Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Centre-Ouest region of Burkina Faso is characterized by a Köppen-Geiger classification of BSh (hot semi-arid) and Aw (tropical savanna). This region experiences a dynamic temperature range, with minimum values plummeting to 13°C (56°F) in January, contrasting sharply with maximum temperatures soaring to 43°C (110°F) in April. The average temperature hovers around a warm 29°C (84°F), underscoring the pronounced thermal variations throughout the year and setting the stage for unique ecological and agricultural patterns.
In Centre-Ouest Burkina Faso, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal variations throughout the year. The coolest months are January and February, featuring minimums of 13°C (56°F) and 15°C (59°F), respectively, and average highs gradually increasing from 39°C (102°F) to 40°C (105°F). As the transition into the hot season occurs in March and April, temperatures surge, with March peaking at 43°C (109°F) and April maintaining a maximum level of 43°C (110°F). May sees a slight moderation as temperatures plateau, while June begins the gradual cooling as the region approaches the rainy season, marked by stable averages in the upper 20s °C. From July to September, cooler temperatures dominate, with averages dropping to around 27°C (81°F) and maximums reaching the mid-30s °C. The year closes with a return to slightly warmer conditions in October through December, where temperatures fluctuate between 15°C to 18°C for minimums and average highs around 29°C to 39°C, reflecting the interplay between hot and cooler months in this semi-arid climate.
The climate in the Centre-Ouest region of Burkina Faso shows notable temperature variations during the early months of the year. In Reo, temperatures range from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) in January to a maximum of 42°C (109°F) in April, whereas Koudougou experiences a slightly higher minimum of 15°C (60°F) and a peak of 43°C (109°F) in the same month. Similarly, Leo shares the same minimum of 15°C (60°F) in January but sees a maximum temperature of 42°C (108°F) in April. For more detailed monthly temperatures, you can explore Reo here, Koudougou here, and Leo here.
The precipitation patterns in Centre-Ouest Burkina Faso reveal a marked seasonal shift, with minimal rainfall during the dry months of January through March, accumulating only 3 mm (0.1 in) by the end of March. April begins to introduce slight moisture, contributing 7 mm (0.3 in), while May sees a significant uptick in rainfall, totaling 29 mm (1.2 in) over approximately six rainy days. This trend heralds the start of the wet season, which progresses into June with 69 mm (2.7 in) falling across ten days, laying the groundwork for the region’s more substantial rainfall.
The summer months of July and August are characterized by peak precipitation, with 129 mm (5.1 in) and an impressive 225 mm (8.9 in), respectively. Rainfall frequency also intensifies, reaching up to 24 days in August. Following this peak, precipitation begins to wane in September, dropping to 165 mm (6.5 in), before tapering off further in October to 53 mm (2.1 in). The year closes with dry months in November and December, where virtually no rainfall occurs, underscoring the pronounced wet and dry seasonality intrinsic to this region's climate.
In Centre-Ouest Burkina Faso, sunshine duration exhibits a consistent increase during the first half of the year, highlighting the region's transition from winter to summer. Beginning with 265 hours of sunshine in January, sunny days gradually accumulate, culminating in a peak of 337 hours in May. This trend indicates an abundance of sunlight, which provides favorable conditions for agriculture and supports local livelihoods. Notably, March stands out with 325 hours, reflecting the growing intensity of sunlight as the region approaches its hottest months.
As the wet season approaches, sunshine hours begin to shift, though they remain substantial throughout the summer months. June to August sees a slight dip, with June registering 328 hours and August dropping to 274 hours. Despite this decrease, July maintains a robust 324 hours, demonstrating that ample sunshine persists even during the rainier period. The sunshine duration stabilizes in the latter part of the year, with October and December returning to the upper 300-hour range, reaffirming the region's resilience in sunlight even as the rainy season winds down. Overall, the sunshine patterns highlight a pronounced summer peak, followed by a seasonal moderation, which can significantly influence both environmental and socioeconomic dynamics in the area.
The UV Index in Centre-Ouest Burkina Faso reflects consistently high levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, characterized by an extreme category from January to October. Beginning the year with a UV Index of 11 in January and February, the levels climb to 12 in March and subsequently peak at 14 during the summer months of August and September. This elevated UV exposure signifies an increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time consistently set at just 10 minutes for individuals with fair skin. Such extreme conditions underscore the importance of sun safety measures during this period.
As the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index begins to decline, transitioning to a very high category with values of 10 and 9, respectively. This reduction allows for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes, indicating a marginally lower risk of skin damage but still necessitating caution. The steady prevalence of high UV levels in the Centre-Ouest region highlights the necessity for public awareness and protective strategies, particularly during the peak months, to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Centre-Ouest Burkina Faso, daylight duration remains fairly consistent throughout the year, reflecting the region's proximity to the equator. The year begins with approximately 11 hours of daylight in January and February, providing a steady foundation for daily activities. As the spring months approach, daylight extends to 12 hours in March and remains constant through to September, indicating a prolonged period of natural light that supports agricultural practices and community life.
