Last updated: January 18, 2025
Bamako, Mali, situated within the Köppen-Geiger climate classification of Aw, experiences a distinct tropical savanna climate characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year. The city records a minimum temperature of 12°C (53°F) in January, while the average annual temperature hovers around 28°C (83°F). The peak heat is felt in May when maximum temperatures can soar to an impressive 43°C (110°F), contributing to the region's arid and warm conditions during the dry season. This climatic profile influences agricultural practices and daily life in Bamako, making an understanding of its weather patterns essential for residents and visitors alike.
In Bamako, Mali, temperature patterns reveal a distinct seasonal rhythm, marked by warm to hot conditions throughout the year. January begins the year with cooler temperatures, presenting a minimum of 12°C (53°F) and a maximum of 38°C (100°F). As February and March unfold, the city experiences a steady increase, with average temperatures climbing to 31°C (88°F) in March, peaking at 42°C (107°F). The heat intensifies in April and May, with May reaching its maximum of 43°C (110°F). Following this peak, temperatures begin to moderate in June, transitioning into the summer months of July and August, where the highs notably decrease to around 36°C (96°F), coupled with increased humidity. The cooling trend continues into September and October, before leveling off in November and December. Overall, the seasonal cycle in Bamako displays a clear trajectory from cooler dry months to a sweltering peak during late spring, before settling into milder temperatures in the latter half of the year.
Bamako experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with January seeing a chilly minimum of 12°C (53°F) and May peaking at a scorching maximum of 43°C (110°F). For a detailed overview of the monthly temperatures in Bamako, visit monthly temperatures in Bamako.
Precipitation in Bamako, Mali, exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern, with the rainy season spanning from May to September. January through March sees minimal rainfall, with January and February recording virtually no precipitation, while March receives only 2 mm (0.1 in). As April approaches, rainfall begins to increase, culminating in a total of 11 mm (0.4 in). The onset of the rainy season in May marks a significant shift, with 27 mm (1.0 in) falling, leading to a dramatic surge in precipitation during the peak months of July and August, where 237 mm (9.3 in) and 294 mm (11.6 in) are observed, respectively.
During the peak of the rainy season, Bamako experiences rainfall on numerous days, with 25 rainfall days recorded in both July and August. This substantial rainfall contributes to the region's agricultural viability but also signifies a break from the extended dry period typical of the earlier months. As the rainy season wanes, September sees a decline to 186 mm (7.3 in), followed by diminishing precipitation in October with 60 mm (2.4 in) and November, which further drops to a meager 3 mm (0.1 in). By December, Bamako returns to its dry conditions, finishing the year with 0 mm of rainfall, illustrating the stark contrast between the wet and dry seasons.
In Bamako, Mali, sunshine duration exhibits a compelling seasonal trend, with a clear increase in sunlight hours from the winter months into summer. Starting the year, January sees 264 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 296 hours in February and reaching 327 hours in March. This upward trajectory continues through April and May, with May peaking at an impressive 340 hours of sunshine. This period not only marks the driest part of the year but also represents the city’s most sunlit months, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere as the dry season approaches its zenith.
As the rainy season begins, the sunshine hours slightly decline in June and July, recording 328 hours and 321 hours respectively. Despite the reduction, these months still offer substantial sunlight, allowing for a balance of warmth and moisture. In August, when the rains are at their heaviest, sunshine drops to 278 hours, which is the lowest for the year. However, as the rainy season retreats, September sees a resurgence in sunshine with 299 hours, followed by a stable performance in October and November, capturing 319 hours and 315 hours respectively. This pattern not only underscores the resilience of sunlight in the region but also highlights the transformative effect of seasonal changes, illustrating Bamako’s unique climatic character.
Bamako, Mali, experiences markedly high UV Index levels throughout the year, with an exceptionally intense range occurring during the dry and wet seasons. Starting in January, the UV Index registers at 10, categorized as very high, indicating that sun exposure of 15 minutes can lead to skin damage for unprotected individuals. As the year progresses into February and March, the UV Index rises further, reaching 11 in February and hitting 12 in March. From late March to July, the UV Index consistently remains between 12 and 14, categorized as extreme, with a minimal burn time of just 10 minutes. This period signifies the highest risk for sunburn, underscoring the need for sun safety measures during outdoor activities.
The peak of the UV Index occurs in August and September, where it reaches 14, reinforcing the extreme exposure risk. Despite October's slight decline to 11, the levels remain significant, requiring ongoing protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. The UV Index then recedes to 10 in November and December, transitioning back into the very high category, but with a slightly longer burn time of 15 minutes. Overall, the data highlights the importance of sun safety practices year-round in Bamako, as the region consistently faces elevated levels of UV radiation, particularly during the dry season and the onset of rains.
UV Risk Categories
In Bamako, Mali, daylight duration displays subtle seasonal variations, primarily oscillating between 11 and 12 hours throughout the year. January and February welcome the year with a consistent 11 hours of daylight, offering relatively shorter days as the dry season persists. However, as the equinox approaches in March, daylight extends to 12 hours, a pattern that remains stable through April, May, and into the summer months, where it sustains this length. The consistent daylight hours during this period support outdoor activities and agricultural practices, marking a time of growth and productivity.
This consistency continues through June, July, and August, where daylight remains firmly at 12 hours across the rainy season, enabling a balance between sunlit days and evening rains. As September rolls in, daylight duration continues at 12 hours, before tapering off again in October to 11 hours. This reduction signals the transition back into shorter days during the final months of the year, as November and December both settle back into 11 hours of daylight. Overall, Bamako’s daylight patterns reflect a stable climatic environment, providing ample light for daily activities and a marked rhythm to its seasons.
Bamako, Mali experiences a hot, dry climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a chilly 12°C (53°F) in January to a sweltering 43°C (110°F) in May. The rainy season occurs from June to September, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 299 mm (11.8 in). Despite the heat, Bamako enjoys a substantial amount of sunshine, particularly in April and May, which each boast 339 hours. For more detailed information, visit Bamako climate.
Figuira-Toma, Mali experiences a distinct climate with high temperatures year-round, peaking in April and May at an average of 33°C (91°F) and a maximum of 42°C (109°F). The region receives the majority of its rainfall from June to September, with a notable 290 mm (11.4 in) in August. Sunshine hours are abundant, ranging from 265 hours in January to 342 hours in May. Overall, the climate is characterized by hot, dry conditions interspersed with a wet season. For more details, visit Figuira-Toma climate.
In conclusion, Bamako, Mali, presents a compelling climatic profile characterized by significant seasonal variations across temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight availability. With scorching peak temperatures in May, a pronounced rainy season bringing substantial monthly precipitation, and consistently high UV Index levels that demand sun safety measures year-round, Bamako's climate necessitates a thoughtful approach to lifestyle and agricultural practices. Additionally, the relatively stable daylight duration facilitates daily activities, allowing residents to adapt seamlessly to the rhythms of nature. Understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for both inhabitants and visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for the unique environmental conditions that shape life in this vibrant West African city.