non-Djiboutian students wishing to study at a higher education institution in Djibouti can apply for a student visa. This visa is generally valid for the duration of the studies, and can be extended if necessary.

It is important to note that nationals of certain countries, such as the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia and New Zealand, can obtain a electronic visa (e-visa) for travel to Djibouti. This procedure simplifies and accelerates the visa application process by enabling travelers to submit their application online before arriving in the country.

International tourism in Djibouti: key figures

Djibouti has seen a growth in the number of international visitors in recent years. In 2017, the country welcomed around 110,000 touristsThis represents an increase of almost 37 % compared with 2016. The main reasons why international tourists visit Djibouti are :

• Discover unique natural landscapes such as Lake Assal, Lake Abbé and the Day rainforests;
• Water activities such as scuba diving, sport fishing and sailing;
• Observe local wildlife, including migratory birds and whale sharks;
• Participation in cultural and sporting events, such as the Djibouti marathon or traditional festivals organized by the country's various ethnic communities.

Challenges and opportunities in the tourism sector

Despite the rise in the number of international visitors, Djibouti's tourism sector faces a number of challenges. These include

• Lack of tourist infrastructure, particularly in terms of accommodation and transport;
• Regional competition, with neighbouring destinations such asEthiopia, l'Egypt or the Kenya which attract large numbers of international travellers;
• Concerns about the health and safety of travelers, particularly in certain border areas where armed conflicts are underway.

However, these challenges also offer opportunities for the development of Djibouti's tourism sector. The government and private players can invest in building new infrastructure, promoting the destination abroad and improving services for travelers.