Last updated: January 18, 2025
In Zou, Benin, the climate is classified as Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by a tropical savanna. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 19°C (66°F) in January, while average temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F), indicative of a warm climate. The hottest month is February, where temperatures can peak at 39°C (103°F), reflecting the intense heat typical of the dry season. This climatic profile emphasizes the region's distinctive seasonal patterns and substantial temperature variations throughout the year, providing a vivid backdrop for understanding local weather dynamics.
Temperature patterns in Zou, Benin, reveal a distinct seasonal trend marked by a warm tropical climate. The year begins with relatively cooler temperatures in January, with minimums around 19°C (66°F) and maximums reaching 38°C (101°F). As February and March approach, temperatures rise slightly, introducing higher averages of about 30°C (87°F) and culminating in maximums of 39°C (103°F). April sees a subtle decline in maximum temperatures, settling around 38°C (100°F), while May and June indicate the onset of cooler and more stable conditions, with averages dipping to 28°C (83°F) and 27°C (81°F), respectively. The rainy season, which stretches from late June through September, brings further reductions in temperature, with maximums around 32°C (90°F). As the year progresses into November and December, temperatures begin to stabilize again, returning to averages of 28°C (83°F) and 29°C (84°F). Overall, the temperature trends highlight a clear pattern of warmth punctuated by a brief cooler period during the rainy season, characterizing the local climate's dynamic nature.
In Abomey, temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in February, while Bohicon shares this same temperature profile. Similarly, Ouinhi experiences a minimum of 19°C (66°F) in January with slightly lower maximums peaking at 39°C (102°F) in February. For more detailed monthly temperatures, you can check the links for monthly temperatures in Abomey, monthly temperatures in Bohicon, and monthly temperatures in Ouinhi.
Precipitation in Zou, Benin, exhibits pronounced seasonal variation, predominantly influenced by the tropical climate. The year commences with a notably dry January, receiving just 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain over no measurable precipitation days, transitioning to February's 29 mm (1.1 in), marking the emergence of sporadic rainfall. As temperatures rise through March and April, precipitation significantly increases, with March recording 60 mm (2.3 in) and April reaching 74 mm (2.9 in), highlighting the build-up to the rainy season. The onset of this season is fully realized in May, where the rainfall spikes to 115 mm (4.5 in) across 18 days, setting the stage for the heaviest months.
June through September represent the peak of the rainy season in Zou, with monthly precipitation soaring to 140 mm (5.5 in) in June, peaking in September at 179 mm (7.1 in) over 23 rainy days. This period not only brings significant rainfall but also sustains cooler temperatures, influencing local agricultural practices and water availability. As the year comes to a close, precipitation drops sharply again in October to 145 mm (5.7 in), followed by a sharp decline in November and December, with just 33 mm (1.3 in) and 9 mm (0.4 in), respectively. This cyclical pattern underscores the significance of seasonal rains for the region's ecosystem and livelihood.
In Zou, Benin, the sunshine duration reveals a dynamic pattern influenced by the region's tropical climate. January begins the year with a solid 262 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing through February and hitting 288 hours. The trend continues upward, reaching its apex in May with an impressive 321 hours, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. This peak coincides with the dry season, when clear skies dominate the region, allowing for abundant sunlight and warmth, essential for local agriculture and ecosystems.
As the rainy season approaches, sunshine hours experience a slight decline, with June and July maintaining around 292 hours each. This reduction is followed by a gradual increase again in October, where sunshine levels stabilize at 292 hours, then climb to 317 hours in December. Interestingly, while the rainy months of June to September typically feature less sunlight, the overall sunshine hours throughout the year remain fairly consistent, which highlights the resilience of the local climate. The cyclical nature of sunshine in Zou not only shapes agricultural practices but also influences daily life and activity planning for the community.
