Last updated: January 18, 2025
Northern Ghana experiences a Koppen-Geiger climate classification of Aw, characterized by a pronounced tropical savanna climate. The region exhibits a significant temperature variation, with minimum averages hitting 17°C (62°F) in January, rising to an average of 29°C (84°F) throughout the year. March marks the peak of heat, where temperatures can soar to a maximum of 41°C (106°F), reflecting the intense heat typical of the dry season. Understanding these climatic conditions is crucial for agricultural practices, water resource management, and overall socioeconomic planning in the region.
In Northern Ghana, temperature patterns display a clear seasonal trend influenced by the tropical savanna climate. The year begins with cooler temperatures in January, where minimum values dip to 17°C (62°F) and average around 29°C (84°F), gradually warming as the dry season progresses. February and March see a significant increase, with March peaking at 41°C (106°F). As April arrives, temperatures remain high, but with only slight declines in the maximum values. The onset of the rainy season in June brings a noticeable drop in temperatures, as average monthly temperatures hover around the low 28°C (83°F) range, continuing into July and August. The transition back to dryer months begins in September, with temperatures slowly rising again through October to December, illustrating a complex interplay between seasonal variations and climatic conditions that significantly influence the local environment and livelihoods.
In the northern region of Ghana, Savelugu and Tamale share similar temperature ranges, with both experiencing a minimum of 17°C (62°F) in January and peaking at 41°C (106°F) in March. Salaga, slightly warmer, has a minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F) in January and a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in March. For more detailed information, visit the monthly temperatures in Savelugu here, in Tamale here, and in Salaga here.
Precipitation in Northern Ghana is characterized by a distinct seasonal pattern, with marked variations throughout the year. The dry season, spanning from January to February, sees minimal rainfall, with January recording only 1 mm and February slightly increasing to 6 mm. As the year progresses into the pre-monsoon months of March and April, precipitation begins to rise significantly, culminating in 43 mm of rain in April and signaling the approach of the wet season. May further amplifies this trend, with 65 mm of rainfall, indicating a shift toward greater moisture availability.
June through September represents the peak rainy season, where precipitation reaches its zenith, especially in August with an impressive 251 mm of rain. This period is critical for agricultural practices in the region, providing the necessary water for crops. The rainy season sees an increase in the number of rainy days, peaking in July and August with 24 days each, before tapering off in October to 138 mm and gradually returning to the dry conditions characteristic of November and December. These precipitation patterns play a vital role in shaping the ecosystem and livelihood of northern communities, impacting everything from farming to water resource management.
In Northern Ghana, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, showcasing a consistent increase from the beginning of the year into the hotter months. January starts with 263 hours of sunshine, which gradually increases, peaking in May with an impressive 321 hours. This trend reflects the region's transition into the dry season, where clear skies are predominant, providing optimal conditions for solar exposure and agriculture. Interestingly, even as the rainy season begins in June, sunshine hours remain significant at 290 hours, indicating that cloud cover does not fully obscure sunlight during this transitional month.
As the wet season progresses into July and August, sunshine duration slightly declines, with July recording 276 hours and August even less at 262 hours. Despite this dip, the influence of shorter daylight hours during the rainy season is offset by the lingering warmth of Northern Ghana's climate, allowing for adequate sunshine. Remarkably, sunshine hours rebound in the latter months of the year, with November observing 317 hours and December reaching a high of 325 hours. This suggests a smooth return to more consistent sunlight as the rainy season recedes, reinforcing the region’s vital relationship between sunshine, agriculture, and local livelihoods throughout the year.
The UV Index in Northern Ghana presents a striking annual pattern, marked by consistently high levels of ultraviolet radiation that pose health risks to unprotected skin. The year starts strong in January with a UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. As February approaches, the index escalates to 11—classified as extreme—and peaks in March and April, where it reaches a maximum index of 14. This period demands heightened caution as the burn time reduces to just 10 minutes, emphasizing the necessity for protective measures during outdoor activities.
