Last updated: January 18, 2025
Nestled within the climatic framework defined by the Köppen-Geiger classification as Aw, Bolama, Guinea-Bissau experiences a tropical savanna climate characterized by a distinct warm temperature range. The minimum temperature fluctuates around 20°C (69°F) in January, while the monthly average typically hovers around 27°C (81°F), offering a comfortable warmth throughout the year. Noteworthy is the peak temperature, which can rise to a scorching 36°C (97°F) in March, underscoring the region's temperature variability and its interaction with the broader climatic patterns of West Africa.
In Bolama, Guinea-Bissau, temperature patterns exhibit a clear seasonal rhythm, marked by a gradual warming trend from January through April, where minimums rise from 20°C (69°F) to 22°C (73°F) and maximums peak at 36°C (97°F) in March. Following this hot season, temperatures begin to stabilize and cool slightly during the onset of the rainy season, with average temperatures around 27°C (80°F) from May to September. The hottest months transition into more moderate conditions in October, where averages reach 28°C (82°F). By December, temperatures return to a cooler range, with minimums back to 20°C (69°F) and maximums around 34°C (93°F), reflecting a cyclical return to the cooler dry season. Overall, Bolama’s climate fosters a consistent warm environment, with subtle shifts marking the changing seasons.
In Bubaque, the temperature ranges from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) in February to a maximum of 31°C (88°F) in December, providing a relatively warm climate year-round. Conversely, Bolama experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) in January and peaks at a sweltering 36°C (97°F) in March. For more details, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Bubaque here and in Bolama here.
Bolama, Guinea-Bissau, experiences a pronounced dry season at the beginning of the year, with January to April recording no rainfall, which fosters arid conditions across the region. As the climate transitions into the wet season, precipitation begins to emerge in May with a modest 2 mm (0.1 in). This heralds a dramatic increase in rainfall during the months of June to September, when the region is under the influence of the West African monsoon. Notably, July and August are characterized by heavy downpours, receiving 560 mm (22.0 in) and 598 mm (23.6 in) respectively, resulting in intense rainfall events.
Following the peak of the rainy season, precipitation levels begin to taper off in October, with 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, and further diminish in November and December, where only 27 mm (1.0 in) and no rainfall, respectively, are recorded. This seasonal pattern illustrates a clear shift from a dry climate to a wet monsoonal influence, showcasing a total of 28 rainy days in July and 29 days in August. Overall, the precipitation dynamics of Bolama reflect its tropical climate, where a stark contrast between the dry and wet seasons profoundly shapes the local environment and ecosystem.
Bolama, Guinea-Bissau, showcases a distinct seasonal pattern in sunshine duration, with a steady increase in hours from the beginning of the year, peaking in the late spring. Starting with 259 hours of sunshine in January, the region experiences a consistent upward trend, reaching a remarkable 341 hours in May. This peak underscores the sun-drenched conditions typical of the dry season, where clear skies dominate and provide ample sunlight. As the wet season commences in June, there is a noticeable drop in sunshine hours, although the region still enjoys a substantial 294 hours during that month.
Following this mid-year decline, sunshine hours descend further in July and particularly in August, with only 238 hours available in the latter, indicating the cloud cover and rainfall associated with the peak of the rainy season. However, as the year progresses into the fall, sunshine duration begins to bounce back, with 300 hours in October and 308 hours in November. By December, sunshine once again climbs to 322 hours, suggesting a return to clearer skies as the rainy season recedes. Overall, Bolama's sunshine duration illustrates the region's climatic rhythms, with significant brightness during the dry months contrasted by periods of reduced sunlight in the heart of the monsoon season.
The UV Index in Bolama, Guinea-Bissau, reflects a notable seasonal intensity, particularly during the dry months from March through October. Beginning the year with a high UV Index of 10 in January and February, the region's sunshine levels set a clear warning for sun exposure, categorized as very high, with an average burn time of just 15 minutes. However, as the climate shifts towards the hotter months, the UV Index escalates, peaking at 14 in August and September and indicating extreme exposure levels. During this time, the burn time is further reduced to just 10 minutes, emphasizing the crucial need for sun protection during these peak periods.
As the year progresses into the fall, the UV Index slightly decreases to 12 in October, before tapering to 9 in November and December. The reduction during the latter months signals a gentle easing of sunlight intensity, transitioning back to very high exposure levels but with longer permissible sun exposure times of 15 minutes. Throughout the year, Bolama’s UV Index highlights the essentiality of awareness and protective measures against sunburn, particularly during the peak summer months when exposure can lead to significant skin damage in a remarkably short time.
UV Risk Categories
In Bolama, Guinea-Bissau, the duration of daylight exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, with slight fluctuations primarily seen in the initial and concluding months. January and February both average 11 hours of daylight, providing consistent light during the heart of the dry season. As the days lengthen into early spring, March welcomes an increase to 12 hours of daylight, a trend that continues through most of the year until October. This prolonged daylight period fosters ideal conditions for outdoor activities and agriculture, as the extended hours offer ample opportunity for photosynthesis and natural light.
Notably, from June through September, the daylight duration remains steady at 12 hours, coinciding with the peak rainy season, when despite cloud cover, there is still an equal amount of time to harness sunlight. As autumn approaches, daylight hours gradually decrease once again, returning to 11 hours in October and persistently through to December. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration in Bolama exemplifies the region's tropical climate, characterized by relatively consistent sunlight availability that supports both local ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.
Bolama, Guinea-Bissau experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C to a maximum of 36°C, with little to no rainfall. The rainy season begins in May, peaking in July and August, when monthly precipitation can exceed 550 mm. Despite the heavy rains, the region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly from March to May, with over 300 hours of sunshine each month. For more details, visit Bolama climate.
Bubaque, Guinea-Bissau, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with averages ranging from 26°C (79°F) in cooler months to 28°C (82°F) in warmer months. The region sees minimal rainfall from January to April, followed by a significant wet season from June to September, peaking in July and August with over 500 mm of precipitation. Sunshine levels are relatively high, with March and May enjoying the most hours at around 340 per month. For more detailed information, you can visit Bubaque climate.
In conclusion, Bolama, Guinea-Bissau, showcases a distinct climatic profile characterized by its warm temperatures, pronounced seasonal rainfall, and stable sunlight availability. The transition from dry to wet seasons significantly influences various environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations and UV exposure, both of which require careful consideration for health and outdoor activities. With consistent daylight hours facilitating the growth and vibrance of the local ecosystem, Bolama's climate not only supports diverse wildlife but also enables agricultural practices vital for the community. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for residents and stakeholders alike, as they navigate the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this tropical environment throughout the year.