Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Gabú, Guinea-Bissau, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw, indicating a tropical savanna climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures exhibit a significant range, with minimum values dropping to a cool 13°C (56°F) in December, contrasting sharply with maximum temperatures soaring to 44°C (112°F) in the peak of April. The average temperature throughout the year hovers around a warm 29°C (84°F), underscoring the region's overall warmth and seasonal variability that influence not only local ecosystems but also agriculture and daily life in Gabú.
In Gabú, Guinea-Bissau, temperature patterns exhibit a marked seasonal rhythm characterized by a gradual rise in warmth from January through April, peaking with maximum temperatures of 44°C (111°F) in March and remaining unchanged in April. As the region transitions into the wet season, temperatures stabilize, with averages consistently around 32°C (90°F) in May, before dipping slightly during the cooler months of July to September, where maximums range from 34°C (94°F) to 37°C (99°F). This cooling phase is brief, as temperatures begin to rise again in October, culminating in the year’s lowest recorded minimum of 13°C (56°F) in December. Overall, Gabú experiences high thermal variability, with warm months punctuated by intense heat, especially during the pre-monsoon period.
In the region of Gabu, temperatures vary significantly from December to April. In Pirada, the minimum temperature in December is 15°C (58°F) and peaks at a hot 44°C (112°F) in April, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Pirada. Pitche experiences a slightly cooler climate, with a December minimum of 13°C (56°F) and a maximum of 43°C (110°F) in April, according to the monthly temperatures in Pitche. Gabu has a minimum temperature of 14°C (57°F) in December, reaching a maximum of 42°C (108°F) in April, which can be seen in the monthly temperatures in Gabu.
Precipitation in Gabú, Guinea-Bissau, follows a distinctly seasonal pattern, with a pronounced dry season from January through April, during which no rainfall is recorded. This lack of precipitation gives way to the onset of the wet season in May, marked by a slight increase with 3 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall. With the arrival of June, the region experiences a dramatic shift, culminating in the peak of rainfall during the heart of the rainy season, with 398 mm (15.7 in) recorded in August, indicating a substantial contribution to the annual total.
The rainy season is characterized by a significant number of wet days, particularly in July and August, with 24 and 26 days of rainfall, respectively. Following this peak, precipitation begins to taper off in September and October, with 276 mm (10.9 in) and 98 mm (3.9 in) of rain recorded, respectively, before dwindling to minimal amounts in November and returning to dryness in December. This seasonal precipitation pattern not only shapes local ecosystems but also influences agricultural practices and water resource management in the region.
In Gabú, Guinea-Bissau, sunshine duration exhibits a distinct seasonal trend, with a noticeable increase from January through May. The year begins with 257 hours of sunshine in January, gradually ascending to a peak of 343 hours in May, showcasing the region's brightening conditions leading into the summer months. This upward trajectory emphasizes the importance of sunlight for local agriculture and natural ecosystems, as the extended sunshine promotes plant growth and boosts food production.
As the region transitions into the wetter months, sunshine hours begin to decline, though they remain relatively high, with 282 hours in July and 247 hours in August. Despite the onset of the rainy season, August still records substantial sunlight, albeit at its lowest annual amount. The trend then stabilizes in the fall and winter, with October seeing 298 hours, November with 300 hours, and December closing the year at 315 hours. This pattern not only underscores the enduring sunny conditions typical of Gabú but also highlights the subtropical climate's influence on daily life, leisure, and agricultural cycles throughout the year.
The UV Index in Gabú, Guinea-Bissau, presents significant seasonal variations, with consistently high levels noted throughout much of the year. From January to April, the UV Index ranges from 10 to 12, categorized as very high to extreme, requiring minimal sun exposure time of just 15 minutes to 10 minutes to avoid skin damage. This intense UV radiation underscores the importance of sun protection, particularly as the region approaches the hottest months of the year.
As the rainy season commences, the UV Index reaches its peak in August at 14, indicating an extreme category with a burn time of only 10 minutes. Despite a slight decrease in UV intensity during the fall and winter months, values remain elevated, with November at 10 and December decreasing further to 9. This persistence of high UV levels emphasizes the need for year-round vigilance against sun exposure in Gabú, reinforcing public health messaging around sun safety, especially for outdoor workers and those engaging in recreational activities.
UV Risk Categories
In Gabú, Guinea-Bissau, daylight duration exhibits a stable pattern throughout the year, with minor fluctuations in hours. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in January and February, following which there is a gradual increase as the region transitions into the spring and early summer months. By March, daylight extends to 12 hours, a duration maintained through to August. This consistency in daylight provides ample opportunity for agricultural activities and other outdoor pursuits during these warmer months.
As the year progresses into the latter part of autumn, daylight hours dip back to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This slight reduction signals the approach of the cooler months, reinforcing a predictable annual cycle of light and shadow in Gabú. The overall stability of daylight duration throughout the year reflects the region's equatorial position, contributing to the consistency of its climate and the rhythms of life for its inhabitants.
Gabu, Guinea-Bissau, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures year-round, with averages ranging from 26°C (79°F) in January to 32°C (89°F) in May. The region sees very little rainfall from January to April, with sporadic precipitation increasing significantly during the wet season from June to September, peaking in August with 421 mm (16.6 in). Sunshine hours are plentiful, peaking in May with 343 hours, although they decrease during the heaviest rainfall in August. For more detailed climate information, visit Gabu climate.
Pirada, Guinea-Bissau experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures year-round and a distinct wet season. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (60°F) in January to a maximum of 44°C (112°F) in April and May. The rainy season peaks in July and August, with precipitation reaching up to 374 mm (14.7 in), while January through April remains dry with no recorded rainfall. Sunshine hours are abundant, peaking at 344 hours in May, providing plenty of sunlight despite the seasonal variations. For more detailed information, visit Pirada climate.
The climate in Pitche, Guinea-Bissau is characterized by high temperatures and a distinct wet season. From January to April, temperatures rise significantly, peaking in April with a maximum of 43°C (110°F). The rainy season begins in May, with June, July, and August experiencing the heaviest rainfall, totaling up to 399 mm (15.7 in) in August. Despite the rain, sunshine remains abundant throughout the year, particularly in the drier months, with May receiving the most sunshine hours at 343. For more detailed information, visit Pitche climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Gabú, Guinea-Bissau, is characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. With a pronounced dry season followed by a wet season, the region experiences significant rainfall concentrated primarily from June to September, coupled with high temperatures and intense sunlight year-round. The consistent levels of daylight further support agricultural practices, while the extreme UV Index emphasizes the need for sun safety measures. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for informed decision-making regarding agriculture, health, and community resilience in Gabú, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its residents.