Last updated: January 18, 2025
The Plateau-Central region of Burkina Faso exhibits a tropical savanna climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications BSh and Aw. This area experiences a temperate range, with January recording a minimum temperature of 12°C (54°F), reflecting the cooler season. The average temperature throughout the year is 29°C (85°F), peaking dramatically in May with maximum temperatures soaring to 44°C (112°F). These climatic conditions contribute to a unique ecological environment, influencing both local weather patterns and agricultural practices.
Temperature patterns in Plateau-Central, Burkina Faso, showcase a distinct seasonal variation characterized by a warm to hot climate throughout the year. January marks the cooler end of the spectrum with minimums of 12°C (54°F) and average highs of around 39°C (103°F). As the year progresses into February and March, temperatures rise steadily, peaking in April, where maximums reach 44°C (111°F) and averages hover around 34°C (93°F). May maintains scorching highs of 44°C (112°F), but temperatures begin to decline slightly in June, signaling the onset of the rainy season. The subsequent months, July and August, feature moderated temperatures with averages around 27-30°C (81-87°F), while minimums stabilize around 21°C (70°F). By September and October, the climate cools further, concluding the year with December temperatures falling back to 14°C (57°F) at night and averaging 26°C (80°F). This seasonal temperature fluctuation underscores the region's transition from extreme heat to milder conditions during the rainy season.
Zitenga experiences a temperature range from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) in January to a maximum of 44°C (111°F) in May, while Sourgoubila has a slightly higher minimum of 14°C (57°F) in January and peaks at 43°C (110°F) in April. Bousse shares the same minimum of 14°C (57°F) in January but reaches a maximum of 44°C (112°F) in May. For more detailed temperature information, visit the links: monthly temperatures in Zitenga, monthly temperatures in Sourgoubila, and monthly temperatures in Bousse.
Precipitation patterns in Plateau-Central, Burkina Faso are marked by a pronounced wet season that begins in May and peaks during the summer months. January through April experience minimal rainfall, with January logging no precipitation and only slight amounts in the following months, totaling just 3 mm (0.1 in) by the end of April. However, as the year advances, May sees a notable increase to 22 mm (0.9 in), heralding the transition into the rainy season. June marks a significant upsurge in rainfall, accumulating 59 mm (2.3 in), and the wettest months, July and August, receive 111 mm (4.4 in) and 215 mm (8.4 in), respectively, contributing to a robust wet season.
Following this peak, precipitation diminishes sharply in September, falling to 120 mm (4.7 in), before reducing further to just 33 mm (1.3 in) in October. November and December experience a complete cessation of rainfall, returning to dry conditions with no recorded precipitation. The wettest months typically see continuous days of rain, with August alone experiencing up to 22 rainy days, while January, February, March, and April showcase a stark contrast with no rainy days at all. This seasonal precipitation pattern has a profound impact on agriculture and water resources in the region.
Sunshine duration in Plateau-Central, Burkina Faso, reveals a clear seasonal trend characterized by increasing hours of sunlight as the year progresses. Beginning in January, the region enjoys 264 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 295 hours in February. This upward trajectory continues into the spring months; March marks a notable increase with 325 hours, while April slightly decreases to 321 hours. The peak occurs in May, when the region basks in 336 hours of sunlight, showcasing the height of the dry season. This abundance of sunshine during these months not only influences the local climate but also significantly benefits agricultural practices.
As the rainy season approaches, the sunshine hours remain relatively high through June and July, both recording 328 hours. However, a reduction in sunlight is observed during the following months, with August dipping to 281 hours due to increased cloud cover and rainfall. Despite this decline, the sunshine duration bounces back in September at 305 hours and remains consistent in the latter months, with October and November recording 324 hours and 316 hours, respectively. This variability underscores the region's reliance on both sunshine for agricultural productivity and precipitation for sustaining crops, illustrating the intricate balance that defines the local climate.
