Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Makamba, Burundi, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw, indicating a tropical savanna climate characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. Throughout the year, temperatures exhibit a notable range, with minimum temperatures dipping to 13°C (56°F) in July, while average temperatures hover around 21°C (71°F). The warmest month, September, reaches a maximum temperature of 31°C (89°F), highlighting the region's warm and moderate heat that influences both local weather patterns and agricultural practices. This dynamic climate plays a crucial role in shaping the lifestyle and ecosystem of Makamba.
In Makamba, Burundi, temperature patterns exhibit subtle seasonal variations throughout the year. The region experiences its warmest months from August to September, with maximum temperatures peaking at 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (89°F), while average temperatures rise to 23°C (73°F) in September. Conversely, the coldest months occur from July to early August, where minimum temperatures can dip to 13°C (56°F). Despite these fluctuations, the average temperature remains relatively stable around 21°C (70°F) during much of the year, creating a mild and temperate climate ideal for various agricultural practices. The temperature trends illustrate a consistent warmth with only slight seasonal shifts, contributing to the region's overall tropical savanna climate.
In Makamba, the climate experiences a notable range in temperatures throughout the year. During July, the minimum temperature drops to around 13°C (56°F), offering a cooler respite, while by September, the maximum temperature rises significantly to 31°C (89°F), marking one of the warmest periods. For more detailed information, visit the link: monthly temperatures in Makamba.
Makamba, Burundi, experiences distinct rainfall patterns characterized by a pronounced wet season typically from January to April. During these months, precipitation levels are notably high, reaching a peak of 328 mm (12.9 in) in April, with January and February also receiving substantial rainfall at 258 mm (10.1 in) and 276 mm (10.9 in), respectively. This deluge occurs over an extended number of rainy days, with March having the highest frequency at 29 days of rainfall. The heavy rains during these months are crucial for agriculture, replenishing water reservoirs and supporting crop growth, especially in this tropical savanna climate.
As the wet season transitions into a drier period from May to August, precipitation decreases significantly. May witnesses a sharp drop to 157 mm (6.2 in), and the trend continues with an even lower 24 mm (0.9 in) recorded in July, the driest month of the year. However, a slight uptick occurs in September and October, with rain resuming and totals at 75 mm (2.9 in) and 238 mm (9.4 in) respectively. Notably, December emerges as the wettest month, registering a remarkable 389 mm (15.3 in) of rainfall over 31 days, thus reinforcing Makamba’s reputation for a seasonal climate that greatly influences the region’s agriculture and overall ecosystem.
In Makamba, Burundi, sunshine duration varies significantly throughout the year, showcasing a clear seasonal trend that aligns with the region’s climatic patterns. The sunniest months occur during the late spring and early summer, with May leading the way at 338 hours of sunshine, followed closely by July, which records 343 hours. This peak in sunshine not only highlights the transition into the drier months but also provides ample light for agricultural activities, contributing to the vitality of the region's crops. Interestingly, the overall trend shows a gradual increase in sunshine hours from January through July, transitioning from 263 hours in January to a robust 343 hours by mid-year.
As the year progresses into the final months, sunshine duration remains relatively consistent, with October and November observing around 330 to 319 hours respectively. The late summer months, while still sunny, do not surpass the brightness of July and May. By December, sunshine slightly declines to 317 hours, marking the onset of the wetter season. The fluctuations in sunshine hours play a crucial role in not only determining the agricultural calendar but also shaping the local lifestyle, as residents adapt their activities to maximize the benefits of these sunlit periods.
Makamba, Burundi, experiences a consistently high Ultraviolet (UV) Index, indicative of extreme sun exposure throughout the year. The UV Index reaches its peak during the early months, with March and April recording values of 16, marking these as critical periods for skin protection, especially since the burn time is only 10 minutes. Even the subsequent months maintain high UV levels, with values ranging from 11 to 15. This persistent exposure necessitates careful planning for outdoor activities, urging residents and visitors alike to adopt sunscreen and protective measures to safeguard against harmful UV radiation.
As the year progresses into the latter months, the UV Index remains notably elevated, fluctuating between 11 to 13. These values reinforce the need for vigilance against sunburn, as even in the drier season of July and August, the UV Index remains at levels categorized as extreme. With the UV Index consistently high, it serves as a crucial reminder for residents to prioritize sun safety year-round, ensuring that both physical well-being and enjoyment of outdoor leisure activities are maintained.
UV Risk Categories
In Makamba, Burundi, daylight duration is relatively stable throughout the year, reflecting the region's equatorial position. From January to March, residents enjoy a consistent 12 hours of daylight each day, which fosters a balanced rhythm for daily activities. However, as the year progresses into the late spring and early summer, daylight diminishes slightly, dropping to 11 hours from April to August. This subtle shift may influence outdoor planning and agricultural practices, although the slight reduction in daylight is not dramatically felt.
As the year transitions into the latter months, daylight hours return to 12 hours for September through December, offering a more uniform daylight experience once again. This equilibrium allows for a predictable schedule, which is especially beneficial for agricultural cycles and community events. Overall, the consistent daylight duration in Makamba helps to create a stable environment for both residents and their farming activities, influencing the cultural and economic rhythms of the region throughout the year.
The climate in Makamba, Burundi is characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year, with average monthly readings around 21°C (70°F) and highs typically reaching up to 31°C (89°F) in September. Rainfall is significant, especially from April (328 mm) to November (317 mm), with a peak in December (389 mm). Sunshine is plentiful, particularly from May to July, with over 330 hours of sun each month during this period. This combination of warmth and rainfall supports lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems. For more detailed information, visit Makamba climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental factors of Makamba, Burundi, present a unique interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine, UV index, and daylight duration throughout the year. The region's tropical savanna climate, characterized by significant rainfall from January to April and warm temperatures averaging around 21°C, creates favorable conditions for agriculture. However, the extreme UV index underscores the importance of sun safety year-round, while the stable daylight duration facilitates consistent daily routines for the local population. Collectively, these climatic attributes not only shape the lifestyle and agricultural practices of Makamba but also highlight the need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme sun exposure while maximizing the benefits of abundant natural light and rainfall.