Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Sud-Ouest Burkina Faso is characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classification Aw, indicating a tropical savanna environment. Temperatures exhibit a pronounced seasonality, with a minimum of 16°C (60°F) typically recorded in January, significantly rising to an average of 29°C (84°F) throughout the year. The region experiences its peak heat in April, where temperatures can soar to a maximum of 43°C (110°F). This temperature variability plays a crucial role in shaping the local ecology and agricultural practices, making the understanding of this climate vital for sustainable development in the region.
In Sud-Ouest Burkina Faso, temperature patterns reflect distinct seasonal trends throughout the year. The region experiences its coolest temperatures in January, with a minimum of 16°C (60°F) and a maximum of 39°C (103°F), as it welcomes the dry harmattan season. As the months progress into the hotter months of March and April, temperatures rise significantly, peaking at 43°C (110°F) in April. Following this intensity, the onset of the rainy season in June brings a slight respite, with average temperatures dropping to 29°C (84°F), although maximum temperatures can still reach around 39°C (102°F). This cooling trend continues into August and September as the monsoon rains take hold, with mean temperatures around 26-27°C (79-80°F) and a decline in maximums. The transition back to the dry season is marked by a gradual warming in October and November, leading to a return of higher averages as the year concludes, characterized by a consistent climate cycle that heavily influences both daily life and agricultural practices in the region.
In the region of Sud-Ouest Burkina Faso, the monthly temperatures exhibit notable variations, particularly in January and April. Dano experiences a minimum temperature of 16°C (60°F) in January and peaks at 43°C (110°F) in April, as detailed here. Similarly, Batie records a minimum of 16°C (61°F) in January with a maximum of 42°C (107°F) in April, as outlined here. Diebougou also shares a low of 16°C (61°F) in January, with an April maximum reaching 43°C (109°F), detailed here.
Precipitation in Sud-Ouest Burkina Faso showcases a pronounced seasonal pattern, closely tied to the region's tropical climate. The dry months from January to March receive minimal rainfall, with January recording no precipitation, followed by slight increases in February and March at 3 mm (0.1 in) and 13 mm (0.5 in), respectively. The arrival of the rainy season in April marks a significant increase, with precipitation reaching 31 mm (1.2 in) and gradually escalating through May, culminating in a peak of 228 mm (9.0 in) in August, the wettest month. This period is characterized by increasing rainfall and a growing number of rainy days, creating a robust contrast to the preceding dry season.
As the rainy season progresses, July and August witness intense precipitation, with 168 mm (6.6 in) and 228 mm (9.0 in) falling, respectively. This abundance of rainfall is essential for replenishing water resources and supporting agriculture in the region. After the peak, September experiences a decrease in rainfall to 151 mm (5.9 in), followed by a decline in October at 78 mm (3.1 in). Eventually, precipitation dwindles to almost zero by November and December, highlighting the cyclical nature of the climate. This seasonal distribution of rainfall is crucial for the livelihood of local communities, underpinning agricultural activities and influencing water management strategies.
In Sud-Ouest Burkina Faso, sunshine duration exhibits a notable seasonal trend, reflecting the region's tropical climate. From January to May, the region experiences a steady increase in sunshine hours, starting at 266 hours in January and peaking at 338 hours in May. This upward trajectory emphasizes the transition to the hotter months, with clear skies typical of the dry season allowing for abundant sunlight. April and May, in particular, enjoy optimal sunshine, making them ideal for outdoor activities and farming, as this period provides the perfect balance of warmth and light before the rainy season begins.
As the rainy season commences in June, sunshine hours slightly decline, measuring 320 hours but remain notably high. The trend continues into July, with 311 hours recorded, indicating that while the rains start, there is still a significant amount of sunshine. August sees a more considerable drop to 271 hours, signaling the peak average rains and the least sunlight during the year. After August, the sunshine begins to recover, with September returning to 284 hours and continuing to rise again as the dry season approaches in October (315 hours) and November (320 hours). Thus, the pattern of sunshine duration highlights the region's vibrant climate cycles, illustrating how the interplay of sunlight and rainfall shapes both the environment and agricultural productivity.
The UV Index in Sud-Ouest Burkina Faso consistently indicates extreme exposure levels throughout most of the year, particularly during the sunniest months from January to August. Starting at a UV Index of 11 in January, the index rises to a peak of 14 in August. This high UV exposure necessitates caution, as the recommended burn time remains a mere 10 minutes for unprotected skin. February, March, and April all maintain a UV Index of 12 or 13, illustrating the persistent threat of sunburn and the importance of protective measures during outdoor activities.
As the rainy season progresses, the UV Index gradually decreases, with October reporting a UV Index of 12, followed by a decline to 10 in November and 9 in December, shifting the exposure category from extreme to very high. This seasonal decline in UV Index allows for slightly longer safe exposure times of 15 minutes in these months. Nonetheless, the UV Index remains a crucial factor for health and safety considerations year-round, emphasizing the need for adequate sun protection in Sud-Ouest Burkina Faso.
UV Risk Categories
In Sud-Ouest Burkina Faso, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, with slight variations that reflect the region's tropical climate. January and February each receive approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing consistent light during the cooler months. As spring approaches, daylight extends to 12 hours in March, remaining constant through June and into the summer months of July and August. This period of extended daylight supports agricultural activities and vital natural processes, allowing for ample opportunities to harness sunlight.
As the year progresses into the latter months, daylight duration gradually decreases once more, dropping back to 11 hours in October and sustaining this length through November and December. Despite these fluctuations, the overall consistency of daylight hours underscores the predictable nature of the region's climate. This steady availability of sunlight throughout the year plays a significant role in shaping daily life, agricultural cycles, and ecological patterns in Sud-Ouest Burkina Faso.
Batie, Burkina Faso experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and a distinct wet season. From January to April, temperatures rise from an average of 28°C (82°F) to peak around 32°C (90°F) in March, while precipitation increases significantly from 0 mm to 44 mm. The rainy season lasts from June to September, with July and August being the wettest months, recording up to 206 mm of rainfall. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with May featuring the most hours at 335. For more detailed information, visit Batie climate.
The climate in Dano, Burkina Faso, is characterized by a distinct dry and wet season. Temperatures range from a cool 16°C (60°F) in January to highs of 43°C (110°F) in April, with an average temperature around 28°C (82°F) throughout the year. Rainfall begins in April, peaking in August with 228 mm (9.0 in), and virtually ceases from November to March. Sunshine is abundant, with over 300 hours on average from January to May. For more details, visit Dano climate.
Diebougou, Burkina Faso experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. The hottest months are typically March and April, with average highs reaching up to 33-43°C (91-109°F). Rainfall is low from January to March, escalating dramatically from June to August, peaking in August with 248 mm (9.8 in) of precipitation. Despite the rainy season, sunshine remains plentiful, amounting to over 300 hours in most months. For more detailed information, visit Diebougou climate.
In summary, the climate of Sud-Ouest Burkina Faso is characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The region experiences extreme heat and minimal rainfall during the dry months, transitioning into a rainy season that brings significant precipitation and reduced sunshine. Despite the intense UV exposures evident in the majority of the year, the consistent availability of daylight creates a favorable environment for agriculture and daily activities. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for local communities, as it influences agricultural practices, health precautions, and resource management, ultimately shaping the socio-economic landscape of the region.