The UV Index in Plateau-Central, Burkina Faso, consistently reflects high levels of solar UV radiation throughout the year, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. From January to May, the UV Index remains predominantly at 11-13, categorized as extreme, with a rapid spike in April when it peaks at 13. Such high values signify a mere 10-minute burn time for unprotected skin, underscoring the necessity for diligent sun safety practices during these months. March showcases slight variations as it reaches 12, but overall, the consistency in extreme exposure levels calls for public awareness and protective measures.
As the region transitions into the rainy season, the UV Index maintains its elevated status, reaching its highest point of 14 in August. This peak highlights the importance of UV protection even during typically cloudier months. Following August, the index gradually decreases to 13 in September and back to 12 in October. November and December witness a reduction to 10 and 9, respectively, categorized as very high, which still necessitates caution, albeit with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. The persistently high UV levels throughout the year emphasize the need for protective clothing, sunscreen, and shade as essential components for health and safety in this region.
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Daylight duration in Plateau-Central, Burkina Faso, exhibits a consistent pattern throughout the year, with only slight variations in the number of daylight hours. In the first two months, January and February, the region enjoys 11 hours of daylight, allowing for ample time to engage in daily activities. The progression into March brings an increase, with daylight extending to 12 hours, a trend that continues through the spring and summer months, encompassing April through September. This prolonged daylight period promotes outdoor engagements and agricultural practices, critical for the region's economy and lifestyle.
As the year transitions into the latter months, daylight begins to decline again, with October, November, and December reverting to 11 hours of light. This reduction marks the return to the shorter days typical of the dry season. The stability in daylight duration, maintaining around 11 to 12 hours, highlights the region's relatively uniform solar exposure across different seasons, offering a dependable climate for both natural ecosystems and human activities alike.
In Absouya, Burkina Faso, the climate features hot temperatures year-round, with average highs peaking at 44°C (111°F) in April and May. The cooler months, such as December and January, offer minimum temperatures around 14°C (58°F). Rainfall is sparse from January to March, with a significant increase during the rainy season from June to September, peaking in August at 194 mm (7.6 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially from February to May, with over 300 hours of sunshine per month. For more detailed information, visit Absouya climate.
Bousse, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot and dry climate with significant seasonal variations. From January to April, temperatures rise sharply, peaking in May with average highs reaching 33°C (92°F) and maxes hitting 44°C (112°F). The rainy season begins in June, bringing substantial precipitation, particularly in August, when rainfalls average 231 mm (9.1 in). Sunshine is abundant year-round, with peak hours in May and June, showcasing the region's bright conditions. For more details, visit Bousse climate.
Dapelogo, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures and a distinct wet season. From March to September, temperatures peak, with May hitting a maximum of 44°C (112°F) and significant rainfall occurring, especially in August with 217 mm (8.5 in) of precipitation. The dry months, particularly January and February, see minimal rainfall, averaging less than 1 mm. Sunshine hours are abundant year-round, averaging over 300 hours monthly from January to November, making Dapelogo a bright and warm location. For more details, visit Dapelogo climate.
Laye, Burkina Faso experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From March to October, temperatures often peak between 30°C (86°F) and 43°C (110°F), while the rainy season sees significant precipitation, particularly in August with 228 mm (9.0 in) of rainfall. Conversely, the dry season from November to February boasts minimal precipitation, with January recording no rainfall at all. Despite the heat, Laye benefits from ample sunshine throughout the year, with hours ranging from 265 in January to a peak of 337 in May. For more detailed information, visit Laye climate.
The climate in Loumbila, Burkina Faso, is characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From March to October, temperatures soar, peaking in April with a maximum of 44°C (111°F). Rainfall is minimal during the dry months (January to February) and increases significantly from June to September, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 199 mm (7.8 in). Despite the rainfall, sunshine remains abundant year-round, with May recording the most sun hours at 336. For more details on the climate, visit Loumbila climate.
