Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Quinara, Guinea-Bissau, is characterized by a Köppen-Geiger classification of Aw, indicating a tropical savanna climate. Temperatures in this region exhibit a notable range, with minimums reaching 15°C (60°F) in December, contrasting sharply with maximums of 43°C (109°F) that can occur in April. The average temperature throughout the year settles at a balmy 28°C (82°F), contributing to the vibrant ecosystems and socio-economic activities dependent on this unique climatic profile.
Quinara, Guinea-Bissau experiences distinctive seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, marked by a noticeable increase in heat before the rainy season. January through March sees temperatures gradually rising, with average highs peaking at 41°C (107°F) in March. April marks the transition to the hottest month, reaching a maximum of 43°C (109°F), while the temperatures remain relatively stable, averaging 29°C (85°F) during this period. As the months progress into the rainy season from May to August, temperatures start to decline slightly, with average highs settling between 33°C (91°F) and 42°C (108°F). The coolest months occur from December to February, where minimum temperatures drop to around 15°C (60°F) to 18°C (64°F), but still, the overall averages remain warm, reflecting a consistent tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season influence.
In Fulacunda, temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C (63°F) in December to a maximum of 43°C (109°F) in April, reflecting the region's warm climate. Similarly, Buba experiences slightly cooler weather with minimum temperatures of 15°C (60°F) in December and maximums reaching 42°C (108°F) in April. For more detailed insights, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Fulacunda here and in Buba here.
Precipitation in Quinara, Guinea-Bissau is markedly seasonal, with a pronounced dry period lasting from January to April, during which no rainfall is recorded. This dry season is characterized by zero millimeters of rain and no rainy days, creating a stark contrast to the subsequent months. In May, the first signs of rainfall appear with 6 mm (0.2 in), signaling the beginning of the rainy season that typically escalates dramatically through the summer months.
The peak of precipitation occurs in July and August, where rainfall reaches impressive volumes of 498 mm (19.6 in) and 553 mm (21.8 in), respectively, with nearly daily rain occurring over these months—as evidenced by 29 rainy days in both July and August. Following this intense precipitation, rainfall begins to taper off in September with 391 mm (15.4 in), and continues to decline further into October and November, where totals drop to 160 mm (6.3 in) and 32 mm (1.2 in). By December, the cycle completes itself as the region returns to a dry phase, experiencing no rainfall once again. This pattern reflects the tropical savanna climate of the area, heavily influenced by seasonal monsoons.
Quinara, Guinea-Bissau exhibits a clear seasonal trend in sunshine duration, characterized by escalating hours of sunlight from the start of the year into the early summer months. Beginning with 258 hours in January, the region experiences a steady increase, culminating in peak sunshine during May, where residents enjoy an impressive 340 hours. This consistent rise reflects the transition from the cooler, drier months into a period of greater solar exposure, making late spring the optimal time for outdoor activities and agriculture.
As the rainy season approaches, sunlight begins to wane gradually, particularly from July to August, where hours drop significantly to 266 hours and 236 hours, respectively. This reduction illustrates the impact of increased cloud cover associated with the rainy months. Despite this decline, the sunshine hours rebound in the fall, with October and November registering 295 hours and 304 hours, respectively. By December, the sunshine duration again rises to 321 hours, highlighting a seasonal cycle that balances vibrant sunlight and the lush greenery that follows the rains. Overall, Quinara experiences a rich tapestry of sunshine that not only defines its climate but also influences the livelihoods and lifestyles of its inhabitants.
Quinara, Guinea-Bissau experiences significant UV radiation levels throughout the year, with the UV Index consistently ranging from 9 to 14, indicating a high threat from unprotected sun exposure. The year begins with a very high UV Index of 10 in both January and February, suggesting that even limited sun exposure can lead to skin damage in just 15 minutes. As the dry season transitions into the hotter months, the UV Index escalates sharply, peaking at 12 in April and May, and reaching 14 during the height of summer in August and September, where a minimal 10-minute burn time can cause severe harm.
The extreme UV levels during the summer months underline the importance of sun protection measures for residents and visitors alike. In contrast, the UV Index begins to taper off in October to 12, reflecting a slight reprieve, before falling to 10 in November and 9 in December as the year closes. Despite this seasonal variation, the persistent high levels of UV radiation in Quinara emphasize the necessity of protective practices, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
Quinara, Guinea-Bissau enjoys a relatively stable pattern of daylight duration throughout the year, characterized by a consistent range of 11 to 12 hours per day. The year starts with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, providing a steady light for residents during the cooler months. As the region transitions into spring, daylight increases modestly to 12 hours in March and remains at this level through the summer, from April to September. This constancy during the warmer months facilitates outdoor activities and plays a crucial role in local agricultural practices.
As the year progresses into the fall and winter, daylight duration shifts back to 11 hours in October and remains unchanged through November and December. This cyclic pattern of daylight demonstrates Quinara's equatorial positioning, where variations in daylight are minimal compared to regions farther from the equator. The balanced sunlight across the seasons contributes to the overall climate and lifestyle of the area, ensuring that both locals and visitors can take advantage of the ample daylight for both work and leisure.
The climate in Buba, Guinea-Bissau is characterized by a tropical pattern, with high temperatures year-round, peaking in April at a maximum of 42°C (108°F). The wet season stretches from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in July and August, receiving over 560 mm (22.1 in) each month. Dry conditions prevail from January to April, where little to no precipitation is recorded. Despite the rainfall, Buba enjoys substantial sunshine, especially from January to May, with over 300 hours of sunlight monthly. For more details, visit Buba climate.
Fulacunda, Guinea-Bissau experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures peak, with averages reaching up to 29°C (84°F) and maximums exceeding 41°C (107°F). The rainy season begins in June and continues through September, bringing heavy rainfall, particularly in July and August, when precipitation can exceed 500 mm (19.7 in). During the drier months, sun exposure is abundant, with January through May offering the highest sunshine hours. For more detailed information, visit Fulacunda climate.
In conclusion, Quinara, Guinea-Bissau presents a unique climatic profile characterized by its tropical savanna climate, marked seasonal temperature variations, and significant sunshine and UV index levels. The region experiences distinct dry and rainy seasons, which not only influence the temperature and precipitation patterns but also dictate the lifestyles and agricultural practices of its inhabitants. With consistent daylight duration, residents can benefit from ample sunlight for various activities throughout the year. However, the high UV index during the peak months underscores the need for effective sun protection strategies to mitigate health risks. Overall, understanding these climatic nuances is vital for promoting sustainable practices and enhancing the well-being of those who live in or visit this vibrant region.