Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Kayes, Mali, falls under the Koppen-Geiger classifications of BSh (semi-arid) and Aw (tropical savanna), reflecting a diverse and dynamic weather pattern. Throughout the year, temperatures can vary significantly, with January recording a minimum of 9°C (48°F), providing a sharp contrast to the region's peak heat in May, where the mercury can soar to a maximum of 47°C (116°F). The average temperature hovers around a warm 30°C (86°F), indicating a predominantly hot climate that influences both local ecology and human activity.
Temperature patterns in Kayes, Mali, exhibit significant seasonal variation throughout the year, characterized by a warm to hot climate. January begins with cooler nights, featuring a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F), transitioning into February when temperatures rise, averaging 29°C (84°F). The heat intensifies notably from March to May, reaching its peak in May with maximums of 47°C (116°F), while April and May maintain averages around 34°C (94°F) and 35°C (95°F), respectively. Following this peak, June marks a slight cooling trend, with averages dropping to 33°C (91°F), and the temperature continues to decline through the later summer months of July and August, stabilizing around 28°C (82°F). By September, nights begin to cool again, leading to more moderate temperatures in October and November before year-end returns to the cooler averages of December. This cyclical warming and cooling highlight the region’s distinct seasonal climate characteristics.
Bafoulabe experiences a temperature range from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) in January to a sizzling maximum of 46°C (115°F) in May, while Kokofata has similar minimums, with 14°C (57°F) in November and a peak of 44°C (112°F) in May. Kayes also reflects this trend, recording a minimum of 14°C (58°F) in January and soaring to a maximum of 47°C (116°F) in May. For more detailed temperature insights, you can explore Bafoulabe's monthly temperatures here, Kokofata's here, and Kayes' here.
In Kayes, Mali, precipitation is minimal during the dry months of late winter and early spring, with January and February receiving no rainfall at all. The first significant moisture appears in March with just 1 mm, followed by a slight increase in April when 2 mm is recorded. As the region transitions into the wet season in May, rainfall intensifies, reaching 11 mm over two days. This marks the onset of a dramatic change in precipitation patterns, which peaks from June to September.
The heart of the rainy season occurs in July and August, when Kayes experiences substantial rainfall—166 mm and 245 mm, respectively—across an average of 17 to 20 days of precipitation each month. This period contributes significantly to the annual total, while September maintains high rainfall levels at 163 mm over 15 days. After the rain subsides in October with 52 mm, precipitation drops sharply again in November and returns to zero in December, completing the cycle of an arid dry season and a pronounced wet season.
In Kayes, Mali, the duration of sunshine exhibits a clear seasonal trend, characterized by a steady increase as the year progresses from winter to summer. Starting with 257 hours in January, the month of February shows an upward shift to 291 hours, highlighting the gradual approach of sunnier days. This trend continues robustly through March, where sunshine reaches 334 hours, peaking in May with an impressive 341 hours. This month marks the height of sunshine, making it a prime time for outdoor activities before the onset of the rainy season.
As the summer unfolds, sunshine hours remain high but begin to stabilize around 320 hours from June to July, slightly diminishing to 292 hours in August due to increased cloud cover from monsoon rains. Interestingly, September sees a rebound with 302 hours, as the region starts to transition out of the rainy season. The autumn months continue to exhibit strong sunshine, culminating in 314 hours in October and maintaining 302 hours in November, leading into a cooler and drier December with 315 hours of sunlight. Overall, Kayes experiences a vibrant sun cycle that not only enhances the region's climate but also contributes significantly to its agricultural and economic activities.
The UV Index in Kayes, Mali, exhibits notable fluctuations throughout the year, closely aligned with seasonal changes in sunlight intensity. From January to May, the index starts at 10 in January, categorizing exposure as "very high," and escalates to an "extreme" level of 14 in April. This peak UV Index, reaching 14 in both April and August, signifies a particularly intense sun exposure period, requiring caution with only 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure recommended to avoid skin damage. Even in May, when the UV Index returns to 12, the need for protective measures remains critical as the intensity of solar radiation is significant.
Following the peak months, the UV Index begins to decrease gradually, dropping to 12 in October and 10 in November, before reducing to 9 in December, indicating a return to "very high" levels but still underlining the region's potential for high UV exposure year-round. Notably, except for the cooler months at the beginning and end of the year, the majority of the months consistently sit within the "extreme" exposure category. This persistent intensity underlines the importance for residents and visitors alike to adopt sun safety practices, such as using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, especially during the peak UV periods.
