Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Gao, Mali, classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as BWh, reflects distinct characteristics of a hot desert climate. Temperature variations are notable, with minimums dipping to 7°C (44°F) in January, while the average temperature climbs to a sweltering 31°C (88°F). The region experiences extreme heat, peaking at a scorching 47°C (116°F) in May, illustrating the significant temperature range and the intense conditions prevalent in this area. This climatic profile poses unique challenges and opportunities for local ecosystems and human activities alike.
Temperature patterns in Gao, Mali, exhibit a clear seasonal trend characterized by a sharp increase in warmth from winter through summer. In January, the temperature begins at a cool minimum of 7°C (44°F) and peaks at 39°C (102°F), with average temperatures gradually climbing to 23°C (74°F). February sees a slight rise, while March marks a significant jump as temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to a maximum of 43°C (109°F). The months of April and May are particularly intense, with averages reaching 34°C (93°F) and 36°C (97°F), respectively, and maximums soaring to 46°C (115°F) and 47°C (116°F). This extreme heat persists into June and July, though minimum temperatures remain high. By August and September, the temperatures stabilize before tempering slightly in the fall, with November and December offering cooler relief, showcasing a pronounced seasonal fluctuation that embodies the essence of Gao's hot desert climate.
In the region, Gao experiences minimum temperatures as low as 7°C (44°F) in January, peaking at 46°C (115°F) in April, while Bourem has a slightly higher minimum of 8°C (46°F) in January and also reaches a maximum of 46°C (115°F) in May. Ansongo shows a similar trend with January lows of 7°C (46°F) and the highest temperature of 47°C (116°F) occurring in May. For more detailed information, visit monthly temperatures in Gao, monthly temperatures in Bourem, and monthly temperatures in Ansongo.
Gao, Mali, experiences a stark contrast in precipitation throughout the year, highlighting its classification as a hot desert climate. The dry season, spanning from January to April, sees essentially no rain, with recorded precipitation consistently at 0 mm (0.0 in). However, the onset of the rainy season begins in May, albeit with minimal rainfall peaking at just 2 mm (0.1 in). The situation dramatically shifts in the subsequent months, particularly from June to September, when the region receives the majority of its annual precipitation.
The heart of the rainy season is marked by substantial rainfall, especially in August, which alone accounts for 72 mm (2.8 in), a considerable volume considering the preceding months of drought. This period is characterized by increased rainy days, with 10 days of precipitation recorded in August, compared to almost none earlier in the year. September continues to see some rainfall at 11 mm (0.4 in) over 3 days, but the wet conditions taper off into October and vanish by November, returning the region to dryness as the year concludes, demonstrating a pronounced seasonal precipitation pattern essential for local ecosystems and agriculture.
Gao, Mali, showcases a remarkable pattern of sunshine duration throughout the year, with a significant increase in sunlight hours as the seasons transition from winter to summer. Starting in January with 254 hours of sunshine, the region experiences a steady increase, reaching 288 hours in February and climbing to 327 hours in March. This upward trajectory continues through April, maintaining the same hours, before peaking in May with an impressive 339 hours. The consistent availability of sunshine during these months promotes warmth and supports the arid landscape typical of the region.
As summer approaches, sunshine duration remains substantial, with June, July, and August recording 332, 337, and 328 hours respectively. Despite slight fluctuations, these months retain the high levels of sunlight that characterize Gao's climate. Interestingly, the hours gradually decline into September and October, yet still hover around 320 and 318 hours. By November and December, the hours of sunshine diminish further, with 306 and 312 hours, respectively. This seasonal pattern not only reveals the abundance of sunshine during the warmer months but also highlights the gradual transition into lower light levels as the year comes to a close, marking a cycle that significantly influences the local climate and ecosystems.
