Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Alibori, Benin, is categorized under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw, indicating a tropical savanna climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures exhibit a notable range, with monthly minima dipping to 15°C (59°F) in January, while averages hover around a warm 29°C (85°F) year-round. The peaks of heat are felt in April, when maximum temperatures can soar to an extreme 44°C (111°F). This climatic profile underscores the region's potential for agricultural productivity, as well as challenges related to heat management and water resource distribution.
In Alibori, Benin, temperature patterns exhibit a clear seasonal progression characterized by warming trends that culminate in peak heat during the months of March and April. January marks the coldest month, with minimum temperatures dropping to 15°C (59°F) and an average of 27°C (80°F), transitioning into February when temperatures begin to rise notably. April reaches the zenith of heat, with maxima hitting 44°C (111°F), before temperatures gradually decline in May. The rainy season sees a slight moderation in warmth, particularly in June and July, when averages dip to around 29°C (85°F) and 27°C (81°F), respectively. As the year progresses towards the cooler months of October and November, temperatures remain relatively mild, ranging from 19°C (67°F) to 29°C (84°F) on average, ultimately re-cooling in December with minima of 16°C (62°F). This seasonal fluctuation not only reflects the distinct climatic zones of the region but also plays a critical role in local agriculture and ecosystem dynamics.
Kandi and Banikoara experience a similar temperature range, with January minimums of 15°C (59°F) and maximums peaking at 43°C (110°F) in April, as detailed in their respective links: monthly temperatures in Kandi and monthly temperatures in Banikoara. In contrast, Malanville records slightly higher maximum temperatures, reaching 44°C (111°F) in April, while also starting with a minimum of 15°C (60°F) in January, as outlined in the link: monthly temperatures in Malanville.
Precipitation in Alibori, Benin, exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern, reflecting the region's tropical climate. The dry months of January through March receive negligible rainfall, with January and February registering merely 0 mm and 2 mm respectively. As the dry season transitions into the wet season in April, a notable increase in rainfall occurs, culminating in 11 mm over just three days. The onset of the rainy season in May heralds significant changes, with total precipitation escalating to 50 mm over 10 days. This trend continues to intensify through the summer months, culminating in August, when rainfall peaks at 243 mm over 24 days, indicating the month with the highest precipitation frequency.
Following the peak wet months of July and August, rainfall begins to diminish sharply. September still retains considerable precipitation at 141 mm, yet this marks the start of a gradual decline leading into the drier months of October and November, which receive 56 mm and 0 mm respectively. December also experiences a return to dryness, resulting in no recorded precipitation. The cyclical nature of rainfall patterns is crucial for the local ecosystem, impacting agricultural practices and water resource management in the region, ultimately shaping both the natural and human environment of Alibori.
In Alibori, Benin, sunshine duration reveals a captivating seasonal trend, characterized by a steady increase from January through the summer months. Beginning with 269 hours of sunshine in January, the hours gradually rise, with February and March recording 302 hours and 332 hours respectively. This upward trajectory peaks in May, where residents enjoy an impressive 345 hours of bright sunlight, complemented by the clear skies typical of the dry season. July continues this trend, reaching a high of 348 hours, making it the sunniest month of the year, as the region experiences minimal rainfall and maximum solar exposure.
As the rainy season begins to taper off, sunshine hours remain relatively stable, with June and August reporting 334 hours and 326 hours respectively. Despite this consistency, a slight decline is observed in the autumn months, where sunshine hours drop to 320 hours in September and 319 hours in November. October, however, offers a brief resurgence with 331 hours of sunlight. Overall, this pattern indicates that while Alibori enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, the mid-year months stand out as particularly bright, providing optimal conditions for agriculture and outdoor activities before the onset of the wetter months.