UV Risk Categories
In Kayes, Mali, daylight duration shows a consistent pattern throughout the year, with only slight variations that reflect the transition between seasons. During the winter months of January and February, daylight lasts approximately 11 hours, providing a relatively short window for sunlight. As the region moves into spring, March witnesses a gradual increase, culminating in a stable 12 hours from March through September, highlighting the abundance of daylight characteristic of the warmer months. This sustained period of daylight fosters agricultural activities and encourages outdoor living.
As autumn approaches, daylight duration begins to taper off in October, returning to 11 hours and maintaining this length through November and December. This return to shorter days coincides with the cooler temperatures of the dry season, underscoring the cyclical nature of Kayes' climate. Overall, the consistent pattern of daylight duration reflects the region's geographical location, allowing for significant sunlight throughout the year while also illustrating the minor seasonal shifts that occur.
Bafoulabe, Mali, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures peak, reaching a maximum of 46°C (115°F) in March and May, with minimal precipitation. The rainy season begins in May, intensifying in July and August, where monthly rainfall can exceed 278 mm (11.0 in). Despite the rain, Bafoulabe enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with March averaging 335 hours. For more information, visit Bafoulabe climate.
Diema, Mali, experiences a hot semi-arid climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. January temperatures range from a cool 11°C (52°F) to a scorching 39°C (102°F), while the hottest months, May and June, can reach up to 45°C (113°F). The rainy season occurs primarily from June to September, with July and August receiving the highest precipitation, averaging 136 mm (5.3 in) and 192 mm (7.5 in) respectively. Sunshine is abundant year-round, with March and May featuring the most hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Diema climate.
Kayes, Mali experiences a hot semi-arid climate with extremely high temperatures peaking in the months of April and May, where maximums can reach 47°C (116°F). The rainy season occurs from June to September, with August being the wettest month, receiving about 174 mm of precipitation. January and February are the driest months, showcasing ample sunshine with February having the most at 287 hours. Overall, the region displays a significant variation in temperature and rainfall throughout the year. For more details, visit Kayes climate.
Kita, Mali, experiences a hot and dry climate, with temperatures soaring from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) in January to a peak of 44°C (112°F) in May. Precipitation is scarce in the early months, with rainfall increasing significantly from June to August, reaching a peak of 322 mm (12.7 in) in August. Despite the rainfall, the area enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, particularly in May, which boasts 340 hours of sunlight. As the year progresses, temperatures gradually decrease from the sweltering summer months to more temperate conditions in the fall. For more details, visit Kita climate.
Kokofata, Mali experiences a hot, dry climate with a distinct wet season. Temperatures range from a mild 14°C (57°F) in winter to highs of 44°C (112°F) in May. Rainfall is minimal from January to March, with periodic increases until reaching peak precipitation in August at 312 mm (12.3 in). The area enjoys abundant sunshine, with May receiving the most at 340 hours. Overall, the climate is characterized by high temperatures, significant humidity during summer months, and ample sunshine throughout the year. For more details, visit Kokofata climate.
Nioro, Mali experiences a hot and dry climate with extreme temperatures, especially from March to May, where highs can reach up to 46°C (115°F). The wet season occurs from June to September, peaking in August with significant rainfall of 161 mm (6.3 in). Sunshine is abundant year-round, averaging over 300 hours each month. Despite the rainy season, October sees a return to dry conditions, while December experiences cooler temperatures. For more details, visit Nioro climate.
Sagalo, Mali experiences a hot and dry climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures can reach highs of 42°C (108°F) in April and May, while cooler months, like January, have average temperatures around 26°C (79°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to March but increases significantly from June to September, peaking in August with 361 mm (14.2 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in March and May, which have over 300 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Sagalo climate.
Yelimane, Mali, experiences a hot and dry climate, with temperatures soaring from an average of 26°C (79°F) in January to up to 37°C (98°F) in May. The hottest months are April and May, with maximum temperatures reaching 46°C (115°F). Rainfall is scarce from January to March, with significant precipitation occurring from June to September, peaking in August at 158 mm (6.2 in). Despite the heat, Yelimane enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, averaging over 300 hours per month. For more information, visit Yelimane climate.
In conclusion, Kayes, Mali, presents a dynamic climate characterized by extreme temperatures, significant sunshine duration, and high UV index levels, all of which impact the daily lives of its residents and the surrounding environment. The pronounced seasonal variations in precipitation and daylight duration further enrich this climate, creating distinct periods for agricultural and economic activities. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for effective planning and adaptation strategies, ensuring that both locals and visitors can navigate the intense sun exposure and adapt to the seasonal changes in order to thrive in this vibrant region.