The climate in Nagreongo, Burkina Faso, is characterized by hot temperatures year-round, with January temperatures ranging from a mild 15°C (58°F) to a scorching 39°C (103°F) in the afternoon. The hottest months are often March and April, where daytime highs can reach up to 44°C (111°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to April but increases significantly during the wet season from June to September, peaking in August with 199 mm (7.8 in) of precipitation. Despite the heat, Nagreongo enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in May with 336 hours. For more detailed information, visit Nagreongo climate.
The climate in Niou, Burkina Faso, is characterized by high temperatures and a distinct wet season. January to April sees maximum temperatures often exceeding 39°C (102°F), with May marking the onset of the rainy season, culminating in August's peak precipitation of 231 mm (9.1 in). Sunshine is abundant year-round, with May typically enjoying the most hours at 335. The dry months, particularly from November to March, receive little to no rainfall, while the cooler temperatures provide some relief before the intense heat returns. For more details, visit Niou climate.
The climate in Ourgou-Manega, Burkina Faso, is characterized by a distinct dry season from January to June and a wet season from July to September. Temperatures vary significantly throughout the year, with January averaging 25°C (77°F) and reaching a peak of 44°C (112°F) in May. Rainfall is minimal during the dry months, with June marking the beginning of the rainy season, peaking in August with 217 mm (8.5 in) of precipitation. Despite the rainy season, sunshine is abundant, ranging from 264 hours in January to 282 hours in August. For more detailed information, visit Ourgou-Manega climate.
Sourgoubila, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot climate characterized by high temperatures year-round. From January to April, temperatures rise, peaking in April at a maximum of 43°C (110°F). The rainy season occurs from May to September, with August receiving the highest precipitation of 228 mm (9.0 in) and relatively cooler temperatures. Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in March and May, which both exceed 330 hours of sunlight. For more details on Sourgoubila's climate, visit Sourgoubila climate.
The climate in Toeghin, Burkina Faso, is characterized by a distinct dry and wet season. Temperatures range from a chilly 13°C (56°F) in January to a scorching 44°C (112°F) in May, with an annual average peaking around 30°C (86°F). Rainfall is minimal until May, when precipitation increases significantly, peaking in August with 225 mm (8.9 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in March and May, which both record over 330 hours of sun. For more details, visit Toeghin climate.
Ziniare, Burkina Faso experiences a hot tropical climate, with temperatures soaring from an average of 26°C (79°F) in January to 34°C (94°F) in April. The warmest month, April, can reach maximums of 44°C (111°F), while the cooler months of December and January see minimums around 15-16°C (59-61°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to March, but increases significantly from May to September, peaking at 199 mm (7.8 in) in August. Despite the rainy season, sunshine remains abundant throughout the year, averaging over 300 hours monthly. For more detailed information, visit Ziniare climate.
Zitenga, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot tropical savanna climate characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. From March to May, temperatures peak, reaching up to 44°C (111°F) in May, while rainfall is minimal until the onset of the rainy season in June, when it surges to over 200 mm in August. The cooler months from November to February feature lower temperatures, averaging between 25°C (77°F) and 29°C (84°F) with negligible rainfall. Sunshine is abundant year-round, with January enjoying around 263 hours of sunshine. For further details, visit Zitenga climate.
Zorgo, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot tropical climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. January sees temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to a maximum of 39°C (102°F), while March and April are typically the hottest months, reaching up to 43°C (110°F). The rainy season peaks in August, with 218 mm (8.6 in) of precipitation, while the dry months of January and November receive little to no rainfall. Sunshine is abundant, with the maximum hours recorded in May at 337. For more detailed information, visit Zorgo climate.
In conclusion, Plateau-Central, Burkina Faso, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by high temperatures, pronounced seasonal rainfall, and consistent sunlight throughout the year. The extreme UV Index levels emphasize the importance of sun protection for residents and visitors alike, while the duration of daylight remains relatively stable, supporting various agricultural and daily activities. Understanding these climatic patterns not only aids in agricultural planning but also informs public health strategies and lifestyle choices in the region, ensuring that the benefits of its rich environment can be harnessed sustainably while safeguarding the well-being of its inhabitants.