Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Centre, Burkina Faso, is characterized by a semi-arid tropical climate as classified by the Koppen-Geiger system (BSh). Annual temperatures exhibit a marked range, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) recorded in January, rising to an average of 29°C (84°F). The region experiences its peak warmth in April, where thermometers can soar to a maximum of 44°C (111°F). This climatic profile underscores the stark seasonal contrasts and the adaptation strategies necessary for both the local ecology and communities living in this dynamic environment.
Temperature patterns in Centre, Burkina Faso, reveal pronounced seasonal variations throughout the year. The coolest months, January and February, see minimum temperatures around 13-15°C (56-60°F) and peak at approximately 39-40°C (102-103°F), indicating a gradual warming trend. As the dry season progresses into March and April, both minimums and maximums rise significantly, with April reaching scorching highs of 44°C (111°F). Post-April, temperatures stabilize slightly, with May experiencing similar maxima, although minimums remain consistent. The onset of the rainy season in June marks a decline in maximum temperatures, dipping to around 40°C (104°F), while average temperatures fall further as the months progress to July and August, with maxima around 37°C (99°F) and 35°C (95°F), respectively. By the year's end, temperatures begin their descent again, reflecting a cyclical pattern that highlights both the extremes of heat during the dry season and a moderation as the rains arrive.
Ouagadougou experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with minimum temperatures dropping to 14°C (57°F) in January, while April can see maximum highs of 43°C (110°F). This dramatic fluctuation highlights the extreme climate conditions typical of the region. For more details on the monthly temperatures in Ouagadougou, visit monthly temperatures in Ouagadougou.
Precipitation in Centre, Burkina Faso, exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern primarily influenced by the tropical climate. The year begins with virtually no rainfall in January and February, with only negligible amounts of 1 mm (0.1 in) and 2 mm (0.1 in), respectively. As March progresses, light precipitation begins, accumulating to 5 mm (0.2 in) in April, indicating the onset of the wet season. This transition culminates in May, where rainfall significantly increases to 27 mm (1.1 in), and prepares the region for the peak of the rainy season.
June marks a substantial rise in precipitation, with 59 mm (2.3 in) falling, leading into the wettest months of July and August. July receives an impressive 113 mm (4.5 in), while August sees a remarkable 219 mm (8.6 in), showcasing the intensity of monsoonal rains. Following this peak, September experiences a decline yet retains considerable precipitation at 142 mm (5.6 in), before the rains taper off dramatically in October to 45 mm (1.8 in). As the year closes, November and December see a return to dry conditions with no recorded rainfall, highlighting the stark seasonal contrasts within this climate.
In Centre, Burkina Faso, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with longer days blending seamlessly into the region's warm climate. Starting the year with 265 hours of sunlight in January, the hours gradually rise as the months progress. February marks a noticeable increase to 296 hours, followed by a more pronounced jump in March, reaching 325 hours. The peak sunshine month arrives in May, where residents can bask in an impressive 337 hours of sunshine. This trend reflects the region's transition toward the dry season, providing ample sunlight that contributes to the vibrant, warm climate.
However, as the rainy season approaches, sunshine hours gradually decline. Despite remaining relatively abundant in June and July—with 329 hours and 328 hours, respectively—the cloud cover begins to increase due to precipitation. The decline becomes more pronounced in August, where sunlight hours drop to 279, signaling the wet season's peak. After this low point, sunlight begins to recover in the subsequent months, with September receiving 306 hours, and October returning to 325 hours. Overall, the annual pattern highlights the significance of sunshine in Centre, while also illustrating how seasonal changes dramatically affect sunlight availability throughout the year.
The UV Index in Centre, Burkina Faso, reveals consistently high levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, necessitating caution for outdoor activities. Beginning with an index of 11 in both January and February, this extreme level of UV exposure underscores the need for protective measures, as individuals can experience skin damage in as little as 10 minutes. The situation intensifies in March with a peak index of 12, escalating further to 13 in both April and June. This trend indicates that as the dry season progresses toward the peak of summer, the potential for harmful UV exposure increases sharply.
August marks the highest recorded UV Index of 14, highlighting a critical need for sun protection as the intense rays can lead to rapid skin burning within a mere 10 minutes. As the seasons transition into autumn, a slight decrease is observed, bringing the UV Index down to 13 in September and returning to 12 in October. By November, the UV index drops to 10, categorized as very high, while December sees a further reduction to 9, yet still remains significant. This annual pattern illustrates the continuous risk associated with UV radiation in Centre, emphasizing the importance of sun safety throughout the year, particularly during the hottest months.
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In Centre, Burkina Faso, daylight duration remains relatively consistent throughout the year, reflecting the region's proximity to the equator. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, providing a stable amount of natural light during the dry season. As March arrives, daylight increases slightly to 12 hours, a duration that continues through the following months of April, May, June, July, August, and September. This steady daylight duration is beneficial for agriculture and daily activities, ensuring ample sunlight for productivity and outdoor ventures.
As the year progresses into the latter months, daylight duration decreases once again to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This decline returns the region to its initial daylight hours at the beginning of the year. Overall, the consistent length of daylight throughout most of the year highlights the minimal variation typical of equatorial climates, allowing residents to rely on a stable pattern of sunlight for their daily rhythms and agricultural practices.
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a cool 14°C (57°F) in January to a scorching 43°C (110°F) in April, with a notable surge in precipitation during the rainy season from June to September, peaking at 221 mm (8.7 in) in August. The city enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, totaling around 337 hours in May. In contrast, January and February see minimal rainfall, making them drier months. For more detailed information, visit Ouagadougou climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Centre, Burkina Faso, is characterized by its distinct seasonal patterns, marked by high temperatures, substantial variations in precipitation, and consistent daylight duration. The data reveals an extreme UV Index throughout the year, particularly during the dry season, emphasizing the need for sun protection. With long periods of sunshine and an abundance of daylight, the region supports various agricultural activities while also posing challenges related to heat and UV exposure. Overall, understanding these climatic factors is crucial for residents and policymakers alike, as they navigate the impacts of climate on health, agriculture, and daily life in this vibrant region.