Last updated: January 18, 2025
Phôngsali, located in northern Laos, is characterized by a Cwa Köppen-Geiger climate, marked by distinct seasonal variations. The region experiences a remarkable temperature spectrum, with minimum temperatures plunging to 2°C (36°F) in December, while average annual temperatures hover around 22°C (72°F). The summer months can be particularly intense, with maximum temperatures reaching as high as 40°C (103°F) in May. This dynamic climate influences local ecosystems and agricultural practices, reflecting the intricate relationship between temperature and environmental conditions in the region.
Phôngsali, Laos, showcases a compelling seasonal temperature pattern, beginning with cool winter months where January sees minimums around 5°C (42°F) and averages of 17°C (62°F). As the dry season progresses into February and March, temperatures gradually rise, with max values reaching 36°C (97°F) by March. April signals the onset of a warmer period, with temperatures peaking at 37°C (99°F), while May introduces the hottest month of the year, with maximums hitting a scorching 40°C (103°F). Following this peak, a slight cooling trend occurs in June, where temperature fluctuations stabilize, maintaining relatively warm averages in the mid-20s °C. The rains of July and August bring milder conditions, with highs decreasing to 35°C (96°F) and 34°C (94°F), respectively. As the year transitions into the cooler months of September to December, temperatures gradually drop, finishing the cycle with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) in December. This seasonal fluctuation illustrates the region's shift from cooler dry phases to hotter wet spells, significantly influencing local weather patterns and ecosystems.
The climate in the region varies slightly among Khoa, Ban Namnga, and Phongsali. Khoa experiences a minimum temperature of 3°C (37°F) in December and peaks at 40°C (103°F) in May, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Khoa. Ban Namnga is slightly cooler, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) in December and a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in May, which can be explored further in the monthly temperatures in Ban Namnga. Phongsali shares a similar range with Khoa, having a minimum of 3°C (37°F) in December and a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in May, as noted in the monthly temperatures in Phongsali.
Phôngsali experiences a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, characterized by a marked wet season and a comparatively dry period. The year begins with relatively low rainfall in January and February, accumulating 48 mm (1.9 in) and 28 mm (1.1 in), respectively, over just a few days. As the months progress into March, precipitation increases slightly to 49 mm (1.9 in). However, the transition to the wet season truly begins in April, where rainfall surges to 169 mm (6.6 in), followed by 132 mm (5.2 in) in May, setting the stage for the peak of the monsoon.
The peak months of precipitation occur during the summer from June to August, with July reaching the highest levels at 355 mm (14.0 in), followed closely by August with 412 mm (16.2 in). This period accounts for most of the annual rainfall, leading to days filled with precipitation, particularly in July and August, each averaging nearly 27 to 28 rainy days. As the year winds down, September sees a decline in rainfall to 229 mm (9.0 in), with October and November experiencing further reductions to 122 mm (4.8 in) and 33 mm (1.3 in), respectively. By December, rainfall decreases significantly to 31 mm (1.2 in), wrapping up a year marked by fluctuating rainfall intensity and frequency.
In Phôngsali, Laos, sunshine duration exhibits a notable seasonal trend, with a steady increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. Beginning with 208 hours of sunlight in January, the region gradually experiences longer days, reaching 270 hours in February and peaking at 304 hours in March. April maintains a robust 272 hours, setting the stage for the summer months. May stands out as the sunniest month, boasting 319 hours of glorious sunshine, allowing for vibrant activities in nature and agriculture during this peak period.
As the wet season approaches, the duration of sunshine slightly declines but remains significant, with June capturing 270 hours and a further dip in July to 256 hours. August sees the lowest sunshine duration at 245 hours, indicating the impact of increased cloud cover and precipitation during this time. However, as the year transitions into autumn, sunshine hours rebound, with September recording 272 hours, followed by a solid performance across October (280 hours) and November (273 hours). December concludes the year with 287 hours of sun, demonstrating that even in the cooler months, ample sunlight continues to grace Phôngsali, highlighting the region's overall appeal for year-round activities.
