Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Far North Cameroon is characterized by a distinctive blend of Köppen-Geiger classifications: BSh (semi-arid) and Aw (tropical savanna). Temperatures exhibit significant variability, with a minimum recorded temperature of 9°C (48°F) in January, rising to an average of 28°C (83°F) throughout the year, and peaking at a staggering 46°C (116°F) in April. This climatic profile showcases the region's extreme heat, underscoring its unique climatic challenges and ecological dynamics.
Temperature patterns in Far North Cameroon reveal a distinct seasonal trend characterized by a gradual increase in warmth as the year progresses. January starts with cooler temperatures, presenting a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and an average of 24°C (76°F). As February arrives, the region experiences a mild rise, with average temperatures reaching 26°C (79°F). March marks a notable shift towards higher heat, culminating in an average of 31°C (89°F), which sets the stage for April's peak, where temperatures soar to a staggering average of 33°C (92°F) and maximums of 46°C (116°F). Following this intense heat, May and June register somewhat cooler averages of 32°C (90°F) and 29°C (85°F), respectively, before slipping into the milder temperatures of the remaining months. From July to September, the temperatures stabilize around the mid-20s, featuring averages of 27°C (81°F) to 26°C (79°F), with minima remaining consistent at about 19°C (66°F). As the year closes, temperatures gradually decline, leading to averages in December of around 25°C (77°F), marking a return to cooler conditions as the region transitions back to its initial seasonal chill.
In the Far North region of Cameroon, temperatures vary significantly throughout the year. In Mora, January temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 44°C (112°F) in April, while Maroua experiences a slight increase with minimums of 12°C (55°F) in January and a similar maximum of 44°C (111°F) in April. Kousseri shows similar trends with January minimums at 12°C (54°F) and higher maximum temperatures peaking at 46°C (115°F) in April. For detailed monthly temperatures, see monthly temperatures in Mora, monthly temperatures in Maroua, and monthly temperatures in Kousseri.
Precipitation in Far North Cameroon is highly seasonal, marked by an extended dry period at the beginning and end of the year. From January to March, the region experiences virtually no rainfall, with recorded amounts of 0 mm during these months. A slight increase occurs in April with 2 mm, signaling the onset of the wet season. As the year progresses into May, precipitation begins to rise significantly, culminating in a peak during the summer months.
The rainy season reaches its zenith in August, where an impressive 260 mm (10.2 in) falls over approximately 24 days, dominating the monthly weather pattern. The subsequent months, September and October, bring notable yet reduced rainfall of 121 mm and 38 mm, respectively. Following this period of heightened precipitation, the dry conditions return in November and December, where no rainfall is recorded. This clear seasonal contrast underscores the arid and semi-arid climate prevalent in the region, profoundly influencing local agriculture and water availability.
In Far North Cameroon, sunshine duration displays a clear seasonal rhythm, characterized by a steady increase from the cooler winter months into the warmer summer period. January begins with 272 hours of sunshine, gradually climbing to 303 hours in February and further rising to 337 hours by March. This upward trend peaks in May, boasting a remarkable 342 hours of sunlight, highlighting it as one of the sunniest months of the year. Following this high point, daylight hours remain substantial, with June and July still capturing 327 hours and 337 hours, respectively, indicating that the region enjoys abundant sunshine as it shifts fully into the dry season.
As the year continues, a slight decline is observed in August and September, with sunshine hours dropping to 313 hours and 315 hours, yet still retaining a strong presence. Moving into the final months of the year, sunshine duration remains relatively consistent, hovering around 324 to 332 hours from November through December. Throughout the year, Far North Cameroon experiences a bounty of sunlight, particularly from late winter to early summer, which is vital for the region's agriculture and overall climate dynamics. This consistent availability of sunlight not only enhances the natural landscape but also supports local livelihoods dependent on solar energy.
The UV Index in Far North Cameroon remains consistently high throughout much of the year, highlighting the region's exposure to intense solar radiation. From January to March, the index escalates from 11 to a peak of 13, classified as "extreme," which signifies the need for rigorous sun protection measures due to the potential for skin damage within just 10 minutes of unprotected exposure. This extreme condition continues consistently into the summer months, with May and June maintaining an index level of 13, underscoring the importance of awareness regarding sun safety practices, especially during outdoor activities.
As the rainy season progresses into August and September, the UV Index reaches its highest point at 14, still falling under the "extreme" exposure category with the critical burn time remaining at 10 minutes. In contrast, a slight decrease is observed in October, where the index drops to 12, and finally settles at 10 in November and December, shifting to a "very high" exposure category that increases the safe burn time to 15 minutes. The persistent high UV levels throughout the year necessitate protective measures for residents and visitors alike, emphasizing the importance of wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade to mitigate health risks linked to solar exposure in this vibrant region.
