Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Nord, Burkina Faso, categorized under the Köppen-Geiger classification as BSh, exhibits a distinct pattern characterized by a semi-arid environment. Temperature fluctuations are notable, with minimums dropping to 12°C (53°F) in the coldest month of January, while scorching peaks can reach up to 45°C (113°F) in May. With an average temperature around 29°C (84°F), the region experiences significant heat, coupled with relatively low humidity levels, shaping the unique ecological and social dynamics of this area.
In Nord, Burkina Faso, temperature patterns display a clear seasonal progression throughout the year. The coldest month, January, witnesses minimum temperatures around 12°C (53°F), rising to an average of 24°C (75°F) and peaking at 38°C (101°F). As the year progresses into the hotter months of March to May, temperatures escalate significantly, with May recording maximums of 45°C (113°F). The onset of the wet season in June introduces a slight moderation, where average temperatures drop to 31°C (88°F) despite still reaching highs of 42°C (108°F). The subsequent months, July and August, reflect a cooling trend, with average temperatures settling around the low 28°C (84°F) range, although maximums remain warm. As the year draws to a close, temperatures gradually decrease, with December average temperatures around 25°C (78°F), signifying the return of cooler conditions. This cyclical fluctuation demonstrates the region's distinct dry and wet seasons, profoundly influencing both the climate and local lifestyle.
Titao, Yako, and Ouahigouya experience similar temperature patterns, with minimum temperatures around 12°C (53°F) in January. Titao and Ouahigouya both reach maximums of 45°C (113°F) in May, while Yako's peak is slightly lower at 44°C (111°F). For more detailed information, you can check the monthly temperatures in Titao, Yako, and Ouahigouya through the respective links: monthly temperatures in Titao, monthly temperatures in Yako, and monthly temperatures in Ouahigouya.
Precipitation in Nord, Burkina Faso, showcases a stark seasonal contrast, with the region experiencing a dry spell for much of the year. From January to April, rainfall is virtually nonexistent, with January and February receiving 0 mm (0.0 in), and March and April only yielding minimal amounts of 1 mm (0.0 in) and 3 mm (0.1 in), respectively. As the dry season gives way to the peak of the rainy season in June, a significant uptick in precipitation is observed, culminating in July and August when rainfall reaches its zenith, recording 102 mm (4.0 in) and 188 mm (7.4 in), respectively.
The rainy season is characterized not only by increased precipitation but also by the frequency of rainfall days. In June, rainfall days escalate to 8, continuing to proliferate to 14 days in July, and peaking at 20 days in August, reflecting the intense monsoon-like conditions. Following this peak, September also sees substantial rainfall, totaling 95 mm (3.8 in) over 11 days. As the year concludes, precipitation diminishes sharply, with October experiencing a slight drop to 20 mm (0.8 in) and both November and December returning to dryness with 0 mm (0.0 in). This pronounced variability in precipitation underscores the region's dependence on a distinct wet season, influencing agricultural practices and water resource management.
In Nord, Burkina Faso, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend with remarkable variations throughout the year. The sunniest months occur from March to May, as the total hours of sunlight peak significantly; March sees 325 hours, moving to 336 hours in May, followed closely by 337 hours in July. This period not only marks the transition toward the rainy season but also represents a time of abundant solar energy, critical for agriculture and daily life in the region. Notably, February also contributes to this sunny trend, providing 293 hours, while January, although slightly lower at 263 hours, signifies the beginning of this upward trajectory.
As the rainy season approaches, a slight dip in sunshine hours can be observed during June and August, with 332 hours and 298 hours respectively. However, even during these months, the sun continues to provide ample light, indicating a relatively sunny season compared to other climates. The months of October through December see a gradual return to higher sunshine levels, with October recording 327 hours and November with 316 hours. This return to brighter days towards the end of the year underscores the region's transition back to dry conditions, ensuring that sunlight plays a pivotal role in supporting agricultural practices and shaping the lifestyle of its inhabitants throughout the changing seasons.
