Last updated: January 18, 2025
Cacheu, Guinea-Bissau, exhibits a tropical savanna climate classified as Aw under the Köppen-Geiger system. The region experiences a temperature range characterized by a minimum of 17°C (62°F) in January, rising to an average of 27°C (81°F) throughout the year. This climate peaks in April, where maximum temperatures can soar to an impressive 42°C (108°F), indicating a significant seasonal variation. Such climatic conditions contribute to the unique ecological and agricultural practices in the region, shaping the livelihoods of its inhabitants.
The temperature patterns in Cacheu, Guinea-Bissau reveal distinct seasonal trends, characterized by a gradual increase from the cooler months of January and February to the peak heat of April. January starts with minimum temperatures of 17°C (62°F) and average highs reaching 39°C (102°F), while February sees a slight rise, averaging 27°C (80°F). As the dry season progresses into March and April, temperatures continue to climb, with maximums peaking at 42°C (108°F) in April. Following this sweltering period, May brings a marginal decrease, yet still maintains high levels consistent with averages around 27-28°C (82-83°F). The onset of June marks a transition to cooler and more stable temperatures, as the rainy season begins, resulting in lower maximums of 37°C (100°F) during the month. By July and August, maximum temperatures drop further to around 33°C (92°F), indicating a relief from the intense heat, before a gradual return to higher temperatures in the months of October and November. December brings another cooling phase as temperatures fall back to the levels seen at the beginning of the year, completing a yearly cycle of temperature variability shaped by the region's tropical savanna climate.
Canchungo and Cacheu experience similar temperature ranges throughout the year, with January temperatures dropping to a minimum of 17°C (62°F) and peaking at a scorching 42°C (108°F) in April. For more detailed monthly temperatures, you can refer to the links: monthly temperatures in Canchungo and monthly temperatures in Cacheu.
In Cacheu, Guinea-Bissau, precipitation is highly seasonal, with an evident contrast between the dry and wet months. The year begins with a prolonged dry spell, as January through April record no rainfall at all, providing a stark backdrop for the onset of the rainy season. A slight increase in precipitation is noted in May, with just 1 mm recorded, signaling the forthcoming change. However, it is in June that substantial rainfall begins, totaling 48 mm over approximately six rainy days, marking the transition to the wet season.
The peak of precipitation occurs in July and August, with July receiving an impressive 375 mm and August following with 469 mm, over 25 and 27 days, respectively. This dramatic increase in rainfall supports the lush vegetation typical of the region during these months. Following the peak, September also maintains high precipitation levels at 336 mm, although with fewer rainy days. As the wet season recedes, October sees a decline to 131 mm, while November contributes a mere 19 mm, before returning to dryness in December, where no rainfall is observed again, reinforcing the cyclical nature of Cacheu's climate.
In Cacheu, Guinea-Bissau, sunshine duration exhibits a marked seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing as the year progresses towards summer. Starting from January with 256 hours, there is a consistent rise each month, culminating in May when an impressive 345 hours of sunshine are recorded. This peak sunshine period reflects the region's dry season, creating optimal conditions for outdoor activities and agricultural productivity. The slight decline in June, down to 314 hours, signals the beginning of the rainy season, though sunshine remains plentiful.
As the rain intensifies, particularly in July and August, sunshine hours decrease significantly, registering at 282 and 253 hours, respectively. This reduction emphasizes the impact of seasonal rains, which can dampen outdoor plans and agricultural tasks. Interestingly, the months of September and October witness a gradual recovery in sunshine hours, with September getting 271 hours and October rebounding to 306 hours. The year concludes with November and December maintaining over 300 hours of sunshine each, illustrating that while the rainy season may dominate mid-year, Cacheu still enjoys substantial sunlight in the months preceding and following it, offering a favorable climate for various pursuits throughout the year.
The UV Index in Cacheu, Guinea-Bissau displays alarming levels year-round, indicating a strong risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Beginning in January, the UV Index stands at 9, categorized as "very high," with a brief burn time of just 15 minutes. This intensity escalates sharply in the following months, reaching a peak of 14 in August and September, marking these as the most sun-drenched periods. During these months, the exposure category remains categorized as "extreme," with a critical burn time of merely 10 minutes, underscoring the need for vigilant sun protection to prevent skin damage.
As the year transitions into October, the UV Index declines slightly to 12, transitioning back to extreme but still demanding cautious sun exposure measures. By November and December, the readings revert to 9, again classified as very high, offering a brief reprieve before the cycle begins anew. This consistent presence of high UV levels throughout the year emphasizes the importance of protective measures against the sun's harmful rays, particularly during the peak months when exposure can lead to rapid skin burns and long-term health risks.
UV Risk Categories
In Cacheu, Guinea-Bissau, daylight duration remains relatively stable throughout the year, demonstrating only slight fluctuations that correspond with seasonal changes. Each January and February are characterized by approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing a consistent, though shorter, daylight span. As the year progresses into March, daylight begins to extend, reaching 12 hours which it maintains through to September. This consistent 12-hour daylight period allows for ample activity and growth, particularly benefiting agriculture and outdoor life.
As October arrives, daylight duration begins to taper off again, returning to 11 hours in November and December. This gradual shift towards shorter days signals the onset of the cooler, drier months while still allowing sufficient exposure to sunlight. The rhythmic pattern of daylight hours in Cacheu underscores the region's tropical climate, where the amount of daylight remains largely unchanged, fostering a predictable environment for both residents and the ecosystem throughout the year.
Cacheu, Guinea-Bissau experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures peak with highs reaching up to 42°C (108°F) in April, while rainfall remains negligible. The rainy season begins in June and lasts until October, with July and August receiving the highest precipitation, over 400 mm (15.7 in) each, significantly cooling the average temperatures to around 27°C (81°F). Despite the rains, sunshine remains abundant throughout the year, with May having the most sunshine hours at 346. For more detailed information, visit Cacheu climate.
Canchungo, Guinea-Bissau experiences a tropical climate characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year. January to April sees warm temperatures ranging from 17°C (62°F) to 42°C (108°F) with minimal rainfall, while the rainy season from June to September brings heavy precipitation, peaking in August with 488 mm (19.2 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially in the dry months, with March having the highest at 335 hours. Overall, Canchungo's climate combines heat and humidity, creating a distinct seasonal contrast. For more details, visit Canchungo climate.
In conclusion, Cacheu, Guinea-Bissau, presents a distinctive climatic profile characterized by its tropical savanna conditions, marked by significant temperature variations and a pronounced wet-dry season. The region enjoys abundant sunshine and high UV indices, particularly during the warmer months, which necessitates careful sun protection measures for residents and visitors alike. With consistent daylight duration throughout the year, Cacheu’s environment supports diverse agricultural practices and outdoor lifestyles. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for effective planning and adaptation strategies, ensuring both the well-being of the local population and the preservation of its unique ecosystems.