Africa is known for its diverse landscapes—from the sunbaked sands of the Sahara to the cool highlands of the south. But just how wide is the continent’s temperature range? According to average temperature data from Trading Economics for December 2023, the gap between Africa’s hottest and coldest countries reveals fascinating insights into geography, elevation, and the growing impact of climate change.
Below is a breakdown of the 10 hottest and coldest African countries, based on their mean annual temperatures, not just record highs or lows. Temperatures are rounded to one decimal place and presented in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Average Temperatures in African Countries (2023)
| Rank | Country | Avg Temp (°C) | Avg Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burkina Faso | 30.0 | 86.0 |
| 2 | Mali | 29.7 | 85.5 |
| 3 | Senegal | 29.7 | 85.5 |
| 4 | Mauritania | 29.4 | 84.9 |
| 5 | Gambia | 29.2 | 84.6 |
| 6 | Guinea Bissau | 28.7 | 83.7 |
| 7 | Benin | 28.6 | 83.5 |
| 8 | Djibouti | 28.6 | 83.5 |
| 9 | Niger | 28.3 | 82.9 |
| 10 | Ghana | 28.3 | 82.9 |
| … | |||
| 41 | Zambia | 22.0 | 71.6 |
| 42 | Angola | 21.5 | 70.7 |
| 43 | Tunisia | 21.2 | 70.2 |
| 44 | Swaziland | 21.1 | 70.0 |
| 45 | Burundi | 20.8 | 69.4 |
| 46 | Namibia | 20.5 | 68.9 |
| 47 | Rwanda | 19.5 | 67.1 |
| 48 | Morocco | 19.0 | 66.2 |
| 49 | South Africa | 18.6 | 65.5 |
| 50 | Lesotho | 12.8 | 55.0 |
Why Is It So Hot in the Sahel?
At the top of the list is Burkina Faso, with an annual average temperature of 30.0°C (86°F). This West African country is landlocked and lies deep in the Sahel—a transitional zone between the Sahara Desert and the savannahs to the south. The region experiences high solar radiation, dry desert winds, and minimal oceanic influence. While a rainy season brings brief relief, it is both short and inconsistent, placing constant pressure on water resources, agriculture, and human health.
Interestingly, five of the ten hottest African countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Mauritania, and Niger—are clustered in this same Sahel-Sahara corridor. This highlights a geographic pattern where desert proximity and low vegetation cover directly translate to rising heat levels.
Surprising Chill in the South
On the opposite end of the spectrum lies Lesotho, with an average temperature of just 12.8°C (55°F)—a rare chill for Africa. This small, landlocked country is unique: every part of its territory lies over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, making it the only country in the world entirely situated at such a high elevation. Thanks to its mountainous terrain, Lesotho regularly experiences frost and even snow during the winter months of June to August, earning it the nickname “the Kingdom in the Sky.” It’s also home to one of the only ski resorts on the continent.
Other cooler countries—like South Africa, Rwanda, and Morocco—benefit from a combination of higher elevations, ocean breezes, and temperate climates that help keep average temperatures below 20°C in some regions.
Why Tracking These Extremes Matters
Understanding these temperature extremes isn’t just about weather trivia—it plays a vital role in climate adaptation, infrastructure planning, and agricultural stability. Regions like the Sahel are already battling severe droughts, while cooler countries may face different sets of challenges, such as frost damage or shifting rainfall patterns.
With the escalating impact of global warming, even modest shifts in average temperature can have outsized consequences. Hot regions are getting hotter, placing additional strain on water supplies, food production, and public health systems. Meanwhile, the resilience of cooler climates may also be tested by increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Methodology
All temperature data referenced in this article and the accompanying graphic was sourced from Trading Economics, based on average temperatures recorded up to December 2023. Figures are presented in both degrees Celsius and Fahrenheit and rounded to the nearest 0.1 unit for clarity.