The UV Index in Alibori, Benin, consistently demonstrates a significant and concerning trend throughout the year, with levels primarily categorized as extreme. Beginning in January and extending through May, the UV Index registers 11, indicating a persistent risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a notably brief burn time of 10 minutes. March marks a slight increase to 12, while April reaches its maximum at 13, emphasizing the urgent need for sun protection during peak hours. This extreme UV exposure continues into the height of summer, with July and August also sustaining a UV Index of 13, ensuring that residents remain vigilant against sunburn and long-term skin damage.
As the year transitions into the latter months, the UV Index begins to slightly decrease, with November at 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a marginally longer burn time of 15 minutes. December follows with a UV Index of 9, still indicating heightened caution against sun exposure, although the threat lessens compared to the preceding months. This pattern underscores the necessity for constant awareness of UV radiation levels in Alibori, particularly during the dry season, and emphasizes the importance of protective measures such as sunscreen, clothing, and shade to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Alibori, Benin, daylight duration exhibits a stable and predictable pattern throughout the year, largely reflecting the region's equatorial position. Starting in January and continuing through February, the area enjoys approximately 11 hours of daylight each day, providing a consistent light source for daily activities. As the seasons progress into March, daylight hours increase slightly to 12 hours, a duration that remains steady from April through September, ensuring that the region benefits from ample sunlight during the wetter months. This consistent allocation of daylight contributes significantly to the agricultural cycles and daily life of the local population.
As the year transitions into the latter months, daylight duration begins to taper off once again. In October, daylight returns to 11 hours, a duration echoing the early months of the year. The trend continues into November and December, where daylight duration again averages 11 hours. This cyclic pattern, characterized by periods of 11 and 12 hours of daylight, reflects the minimal seasonal variation typical of tropical climates and is essential for planning agricultural practices, community events, and daily routines in Alibori.
Angara-Debou, Benin, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. From January to March, temperatures rise, peaking at averages of 33°C (92°F) in March, while April records its maximum at 34°C (94°F). The rainy season begins in May, intensifying through July, with August receiving the most precipitation at 247 mm (9.7 in). Despite the rains, the region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in June and July, with over 330 hours of sunshine each month. For more detailed information, visit Angara-Debou climate.
Banikoara, Benin experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January to March sees temperatures soaring up to 43°C (110°F), while the rainy season peaks from June to August with significant precipitation, reaching up to 230 mm (9.1 in) in August. The region enjoys ample sunshine year-round, with July boasting the highest at 347 hours. For more detailed information, visit Banikoara climate.
Goumori, Benin experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant seasonal rainfall. The hottest months are April and March, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 43°C (109°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to February but surges from May to September, peaking in August at 234 mm (9.2 in). Despite the rainfall, Goumori enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the dry season, with hours ranging from 270 in January to 347 in July. For more detailed information, visit Goumori climate.
Kandi, Benin experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. The hottest months are typically April and May, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 43°C (110°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to March, but increases significantly from June to August, peaking in August with 247 mm (9.7 inches) of rain. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with May and July recording the highest hours of sunlight, around 345 and 350 hours respectively. For more detailed information, visit Kandi climate.
Malanville, Benin, experiences a tropical climate characterized by extreme temperatures and a distinct wet season. Average temperatures range from a low of 15°C (60°F) in January to a high of 44°C (111°F) in April, with notable heat peaking in March and April. Precipitation is minimal from January to April, but increases significantly from June to September, reaching its peak in August with 257 mm (10.1 in). Despite heavy rainfall during the wet months, the region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in May and July, with over 340 hours of sunlight each month. For more details, visit Malanville climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Alibori, Benin, is marked by distinct seasonal patterns characterized by temperature fluctuations, varying precipitation, significant sunshine duration, extreme UV Index levels, and stable daylight hours. The tropical savanna climate, with its warm temperatures and pronounced wet and dry seasons, presents both opportunities and challenges for the local population, particularly in agriculture and health management. As residents navigate the environmental conditions, understanding these climatic trends becomes essential for optimizing agricultural practices, ensuring effective sun protection, and planning daily activities. Overall, Alibori's climate not only shapes its natural landscape but also profoundly influences the lifestyle and well-being of its inhabitants.