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NASA CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Mousa Ali

Volcano

Mousa Ali is a volcanic mountain at Djibouti's northern edge near the Eritrean and Ethiopian borders; trekkers come for steep trails, panoramic views and remote highland scenery.

Mousa Ali Djibouti CityLake AssalMousa Ali
In this guide

Mousa Ali essentials

Country: Djibouti
Driest months: Oct-Dec
Pay in: Franc (Fr)
Language: French
Emergency: 17

Mousa Ali at a Glance

About Mousa Ali

Mousa Ali is a volcanic massif and the highest mountain in Djibouti, rising to roughly two thousand metres above sea level. The peak forms a distinctive conical volcano with steep slopes and ash-and-lava geology.

The mountain sits at the junction of Djibouti, Eritrea and Ethiopia and is a landmark in the region’s highland topography; it is visible from wide distances across the surrounding plains. Access is over rough mountain roads and terrain.

The edifice is volcanic in origin and its summit area marks the country’s topographic high point, used as a geographic reference for the region.

Mousa Ali sits in northeastern Djibouti near the international frontiers with Eritrea and Ethiopia and dominates the local landscape of the border highlands.

  • Highest point in Djibouti: A prominent basaltic massif that marks a tri-border area between Djibouti, Eritrea and Ethiopia and is the highest point in Djibouti.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Mousa Ali

Aim for the region's cooler/drier months (roughly November-February) when visiting the high point-conditions are milder than the lowland heat outside that window.

Cool/dry season (best)
Nov-Feb · "Cooler at elevation; daytime roughly 10-25°C"
Generally the most comfortable window for high‑elevation trekking in the region-drier and milder than the hotter months.
Hot season (avoid if possible)
Mar-Oct · "Warmer to very hot at lower elevations; conditions can be harsh"
Lowland areas become extremely hot; travel in this period can be uncomfortable and more challenging-plan carefully and expect significant heat at lower elevations.

Weather & Climate near Mousa Ali

Climate

Mousa Ali's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in June) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 83 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
NovemberMarchMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
44°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 12° - 23° 17° 24 mm mostly sunny 66% 2.7 m/s 1.8 very high 11.4h
February Ideal 12° - 23° 18° 29 mm mostly sunny 64% 2.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.6h
March Ideal 14° - 25° 20° 28 mm mostly sunny 59% 3.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
April Ideal 16° - 27° 21° 43 mm mostly sunny 57% 3.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.3h
May Ideal 18° - 30° 24° 32 mm mostly sunny 47% 3.2 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.6h
June Ideal 20° - 32° 26° 17 mm mostly sunny 36% 3.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.7h
July Excellent 20° - 31° 26° 59 mm some cloud 43% 4.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.7h
August Excellent 19° - 30° 25° 78 mm some cloud 50% 3.7 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.4h
September Excellent 18° - 30° 24° 49 mm mostly sunny 49% 2.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.1h
October Ideal 15° - 27° 21° 18 mm clear 54% 3.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.7h
November Ideal 13° - 25° 19° 27 mm clear 62% 3.3 m/s 2.0 very high 11.4h
December Ideal 12° - 23° 18° 20 mm clear 66% 3.2 m/s 1.8 very high 11.3h