The UV Index in Zou, Benin, underscores the intensity of solar radiation throughout the year, categorized primarily as extreme from January to October. Starting in January, the UV Index measures at 11, indicating a level of solar radiation that poses significant risk for unprotected skin with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This extreme exposure persists into February and March, where it remains steady at 11 and increases to 12 by the onset of April, peaking at 14 in that month. Such high values highlight the critical need for sun protection across the community as the intensity of sunlight amplifies with the approach of the dry season.
After reaching its peak in April, the UV Index slightly declines but remains critically high, achieving values of 12 in the following months, including the heart of the rainy season. In September, the index climbs back to 13 before tapering off to 12 in October. Notably, November and December witness a decrease in UV intensity, with an index of 9 categorized as very high, allowing for slightly longer exposure times of 15 minutes before burns occur. This seasonal trend emphasizes the importance of ongoing awareness and protective measures against harmful UV radiation, especially in the months preceding the rainy season when UV exposure remains alarmingly high.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Zou, Benin, demonstrates a stable annual cycle, with minimal fluctuations throughout the year. In the early months of January and February, residents experience approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing a steady rhythm to daily activities. As March arrives, daylight extends to 12 hours, a trend that continues through the majority of the year, reflecting the region's proximity to the equator where day-length variability is minimal. This consistent daylight allows for a reliable pattern in agricultural practices, leisure activities, and social interactions within the community.
The latter part of the year sees a return to 11 hours of daylight in October, November, and December, marking a subtle shift as the transition into the dry season begins. Despite this decrease, the overall consistency in daylight hours underscores a predictable climate conducive to both farming and daily life. The endurance of 12 hours of daylight over most of the year reinforces the importance of sunlight in sustaining local ecosystems and cultural practices, making Zou a region well-adapted to its luminous environment.
Abomey, Benin, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. The warmest months are April to September, with average temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F) and maximums often exceeding 39°C (102°F). Rainfall is heaviest from June to September, accumulating up to 183 mm (7.2 in) in September, while January is relatively dry with only 4 mm (0.2 in). Sunshine hours are abundant year-round, peaking in May with around 323 hours. For more detailed information, visit Abomey climate.
Bohicon, Benin, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. Temperatures typically range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in March, with an average around 28-30°C (82-86°F) during most months. The rainy season spans from May to September, peaking in July with approximately 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain. Despite the rainfall, sunshine hours are abundant, especially in March and May, reaching up to 323 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Bohicon climate.
Cove, Benin experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in March, with cooler months during July and August averaging 26°C (79°F). The wettest months are from June to September, collectively receiving over 600 mm (23.6 in) of rain, while January and December see the least precipitation. Sunshine is plentiful, with May boasting the highest hours at 319, making it a bright but humid period. For more detailed climate information, visit Cove climate.
The climate in Ouinhi, Benin, is characterized by a warm and humid tropical environment, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in February. Precipitation peaks from May to September, with July recording the highest rainfall at 172 mm (6.8 in). Despite the rainy season, sunshine hours remain relatively high, with May averaging 319 hours of sun. The transition between the dry and wet seasons offers a diverse climate experience year-round. For further details, visit Ouinhi climate.
Zagnanado, Benin experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. The monthly average temperatures range from 26°C (79°F) in the cooler months of July and August to a high of 30°C (86°F) in the warmer months like February and March. Precipitation peaks from May to September, with July being the wettest month at 167 mm (6.6 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly from February to May, boasting over 300 hours of sun each month. For a detailed overview, visit Zagnanado climate.
In conclusion, Zou, Benin, exhibits a dynamic climate characterized by high temperatures, significant rainfall, and consistent sunlight throughout the year. The data reveals pronounced seasonal trends, including intense UV radiation and stable daylight hours that impact both individual lifestyles and agricultural practices. With extreme UV indices during the dry season and substantial precipitation in the rainy months, it becomes crucial for the community to adapt to these environmental challenges through effective protective measures and sustainable practices. Understanding these climatic nuances not only enhances awareness but also fosters resilience in local communities, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly changing climate.