Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Grand Gedeh, Liberia, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw, indicative of a tropical savanna environment characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Throughout the year, temperatures exhibit a moderate range, with a minimum of 17°C (63°F) in January and a peak at 36°C (97°F) during the same month. The average annual temperature rests comfortably at 26°C (79°F), reflecting the region's warm and humid conditions that shape its unique ecological and agricultural landscape.
Temperature patterns in Grand Gedeh, Liberia, showcase a warm tropical climate with minimal seasonal variation. January experiences the lowest minimum temperature at 17°C (63°F), alongside the year's highest maximum of 36°C (97°F). As the months progress into February and March, a slight increase in minimum temperatures to around 21°C (70°F) is observed, with highs maintaining around 35–36°C (96–97°F). The transition into the warmer wet season begins in April, where temperatures dip slightly, averaging around 26°C (79°F), and continue relatively consistent through June, with maximums around 31–34°C (88–93°F). The rainier months of July and August see a slight cooling trend, maintaining averages of 25°C (77°F). Overall, the climate remains predominantly warm throughout the year, with a subtle decrease in maxima and minima as the wet season progresses.
Zwedru experiences a January climate characterized by a minimum temperature of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F), highlighting its warm tropical conditions. For more detailed insights, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Zwedru.
Precipitation patterns in Grand Gedeh, Liberia, exhibit a clear seasonal rhythm characterized by a pronounced wet season. Beginning the year with only 38 mm (1.5 in) of rainfall in January, the region sees a gradual increase in precipitation leading up to the wettest months. Notably, May records a dramatic rise in rainfall to 220 mm (8.7 in), with June peaking at 248 mm (9.8 in). This aligns with the longest duration of rain days, particularly in June, where precipitation is measured across 29 days, indicating a consistently wet and humid climate.
As the wet season reaches its zenith in September with an annual high of 293 mm (11.5 in), the frequency of rainfall days persists at 28 days. The latter part of the year, including October and November, continues to display substantial rainfall, with 206 mm (8.1 in) and 110 mm (4.3 in) respectively, accompanied by relatively fewer rain days. The transition into December signals a decrease in both precipitation to 45 mm (1.8 in) over 13 days, marking a shift toward drier conditions and a return to the lower precipitation levels seen in January.
In Grand Gedeh, Liberia, sunshine duration exhibits a notable seasonal pattern, with a clear upward trend observed from January through April, leading into the dry season. Starting the year with 230 hours of sunshine in January, daylight hours gradually increase, peaking in April at an impressive 268 hours. This rise in sunlight corresponds with the region's transition from the drier winter months into a more favorable climate, allowing for ample exposure to sunlight during the peak of the day. May slightly dips to 261 hours, indicating that while the wet season begins to set in, significant sunshine still persists.
As the wet season progresses into June and July, sunshine hours experience a subtle decline, with 236 and 235 hours, respectively. This reduction is accompanied by increased cloud cover and precipitation, typical of the region's climatology during these months. Interestingly, by August and September, sunshine duration drops further to 215 hours, signaling a trend of less solar exposure during the peak rainy months. However, as October rolls in, the trend begins to reverse, with sunshine duration climbing back up to 247 hours. The year culminates with December showcasing the highest sunshine hours at 269, marking a shift toward drier weather and a return to more vibrant daylight, reinforcing the cyclical nature of Grand Gedeh's climate.
The UV Index in Grand Gedeh, Liberia, indicates a consistently high level of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, with extreme exposure categories dominating the sunnier months. Starting at 11 in January and peaking at 14 in April, the UV Index reflects a severe risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, necessitating caution for residents and visitors alike, particularly with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This trend persists until May, where it slightly decreases to 13, maintaining the extreme exposure classification and suggesting a pronounced vulnerability to UV-related skin damage during the dry season.
As the climate transitions into the wetter months from June to November, the UV Index remains elevated but slightly stabilizes at around 12, signifying an ongoing but marginally less intense risk. Despite the consistent high readings, the burn time in December lengthens to 15 minutes, with a UV Index of 10, which moves it into the "very high" category. This gradual reduction towards the year's end illustrates the correlation between the dry season's solar intensity and increased UV exposure, reminding individuals to remain diligent about sun protection regardless of seasonal changes.
UV Risk Categories
In Grand Gedeh, Liberia, daylight duration remains relatively stable throughout the year, characterized by a consistent average of approximately 11 to 12 hours of daylight. The year begins with 11 hours in both January and February, reflecting the typical short daylight conditions of the region's winter months. As March approaches, daylight extends to 12 hours, signaling the start of the transition towards longer days that continue through the following months. April, May, and into June maintain this pattern, providing consistent daylight, which is beneficial for agricultural practices and daily activities.
However, this trend begins to taper off as the year progresses, with daylight duration returning to 11 hours in October and persisting through November and December. During the core of the wet season, from June to September, daylight remains stable at 12 hours, ensuring that the region receives ample light during its rainiest months. This lack of significant variation in daylight length throughout the year is a hallmark of regions near the equator, such as Grand Gedeh, where equatorial geography contributes to a moderate climate and relatively uniform light exposure.
Zwedru, Liberia experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C (63°F) in January to a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in both January and March. The wettest months are May and September, with precipitation reaching 220 mm (8.7 in) and 293 mm (11.5 in), respectively. Despite the heavy rainfall, Zwedru enjoys considerable sunshine, peaking at 268 hours in April. For more detailed information, visit Zwedru climate.
In conclusion, Grand Gedeh, Liberia, exemplifies a tropical climate characterized by a consistent pattern of warmth, substantial precipitation, and high UV exposure throughout the year. The well-defined seasons reveal distinct temperature trends, with a marked increase in rainfall during the wet months, illustrating the dynamic interaction between climate and the local environment. Daylight duration remains relatively stable, providing ample sunlight year-round, contributing to the region's agricultural productivity. Awareness of these climatic features is essential for residents and visitors alike, offering vital insights into the natural rhythms of Grand Gedeh and emphasizing the importance of sun protection and adaptation strategies amidst its prevalent environmental conditions.