Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Upper West region of Ghana is characterized by a Köppen-Geiger classification of Aw, indicating a tropical savanna climate. Temperatures fluctuate notably throughout the year, with a minimum of 16°C (61°F) recorded in January, rising to an average of 28°C (83°F). The region experiences its peak warmth in April, where maximum temperatures can soar to 41°C (106°F). These climatic conditions significantly influence the local ecosystems and agricultural practices, necessitating a deeper understanding of the unique weather patterns in this vibrant part of West Africa.
Temperature patterns in Upper West, Ghana, exhibit distinct seasonal variations throughout the year. The year begins in January with cooler temperatures, where minimums drop to 16°C (61°F) and average highs hover around 37°C (100°F). As February approaches, the region warms, reaching its peak by April when maximum temperatures hit 41°C (106°F). Following this spike, temperatures gradually decline, with May and June experiencing moderate averages and upper limits. The mid-year months of July and August see a noticeable dip, as both minimums and maximums lower, resulting in cooler weather, with average temperatures around 25°C (78°F). As the year progresses into the autumn months of October and November, temperatures stabilize, reflecting averages once more near 27°C (81°F) and fluctuating maximums. December once again brings cooler nights, marking a return to the initial winter-like conditions.
The climate in Wa exhibits notable temperature variations throughout the year, with January seeing a minimum of 16°C (61°F), while April reaches a peak of 41°C (106°F). For a detailed breakdown of the monthly temperatures in Wa, you can refer to the link: monthly temperatures in Wa.
Precipitation in Upper West, Ghana, exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, characterized by a distinct dry and wet season. The year commences with a dry January, where no rainfall is recorded, followed by minimal precipitation in February with just 7 mm (0.3 in). As the months progress into March and April, rainfall begins to increase significantly, peaking in the wet season. April experiences a noticeable surge with 56 mm (2.2 in), while May ushers in even more rain, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) as the region transitions into the full swing of the rainy season.
The peak of the rainy season occurs from July to August, when precipitation reaches its zenith at 189 mm (7.4 in) and 243 mm (9.6 in), respectively. During this period, rainfall is frequent, with July seeing an average of 23 days of rain. As the season wanes in September, precipitation remains substantial at 181 mm (7.1 in) before diminishing again in October to 108 mm (4.2 in). The dry conditions return in November with a mere 6 mm (0.3 in) and January sees a complete halt in rainfall, marking the end of the moisture-laden months and a return to dry weather.
In the Upper West region of Ghana, sunshine duration reveals a pronounced seasonal trend, with the beginning of the year showcasing steadily increasing daylight hours. January starts with 266 hours of sunshine, and this gradual rise continues as February sees 294 hours, ultimately leading to March, which peaks at 321 hours. April maintains high sunshine levels at 316 hours, but May truly shines as the standout month, boasting 338 hours of bright sunlight. This period marks the transition into the wet season, where longer days allow for ample solar potential despite the impending rainfall.
As the year progresses into the rainy months of June through August, sunshine hours experience a slight decline, with June recording 309 hours and peaking in July at 299 hours. Despite this decrease, there is still sufficient sunlight during these months. The trend reverses in September and October, with 275 hours and 305 hours respectively, as the weather begins to dry out. November and December then see a resurgence of sunshine, with 321 hours and 322 hours respectively, indicating that even in the dryer months, the region benefits from abundant daylight, making Upper West a region of notable sunlight throughout the year.
The UV Index in Upper West, Ghana, consistently reflects high levels of solar radiation throughout the year, indicating a significant risk for sun-related health issues. January and February both record a UV Index of 11, categorized as extreme, which carries a burn time of just 10 minutes. As the region transitions into the hotter months, March witnesses a slight increase to 12, followed by April, which reaches its peak UV Index of 13. The conditions remain perilous with similar levels recorded in both June and July, maintaining the cautionary extreme exposure category across these months.
The peak UV Index is observed in August and September, where it rises to 14, reinforcing the need for effective sunscreen protection and limiting sun exposure. Despite a slight decline in October to 12, the intensity of the UV radiation remains alarmingly high. As the year comes to a close, November’s UV Index drops to 10, categorizing it as very high, while December sees a further decrease to 9. This indicates that while winter months present somewhat reduced UV levels, the overall exposure remains significant, highlighting the importance of sun safety measures year-round in Upper West.
UV Risk Categories
In Upper West, Ghana, daylight duration remains relatively stable throughout the year, with minor fluctuations marking the transitions between seasons. Both January and February feature 11 hours of daylight, establishing a consistent baseline as the year begins. As spring approaches in March, an increase in daylight is observed, rising to 12 hours, which then sustains through the summer months of April to August. This period of extended sunlight plays a critical role in supporting local agriculture and daily activities, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem.
However, as the rainy season draws to a close, daylight hours gradually decrease, with October, November, and December reverting back to 11 hours of daylight. Despite this slight reduction, the overall annual variation in daylight duration is minimal, reflecting the region's equatorial position, which ensures relatively consistent sunlight year-round. This consistent availability of daylight reinforces the importance of sunlight for both the environment and the cultural practices of the communities in Upper West.
Wa, Ghana experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) in January to a maximum of 41°C (106°F) in April, with averages typically between 25°C (77°F) and 32°C (89°F). Rainfall peaks during the summer months, notably in August with 243 mm (9.6 in), while January and December remain dry. The region enjoys significant sunshine throughout the year, reaching up to 338 hours in May. For more details, visit Wa climate.
In conclusion, the climatic patterns of Upper West, Ghana, reveal a dynamic interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, all of which significantly influence the region's ecosystem and community lifestyle. With extreme UV exposure and high temperatures particularly prevalent during the dry season, residents must prioritize sun safety measures to mitigate health risks. Meanwhile, the rainy season brings substantial precipitation and abundant daylight, vital for agricultural practices and sustaining local biodiversity. Ultimately, understanding these climatic factors fosters better preparation and adaptation strategies for the communities within Upper West, ensuring resilience in the face of environmental changes and promoting overall well-being.