Last updated: April 17, 2025
Hauts-Bassins, Burkina Faso, exemplifies a tropical savanna climate classified as Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger system. Characterized by a sharp temperature gradient, the region experiences a minimum temperature of 14°C (58°F) in January, rising to an average of 29°C (84°F). The peak of the warm season occurs in April, where maximum temperatures can soar to a blistering 44°C (111°F). This climatic profile underscores the significant seasonal temperature fluctuations that define the region, impacting both local ecology and human activity.
Temperature patterns in Hauts-Bassins, Burkina Faso reveal a distinct seasonal progression, with a significant increase in warmth as the year advances towards the hot season. January begins with cooler conditions, showcasing minimum temperatures around 14°C (58°F) and average highs of 39°C (102°F). As February and March approach, both minimum and average temperatures rise, reaching peaks of 42°C (108°F) in March. April stands out as the hottest month, where temperatures can escalate to a searing 44°C (111°F). By May, a slight decline in maximum temperatures occurs, yet the region remains warm before transitioning into cooler conditions during the rainy season from June to August, where averages drop to around 26–29°C (79–84°F). September marks a gradual return to warmer temperatures, and by the year's end in December, the range stabilizes, reflecting the cyclical nature of this tropical climate.
In Bobo-Dioulasso, January temperatures range from a cool minimum of 14°C (58°F) to a scorching maximum of 43°C (109°F) in April, while Hounde experiences slightly milder January temperatures with a minimum of 16°C (61°F) and peaks at 44°C (111°F) in April. For more detailed monthly temperature information, visit monthly temperatures in Bobo-Dioulasso and monthly temperatures in Hounde.
In Hauts-Bassins, Burkina Faso, precipitation exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern, largely aligned with the tropical savanna climate. The year commences with negligible rainfall, as January and February receive only 0 mm and 1 mm, respectively. As the region transitions into the hot season, slight increases are noted, culminating in 25 mm in April and 48 mm in May. However, the onset of the rainy season is unmistakable in June, when rainfall escalates significantly to 84 mm, followed by a remarkable peak in August that sees 250 mm of precipitation over just 26 days.
The heavy rains continue into September, contributing 136 mm before tapering off in October with 70 mm and a decrease in rainy days. November and December finalize the year with minimal precipitation, only 2 mm and 0 mm, respectively. This distinct wet and dry cycle is essential for the region’s agriculture and water resources, influencing both the environmental dynamics and the livelihoods of local communities.
The Hauts-Bassins region of Burkina Faso experiences a dramatic shift in humidity levels throughout the year. Beginning in January, the air is exceptionally dry with humidity levels dropping to 9%, but this changes markedly by March when humidity begins to rise, reaching 22%. As the months progress toward the rainy season, there is a pronounced increase; by June, humidity soars to 82%, peaking in August at an astounding 87%. The transition from the dry season to the wet months is stark, with September holding on to similar high levels before tapering off in November to 71%. As the year closes, the humidity plunges back down to 12% in December, completing a remarkable cycle of dry and wet climatic extremes that shapes life in Hauts-Bassins.
In Hauts-Bassins, Burkina Faso, sunshine duration reflects the region's vibrant seasonal shifts, with a clear upward trend from the cooler winter months into the hot season. January begins the year with 266 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 295 hours in February. As the dry heat of March arrives, sunshine peaks at 323 hours, continuing to soar to an impressive 338 hours in May, marking the height of the pre-rainy season. This trend manifests a period of abundance, where extended daylight hours effectively support agricultural activities and enhance the local community's connection with their environment.
However, as the rainy season sets in, sunshine hours experience a slight decline. June, while still boasting 327 hours, indicates the onset of cloud cover before July dips to 314 hours. Despite the reduced sunlight, the overall average remains admirable throughout the summer months, with 277 hours in August reflecting the moist conditions. September witnesses a rebound to 290 hours, while the transition to October brings back significant sunshine at 322 hours, maintaining 320 hours in November and 327 hours in December. These observations underscore a dynamic interplay between sunlight and seasonal weather patterns, vital for the region's agricultural resilience and ecological health.
The UV Index in Hauts-Bassins, Burkina Faso, varies throughout the year, reflecting the intensity of solar radiation typical of tropical regions. January and February each record a UV Index of 11, classified as extreme, indicating a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, where a burn can occur in just 10 minutes. As the months progress, the UV Index further escalates, peaking at 14 in both August and September. This period marks the height of solar intensity, underscoring the need for protective measures like sunscreen or clothing to mitigate skin damage during prolonged outdoor activities.
As the year winds down, the UV Index begins to moderate slightly, dropping to 12 in October and easing to 10 in November and December, the latter two classified as very high but offering a bit more leeway with a burn time of 15 minutes. Despite this reduction, the consistently high UV levels throughout the year emphasize the climate's potential health risks, necessitating a year-round awareness of sun safety practices. This relentless exposure not only impacts skin health but also calls for public awareness campaigns to educate locals and visitors about the dangers of extreme UV levels and the importance of protective measures.
UV Risk Categories
In Hauts-Bassins, Burkina Faso, daylight duration exhibits a consistent pattern influenced by the region's geographical positioning. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, revealing a stable shifting cycle. As March approaches, the duration increases to 12 hours, a trend that continues through to September. This period of extended daylight allows for enriched agricultural practices and enhances the community's daily activities, aligning with the region's reliance on natural light for functioning.
As the year transitions into October, November, and December, daylight duration reverts to 11 hours, marking the close of the sunny season. Despite this reduction, the generally stable daylight hours throughout the year reflect the region’s equatorial climate. The reliable pattern of daylight allows inhabitants to plan their activities and cultivate crops effectively, underscoring the harmony between environmental cycles and local ways of life.
Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and a distinct wet season. Monthly average temperatures range from 26°C (78°F) in August to 32°C (90°F) in March and April, with peak highs reaching 43°C (109°F) in April. Rainfall is minimal from January to March but increases significantly from May to September, peaking in August with 272 mm (10.7 in). Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in the dry months, with the sun shining for up to 340 hours in May. For more details, visit Bobo-Dioulasso climate.
Houndé, Burkina Faso, features a hot tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures can soar as high as 44°C (111°F) in April, while the cooler months bring minimums around 16°C (61°F) in January. Rainfall increases significantly during the summer months, peaking in August with 227 mm (8.9 in), while the dry season sees minimal precipitation. The region enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with May experiencing the highest monthly hours at 337. For more detailed information, visit Hounde climate.
In conclusion, the climatic characteristics of Hauts-Bassins, Burkina Faso, underscore the region's vibrant environmental dynamics and the crucial interplay between temperature, precipitation, sunlight, UV index, and daylight duration. With a clear seasonal pattern in temperature and rainfall, the area experiences a pronounced wet and dry cycle, crucial for agriculture and local livelihoods. Additionally, the consistently high UV index throughout much of the year highlights the necessity for sun safety awareness, while stable daylight hours provide a reliable framework for daily activities and seasonal planning. Understanding these climatic elements is essential for fostering sustainable practices and enhancing the resilience of the communities that depend on the region's natural resources.