Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Sahel region in Burkina Faso is characterized by a predominantly semi-arid environment, classified under the Koppen-Geiger climate categories as BSh and BWh. The temperature dynamics exhibit significant variation, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F) recorded in January, gradually rising to an average of 30°C (86°F) throughout the year, and peaking at a maximum of 46°C (114°F) in May. This extreme temperature range, combined with limited rainfall, underscores the challenges of sustainable development and agriculture in this unique climatic zone.
In Sahel, Burkina Faso, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends with notable variation throughout the year. The cooler months of January and February start with minimum temperatures of 10°C (51°F) and 13°C (56°F), gradually rising to averages of 24°C (75°F) and 27°C (80°F), before transitioning into warmer March and April. As temperatures climb, April peaks at 45°C (113°F). May marks the onset of the hottest period, with maximum temperatures reaching 46°C (114°F) and maintaining high averages of 35°C (95°F). Following this heat, a gradual decline occurs in June and July as the rainy season approaches, with averages settling around 30°C (87°F) to 33°C (92°F). The trend continues into August and September, where temperatures stabilize around 28°C (83°F) to 30°C (86°F), and gradually rise again in October and November, culminating in another warm period before the cycle restarts with cooler temperatures in December.
Dori experiences a temperature range with a minimum of 14°C (58°F) in January and reaching a maximum of 45°C (114°F) in May monthly temperatures in Dori. In Gorom-Gorom, temperatures dip slightly lower, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) in January and peaking at 46°C (114°F) in May monthly temperatures in Gorom-Gorom. Similarly, Djibo mirrors this pattern, starting at a minimum of 12°C (54°F) in January and hitting a maximum of 45°C (114°F) in May monthly temperatures in Djibo.
Precipitation in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso displays a pronounced seasonal pattern, with the dry months spanning from January to March recording virtually no rainfall, marked by 0 mm of precipitation. The arid conditions continue through April, where only 1 mm is noted, signifying the last remnants of the dry season. As May arrives, a shift occurs with an increase to 7 mm of rain, although precipitation remains minimal with just two rainy days reported.
The onset of the rainy season is significantly pronounced in June, where rainfall increases to 22 mm over five days. This trend escalates dramatically in July and August, the peak of the wet season, with 50 mm and 141 mm of rain respectively, highlighting the region's vulnerability to intense seasonal downpours. September follows with a substantial 49 mm of rain, before tapering off into October with just 8 mm. The precipitation cycle completes with a return to dryness in November and December, where no rainfall is recorded, reinforcing the stark contrasts of the Sahel's climate.
In Sahel, Burkina Faso, sunshine duration exhibits a marked increase as the region transitions from winter to summer. January starts with 262 hours of sunlight, gradually rising through February to 295 hours and continuing this upward trend into March with a peak of 327 hours. The months of April and May remain consistently bright, with 324 hours and 337 hours recorded, respectively. This steady ascent indicates the burgeoning power of the sun, fully realized by the beginning of the rainy season in June, which still boasts an impressive 331 hours of sunshine.
As the summer progresses, July shines as the peak month for sunshine, reaching 340 hours, before witnessing a slight decline in August with 315 hours. September restabilizes at 321 hours, maintaining abundant sunlight as the dry season approaches. Moving into October and November, sunshine hours hover around 325 hours and 314 hours, marking the transition back to the cooler, drier months. This seasonal analysis underscores the Sahel's reliance on consistent sunlight, particularly during the critical growing period in the summer months, thus playing a vital role in the region's agricultural activities.
The UV Index in Sahel, Burkina Faso, reflects the region's intense solar exposure, particularly during the first half of the year, with values firmly categorized as very high to extreme. Starting in January, the UV Index registers at 10, indicating a very high exposure level with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This trend quickly escalates in February, March, and April, reaching 12-13 during these months, categorized as extreme with a mere 10 minutes necessary for skin damage to occur. Such high values underscore the need for protective measures year-round, particularly as spring advances.
Summer marks a peak in the UV Index, with July and August recording values of 14, denoting an extreme risk level where exposure can be dangerously brief. Following this peak, the index gently drops but remains in the extreme category until October, when it decreases to 11. November and December witness a return to very high levels at 10, with slightly longer burn times of 15 minutes. Overall, the persistent elevation of the UV Index throughout the year highlights the importance of sun safety practices in the Sahel region, especially during the peak months.
