Last updated: January 18, 2025
Khammouan, Laos, exhibits a tropical savanna climate classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as Aw, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 7°C (45°F) in January, rising to an average of 26°C (79°F) throughout the year. The peak temperature reaches a scorching 40°C (104°F) in April, underscoring the region’s significant seasonal temperature variation. These climatic conditions influence local ecosystems and agricultural practices, making Khammouan a unique area for studying the impacts of tropical savannas in Southeast Asia.
In Khammouan, Laos, temperature patterns reflect a clear seasonal trend, with distinct variations throughout the year. January begins with cooler temperatures, presenting minimums around 7°C (45°F) and average highs reaching 34°C (94°F). As the year progresses into the dry season of February and March, temperatures steadily rise, peaking in April with maximums soaring to 40°C (104°F). Following this intense heat, the onset of the wet season in May brings a slight cooling effect, with average temperatures stabilizing around 28°C (83°F), despite still high maximums. The peak summer months of June to September maintain relatively consistent temperatures, with averages hovering between 27°C (81°F) and 28°C (83°F), while maximums remain in the 35°C (95°F) range. As the year closes, a gradual decline in temperatures occurs, with December showcasing minimums of 9°C (48°F), exemplifying the distinct seasonal shifts characteristic of this tropical savanna climate.
In Muang Hinboun, temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in April, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Muang Hinboun. Similarly, Thakhek experiences slightly cooler conditions with minimum temperatures of 7°C (45°F) in January and maximums reaching 39°C (102°F) in May, as outlined in the monthly temperatures in Thakhek.
Khammouan, Laos, experiences a significant variation in precipitation throughout the year, marked by distinct wet and dry seasons. The initial months, January and February, are characterized by minimal rainfall, with January receiving only 6 mm (0.2 in) and February slightly higher at 11 mm (0.4 in). As the year progresses into March and April, precipitation begins to increase, with March recording 48 mm (1.9 in) and April rising to 62 mm (2.5 in). The onset of the monsoon season in May triggers a dramatic surge in rainfall, reaching 186 mm (7.3 in) and culminating in July, where an astounding 516 mm (20.3 in) falls, solidifying it as the wettest month.
The latter part of the year sees a gradual tapering of precipitation, though the months following the peak still register substantial rainfall. August and September continue this trend with 465 mm (18.3 in) and 308 mm (12.1 in), respectively, before a noticeable decrease in October to 138 mm (5.4 in). November and December reflect the transition toward drier conditions, with November receiving 21 mm (0.8 in) and December dropping to 5 mm (0.2 in). The frequency of rainy days also fluctuates significantly, peaking in July and August with 29 days each, indicating a persistent presence of rainfall during these months, while the drier periods are characterized by fewer rainy days, often limited to just one or two.
In Khammouan, Laos, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with a notable increase in hours as the year progresses from winter into the warmer months. January starts off with 255 hours of sunshine, but this figure steadily climbs through February and March, reaching a peak of 321 hours in the latter month. April maintains a high level of sunshine with 315 hours, indicating a trend towards more sun-filled days as the region transitions into the hotter pre-monsoon period. This increase not only enhances daytime temperatures but also benefits agricultural practices that thrive on sunlight exposure.
However, as the monsoon season approaches in May, sunshine hours dip slightly to 301 hours, followed by a significant reduction during the core summer months of June and July, which receive just 275 and 254 hours, respectively. This decline reflects the increased cloud cover and precipitation typical of this period. The trend begins to reverse in August, when sunshine hours further decrease to 225 hours, but it gradually recovers in September and October, with 271 and 284 hours respectively. As the year wraps up, November and December offer a resurgence of sunlight, with 299 and 310 hours, reinforcing the idea that while the summer brings abundant rainfall, the latter months provide a balance of sunshine that supports a diverse range of ecosystems and activities in Khammouan.
In Khammouan, Laos, the UV Index reveals substantial variation across the months, highlighting the intense sun exposure typical of the region. January begins with a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, indicating a potential burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. As the months progress into February and March, the UV Index escalates significantly, peaking at 11 and 13, both falling into the extreme exposure category and reducing burn time to merely 10 minutes. The trend continues into April, where the UV Index peaks at 15, emphasizing the critical need for sun protection during this period.
The extreme UV levels persist through the subsequent months, with June and July also recording a UV Index of 13 and 15, respectively, before gradually declining in August and September to 14. October brings a slight reprieve with a UV Index of 12, yet the extreme category remains prevalent until November, which sees a reduction to 10 before reverting to 9 in December. This data underscores the importance of vigilant sun safety throughout much of the year, particularly during the peak months of March to July, when exposure can lead to harmful effects in a brief period.
UV Risk Categories
In Khammouan, Laos, daylight duration exhibits a steady, predictable pattern throughout the year, reflecting the region's tropical climate. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, which sets the stage for a gradual increase as spring approaches. By March, daylight stretches to 12 hours, a trend that continues through April and May, allowing for extended periods of natural light that enhance daily activities and agricultural practices. June and July mark the peak of daylight hours, each boasting 13 hours, providing ample opportunity for outdoor pursuits amid the warmth of the peak monsoon season.
As the year transitions toward the end, daylight duration begins to decrease gradually. The months of August and September retain 12 hours of daylight, maintaining moderate light exposure as the rainy season winds down. However, by October, daylight drops to 11 hours once again, continuing through November and December. This cyclical pattern underscores the stability of daylight in Khammouan, providing residents with a reliable rhythm throughout the year, although slightly varying from the longer days of mid-year to the shorter days in the winter months.
Muang Hinboun, Laos experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a cool 8°C (47°F) in January to a high of 40°C (104°F) in April, with average monthly temperatures typically between 23°C (73°F) and 29°C (84°F). Precipitation spikes notably from May through July, with July receiving up to 490 mm (19.3 in), making it the wettest month. Sunshine is abundant in the dry season, peaking at 321 hours in March, while the monsoon months see a reduction in sunlight. For more details, visit Muang Hinboun climate.
Thakhek, Laos experiences a tropical climate with distinct seasonal variations. The temperature ranges from a chilly 7°C (45°F) in January to a warm 39°C (102°F) in April and May, with average monthly temperatures hovering around 22-28°C (72-82°F). The wet season, peaking in July, sees significant rainfall, accumulating up to 542 mm (21.4 in), while the dry months receive minimal precipitation. Despite the rainfall, Thakhek enjoys ample sunshine, especially in March with 320 hours, making it a vibrant and warm location year-round. For more details, visit Thakhek climate.
In conclusion, Khammouan, Laos, showcases a distinctive climatic profile characterized by pronounced seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, UV Index, sunshine duration, and daylight hours. The tropical savanna climate influences a warm and humid environment, with peak temperatures and significant rainfall during the monsoon season. Moreover, the high UV Index throughout much of the year underscores the necessity for sun protection, particularly during the hottest months. As daylight hours fluctuate seasonally, the region is provided with consistent periods of sunlight that support both daily life and agricultural practices. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for residents, travelers, and researchers alike, as they navigate the unique environmental conditions that define Khammouan's landscape.