UV Risk Categories
In Far North Cameroon, daylight duration exhibits a remarkably stable pattern throughout the year, with only slight fluctuations. During January and February, the region experiences approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing a consistent foundation for daily activities. As March arrives, this increases to 12 hours, which remains consistent from April through September. This uniformity during the mid-year highlights a reliable solar presence, which is beneficial for agricultural practices and supports various forms of life in the region.
As the year draws to a close, daylight duration decreases again, returning to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This cyclical rhythm of daylight allows residents and ecosystems to adapt seamlessly to the changing seasons. The predictable daylight hours not only influence the area's climate and agricultural cycles but also offer an excellent framework for planning daily routines and activities, reinforcing the vital connection between sunlight and the local way of life in Far North Cameroon.
Bogo, Cameroon experiences a hot tropical climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C (53°F) in January to a maximum of 44°C (111°F) in March and April. The wet season runs from May to September, peaking in August with 272 mm (10.7 in) of rainfall. Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with May enjoying the most at 341 hours. The dry months from December to February see little to no precipitation, maintaining warmer temperatures. For more detailed information, visit Bogo climate.
Kaele, Cameroon experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall during the mid-year months. January to March sees maximum temperatures reaching up to 44°C (111°F), with little to no rainfall, while April marks the beginning of the wet season. Notably, August is the wettest month, receiving around 250 mm (9.8 in) of precipitation. Sunshine hours remain abundant throughout the year, peaking in May with 343 hours. For more detailed information, visit Kaele climate.
Kousseri, Cameroon, experiences a hot and dry climate for most of the year, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C (76°F) in January to 35°C (95°F) in April. The region sees minimal rainfall from January to April, while May marks the beginning of the wet season, peaking with August's rainfall of 236 mm (9.3 in). Sunshine is abundant, with over 300 hours recorded in most months, ensuring a bright atmosphere year-round. The transition to cooler temperatures occurs from October to December, as the region becomes drier again. For more details, visit Kousseri climate.
Koza, Cameroon experiences a tropical climate with distinct variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year. The warmest months are March to April, where average temperatures peak around 32°C (89°F), accompanied by minimal rainfall until early May. The rainy season intensifies from June to August, with August experiencing the highest precipitation of 301 mm (11.9 in). Sunshine is abundant year-round, with February boasting the most hours at 303. For more detailed information, visit Koza climate.
Makary, Cameroon experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January to April sees maximum temperatures peak around 46°C (116°F), while May marks the onset of rain, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 203 mm (8.0 in). The average temperatures remain relatively high, ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 35°C (95°F) throughout the year. The area benefits from abundant sunshine, especially in the drier months, with February averaging 302 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Makary climate.
Maroua, Cameroon experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January to March sees maximum temperatures soaring up to 44°C (111°F), while the rainy season peaks from June to August, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 250 mm (9.8 in). Despite the rain, sunshine is plentiful, with May enjoying the most hours at 342. October marks a transition to the dry season, leading back to lower temperatures and minimal rain by November and December. For more details, visit Maroua climate.
The climate in Mindif, Cameroon, is characterized by high temperatures and a marked wet season. January to March sees temperatures peaking at 44°C (111°F) with little to no precipitation, while the rainy season from June to August brings significant rainfall, peaking in August at 263 mm (10.3 in). Average monthly temperatures range from about 25°C (77°F) in January to 34°C (93°F) in April, with considerable sunshine throughout the year, averaging around 327 hours monthly. The dry months from November to February experience no rainfall, contrasting sharply with the wet season. For more detailed information, visit Mindif climate.
Mokolo, Cameroon, experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures rise from a minimum of 9°C to a high of 41°C, with minimal rainfall. The rainy season peaks in July and August, bringing significant precipitation, with August alone recording 315 mm. Despite the rain, sunshine hours remain robust, ranging from 272 hours in January to 336 hours in May. For more detailed information, visit Mokolo climate.
Mora, Cameroon experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) in January to a maximum of 44°C (112°F) in April. The rainy season peaks from June to August, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 268 mm (10.5 in), while the dry months of January, February, and March receive little to no rainfall. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with May boasting the most hours at 342. For more detailed information, visit Mora climate.
Yagoua, Cameroon experiences a hot climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures vary significantly, with highs reaching up to 45°C (113°F) in April and March, while monthly averages range from 26°C (79°F) in January to 34°C (94°F) in April. Precipitation is minimal from January to April, followed by heavy rains in the summer months, peaking at 244 mm (9.6 in) in August. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with over 300 hours per month from January to May, contributing to its overall warmth. For more detailed information, visit Yagoua climate.
In conclusion, the climatic and environmental characteristics of Far North Cameroon are defined by distinct seasonal trends that shape the region's ecology and daily life. The combination of extreme temperatures, high UV Index, abundant sunshine, and stable daylight duration underscores the challenges and opportunities present for its inhabitants. Awareness and adaptation to these climatic conditions are essential for agriculture, health, and overall well-being, highlighting the intricate interplay between the climate and the local community. As climate patterns continue to evolve, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for sustainable development and resilience in this vibrant region.