Last updated: January 18, 2025
The Ogooué-Maritime region of Gabon exhibits a predominantly tropical savanna climate (Koppen-Geiger classification Aw), characterized by distinct seasonal variations. Average temperatures hover around 26°C (79°F), with monthly lows reaching 20°C (68°F) in July, while peak temperatures can soar to 33°C (91°F) in March. This climatic profile supports a diverse ecosystem and influences the region's agricultural practices and water resources.
In Ogooué-Maritime, Gabon, temperature patterns demonstrate a clear seasonal rhythm, with mild variations throughout the year. The warmest months occur from January to April, where minimum temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) to 23°C (74°F) and maximums frequently peak at 33°C (91°F). This is followed by a slight dip in temperatures from May to August, with averages falling to around 25-27°C (77-81°F) and a minimum temperature of 20°C (68°F) recorded in July. As the year progresses into September through December, temperatures gradually stabilize, with average highs around 26-32°C (79-89°F) and lows consistently remaining between 22°C (72°F) and 23°C (74°F). This seasonal moderation creates a comfortable climate, conducive to biodiversity and agricultural activities.
In the region of Ogooué-Maritime, July temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) in both Omboue and Gamba, while Port-Gentil sees a slightly warmer minimum of 22°C (71°F). The maximum temperatures vary throughout the year, with Omboue reaching up to 33°C (91°F) in March, followed closely by Gamba at a maximum of 31°C (88°F), and Port-Gentil with a peak of 30°C (86°F) in the same month. For more detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Omboue, monthly temperatures in Gamba, and monthly temperatures in Port-Gentil.
Ogooué-Maritime, Gabon, experiences notable variations in precipitation throughout the year, primarily characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. The region sees its highest rainfall between November and January, with December recording an impressive 332 mm (13.1 in) and January following closely with 269 mm (10.6 in). These months are accompanied by a significant number of rainy days, with January hosting 23 days of precipitation and November peaking at 29 days. This consistent rainfall during the wet season supports the rich biodiversity and lush landscapes typical of the region.
In stark contrast, the months of June to August reflect a significant reduction in precipitation. June records only 26 mm (1.0 in), with just 6 days of rain, while July sees a mere 13 mm (0.5 in) over 2 days. Although precipitation begins to pick up again by September, it remains relatively low until the onset of the heavy rains in October, which produces 183 mm (7.2 in). The dry spell emphasizes the region's transitional climate and the critical role of seasonal rainfall in shaping its ecological and agricultural practices.
In Ogooué-Maritime, Gabon, sunshine duration exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, with the peak months for sunlight occurring during the dry season, particularly from May to August. In this period, the hours of sunshine steadily increase, culminating in 319 hours in July—the pinnacle of sunny days. This trend highlights a transition from the wetter months, where January sees 250 hours of sunshine, towards a sunnier and drier climate as the year progresses. Notably, May leads the pack with 303 hours, providing a crucial window for agricultural activities, before the intense sun of July takes center stage.
Conversely, the onset of the rainy season from November to April brings a noticeable decrease in sunlight. Although the drop in sunshine hours is not drastic, November records only 259 hours, a decline from the more sunlit months. The trend of sunshine hours begins to taper off again in the final months of the year, culminating in a total of 293 hours in December. However, this remains relatively favorable compared to the earlier months, suggesting that while the rainy season may reduce exposure, Ogooué-Maritime still enjoys a substantial amount of sunlight year-round, critical for nurturing its lush landscapes.
The UV Index in Ogooué-Maritime, Gabon, reflects a consistent pattern of high solar radiation throughout the year, with the highest values recorded in the first half of the year. From January to April, the UV Index peaks at 14 during February and April, indicating an extreme exposure category and a notably low burn time of just 10 minutes. Such high levels of UV radiation are critical for residents and visitors to consider, as prolonged exposure can lead to severe skin damage. Even in May, the UV Index remains high at 13, underscoring the persistent risk during this tropical climate's wet season.
As the year transitions into the cooler months, the UV Index experiences a gradual decline. June and July see values of 10 and 9, respectively, placing them in the very high exposure category and extending the burn time to 15 minutes. Although the levels remain significant, they indicate a temporary respite from the extreme UV radiation typical of the earlier months. Notably, from August through October, the UV Index returns to an extreme level, reaffirming the importance of sun protection strategies year-round to mitigate health risks associated with intense sun exposure in this region.
UV Risk Categories
Ogooué-Maritime, Gabon, exhibits a unique characteristic in its daylight duration, maintaining a consistent 12 hours of daylight throughout the entire year. This remarkable stability is attributed to the region's proximity to the equator, where the length of day and night remains relatively unchanged. With such uniformity, residents and ecosystems can rely on a predictable rhythm of light, fostering a seamless transition between day and night regardless of seasonal changes.
The consistent 12-hour daylight span permits diverse biological and agricultural practices, allowing crops and wildlife to thrive in an environment where sunlight exposure is neither excessively long nor short. This predictable pattern is advantageous, particularly for farming communities that can schedule planting and harvesting according to a stable light cycle. As a result, the balanced daylight in Ogooué-Maritime contributes to the region's sustainable development and ecological diversity, reinforcing the importance of this climatic feature.
Gamba, Gabon features a tropical climate characterized by consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, with averages ranging from 23°C (74°F) in July to 27°C (81°F) in the warmer months. The region experiences distinct wet and dry periods, with significant rainfall peaking in January (260 mm) and November (291 mm), while June and July see minimal precipitation (19 mm and 10 mm respectively). On average, sunshine hours are abundant, with a high of 314 hours in July. This combination of warmth and rainfall contributes to a lush environment, making Gamba a unique destination. For more detailed information, visit Gamba climate.
Omboue, Gabon has a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with average highs ranging from 25°C (76°F) in the cooler months to 33°C (91°F) during the warmest period. Precipitation is significant, particularly from November to January, where monthly rainfall can exceed 280 mm (11 in). The dry season occurs from June to August, with minimal rainfall, averaging around 13 mm (0.5 in) in July. Additionally, the region enjoys considerable sunshine, especially during the dry months, with up to 320 hours recorded in July. For more details, visit Omboue climate.
Port-Gentil, Gabon experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from a minimum of 22°C (71°F) in July to a maximum of 30°C (86°F) in March, with high humidity levels. Rainfall peaks in January and November, with monthly averages reaching up to 299 mm (11.8 in) in December, while the driest months are June and July, receiving only 16 mm (0.6 in) and 32 mm (1.3 in) respectively. The region enjoys considerable sunshine, particularly in the mid-year months, making it a vibrant tropical destination. For more details, visit Port-Gentil climate.
In conclusion, Ogooué-Maritime, Gabon, presents a dynamic climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV exposure, and consistent daylight length. The region's warm temperatures and significant rainfall during specific months support rich biodiversity and robust agricultural practices. Moreover, the stable 12-hour daylight cycle, combined with high UV index values during the peak months, emphasizes the importance of sun protection measures for both residents and visitors. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for sustainable development and effective resource management in this ecologically diverse region, ensuring that Ogooué-Maritime continues to thrive amidst the challenges posed by climate change.