Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Betsiboka, Madagascar, is characterized by a tropical monsoon (Am) and savanna (Aw) climate under the Köppen-Geiger classification. Temperature variations are significant throughout the year, with a minimum recorded at 10°C (50°F) in July, contrasting sharply with maximum peaks reaching up to 40°C (104°F) in November. The average temperature hovers around a comfortable 25°C (76°F), making it a region of pronounced seasonal dynamics that impact both local ecology and human activities.
Betsiboka, Madagascar experiences distinct temperature patterns throughout the year, reflecting its tropical climate. From January to March, temperatures remain consistently warm, with minimums around 17°C (63°F) and maximums nearing 38°C (100°F), signaling a peak in summer warmth. As the seasons transition into April and May, a gradual cooling trend emerges, where nights become cooler, particularly in May with a low of 13°C (56°F). The cooling continues through June and July, where temperatures dip to an average of 21°C (71°F) and a minimum of just 10°C (50°F), marking the cooler winter months. However, as spring approaches in August, temperatures rise again, reaching a maximum of 36°C (96°F) by the end of the season. Rising temperatures resume in October, culminating in the hottest month of November when maximums can hit 40°C (104°F), before cooling slightly in December, thus encapsulating a year marked by cyclical warm and cool phases.
In Tsaratanana, temperatures vary from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) in July to a maximum of 35°C (96°F) in October, providing a range that allows for moderate seasonal changes. Conversely, Maevatanana experiences higher temperature extremes, with a minimum of 14°C (58°F) in August and soaring to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in November. For more details on the climate in these regions, visit monthly temperatures in Tsaratanana and monthly temperatures in Maevatanana.
Betsiboka, Madagascar, is characterized by a pronounced wet season from January to March, when precipitation levels peak significantly. January stands out with a staggering 379 mm (14.9 in) of rainfall over an average of 21 days, followed by 308 mm (12.1 in) in February and 264 mm (10.4 in) in March. This period is vital for the region's agriculture, as the abundant rainfall supports crop growth and sustains local ecosystems. As the climate transitions into the drier months, April marks a significant drop in precipitation to just 66 mm (2.6 in) over 12 days, signaling the onset of a drier season.
The months from May to September are notably arid, with minimal rainfall recorded; for instance, May sees only 6 mm (0.2 in) while July and August receive virtually no rain at all. This stark dry spell culminates in a total precipitation of merely 1 mm (0.1 in) during August. However, as October approaches, rain begins to return, leading up to 116 mm (4.6 in) in November, marking the revival of the wet season. December experiences another surge in rainfall with 235 mm (9.2 in) over 18 days, wrapping up the year with a solid return to the wetter conditions essential for the region's biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
In Betsiboka, Madagascar, sunshine duration exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, reflecting the region's tropical climate. The year begins with January delivering 264 hours of sunshine, progressively increasing to 305 hours in February and peaking at 330 hours in March. These early months establish a gradual upward trend leading into the dry season, as April follows closely with 329 hours and May reaches 335 hours. The consistent rise in sunshine during this period promotes agricultural activities, crucial for local livelihoods, especially as the region gears up for its more active farming months.
As the year progresses into the winter months, sunshine remains abundant, with June clocking in at 318 hours and July showing slightly more at 331 hours. However, the most notable peak occurs between October and December, where the duration of sunlight reaches its zenith: 366 hours in October, 358 hours in November, and 364 hours in December. This consistent abundance of sunshine during the latter part of the year not only enhances agricultural productivity but also supports various ecological processes in the region, demonstrating the vital role of solar energy in Betsiboka's climate dynamics.
The UV Index in Betsiboka, Madagascar, showcases a challenging environment for sun exposure, particularly during the first half of the year. January and February both record an extreme UV Index of 17, indicating that unprotected skin can suffer damage in just 10 minutes of sun exposure. This trend continues into March with a slightly lower index of 16, but still falls within the extreme category, highlighting the need for precautions against harmful UV radiation. In April, the UV Index decreases to 13, marking a transition toward safer conditions, though it remains in the extreme category with a burn time of just 10 minutes.
As the year progresses into the winter months, the UV Index follows a downward trajectory. May and June mark a shift to the "very high" exposure category, with indexes of 10 and 8, respectively, allowing for a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. The months of July and August transition back to the extreme category, with July at 9 and August at 12. As the year concludes, a resurgence in the extreme UV Index is observed in September through November, each hovering around 13 or 14, with a crucial burn time of 10 minutes. December rounds out the year with a UV Index of 15, reinforcing the importance of sun protection measures throughout much of the year.
UV Risk Categories
In Betsiboka, Madagascar, daylight duration demonstrates a consistent pattern throughout the year, with twelve hours of daylight prevailing from January to March. This period provides ample sunlight, supporting outdoor activities and agricultural practices vital to the local economy. As the seasons shift into April, daylight begins to decrease slightly to 11 hours, a trend that continues through the dry winter months of May to September, where the consistent 11 hours of daylight maintains a stable environment but offers less overall sunlight than the preceding months.
As the year progresses towards the end, daylight duration gradually increases again. October and November return to 12 hours of daylight, reinstating the brightness that characterizes the earlier months of the year. December marks the peak of daylight availability with 13 hours, coinciding with the onset of the wet season. This fluctuation in daylight hours not only influences local weather patterns but also significantly impacts flora, fauna, and agriculture, reinforcing the importance of understanding these dynamics in the context of Betsiboka's unique climate.
Maevatanana, Madagascar, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and notable seasonal rainfall. Average monthly temperatures range from 24°C (76°F) in July to 30°C (86°F) in November, with maximum temperatures occasionally reaching up to 40°C (104°F). The wettest months are from January to March, with January alone receiving 331 mm (13.0 in) of rain, while May through August are typically very dry. Despite the heavy rains at the beginning of the year, Maevatanana enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking at 367 hours in October. For more detailed information, visit Maevatanana climate.
The climate in Tsaratanana, Madagascar, features a tropical pattern with warm temperatures year-round. Average monthly temperatures range from a low of 10°C (50°F) in July to a high of 35°C (96°F) in October. The wet season spans from January to March, with January experiencing the highest rainfall of 426 mm (16.8 in), while the dry months of May through August receive minimal precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, especially in October with 365 hours, making it the sunniest month. For more detailed information, visit Tsaratanana climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Betsiboka, Madagascar, is characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The pronounced wet season from January to March supports lush vegetation and agricultural productivity, while the subsequent drier months are marked by significantly lower rainfall and a stable warmth, encouraging different ecological adaptations. Sunshine levels peak in late spring and early summer, while an extreme UV Index necessitates vigilant sun protection measures, particularly in the first half of the year. Understanding these climatic trends is essential for local communities, as they inform agricultural practices, lifestyle choices, and health precautions, ultimately shaping the resilience of Betsiboka's inhabitants and ecosystems in response to the region's dynamic environment.