As the calendar transitions into the final months, daylight returns to 11 hours in October and continues through November and December. This seasonal moderation showcases a slight decrease in daylight duration towards the end of the year. Overall, the predictable patterns of daylight in Centre-Ouest not only enhance the region’s agricultural cycles but also contribute to the overall quality of life for its inhabitants, creating a rhythm that aligns with both natural and social activities.
Bingo, Burkina Faso experiences a distinct climate characterized by hot temperatures and a pronounced wet season. From March to August, temperatures can reach highs of around 43°C (110°F) in April, while average rainfall significantly increases, peaking at 218 mm (8.6 in) in August. The dry season, particularly in January and February, sees minimal precipitation and average high temperatures below 40°C (104°F). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with May having the highest average of 337 hours. For more detailed information, visit Bingo climate.
Gouloure, Burkina Faso experiences a distinct climate characterized by hot temperatures and seasonal rainfall. January to April are typically the hottest months, with average highs reaching up to 43°C (110°F) in April, while August sees the peak of the rainy season with 227 mm (8.9 in) of precipitation. The dry season from November to February features minimal rainfall, making it a notably sunny period with over 265 hours of sunshine in January. Overall, the climate is marked by intense heat during the dry months and substantial rainfall from May to September. For more detailed information, visit Gouloure climate.
Kokologo, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From March to August, temperatures peak, often reaching up to 43°C (110°F), while significant rainfall primarily occurs between June and September, with August receiving the most precipitation at 227 mm (8.9 in). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with May boasting the highest sunshine hours at 337. The dry months from November to February see minimal rainfall and cooler temperatures, averaging around 26°C (80°F). For more details, visit Kokologo climate.
Koudougou, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot climate characterized by a distinct wet season and a dry season. Temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) in January to a maximum of 43°C (109°F) in April. Rainfall is scarce from January to May but significantly increases during the summer months, peaking in August with 222 mm (8.7 in). The city enjoys ample sunshine, averaging over 300 hours per month from January to October. For more detailed climate information, visit Koudougou climate.
The climate in Leo, Burkina Faso, is characterized by a distinct pattern of temperature and precipitation throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) in January to a maximum of 42°C (108°F) in April, peaking during the dry season, while the rainy season from June to September sees significant precipitation, peaking at 236 mm (9.3 in) in August. Despite the heavier rains during this period, sunshine remains abundant, with notable hours ranging from 267 in August to 339 in May. Overall, Leo experiences a tropical climate with a marked wet and dry season. For more details, visit Leo climate.
Pitmoaga, Burkina Faso, experiences a tropical climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) in January to a maximum of 43°C (110°F) in April. The region faces most of its rainfall during the summer months, particularly from June to September, with August seeing the highest precipitation at 227 mm (8.9 in). Despite the heavier rains, the area benefits from ample sunshine, with May recording the most hours at 337. For more details, visit Pitmoaga climate.
Reo, Burkina Faso experiences a hot tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and a distinct wet season. From January to March, temperatures rise significantly, peaking at an average of 33°C (91°F) in April. The rainy season begins in May, culminating in August with peak rainfall of 228 mm (9.0 in) while temperatures remain high. Despite the rains, Reo enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with the highest sunshine hours recorded in May at 337 hours. For detailed climate information, visit Reo climate.
The climate in Sapouy, Burkina Faso, is characterized by a distinct dry and wet season. Temperatures range from a cooler 15°C (59°F) in January to highs of 43°C (109°F) in April, while average temperatures typically hover around 30°C (86°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to April, with a sharp increase during the wet season from May to September, peaking in August at 231 mm (9.1 in). Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant year-round, with May receiving the most sunlight at 337 hours. For more details, visit Sapouy climate.
The climate in Sigle, Burkina Faso, is characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January to March sees maximum temperatures reaching up to 43°C (109°F) with minimal rainfall, while the rainy season from June to September experiences a significant increase in precipitation, peaking in August with 212 mm (8.3 in). Despite this, sunshine is abundant year-round, particularly in the dry months, reaching over 300 hours in many winter months. Overall, Sigle's climate poses a hot and humid environment during the summer, contrasting sharply with its dry, arid winter. For more details, visit Sigle climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Centre-Ouest Burkina Faso is marked by its distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences extreme heat and abundant sunlight during the summer months, accompanied by significant rainfall that supports local agriculture. High UV levels throughout much of the year necessitate careful sun safety measures for residents. Meanwhile, the consistent daylight duration facilitates daily life and agricultural practices. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for fostering sustainable development, ensuring community resilience, and promoting public health initiatives in this vibrant region.