Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Haute-Kotto, located in the Central African Republic, is characterized by a tropical savanna climate classified as Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger system. This region experiences a considerable temperature range, with minimum temperatures reaching 15°C (59°F) in January, an average temperature of 26°C (80°F), and maximum temperatures soaring to 40°C (105°F) in March. Such climatic conditions contribute to the vibrant ecosystems and unique weather patterns that define Haute-Kotto, making it a significant area of study for climate enthusiasts and researchers alike.
In Haute-Kotto, Central African Republic, temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal progression throughout the year. The coolest months are January and February, where minimum temperatures start at 15°C (59°F) and gradually rise to 17°C (62°F), accompanied by average highs reaching up to 40°C (104°F). As the region transitions into the hotter period in March and April, temperatures peak, with maxima consistently around 40°C (105°F). Following this peak, a notable cooling trend occurs from May to August, with average temperatures declining to around 24°C (75°F) in the mid-year months, while minimums hover between 18°C (65°F) and 19°C (67°F). This cooling trend continues into October, after which temperatures begin to gradually rise again as the year closes in November and December, marked by averages of 26°C (79°F) and minima of 17°C (63°F). This cyclical temperature behavior underscores the region's tropical savanna climate, characterized by marked dry and wet seasons, which significantly influence the local climate and biodiversity.
Ouadda experiences a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) in January and peaks at 40°C (105°F) in April, while Bria has slightly warmer minimums, starting at 17°C (63°F) in January and also reaching a maximum of 40°C (105°F) in March. For more details on the climate, visit monthly temperatures in Ouadda and monthly temperatures in Bria.
Haute-Kotto, Central African Republic, experiences a marked seasonal variation in precipitation, reflecting the characteristics of its tropical savanna climate. The year begins with a dry spell in January, registering 0 mm of rainfall and continuing into February with a minimal 6 mm. However, as the calendar transitions into March, precipitation begins to increase, peaking in May with a significant 118 mm of rainfall. From June through August, the region enters its rainy season, with July and August experiencing the highest averages of 163 mm and 182 mm, respectively. This period is characterized by frequent rain, as indicated by the number of rainy days rising to around 20-25 days each month.
The decline in precipitation begins in September with 186 mm, which marks the tail end of the rainy season, and tapers off sharply by October, where rainfall drops to 147 mm. The transition back to drier conditions is swift, as November yields only 21 mm before the end of the year sees a return to dryness in December with 0 mm of recorded precipitation. This fluctuating pattern highlights the significance of the wet and dry seasons in Haute-Kotto, profoundly influencing the local ecosystem and agricultural practices throughout the year.
In Haute-Kotto, Central African Republic, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with the year beginning with robust sunlight that gradually increases through the initial months. January sees an impressive 273 hours of sunlight, which rises to 304 hours in February and peaks in March with 334 hours. This upward trend in sunshine hours continues through April and May, maintaining the same peak of 334 hours in the latter month. These sunny conditions establish an ideal environment for various agricultural activities and enhance the region's vibrant ecosystems as the dry season approaches.
As the rainy season begins to taper off, sunshine hours remain relatively stable from June through October, fluctuating between 314 and 334 hours. Notably, June, with 321 hours, still enjoys considerable sunlight, despite being within the wet season. The months of August and September reflect a slight decline, dropping to 318 hours and 307 hours, signaling the transition away from the peak sunny months. However, by the end of the year in November and December, sunshine duration remains strong, with 323 hours and 330 hours respectively. This persistent availability of sunlight helps to foster the rich biodiversity of the region while also being crucial for hydrological cycles as the landscape shifts between wet and dry seasons.
The UV Index in Haute-Kotto, Central African Republic, presents a striking pattern of consistently high levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year. From January to August, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, peaking at 14 in both April and August. This translates to a critical burn time of just 10 minutes, underscoring the need for protective measures, especially for outdoor activities during these months. Even during June and July, when the UV Index returns to 12-13, the extreme categorization indicates that individuals should exercise caution against skin damage from sun exposure.
As the year progresses into November and December, the UV Index decreases to 10, shifting to a very high exposure category and allowing for a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. This decline signals a transitional phase, with lower but still significant UV radiation present, posing risks for sunburn if protective measures are not adhered to. Despite these slightly reduced levels during the latter months, Haut-Kotto's UV Index reinforces the importance of year-round awareness and proactive sun safety practices to mitigate health risks associated with excessive UV exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Haute-Kotto, Central African Republic, daylight duration experiences subtle yet distinct fluctuations throughout the year, predominantly ranging between 11 to 12 hours. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in January and February, setting a baseline for the region. As the months progress into March through August, a gradual increase in daylight is observed, maintaining a consistent 12 hours from March to September. This relative stability suggests a balanced distribution of sunlight that supports various ecological processes and activities within the region.
As the year transitions back into the latter months, daylight duration returns to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This cyclical pattern reflects the predictable climatic rhythms characteristic of tropical regions, where the length of day and night is less affected by seasonal changes compared to temperate zones. Such daylight consistency in Haute-Kotto not only shapes the local environment but also influences agricultural practices, making it crucial for residents to plan their activities according to these daylight patterns.
Bria, Central African Republic, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant seasonal rainfall. From January to March, temperatures soar to a maximum of 40°C (104°F), peaking in dry months, while the rainy season spans from May to October, bringing monthly precipitation of up to 177 mm (7.0 in) in September. The region enjoys substantial sunshine, with May boasting the most hours at 337. Overall, Bria's climate is marked by contrasting dry and wet periods, making it essential for residents to adapt accordingly. For more details, visit Bria climate.
Ouadda, located in the Central African Republic, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) in January to a peak of 40°C (104°F) in March, while average monthly temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F) to 30°C (85°F). The rainy season spans from May to October, with the peak rainfall occurring in July and August, accumulating over 180 mm (7 inches) per month. Despite the rainfall, Ouadda enjoys ample sunshine, with over 300 hours of sunshine in most months. For more details, visit Ouadda climate.
In conclusion, Haute-Kotto, Central African Republic, exhibits a distinctive climate characterized by its tropical savanna environment, marked by significant temperature variations, pronounced seasonal rainfall, and high UV exposure throughout the year. The region experiences a consistent daylight duration that supports both ecological balance and agricultural productivity. With temperatures peaking during the hot months and substantial rainfall during the wet season, the climate shapes the livelihoods of the local population and the biodiversity within the area. Awareness of these climatic factors, including sunshine duration and UV Index levels, is essential for effective planning and protection against environmental risks, ultimately contributing to sustainable living and resource management in Haute-Kotto.