Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Centre-Nord, Burkina Faso, is classified under the Koppen-Geiger BSh regime, indicative of a hot semi-arid environment. Temperature patterns reflect a dramatic seasonal variation, with minimum temperatures plunging to 12°C (54°F) in January and averaging around 29°C (85°F) throughout the year. The intensity of heat peaks in May, when maximum temperatures can soar to an astonishing 45°C (113°F). This climatic dynamic shapes not only the ecology of the region but also the agricultural practices and lifestyle of its inhabitants.
Temperature patterns in Centre-Nord, Burkina Faso, reveal a clear seasonal trend characterized by rising heat leading into the dry season. January starts with cooler nights, with minimum temperatures dropping to 12°C (54°F) and daytime averages around 25°C (77°F). As the months progress into March and April, temperatures escalate, reaching maximums of 43°C (109°F) and 44°C (111°F), respectively, signaling the onset of intense heat. May marks the peak of temperatures, with scorching highs of 45°C (113°F) before a slight relief as temperatures gradually decline in the rainy season from June to August. In this period, while averages drop to the lower 30s, the wet conditions maintain relatively mild temperatures, reflected in the minimums around 20°C (68°F). The cycle completes as temperatures begin to cool again in October and November, with averages returning toward the mid-20s, offering a comfortable transition toward the cooler months of December.
In the Centre-Nord region of Burkina Faso, Kaya experiences a minimum temperature of 13°C (56°F) in January and peaks at 44°C (112°F) in May, while Kongoussi records slightly cooler temperatures with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) in January and a maximum of 45°C (113°F) in May. Similarly, Boussouma shares Kaya's January minimum of 13°C (56°F) and reaches the same maximum temperature of 44°C (112°F) in May. For more details, visit the links for Kaya, Kongoussi, and Boussouma: monthly temperatures in Kaya, monthly temperatures in Kongoussi, and monthly temperatures in Boussouma.
Precipitation in Centre-Nord, Burkina Faso, exhibits distinct seasonal patterns, primarily shaped by a pronounced dry and wet season. From January to April, the region experiences negligible rainfall, with January and February recording 0 mm of precipitation and only slight increases in March and April, accumulating 1 mm and 2 mm, respectively. The onset of the rainy season begins in May, where precipitation increases significantly to 16 mm over just four days, setting the stage for a robust wet period.
The peak of the rainy season occurs from June to August, with July witnessing the highest rainfall at 104 mm across 15 days and August following closely with 182 mm spread over 20 days. September also contributes with 89 mm of rain, albeit with a reduction in rainy days. As the season transitions into October, precipitation decreases sharply to 25 mm over 5 days, before dropping to a complete halt in November and December, marking a return to the dry conditions that characterize the initial months of the year.
In Centre-Nord, Burkina Faso, sunshine duration follows a distinct seasonal pattern, showcasing a marked increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. The year begins with January recording 263 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 295 hours in February. March stands out as a notable month, with sunshine hours peaking at 325 hours, reflecting the region's warming temperatures. April and May maintain this upward trend, with May reaching an impressive 335 hours of sunlight, demonstrating the transition towards the hotter summer months.
As the rainy season approaches in June and July, sunshine hours remain high at 330 hours and 332 hours, respectively, indicating that even during the onset of rains, clear skies are often present. However, a slight reduction occurs in August, which sees 292 hours of sun as cloud cover increases. The trend resumes in September with 309 hours, and October again returns to 325 hours, while November and December maintain similar levels of 314 hours and 324 hours. Overall, the data reflects an abundance of sunshine throughout the year, with an interesting peak in May before the rains, making Centre-Nord a region that enjoys substantial sunlight even during the transitional phases of the wet season.
The UV Index in Centre-Nord, Burkina Faso, is a critical indicator of solar radiation levels, displaying alarming values throughout the year. Beginning in January, the UV Index starts at 10, categorized as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes, signaling the need for protective measures. As February rolls in, the index escalates to 11—the first of several months classified as extreme, reducing the safe sun exposure time to 10 minutes. The pattern of extreme UV levels persists through to May, peaking at 13 during both April and June, with a consistent burn time of only 10 minutes across these months.