In Gao, Mali, the UV Index reveals a concerning trend, indicative of the intense solar radiation characteristic of the region. Beginning in January, the UV Index is high at 9, classified as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As the months progress towards summer, the UV Index escalates dramatically, reaching its peak in April at 14, categorized as extreme, where the burn time reduces to a mere 10 minutes. This extreme UV exposure remains prevalent through May, June, July, and August, with readings consistently around 12 to 14, underscoring the critical need for protective measures against harmful sun rays during these sweltering months.
As the year approaches its end, the UV Index gradually declines in October and November to 10, reverting to the very high category, with a return to a 15-minute burn time. December sees a slight decrease again to 9, still categorized as very high. This data illustrates the seasonal intensity of UV radiation in Gao, where protective strategies against sun exposure become increasingly vital, especially from February through August, when the risks of skin damage are markedly elevated. Residents and visitors alike must remain vigilant during these months to safeguard against the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Gao, Mali, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, with minor fluctuations that reflect the region’s tropical climate. During January and February, residents experience approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing a sense of consistency as the year begins. The transition into March marks the start of longer days, as daylight extends to 12 hours, a duration that remains unchanged through April and May, suggesting a period of consistent sun exposure that supports local agricultural practices.
As summer approaches in June, daylight reaches its maximum at around 13 hours, providing ample opportunity for daily activities and outdoor pursuits. However, this peak does not last long, as daylight duration returns to 12 hours in July, August, and September. The final months of the year see daylight gradually decrease back to 11 hours in October, November, and December. This balance of daylight duration throughout the seasons reflects the solar consistency that characterizes Gao, creating a predictable environment for both the community and its ecosystems.
Ansongo, Mali experiences a predominantly hot and dry climate, characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, peaking in April and May with averages reaching 36°C (97°F) and maximums of 47°C (116°F). The rainy season lasts from June to September, with August seeing the highest precipitation of 83 mm (3.3 in), while the rest of the year remains largely dry. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer months, with July enjoying around 339 hours of sun. For more detailed information on the climate of Ansongo, visit Ansongo climate.
Bourem, Mali experiences a hot desert climate with extreme temperatures throughout the year. January temperatures range from a cool 8°C (46°F) at night to a sweltering 38°C (100°F) during the day, while May sees highs reaching up to 46°C (115°F). Rainfall is minimal, with most months, particularly from April to June, seeing little to no precipitation and a peak in August with 58 mm (2.3 in). Sunshine is abundant, with May enjoying the most hours at 338. For more detailed information on the weather patterns, visit Bourem climate.
Gao, Mali experiences a hot desert climate marked by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. From April to June, daily averages peak around 34-36°C (93-97°F), with maximum temperatures reaching up to 46°C (115°F). The rainy season occurs from July to August, bringing increased precipitation, with August receiving the highest at 79 mm (3.1 in). Sunshine is abundant year-round, peaking in May with an impressive 337 hours. For more detailed information, visit Gao climate.
The climate in Inekar, Mali, is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, with average monthly highs peaking between 31°C (88°F) in March and 36°C (97°F) in May. Rainfall is minimal, with only August experiencing significant precipitation at 69 mm (2.7 in), while other months receive little to none. Sunshine is abundant, with January boasting 259 hours and May reaching up to 344 hours of sunlight. Overall, the climate is hot and dry, making it essential to prepare for the extreme heat. For more detailed information, visit Inekar climate.
In conclusion, the climatic attributes of Gao, Mali, characterized by its temperature extremes, pronounced UV Index, and consistent daylight duration, significantly influence the region's ecology and the daily lives of its inhabitants. The intense heat, particularly during the summer months, paired with the extreme UV radiation, underscores the need for effective sun protection strategies to safeguard health in such a challenging environment. Meanwhile, the stable yet fluctuating daylight hours present both opportunities and constraints for agricultural practices and outdoor activities. Understanding these climatic factors is essential not only for residents but also for stakeholders involved in regional development, agriculture, and public health, as they navigate the challenges and benefits of life in this unique desert environment.