The UV Index in Phôngsali, Laos, showcases a pronounced fluctuation throughout the year, with the potential for significant solar exposure. Starting in January, the UV Index registers a strong 9, categorized as very high, necessitating caution with a burn time of just 15 minutes. This upward trend continues into February, climbing to 10, before reaching its peak during the hottest months of March through May. By March, the Index spikes to 13, categorized as extreme, and this level persists into April and May, where sun exposure can lead to burns in just 10 minutes.
As the summer progresses, the UV Index maintains extremely high values, hitting 15 in both May and July, underscoring the critical need for sun protection. August and September also demonstrate elevated readings of 14, signaling that sun safety remains paramount. Moving into October, the Index decreases slightly to 12 but still reflects an extreme exposure risk. By November and December, the UV Index dips to 10 and 8, respectively, yet still falls within the very high exposure category, emphasizing the necessity for continued vigilance against UV radiation throughout the year.
UV Risk Categories
In Phôngsali, Laos, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal rhythm, gradually increasing from winter into the summer months. Starting in January, the region enjoys about 10 hours of daylight, which increases to 11 hours in February, marking the beginning of longer days as the region transitions toward the warmer season. March brings an additional hour of daylight, reaching 12 hours, while April maintains this duration. In May, daylight peaks at 13 hours, continuing this level into June and July, offering ample opportunity for outdoor activities and agricultural work during the sunniest time of the year.
As summer fades into autumn, daylight duration begins to taper off, dropping back to 12 hours in August and September. By October, the days shorten again to 11 hours, suggesting a shift toward cooler months. November mirrors this trend with a consistent 11 hours of daylight. Finally, December sees a return to 10 hours, completing the cyclical pattern of daylight that Phôngsali experiences year-round. This rhythm underscores the region's consistent day length, providing a stable environment for both residents and visitors alike.
The climate in Ban Namnga, Laos, features significant temperature variations throughout the year, with January experiencing minimums around 6°C (44°F) and maximums peaking at 31°C (88°F). The warmest months are May through August, with maximums reaching up to 39°C (102°F) in May. Rainfall is concentrated from May to August, with July and August receiving the most precipitation, exceeding 340 mm (13.4 in) and 400 mm (15.8 in) respectively. Despite the monsoon season, sunny days are common, especially from February to May, providing ample sunshine hours. For more details, visit Ban Namnga climate.
Khoa, Laos experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a chilly 3°C (37°F) in December to a hot 40°C (103°F) in May, with averages around 17-26°C (63-79°F) throughout the year. The rainy season peaks from June to August, when precipitation can reach over 470 mm (18.6 in) in August, while the dry season, particularly February and November, sees significantly lower rainfall. Sunshine is abundant, especially in May with 318 hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Khoa climate.
The climate in Phongsali, Laos, features a significant range in temperatures throughout the year, with January temperatures averaging 16°C (61°F) and peaking at 39°C (102°F) in May. The rainy season begins in April, with considerable precipitation, peaking in July with 363 mm (14.3 in), while December experiences dry conditions with only 45 mm (1.8 in). Sunshine hours are abundant, especially from February to May, where March enjoys up to 309 hours. For more detailed information on the weather patterns and conditions in this region, visit Phongsali climate.
In conclusion, Phôngsali, Laos, presents a diverse climate characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The region experiences a notable rise in temperatures from the cooler winter months to the scorching heat of summer, while precipitation patterns sharply define the monsoon season, peaking in the mid-year. Additionally, the area boasts significant sunshine hours during the dry season, accompanied by a very high to extreme UV index, necessitating sun protection measures. The annual cycle of daylight duration also enhances the region's dynamic climate, providing ample time for outdoor activities year-round. Collectively, these climatic attributes not only shape the local environment and ecosystems but also influence the daily lives of the inhabitants, making Phôngsali a unique microcosm of Laos' rich geographical diversity.