While the UV Index remains extreme through the rainy season—from May to September—values stabilize around 13 and 14 in June and September, signifying sustained exposure risks. Even as the high-risk conditions persist, October sees a slight decrease to 12, before falling back into the very high category in November and December with indices of 10 and 9, respectively. These patterns highlight the importance of ongoing public awareness regarding sun protection throughout the year, particularly during the peak months when the potential for skin damage is greatest, thereby underscoring the need for adequate sun safety measures in this region.
UV Risk Categories
In Northern Ghana, daylight duration remains relatively stable throughout the year, demonstrating a consistent pattern that aligns with the region’s tropical climate. January and February start with 11 hours of daylight each day, providing ample sunlight for daily activities. As the year progresses into March, a gradual increase occurs, with daylight extending to 12 hours from March through August. This consistent twelve-hour daylight span is particularly beneficial for agricultural practices, allowing farmers to maximize their productivity during these months.
As the year approaches its end, daylight durations begin to taper off once again, dropping back to 11 hours in October, which continues through November and December. This decrease signifies the onset of shorter days as the dry season sets in, but the overall variation in daylight is minimal compared to more temperate regions. The relatively consistent daylight duration supports the lifestyle and economic activities in Northern Ghana, reinforcing the importance of sunlight for both ecological balance and human activities throughout the year.
Kpandae, Ghana, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and seasonal precipitation. The hottest months are March and February, with average highs around 31-40°C (87-103°F), while cooler temperatures occur from June to August, averaging around 26-27°C (79-81°F). Rainfall peaks between June and September, with July receiving the most at 260 mm (10.2 in), while January and December are the driest months. The region enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly in the dry season, with December boasting up to 322 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Kpandae climate.
Salaga, Ghana experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. January to March sees maximum temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F), while the rainy season from June to September brings significant precipitation, peaking at 233 mm (9.2 in) in August. Despite the rain, the city enjoys abundant sunshine, with May recording the highest at 316 hours. Cooler months occur between July and September, where average temperatures dip to around 26-27°C (80°F). For more detailed insights, visit Salaga climate.
Savelugu, Ghana experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to March, temperatures peak with averages around 31-33°C (88-91°F), while rainfall gradually increases, culminating in the heaviest precipitation from July to September. August records the highest rainfall at 228 mm (9.0 in), coinciding with cooler average temperatures around 26°C (80°F). Despite the wet season, Savelugu enjoys significant sunshine, especially in the dry months, with January seeing up to 264 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Savelugu climate.
Tamale, Ghana experiences a tropical savanna climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry periods. Temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C (62°F) in January to a maximum of 41°C (106°F) in March, with relatively cooler months in July and August. Annual rainfall peaks during the summer months, particularly in August with 228 mm, while January and December see little to no precipitation. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, averaging over 300 hours per month from January to May, making it one of the sunniest periods of the year. For more information, visit Tamale climate.
The climate in Yendi, Ghana, is characterized by a distinct wet and dry season, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 17°C (62°F) in January to a maximum of 41°C (106°F) in March. Precipitation is minimal at the beginning of the year, escalating to a peak of 272 mm (10.7 in) in August, before tapering off towards the end of the year. Sunshine hours are abundant, especially in March and May, reaching up to 325 hours. The combination of high temperatures and varying precipitation creates a tropical climate, making Yendi an intriguing destination. For more details, visit Yendi climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Northern Ghana is characterized by distinct seasonal patterns in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight duration, all of which play crucial roles in shaping the region’s environment and agricultural practices. The combination of high temperatures, particularly during the dry season, and marked fluctuations in precipitation during the rainy months emphasizes the need for effective water management and agricultural planning. Furthermore, the consistently high UV Index highlights the necessity for sun protection measures throughout the year. Overall, an understanding of these climatic factors is essential for local communities and policymakers to adapt and thrive in the face of changing environmental conditions, ensuring sustainability and resilience in the region.