The peak UV Index occurs in August, reaching an impressive 14, which necessitates even greater caution against sun exposure during the hottest times. Following August, the values remain elevated, with September dropping slightly to 13, and October seeing a slight decrease to 11. As the year ends in November and December, the UV Index returns to 9, categorized as very high again, along with a burn time of 15 minutes. This data underscores the importance of sun protection in Centre-Nord not just as a seasonal precaution but as a year-round necessity due to consistently high UV levels.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Centre-Nord, Burkina Faso, exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, characterized by varying lengths that reflect the region's tropical climate. In both January and February, the daylight hours are consistent at 11 hours, providing ample light for daily activities. March marks the beginning of a slight increase, leading to a maximum of 12 hours from March through September, creating an ideal environment for agriculture and outdoor pursuits during these months of extended daylight.
As the year progresses into October and beyond, daylight hours return to 11 hours, maintaining consistency observed at the beginning of the year. This gradual shift in daylight duration highlights the region's minimal seasonal variation, with the most significant change occurring during the transition into the wet season from March to September. Overall, the reliable length of daylight in Centre-Nord fosters a rhythm of life that aligns closely with the cycles of agriculture and local traditions throughout the year.
Boulsa, Burkina Faso experiences a hot climate with distinct temperature variations throughout the year. January and February witness cooler nights with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 15°C, while April and May peak at maximums of 44°C and 42°C, respectively. The rainy season occurs from June to September, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 192 mm. Despite the rainfall, sunshine is abundant, particularly in March and May, which boast over 330 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Boulsa climate.
Boussouma, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot and dry climate, characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures rise significantly, peaking in May and April with maximums reaching up to 44°C (112°F). Rainfall begins in June, increasing substantially in July and August, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 176 mm (6.9 in). Despite the rains, sunshine remains abundant, with the highest hours recorded in May at 335 hours. For more detailed information, visit Boussouma climate.
Kaya, Burkina Faso experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January to March sees the hottest conditions, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 44°C (111°F) in April and May. The rainy season occurs from June to September, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 176 mm (6.9 in). Despite the rain, Kaya enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, peaking at 335 hours in May. For more details, visit Kaya climate.
Kongoussi, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot and dry climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) in January to a maximum of 45°C (113°F) in May. Precipitation is minimal from January to April, followed by a significant increase during the rainy season from June to September, peaking in August with 176 mm (6.9 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in March and May, with over 300 hours of sunshine each month. For more details, visit Kongoussi climate.
Korsimoro, Burkina Faso, features a hot climate with peak temperatures occurring from March to April, when averages soar to around 34°C (94°F) and maxima reach up to 44°C (111°F). The city experiences minimal rainfall until May, with August being the wettest month, receiving approximately 194 mm (7.6 in) of precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, especially in February and March, with up to 325 hours of sunlight. The cooler months are between November and January, where temperatures drop slightly, making the climate more bearable. For more detailed information, visit Korsimoro climate.
Mane, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot, predominantly dry climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures peak in April and May, reaching max values of 44°C (111°F) and 45°C (113°F) respectively, while the cooler months average around 24°C (76°F) in January. Rainfall is minimal from January to April, but dramatically increases during the rainy season from June to September, especially in August, which receives about 182 mm (7.2 in) of precipitation. The region basks in abundant sunshine throughout the year, with March and May offering the highest sunshine hours, over 330 hours. For more detailed information, visit Mane climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Centre-Nord, Burkina Faso, is characterized by its significant temperature fluctuations, high sunshine duration, extreme UV Index levels, and stable daylight hours throughout the year. The region experiences a pronounced dry and wet season, with intense heat peaking in May and critical rainfall commencing in June. The consistent sunlight, coupled with extreme UV levels, necessitates protective measures for residents and visitors alike. With daylight duration remaining relatively steady, the climatic conditions provide a unique environment that influences local agriculture, daily life, and seasonal activities. Overall, understanding these climatic features is essential for effectively adapting to and thriving in this vibrant region of Burkina Faso.