Last updated: January 18, 2025
Donga, Benin, experiences a tropical savanna climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classification Aw. The region showcases a temperature range that varies significantly throughout the year, with minimum temperatures reaching as low as 15°C (59°F) in January and soaring to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in March. The average temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F), highlighting the warmth typical of this area. Understanding these climatic conditions is essential for both ecological studies and agricultural planning in this vibrant region.
The temperature patterns in Donga, Benin, reveal distinct seasonal trends throughout the year. The region begins the year with cooler temperatures in January, where minimums dip to 15°C (59°F), then gradually warms up as February and March see increases in both average and maximum temperatures, peaking at a scorching 40°C (104°F). As April progresses, temperatures stabilize slightly, with average values around 29°C (85°F). May marks the onset of a slight decline, as average temperatures drop to 28°C (82°F) leading into the onset of the rainy season in June, where further cooling occurs with averages of 26°C (79°F). July and August are characterized by consistent daily highs of 33°C (92°F), signaling a cooler mid-year period. The gradual transition into autumn sees temperatures begin to rise again in September and October before reaching a seasonal close in December with averages returning to 27°C (81°F), thus completing the cycle of warmth and moderation that defines Donga's climate.
In January, Bassila experiences a minimum temperature of 16°C (61°F) and a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in March, while Djougou records slightly lower temperatures, with a minimum of 15°C (59°F) in January and a similar maximum of 40°C (103°F) in March. For more detailed temperature insights, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Bassila here and in Djougou here.
Donga, Benin, experiences a pronounced seasonal rainfall pattern that directly influences its climate. The year begins with dry conditions in January, registering no precipitation, and only a sparse 6 mm (0.3 in) in February, which signals the transition to a wetter season. March marks a notable increase to 32 mm (1.2 in), laying the groundwork for significant precipitation as the rainy season takes hold in April, where levels rise sharply to 68 mm (2.7 in). This upward trend continues into May, with 129 mm (5.1 in), highlighting the intensification of rains as locals prepare for the imminent downpours.
From June through September, Donga reaches its peak rainfall, with July and August featuring the highest totals of 263 mm (10.3 in) and 289 mm (11.4 in), respectively. This period showcases the region's lush and vibrant environment, characterized by frequent rain days, upwards of 28 days in July. Following the wet season, October sees a decline to 163 mm (6.4 in), while November and December experience a return to dryness with negligible precipitation. This cyclical pattern of rain and drought is central to the agricultural practices and water management strategies in Donga.
In Donga, Benin, the sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal rhythm, with a notable increase as the year progresses towards summer. Starting in January with 271 hours of sunshine, the trend rises steadily, culminating in May, when the region enjoys its peak at 340 hours. This trend reflects the transition from the cooler, drier months of winter to the warmer, sunnier conditions of the peak rainy season. April and March also contribute significantly, with 323 hours and 327 hours, respectively, reinforcing the notion that these months are characterized by bright and clear skies.
As the rainy season advances, from June to August, the sunshine hours slightly decline but remain relatively high, averaging around 320 hours in July. This slight decrease indicates that while rain is more frequent, sunshine still prevails, underscoring the tropical savanna climate's capacity for clear days even amid wet weather. The trend stabilizes again in the fall months, with October through December showing 322 to 331 hours of sunshine, ensuring that Donga continues to experience significant sunlight well into the latter part of the year. Overall, the seasonal sunshine pattern highlights Donga’s vibrant climate, offering ample opportunities for agriculture and leisure activities across its sunlit months.
The UV Index in Donga, Benin, is notably high throughout the year, reflecting the region's tropical climate and proximity to the equator. From January to March, Donga experiences an extreme exposure category with a consistent UV Index of 11 to 12, indicating a substantial risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the year progresses into April, the UV Index reaches its peak at 14, sustaining the extreme classification and emphasizing the urgent need for sun protection. This period coincides with the peak of the dry season, where the sun's intensity is highest, and the potential for sunburn is significant with a burn time of just 10 minutes.
As the rainy season approaches, the UV Index remains elevated, ranging from 12 to 14 (extreme) during May through September, ensuring that precautions are still necessary during this wetter time. Interestingly, September marks a slight increase to 14 again, hinting at the lingering intensity before the onset of minor declines in October, where the UV Index drops to 12. November and December see a further decrease to 10, classifying the exposure risk as very high with a burn time of 15 minutes. This seasonal pattern emphasizes a continuous need for sun safety measures in Donga, particularly during the sunniest months when residents and visitors are encouraged to use appropriate protection against harmful UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
In Donga, Benin, the daylight duration remains relatively consistent throughout the year, characterized by minimal variation due to its proximity to the equator. In the first two months—January and February—daylight lasts for approximately 11 hours. This consistent daylight duration sets the stage for a gradual increase as March unfolds, adding an additional hour of sunlight, leading to 12 hours of daylight from March through September. The longer days during these months contribute to the region's vibrant flora and fauna, enhancing agricultural productivity and outdoor activities.
As the year approaches its end, daylight duration begins to decrease once again, settling back to 11 hours in October and remaining steady through November and December. This returning cycle of shorter days signals the onset of the drier and cooler season, yet the overall stability in daylight duration throughout the year ensures that Donga experiences ample sunlight for most of its climate phases. The relatively balanced distribution of daylight supports a thriving ecosystem and aligns with the lifestyle of the local communities, who adapt their activities to the predictable sunlight hours.
The climate in Bassila, Benin is characterized by a tropical pattern with a significant variation in temperature and rainfall throughout the year. January to March sees high temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) to a maximum of 40°C (104°F), with increasing rainfall in March. The wet season peaks from June to August, where monthly rainfall can exceed 275 mm (10.8 in), while the months of January and December experience little to no precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, particularly from February to May, averaging over 300 hours per month. For more detailed information, visit Bassila climate.
Djougou, Benin experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Monthly average temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), with the hottest months being March and April, peaking at 40°C (103°F). Rainfall is minimal in the early months, escalating significantly from May through September, where July sees the highest precipitation at 251 mm (9.9 in). The area enjoys ample sunshine, particularly from January to May, with May recording the most at 341 hours. For more detailed information, visit Djougou climate.
In summary, Donga, Benin, exhibits a distinct climatic profile characterized by high temperatures, significant precipitation, ample sunshine, elevated UV Index levels, and consistent daylight duration throughout the year. The region's tropical savanna climate, with its pronounced wet and dry seasons, supports vibrant agriculture and diverse ecosystems. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for both residents and visitors, as they highlight the importance of sun protection during intense UV periods and appropriate planning for agricultural activities aligned with rainfall trends. Overall, Donga's climate not only shapes the daily lives of its inhabitants but also allows for a rich interaction between humans and the natural environment, making it a unique and dynamic region in West Africa.