UV Risk Categories
In Sahel, Burkina Faso, daylight duration exhibits a distinctive pattern, characterized by a relatively consistent number of hours throughout the year. January and February mark the shortest days, each providing 11 hours of daylight. As the region transitions into March, daylight begins to extend, reaching 12 hours and maintaining this duration for the following months, including April, May, June, July, August, and September. This stability in daylight duration is significant, as it supports the agricultural cycle and local ecosystems throughout the growing season.
As the year progresses towards the end of the dry season, daylight hours decrease again in October, returning to 11 hours. This pattern continues into November and December, further reinforcing the rhythm of the seasons. The relatively small fluctuations in daylight duration, with a range of just 11-12 hours, indicate a stable climate, allowing residents and farmers to plan their activities effectively, despite the marked changes in temperature and sunlight intensity throughout the seasons.
The climate in Boundore, Burkina Faso is characterized by hot conditions with distinct seasonal variations. Temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (55°F) in January to a scorching 44°C (111°F) in April and May. The wet season spans from June to September, where precipitation peaks in August at 160 mm (6.3 in), while the rest of the year remains mostly dry. Despite the heat, sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with May boasting the highest sunshine hours at 339. For more details, visit the Boundore climate.
The climate in Deou, Burkina Faso, is characterized by a hot and dry pattern, with temperatures peaking in the hottest months of April and May, where averages reach 34°C (93°F) and 35°C (95°F), respectively. Rainfall is minimal during the winter months but increases significantly from June to September, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 143 mm (5.6 in). Despite the rainfall, the region enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with May and July boasting the most hours at 338 and 342, respectively. Overall, the climate is marked by a stark contrast between scorching heat and a brief rainy season. For more detailed information, visit Deou climate.
Djibo, Burkina Faso experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures year-round. January sees minimum temperatures around 12°C (54°F), while May often peaks at a sweltering maximum of 45°C (114°F). Rainfall is minimal until the rainy season between June and August, which receives the bulk of the annual precipitation, culminating in 143 mm (5.6 in) in August. Despite the heat, Djibo enjoys abundant sunshine, with July boasting up to 341 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Djibo climate.
Dori, Burkina Faso experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures year-round. The hottest months are April and May, with average highs reaching up to 35-45°C (95-114°F), while the coolest month is January, averaging 25°C (77°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to March, with significant increases during the summer months, peaking in August with 154 mm (6.0 in). Sunshine is abundant, with over 300 hours of sunlight in most months. For more detailed information, visit Dori climate.
Gorom-Gorom, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. In the hottest months of April and May, daytime temperatures can reach up to 46°C (114°F), while cooler temperatures occur in January with averages of 24°C (75°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to March but increases significantly from June to August, peaking in August at 137 mm (5.4 in). The area enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with July boasting the highest sun exposure at 342 hours. For more detailed information, visit Gorom-Gorom climate.
The climate in Oursi, Burkina Faso, is characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation, with the hottest months typically being April and May, when maximum temperatures can reach up to 46°C (114°F). Rainfall is scarce, particularly from January to March, with significant precipitation occurring mainly in July and August, peaking at 129 mm (5.1 in) in August. The region enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with the highest number of hours in July at 342 hours. Overall, Oursi experiences a distinct dry season followed by a brief rainy season. For more detailed information, visit Oursi climate.
Sebba, Burkina Faso experiences a hot semi-arid climate with temperatures ranging from a cool 13°C (56°F) in January to sweltering highs of up to 44°C (112°F) in April and May. The climate is characterized by minimal rainfall, with the wettest months occurring from June to August, where precipitation peaks at 154 mm (6.1 in) in August. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, averaging between 264 and 340 hours per month. For a detailed overview of climate patterns, visit Sebba climate.
Tin-Akoff, Burkina Faso, experiences a hot and dry climate, characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. January sees average temperatures from 24°C (75°F) to a maximum of 38°C (101°F), while May records scorching highs reaching 46°C (114°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to April, but it peaks in August with 113 mm (4.4 in) of precipitation, during which the temperatures slightly drop. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in March with 328 hours, making it a bright but challenging environment. For further details, visit Tin-Akoff climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Sahel, Burkina Faso, is defined by its striking seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences extreme heat during the summer months alongside a marked rainy season, which is essential for agricultural practices yet poses challenges due to intense UV radiation. The consistent daylight hours provide stability for farming and daily life, even as increases in sunshine hours and UV exposure underscore the need for protective measures. Understanding these climatic factors is crucial for effectively managing resources and enhancing resilience in this unique and dynamic environment.