Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Plateau region in Benin is classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as Aw, indicating a tropical savanna climate. This area experiences a significant temperature range, with January recording a minimum of 18°C (65°F), while the average temperature hovers around 27°C (82°F). The peak heat occurs in February, where temperatures can soar to a maximum of 39°C (103°F). Such climatic conditions contribute to the region's distinct ecosystem and agricultural practices.
Temperature patterns in Plateau, Benin reveal significant seasonal fluctuations throughout the year. Starting in January, the region experiences cooler temperatures with a minimum of 18°C (65°F) and average highs reaching 38°C (101°F) by the end of February, marking the peak of the dry season. March and April maintain similar averages, but temperatures slightly stabilize with less extreme highs. As the season transitions into the rainy months of May and June, minimum temperatures rise, reaching around 22°C (72°F), while average highs begin to drop to the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F). July and August bring the coolest averages of the year, hovering around 26°C (79°F), indicating the height of the rainy season. However, minimum temperatures remain steady at 21°C (70°F). By October, temperatures begin to rise again as the dry season approaches, culminating in November with highs of 36°C (97°F), before oscillating slightly throughout December, where the cycle begins anew.
In January, Pobe experiences a minimum temperature of 19°C (66°F), rising to a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in February, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Pobe. Sakete has a slightly lower minimum of 18°C (65°F) in January and reaches a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in February, according to the monthly temperatures in Sakete. Similar to Pobe, Ketou also sees a minimum of 19°C (67°F) in January, with temperatures peaking at 39°C (103°F) in February, as shown in the monthly temperatures in Ketou.
The precipitation patterns in Plateau, Benin, demonstrate a clear seasonal shift, with rainfall escalating significantly from January through September. Beginning with a mere 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain in January, the region transitions into February with 39 mm (1.5 in), marking the start of a gradual increase. By March and April, rainfall climbs to 79 mm (3.1 in) and 86 mm (3.4 in), respectively, as the area prepares for the onset of its wetter season. May serves as a notable turning point, receiving 143 mm (5.6 in), with rainfall days peaking at 23 during this month as the rains become more consistent.
The wettest months are observed from June to October, characterized by impressive precipitation totals. June sees a maximum precipitation of 187 mm (7.4 in), followed closely by July and August, with 181 mm (7.1 in) and 171 mm (6.7 in), respectively. September continues this trend, with 199 mm (7.8 in) being the highest monthly total, with rainfall days averaging around 25. As the rainy season begins to taper off in October, precipitation still remains substantial at 187 mm (7.4 in), while November and December mark a return to drier conditions with only 66 mm (2.6 in) and 24 mm (0.9 in), respectively, indicating a significant shift towards a drier climate.
In Plateau, Benin, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with a notable increase in hours from January through May, culminating in the sunniest months of the year. Starting with 261 hours of sunshine in January, the region experiences a steady uptick, reaching 287 hours in February. March marks a significant leap to 311 hours, and April and May maintain this upward trend with 309 and 321 hours, respectively. This period showcases Plateau's peak sunshine, highlighting the transition from the cooler dry season to the warmer, sun-drenched pre-rainy season.
Following the peak in May, sunshine hours begin to wane slightly, yet remain substantial throughout the rainy season. June retains a healthy 291 hours before July sees a slight increase to 293 hours. August, interestingly, experiences a resurgence of sunlight with 304 hours, showcasing the region's resilience against the typically overcast skies associated with rain. However, as the rainy season progresses into September, sunshine duration falls to 280 hours. Nevertheless, October through December sees a rebound in sunlight, with hours averaging between 297 and 316 hours. This seasonal variability not only influences the local climate but also affects agricultural practices and daily life in Plateau.
The UV Index in Plateau, Benin, indicates consistently high levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, with values predominantly categorized as extreme. Beginning in January, the UV Index stands at 11, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, which remains steady through February. The peak UV Index occurs in April at 14, triggering alerts for immediate protective measures for individuals spending time outdoors, as the burn time is notably short at just 10 minutes. This extreme exposure persists until the end of the rainy season in October, with UV Index values generally fluctuating between 11 and 13 and maintaining a burn time of 10 minutes.
As the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index drops to a 9, classified as very high; however, the relative risk remains substantial, necessitating caution for outdoor activities. In these months, the burn time slightly increases to 15 minutes, providing a marginally safer window for sun exposure. Overall, the data underscores a critical need for sun protection strategies in Plateau, emphasizing the importance of sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade during the peak UV periods to mitigate the health risks associated with extended sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Plateau, Benin, daylight duration shows a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, hovering around 11 to 12 hours per day. In the initial months of January and February, residents benefit from approximately 11 hours of daylight. As the equinox approaches in March, daylight extends to 12 hours and remains consistent until the end of September. This period is particularly advantageous for agricultural activities, as the extended daylight allows for ample time to utilize the sun's energy effectively.
However, daylight begins to taper off in October, reverting back to 11 hours and remaining at this duration through December. This slight reduction in daylight aligns with the onset of the dryer months, where the consistent duration provides a rhythmic balance to daily life. The relatively uniform daylight hours year-round in Plateau contribute to a predictable cycle of activities, influencing both cultural practices and agricultural schedules in this vibrant region.
The climate in Banigbe, Benin, features a warm tropical temperature range, with average monthly temperatures varying from 26°C (79°F) in the cooler months to 29°C (84°F) during the warmer period. The region experiences a significant rainy season from May to October, peaking in June and September when precipitation can reach up to 220 mm (8.6 in). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with the highest hours recorded in May
The climate in Ketou, Benin is characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January sees temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 38°C (101°F), with low precipitation of only 6 mm. The rainy season peaks between May and September, where monthly rainfall can reach up to 169 mm, alongside average temperatures around 26°C (79°F). Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant, particularly in May, which boasts 319 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information on the climate, visit Ketou climate.
Pobe, Benin experiences a tropical climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in February. The rainy season spans from May to September, peaking in September with 192 mm (7.6 in) of rainfall, while January is the driest month with only 14 mm (0.6 in). Sunshine is abundant year-round, particularly in May, which boasts 317 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Pobe climate.
Sakete, Benin, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct rainy seasons. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 18°C (65°F) in January to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in February, with milder months around June to October averaging about 26°C (79°F). The rainy season peaks from May to October, contributing significant precipitation, with June and October receiving around 220 mm (8.6 in). Despite the rainfall, sunlight is abundant, especially from January to May, where monthly sunshine hours exceed 300. For more details, visit Sakete climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Plateau, Benin, characterized by distinct temperature ranges, considerable precipitation, high UV Index levels, and relatively stable daylight duration, profoundly shapes the region's ecology and lifestyle. The tropical savanna climate fosters vibrant biodiversity and supports diverse agricultural practices, while seasonal variations in sunshine and rainfall create dynamic conditions for farming and daily activities. Additionally, the consistently high UV Index emphasizes the need for sun safety measures throughout the year. As Plateau continues to navigate these climatic influences, understanding and adapting to these environmental factors will be crucial for sustaining local livelihoods and promoting health and well-being in the community.