Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Kirundo, Burundi is classified under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification as Aw, indicative of a tropical savanna climate. Characterized by a minimum temperature of 13°C (55°F) in July, the region experiences a pleasant average temperature of 22°C (71°F). The summer months peak with maximum temperatures reaching 34°C (93°F) in August, contributing to a diverse ecological landscape and influencing local agricultural practices.
In Kirundo, Burundi, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal trend characterized by mild variations throughout the year. The year begins with average temperatures ranging from 21°C (71°F) to 22°C (72°F) during the early months of January through March, alongside consistent minimums of 15°C (59°F). As April and May approach, temperatures remain stable, transitioning towards the cooler end of the spectrum with minimums falling to 13°C (56°F). Notably, the summer months of July and August see a rise in maximum temperatures, peaking at 34°C (93°F) in August, while nighttime lows hover between 13°C (55°F) and 15°C (60°F). Subsequently, the climate gradually cools again from September to December, maintaining averages between 21°C (70°F) and 22°C (71°F). Overall, Kirundo's climate supports a varied ecological system, shaped by these consistent yet moderate temperatures across the seasons.
In Kirundo, monthly temperatures exhibit a noticeable fluctuation, with a minimum of 13°C (55°F) recorded in July and a peak of 34°C (93°F) reached in August. For more detailed temperature information throughout the year, visit the provided link: monthly temperatures in Kirundo.
Kirundo, Burundi experiences a pronounced precipitation pattern, with the wettest months occurring from March to May. March registers the highest rainfall at 138 mm (5.4 in), followed closely by April with 202 mm (7.9 in), marking the peak of the rainy season during this period. This is further supported by the frequency of rainy days, especially in April, which can see precipitation over 26 days. Even May experiences substantial rainfall at 126 mm (5.0 in), contributing to the region's overall wet climate.
As the year progresses into the drier months, precipitation diminishes significantly from June to August. June and July are particularly dry, with only 8 mm (0.3 in) and 4 mm (0.2 in) of rainfall, respectively, as these months typically receive minimal rain over just 1 day each. However, a slight increase occurs in August, with rainfall reaching 32 mm (1.2 in) over 4 days. The transitioning months of September to December bring back moderate rainfall, culminating in 134 mm (5.3 in) in October, and consistent levels around 122 mm (4.8 in) in December, thus emphasizing the region's seasonal variability in precipitation.
In Kirundo, Burundi, sunshine duration demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, peaking during the transitional months of late spring. Notably, May stands out as the sunniest month with 335 hours of sunshine, closely followed by July and August, which each enjoy abundant sunlight with 328 hours. This highlights a significant increase in sunshine hours from the beginning of the year, where January starts with 263 hours and gradually climbs. The month-on-month ascent continues through February and March, culminating in 322 hours in March, indicating a strong correlation between the shift toward warmer months and increased sunlight.
As the year progresses, the sunshine duration remains relatively stable, averaging around 314 to 328 hours from June to October. However, there is a slight dip in sunshine hours during the early months of the year, especially in January and February, suggesting that the region experiences its lowest light intensity at the start of the year. This consistency in hours further emphasizes the favorable weather conditions during the dry season, making Kirundo an attractive destination for activities reliant on sunlight, especially from late spring through summer. Overall, the patterns of sunshine in Kirundo reflect the region’s dynamic climate, with longer daylight hours contributing to its vibrant ecosystems and agricultural cycles.
Kirundo, Burundi experiences consistently high UV Index levels throughout the year, denoting an extreme exposure category. The UV Index peaks in the first half of the year, particularly reaching an impressive 16 in March, indicating that individuals may incur skin damage in as little as 10 minutes without adequate protection. Similarly high levels are maintained from January to May, with indices ranging from 14 to 15, reflecting a persistent intensity of sunlight that poses risks for outdoor activities without proper sunscreen and protective clothing.
As the year progresses into the second half, the UV Index remains notably high, though it shows a slight reduction, remaining around 12 to 14 from June through November. These values still categorize as extreme, suggesting that protective measures should continue to be prioritized. Despite the seasonal fluctuations, the sustained high UV levels across all months emphasize the importance of skin protection for residents and visitors alike, making awareness of sun exposure crucial when engaging in outdoor endeavors in Kirundo.
UV Risk Categories
In Kirundo, Burundi, daylight duration exhibits remarkable consistency throughout the year, generally averaging around 12 hours per day. This uniformity is particularly evident from January to April, where each month benefits from the same length of daylight, fostering an environment that supports a variety of agricultural and recreational activities. The steady daylight hours contribute to the region's rich biodiversity and play a significant role in the lifestyle and daily routines of the local population.
As the year progresses into May through July, daylight reduces slightly to 11 hours per day. This minor decrease signifies a subtle shift in seasonal patterns, yet daylight levels remain substantial compared to many other regions worldwide. Notably, daylight duration increases again in August to December, returning to the consistent 12-hour mark. This cyclic nature of daylight hours highlights Kirundo’s tropical positioning, where variations are minimal, allowing for reliable sunlight exposure year-round, which is essential for both natural ecosystems and human activities.
The climate in Kirundo, Burundi is characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average monthly temperatures range from 21°C (71°F) to 23°C (73°F), with maximum temperatures peaking at 34°C (93°F) in August. The region experiences its highest rainfall in April, with 202 mm (7.9 in), while the driest months are June and July, receiving only 8 mm (0.3 in) and 4 mm (0.2 in) respectively. Sunshine is abundant, particularly from May to September, with monthly averages surpassing 300 hours. For more detailed information, visit Kirundo climate.
In conclusion, Kirundo, Burundi, showcases a dynamic yet predictable climate characterized by warm temperatures, significant precipitation, abundant sunshine, and high UV exposure throughout the year. The consistent daylight duration complements these climatic features, promoting a vibrant ecosystem and facilitating agricultural practices that thrive in such conditions. While the region experiences seasonal variations, particularly in precipitation and daylight, the overall mild temperatures and high solar intensity underscore the importance of sun protection and awareness of climatic influences on daily life. This intricate interplay of environmental factors not only shapes Kirundo’s natural beauty but also directly affects the lifestyles of its inhabitants.