Last updated: January 18, 2025
Ménaka, Mali, is characterized by a hot desert climate according to the Köppen-Geiger classification (BWh). This region experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, with minimum temperatures dropping to 10°C (50°F) in January. The average temperature during the hotter months reaches a sweltering 31°C (88°F), peaking at an extreme 47°C (116°F) in May. These conditions underline Ménaka's harsh climatic environment, marked by intense heat and limited precipitation, shaping the local ecosystem and human activities.
In Ménaka, Mali, temperature patterns reveal distinct seasonal trends, with a notable increase in warmth as the year progresses. January begins with cooler nights, featuring minimum temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and gradually rising daytime averages. By March, the temperatures continue to climb, reaching an average of 31°C (89°F), while April and May see peaks of 46°C (115°F) and 47°C (116°F), respectively, marking the transition into the peak heat of the year. As the summer approaches in June and July, temperatures remain high, averaging between 33°C (92°F) and 36°C (96°F), with maximum daily readings rarely falling below 44°C (112°F). A slight cooling starts in August and September, yet temperatures remain elevated, indicating the persistent warmth characteristic of the region. As the year wraps up in November and December, Ménaka experiences a gradual decline in temperatures, with evenings becoming brisker and daily averages settling around 30°C (86°F) to 25°C (78°F). This seasonal cycle underscores Ménaka's intense climate, defined by extreme heat contrasted with fleeting cooler months.
Menaka experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with January seeing a minimum of 10°C (50°F) and May peaking at a maximum of 47°C (116°F). For more detailed information on monthly temperatures in Menaka, visit monthly temperatures in Menaka.
Ménaka, Mali, exhibits a starkly defined precipitation pattern, characterized by a prolonged dry season and a brief wet period. From January to April, the region experiences no recorded rainfall, leading to arid conditions that dominate the landscape. This dry spell is suddenly interrupted in May with a minimal precipitation of 3 mm (0.1 in), signaling the start of the rainy season. However, it is during the summer months of July and August that Ménaka truly experiences its peak rainfall, receiving 16 mm (0.6 in) and a significant 66 mm (2.6 in), respectively. These months account for the majority of the annual precipitation.
Despite the onset of rain, the overall precipitation throughout the year remains limited, with substantial portions of the year seeing no rainfall at all. The month of June marks the beginning of the wet season with an increase of 9 mm (0.4 in), but the accumulation is still modest compared to the peak in August. Following the rainy season, rainfall sharply declines again in September and tapers to 3 mm (0.1 in) in October, before returning to dryness in November and December. This rainfall pattern underscores Ménaka's classification as a hot desert climate, where the significant dry intervals shape the local ecosystem and agricultural practices.
In Ménaka, Mali, sunshine duration demonstrates a seasonal pattern marked by a steady increase from the winter months to the height of summer. January begins with 258 hours of sunshine, and this gradually rises throughout the early months of the year. By March, residents enjoy 329 hours of bright sunlight, signaling the approach of warmer weather. The month of May stands out as the peak sunshine month, with an impressive 341 hours. This trend continues with only minor fluctuations in sunshine hours until August, where 328 hours still reflect abundant sunlight, despite the onset of the rainy season.
As the year progresses into the autumn months, there is a subtle decline in sunlight hours, but they remain relatively high. October records 318 hours, while November drops further to 307 hours, indicating a gradual shift towards less sunshine as the year concludes. Despite this decline, Ménaka consistently benefits from substantial sunlight throughout the year, with each month averaging over 250 hours. This abundance of sunshine not only shapes the local climate but also influences agricultural practices, as extended daylight hours provide optimal conditions for crop growth ahead of the rainy season.
The UV Index in Ménaka, Mali, underscores the intense solar exposure experienced throughout the year, particularly during the summer months. Starting off in January with a UV Index of 9, categorized as very high, the area sees minimal variation in the early months, as February follows closely with a 10. The spring months signal a marked increase in UV radiation, with March through May peaking at 12, classified as extreme, where the recommended burn time is a brief 10 minutes. This intensity continues into June and July, reinforcing the need for sun protection during these critical periods of heightened solar exposure.
The trend shifts slightly in August as the UV Index rises to 13, the highest level observed, still within the extreme category for sun exposure. Following this peak, the UV Index gradually decreases through September and October, returning to levels of 9 and 8, respectively, by November and December, where exposure remains categorized as very high. This consistent presence of high UV levels necessitates awareness and vigilance regarding sun safety, particularly from March to August, as prolonged exposure can lead to increasing risks of skin damage and other UV-related health issues.
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In Ménaka, Mali, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, with minor fluctuations as the seasons change. January and February both provide 11 hours of daylight, establishing a consistent foundation as the year begins. As spring approaches in March, daylight increases to 12 hours, a trend that continues through April and May, reflecting the gradual lengthening of days. The warmth of summer is highlighted in June, which boasts 13 hours of daylight, maximizing the potential for outdoor activities and agriculture.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours begin to taper off, with July through September maintaining 12 hours on average. October marks a decrease back to 11 hours, similar to the daylight in November and December, indicating a return to shorter days as the year concludes. This consistent variation in daylight duration emphasizes Ménaka’s positioning near the equator, where day lengths remain relatively stable but still reflect the subtleties of seasonal changes, influencing both lifestyle and agricultural practices in the region.
The climate in Menaka, Mali, is characterized by hot temperatures year-round, with the hottest months being April and May, where average highs reach up to 36°C (97°F) and 36°C (98°F), respectively. Precipitation is minimal, primarily occurring between June and August, with August recording the highest rainfall at 66 mm (2.6 in). Despite the sparse rainfall, the region enjoys abundant sunshine, ranging from 258 hours in January to a peak of 341 hours in May. The dry season spans from November to April, while the rainy season occurs in the summer months. For more details, visit Menaka climate.
In conclusion, Ménaka, Mali, showcases a unique climatic profile marked by extreme temperatures, limited precipitation, abundant sunshine, high UV exposure, and relatively stable daylight duration throughout the year. The intense heat, particularly from March to August, combined with very high UV Index values, necessitates protective measures against sun exposure, underscoring the importance of sun safety. Meanwhile, the region's rainfall patterns, predominantly during the summer, play a critical role in shaping local agriculture and ecosystems. Together, these elements illustrate the distinct environmental conditions of Ménaka, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that characterize life in this hot desert climate.