The UV Index in Nord, Burkina Faso exhibits significant variability throughout the year, with consistently high levels that pose health risks for unprotected skin. The months from February to July are characterized by extreme UV exposure, peaking in July at an index of 14. This period requires minimal exposure times, as the burn time is a mere 10 minutes for each respective month, emphasizing the necessity for protective measures like sunscreen and clothing. January marks the beginning of high UV levels with an index of 10, transitioning to 11 in February, before entering the extreme category from March onward.
As the year progresses into the late summer months, the UV Index slightly diminishes, yet remains significant. By November, the index drops back to 10 and further declines to 9 in December, categorizing these months as very high but still presenting a danger to unprotected skin with burn times reverting to 15 minutes. This pattern highlights the importance of year-round sun protection strategies in Nord, even during the cooler months, to safeguard against long-term skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to intense solar radiation. The dramatic fluctuations in the UV Index reinforce the need for awareness and proactive measures regarding sun safety in this sun-drenched region.
UV Risk Categories
In Nord, Burkina Faso, daylight duration remains relatively consistent throughout the year, oscillating between 11 hours and 12 hours. January and February feature shorter days, with a steady 11 hours of daylight, leading into a gradual increase in March that extends daylight to 12 hours. This uptick continues through April to August, where the sunlight remains constant at 12 hours daily, providing ample time for agricultural activities and community life during the warmer months.
As the year progresses into September, daylight duration maintains the 12-hour mark before returning to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This consistency signifies a unique characteristic of the region’s solar cycle, where variations in daylight are minimal. While the length of daylight may not fluctuate dramatically, the quality and intensity of sunlight do change, particularly during the peak UV periods in the summer months. This stable daylight duration underlines the significance of solar energy in daily life, influencing both cultural practices and agricultural productivity throughout the seasons.
Gourcy, Burkina Faso experiences a hot climate characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. January sees temperatures ranging from a cool 12°C to a scorching 38°C, while May often peaks at 45°C, marking it as the hottest month. Rainfall begins in May, intensifying in July and August, where it can reach up to 193 mm. Despite the rainy season, Gourcy enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with May typically receiving the highest hours of sunshine at 336 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Gourcy climate.
Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso experiences a hot semi-arid climate, characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year. January sees cooler temperatures with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and an average of 24°C (75°F), while May marks the peak heat with maximums reaching 45°C (113°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to April, but distributes primarily during the rainy season from June to August, peaking in August with 184 mm (7.3 in). Despite heavy rains in summer, Ouahigouya enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, with July recording 340 hours. For more details, visit Ouahigouya climate.
Titao, Burkina Faso, has a hot tropical climate characterized by high temperatures year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons. From March to May, temperatures peak with maximums reaching up to 45°C (113°F), while the rainy season from June to August brings cooler averages of around 27°C (81°F) and significant rainfall, especially in August with 162 mm (6.4 in). Precipitation is minimal from November to February, allowing for plenty of sunshine, with January averaging 263 hours. The overall climate is marked by extreme heat and seasonal rainfall, making it essential to stay prepared for the varying weather conditions. For more detailed information, visit Titao climate.
Yako, Burkina Faso, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures rise significantly, peaking in May with a maximum of 44°C (111°F), while rainfall remains minimal. The rainy season begins in June, peaking in August with 215 mm (8.5 in) of precipitation, before tapering off in October. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with May and June averaging around 336 hours of sunshine each. For detailed climate information, visit Yako climate.
In conclusion, the climate dynamics of Nord, Burkina Faso, characterized by high temperatures, pronounced seasonal rainfall, extensive sunshine, elevated UV indices, and stable daylight durations, significantly shape the region’s ecological and societal conditions. The marked differences in precipitation across the seasons highlight the importance of effective water management and agricultural planning, while the consistent sunshine and high UV levels underscore the necessity for sun safety practices. Together, these climatic factors foster a unique environment that drives both the challenges and opportunities for the local population, influencing everything from farming practices to daily lifestyles. Understanding these patterns is crucial for enhancing resilience against climate variability and improving quality of life in this vibrant region.