Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Ouham-Pendé, located in the Central African Republic, is characterized as a tropical savanna (Köppen-Geiger class Aw), exhibiting a distinct temperature range throughout the year. January sees cooler temperatures with a minimum of 14°C (58°F), while average temperatures hover around a warm 26°C (80°F). The region experiences its highest temperatures in March, reaching 41°C (107°F), highlighting the significant seasonal variability in heat. This climatic profile emphasizes the potential challenges and adaptations necessary for both natural ecosystems and human activities in Ouham-Pendé.
In Ouham-Pendé, Central African Republic, temperature patterns exhibit notable seasonal trends throughout the year. The warmest month is typically March, where maximum temperatures peak at 41°C (107°F), accompanied by an average of 30°C (86°F) and a minimum of 19°C (67°F). As the region transitions into the wet season, April maintains similar extremes, while temperatures gradually decline from May through August, with average temperatures dropping to 24°C (76°F) in August. The cooler months of July and August are marked by slightly lower minima and maxima, providing a reprieve from the heat. By September to December, temperatures stabilize, with minima ranging from 17°C (63°F) to 19°C (66°F) and average temperatures hovering around 25°C to 26°C (78°F to 80°F), showcasing a moderate climate as the year wanes. Overall, these patterns reflect a distinct tropical savanna climate, highlighting the sharp contrast between the dry and wet seasons.
In Paoua, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) in January to a maximum of 41°C (107°F) in March, indicating a significant increase as the months progress (monthly temperatures in Paoua). Similarly, Bozoum experiences a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) in January and peaks at 39°C (103°F) in March, showcasing a slightly milder, yet still considerable temperature rise during this period (monthly temperatures in Bozoum).
Precipitation patterns in Ouham-Pendé, Central African Republic, demonstrate a strong seasonal variation, predominantly influenced by the tropical savanna climate. The dry season begins in January, with absolutely no rainfall, and continues into February with a mere 3 mm (0.1 in) recorded. However, March marks the onset of the wet season, with precipitation gradually increasing to 11 mm (0.4 in), followed by a significant rise in April as the rains intensify, bringing 50 mm (2.0 in). May further escalates precipitation levels to 90 mm (3.6 in), signaling the full establishment of the wet season.
The peak of rainfall occurs from July to August, with July receiving 207 mm (8.1 in) and August surpassing it with 229 mm (9.0 in). This period features the highest frequency of rainy days, averaging 26 days a month, contributing significantly to the annual totals. Following this peak, precipitation begins to decline with 185 mm (7.3 in) in September and 111 mm (4.4 in) in October. The year concludes with a sharp drop in rainfall, where November records just 13 mm (0.5 in) before returning to dryness in December, solidifying a pattern of distinct rainy and dry seasons in the region.
In Ouham-Pendé, Central African Republic, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, marked by a steady increase from the early months of the year into the peak of the wet season. Starting with 276 hours of sunshine in January, the duration climbs gradually, reaching 307 hours in February and escalating further to 334 hours in March. Notably, the month of **May shines brightly with an impressive 341 hours of sunlight, establishing it as the sunniest month of the year. As the region transitions from the dry season into the onset of rains, the cloud cover remains relatively consistent, allowing for significant sunshine hours even during June and July, which report 328 hours and 321 hours, respectively.
Despite the increase in cloudiness associated with the rainy season, Ouham-Pendé continues to enjoy substantial sunshine throughout the summer months. Interestingly, from June to August, sunshine hours range from 316 to 328 hours, indicating that while rainfall increases, daylight hours remain ample. September marks a slight dip in sunshine to 319 hours, but the trend soon rebounds in October with 330 hours. The year closes with a return to consistent sunshine levels, capping it off with 335 hours in December. This consistent availability of sunlight plays a crucial role in the region's agricultural practices and overall ecosystem health, linking climate dynamics to the livelihood of local communities.
The UV Index in Ouham-Pendé, Central African Republic, is consistently high throughout the year, indicative of the tropical climate and strong solar radiation. From January to April, the UV Index reaches extreme levels, peaking at 15 in April, which necessitates minimal sun exposure for safety. With a burn time of just 10 minutes during this period, residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, such as wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen, to mitigate the risk of harmful UV exposure. The extreme UV levels emphasize the need for vigilance, especially during these initial months when sun intensity escalates.
As the year progresses into the wet season, the UV Index remains notably elevated, ranging from 11 to 13 from May through September. While these months witness significant cloud cover due to rainfall, the UV exposure category remains extreme, with a consistent burn time of 10 minutes. October sees a slight drop to an Index of 12, while November decreases further to 11, maintaining the message of caution. By December, the Index reduces to 10, categorized as very high, with a longer burn time of 15 minutes, although still warranting protective measures. This prolonged period of high UV exposure underscores the importance of awareness in outdoor activities throughout the year in Ouham-Pendé.
UV Risk Categories
In Ouham-Pendé, Central African Republic, daylight duration exhibits minimal variation throughout the year, reflecting the region's proximity to the equator. The year begins with a stable 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, providing consistent light for daily activities. As March approaches, there is a slight increase, with daylight extending to 12 hours, a change that continues into the following months. From March to September, the duration of sunlight remains constant at 12 hours, offering ample time for agricultural practices and leisure activities in this tropical climate.
As the year progresses into the later months, daylight durations return to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This cyclical pattern illustrates the predictable nature of daylight in Ouham-Pendé, allowing for a steady rhythm of life aligned with the seasons. Despite the minor fluctuations, the overall consistency of daylight throughout the year provides a stable environment for both the local population and ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of sunlight in supporting agricultural practices and the natural habitat.
Bozoum, located in the Central African Republic, experiences a tropical climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a mild 25°C (78°F) in January to a peak of 29°C (84°F) in March. The rainiest months are from June to August, where precipitation can exceed 200 mm (7.9 in), while January and December are notably dry. Sunshine is abundant, with up to 341 hours recorded in May, making it one of the sunniest months. For more details on the local weather patterns, visit Bozoum climate.
Paoua, Central African Republic, experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures soar from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) in January to a maximum of 41°C (107°F) in March and April. The rainy season is pronounced from May to August, with precipitation peaking at 257 mm (10.1 in) in August. Despite the rains, Paoua enjoys considerable sunshine throughout the year, averaging over 300 hours monthly from February to May. For more details, visit Paoua climate.
In summary, the climate of Ouham-Pendé, Central African Republic, is characterized by distinct seasonal patterns that influence temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences extreme temperatures and significant rainfall during the wet season, alongside consistently high UV exposure throughout the year. Despite minor variations, the stable daylight duration provides an enduring foundation for both ecological balance and agricultural productivity. Understanding these climatic attributes is essential for effective resource management and risk mitigation, fostering resilience among local communities as they adapt to the dynamics of their environment.