Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of North East Ghana is characterized by the Koppen-Geiger climate class Aw, typifying a tropical savanna environment. With temperatures ranging from a cool minimum of 16°C (60°F) in January to a scorching maximum of 41°C (107°F) in April, the region experiences a significant thermal variation throughout the year. The average temperature hovers around 28°C (84°F), indicating a generally warm climate ideal for understanding regional biodiversity and agricultural practices. This climate profile sheds light on the unique weather patterns and ecological dynamics that shape life in North East Ghana.
Temperature patterns in North East Ghana exhibit distinct seasonal variations throughout the year. The region experiences its lowest temperatures in January, with a minimum of 16°C (60°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F), providing a cooler start to the year. As February and March progress, temperatures rise significantly, peaking in March when maximums reach 41°C (107°F), with averages climbing to 33°C (91°F). April sustains this heat, while May ushers in milder conditions with slightly lower maximums but remains warm overall. The onset of the rainy season in June marks a noticeable dip in temperatures, with averages falling to 28°C (83°F), as humidity increases. The following months of July and August maintain these cooler averages around 26°C (79°F), before a gradual warming trend resumes in September and October. November brings a slight resurgence of heat, before December offers a return to cooler averages reminiscent of January, thus defining the cyclical temperature dynamics of this vibrant region.
Nalerigu experiences a significant temperature variation throughout the year, with a minimum of 16°C (60°F) in January and reaching a maximum of 41°C (107°F) in April. This range highlights the climate's warmth, particularly in the peak of the pre-rainy season, making it an interesting location for those keen on understanding temperature fluctuations. For more detailed monthly temperature information, refer to the link: monthly temperatures in Nalerigu.
Precipitation patterns in North East Ghana demonstrate a pronounced wet season, predominantly spanning from May to September. The year begins with minimal rainfall, as January and February record negligible amounts, only 5 mm (0.2 in) falling in February, signaling the dry conditions typical of this period. However, as the landscape transitions into the rainy season, April marks a significant uptick to 26 mm (1.0 in), which escalates dramatically in subsequent months. June sets the stage for peak precipitation, accumulating 87 mm (3.4 in), while July and August experience the heaviest rainfall, with 176 mm (6.9 in) and 282 mm (11.1 in) respectively, indicating the intensity of the monsoon influence in this region.
In terms of rainfall days, the distribution reflects the seasonal trends observed in precipitation amounts. The dry months of January and February report no rainfall days, while March records a modest 2 days of rain. The onset of the wet season in May brings an increase to 11 days, followed by 14 days in June and peaking at 26 days in August, highlighting the prolific nature of the rainy season. As the year closes, both October and November show a decline in rainfall, with October receiving 93 mm (3.7 in) across 12 days, before returning to dry conditions in November, where just 4 mm (0.1 in) is noted. By December, the cycle restarts with no recorded rainfall, illustrating the distinct and cyclical nature of precipitation in North East Ghana.
In North East Ghana, sunshine duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal pattern, with a steady rise in daylight hours leading up to the warmer months. The year begins with 266 hours of sunshine in January, gradually increasing each month, reaching a peak of 331 hours in May. This trend of heightened sunlight continues through June before tapering off, highlighting a clear connection between increased solar exposure and the region's warming temperatures. The sunshine hours in March and April remain robust, at 321 hours and 319 hours respectively, indicating that the build-up to the rainy season does not significantly hinder sunlight. This accumulation of sunshine serves as a crucial factor for agriculture and daily activities during the dry pre-monsoon months.
As the rainy season approaches, sunshine hours begin to decline, yet the impact is minimal during July and August, which record 295 hours and 265 hours respectively. This slight decrease can be attributed to increased cloud cover and rainfall, although it is not as dramatic as one might expect given the wet conditions. Interestingly, sunshine duration sees a resurgence in September and October, with 279 hours and 313 hours respectively, suggesting that even with the arrival of the rainy season, there are still ample sunny days. By the year’s close, November and December witness a return to higher sunshine levels, recording 321 hours and 328 hours, thus enveloping the region in a warm glow. Overall, the sunshine pattern in North East Ghana illustrates a significant relationship between seasonal transitions and solar exposure, emphasizing the region's vibrant climatic dynamics.
In North East Ghana, the UV Index presents significant health implications throughout the year, consistently rated at extreme levels during most months. January and February both record a UV Index of 11, emphasizing the necessity for sun protection with a burn time of only 10 minutes. As the year progresses, the UV Index peaks in April at 13, maintaining this high intensity during both June and July. This period marks the height of solar exposure, indicating that individuals engaging in outdoor activities must exercise extreme caution to prevent skin damage. The potential for harmful effects from UV radiation calls for the regular use of sunblock, protective clothing, and limited direct sun exposure, especially during midday hours.
As the rainy season approaches in August, the UV Index remains steady at 13, demonstrating that cloud cover does not significantly mitigate UV exposure. Following this high period, the UV Index slightly declines to 12 in October and 10 in November, transitioning into the very high exposure category. By December, the UV Index further decreases to 9, but caution is still advised due to prolonged exposure risks. This yearly trend underscores the importance of public education on UV radiation management and protective measures to safeguard against the potential health risks associated with high UV levels in North East Ghana.
UV Risk Categories
In North East Ghana, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, largely influenced by its equatorial location. From January through February, residents experience approximately 11 hours of daylight, maintaining a consistent light cycle that supports daily activities. As the year progresses into March, daylight increases to 12 hours, a trend that persists through the subsequent months of April, May, June, July, August, and September. This extended daylight during the mid-year fosters a vibrant atmosphere for agriculture and outdoor pursuits, capitalizing on the longer hours available for productivity and leisure.
As October approaches, daylight duration begins to taper off once again, returning to 11 hours by November. This reduction signals the approaching end of the annual cycle, as the shorter days are accompanied by cooler temperatures. By December, the daylight duration remains steady at 11 hours, reflecting a return to the initial conditions witnessed at the year's start. Overall, the daylight duration in North East Ghana underscores a unique climatic rhythm, facilitating a lifestyle that harmonizes with nature's cycles while embracing the benefits of consistent sunlight throughout the year.
Nalerigu, Ghana, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to March, temperatures peak, with averages reaching 33°C (91°F) in March, while rainfall is minimal. The rainy season begins around May, intensifying in July and August, with average precipitation of 176 mm (6.9 in) and 282 mm (11.1 in), respectively. Despite the rainfall, sunshine remains plentiful, especially in March and May, with up to 331 hours of sunshine. For more detailed climate information, visit Nalerigu climate.
In conclusion, the climatic characteristics of North East Ghana, encompassing temperature patterns, precipitation trends, sunshine duration, UV Index levels, and daylight duration, reflect a dynamic and multifaceted environment. The region experiences extreme temperatures and significant rainfall during the wet season, which is complemented by ample sunshine earlier in the year. The consistently high UV Index underscores the importance of sun protection year-round, especially during months where extended daylight encourages outdoor activities. As the community navigates these climatic elements, awareness and adaptation are essential for harnessing the benefits of this vibrant ecosystem while mitigating potential health risks. Together, these climatic factors shape not only the natural landscape but also the lifestyle and agricultural practices of the region, highlighting the intricate relationship between the environment and human resilience.