Last updated: April 17, 2025
Mopti, Mali, experiences a unique climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of BSh (semi-arid) and BWh (arid). This region showcases a significant temperature range, with a minimum recorded temperature of 9°C (48°F) in January, an average annual temperature of 30°C (86°F), and soaring maximums peaking at 45°C (114°F) during the sweltering month of May. Such conditions underline the challenges faced in this area, influencing both the local ecology and the livelihoods of its inhabitants.
In Mopti, Mali, the temperature patterns reveal distinct seasonal trends, characterized by a warm climate with marked fluctuations throughout the year. January begins the year with cooler nights, seeing minimum temperatures drop to 9°C (48°F), while average daytime temperatures reach 24°C (75°F). As February and March progress, temperatures rise, peaking at 43°C (111°F) in March, indicating the approach of the hot season. April and May are particularly sweltering, maintaining maximums of 45°C (113°F) and 45°C (114°F), with nighttime lows only slightly cooler. The onset of the rainy season in June introduces modest cooling, yet temperatures remain high with a daily average of 33°C (92°F). The following months of July and August see a slight dip in maximums while maintaining averages around 30-28°C (87-83°F), suggesting some reprieve from the harsh heat. By September, average temperatures stabilize, and their gradual decline continues into October and November, with December ushering in cooler evenings once again, echoing January’s temperatures but with slightly warmer average days of 25°C (78°F). Overall, Mopti showcases a clear seasonal cycle influenced by both heat and the rainy season, emblematic of its semi-arid climate.
Mopti experiences a minimum temperature of 11°C (52°F) in January, rising to a maximum of 45°C (113°F) in April, while Djenne exhibits a slightly warmer range with minimums of 12°C (54°F) in January and identical maximums of 45°C (113°F) in April. Bandiagara, on the other hand, records a cooler minimum of 10°C (50°F) in January with a peak of 44°C (112°F) in May. For more detailed monthly temperatures, check out the links for Mopti, Djenne, and Bandiagara: monthly temperatures in Mopti, monthly temperatures in Djenne, and monthly temperatures in Bandiagara.
Precipitation patterns in Mopti, Mali, are characterized by a stark dry period followed by a pronounced rainy season. From January to March, the region experiences virtually no rainfall, marked by 0 mm recorded in each month. The first signs of precipitation arise in April, with a modest 2 mm (0.1 in), followed by a slight increase in May to 7 mm (0.3 in). However, it is June that sets the stage for the wet season, with total rainfall escalating to 20 mm (0.8 in), and the frequency of rainy days intensifying.
The most significant rainfall occurs during the peak months of July and August, where Mopti receives 89 mm (3.5 in) and 149 mm (5.9 in) respectively, marking this period as the heart of the rainy season. This is reflected in the number of rainy days, with July and August experiencing 14 and 16 days of precipitation, respectively. As September approaches, the rainfall begins to taper off with 60 mm (2.4 in), followed by a sharp decline in October to 10 mm (0.4 in). By November and December, the region returns to its dry state, emphasizing the pronounced seasonal variability in precipitation that typifies Mopti's climate.
Mopti, Mali, experiences a dramatic shift in humidity throughout the year, transitioning from crisp, dry conditions in the winter months to sweltering, humid summers. In January and February, humidity levels plummet to a mere 10-13%, creating a stark, arid atmosphere. As spring unfolds in April, there's a slight increase to 17%, signaling the approach of the wet season. This change accelerates in May, where humidity spikes to 42%, and by June, it reaches a substantial 70%. The peak occurs from July to September, with humidity levels soaring to a hefty 79%, making the air feel thick and oppressive. Interestingly, October marks a gradual decline, settling back to 73%, before a sharp drop in November to 34% and a return to the dryer conditions of December at 14%. This cyclical pattern highlights the intense climate shifts that define Mopti’s seasons, impacting everything from daily life to agricultural practices.
In Mopti, Mali, sunshine duration exhibits a consistent pattern, with a notable increase from the winter months into the summer. January begins the year with 258 hours of sunshine, gradually climbing to 290 hours in February. The trend accelerates in March, where residents enjoy 326 hours of bright sunlight, peaking in May with an impressive 337 hours. April and June closely follow suit with 325 and 333 hours respectively, ensuring that this spring to early summer period stands out as one of the sunniest times of the year.
As the summer progresses, July reaches its zenith, basking in 341 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest month in Mopti. Despite August witnessing a slight drop to 314 hours, the sunshine duration remains substantial, highlighting a prolonged period of warmth. September and October also retain admirable sunshine totals, recording 318 and 327 hours respectively, before transitioning into the late autumn months of November and December, which maintain a similar level of sunlight at 313 and 321 hours. This consistent access to sunshine not only shapes the local climate but also influences agricultural practices and daily life in Mopti throughout the year.
The UV Index in Mopti, Mali, presents a compelling picture of the region’s sun exposure throughout the year, with values consistently reaching very high to extreme categories. In January, the UV Index stands at 10, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. This level of UV intensity remains relatively constant through to March, peaking at 12 in that month. As April arrives, the UV Index escalates to 14, marking the beginning of a particularly hazardous period for sun exposure that lasts through the majority of the summer months.
From April to August, the UV Index frequently remains at 14, with the burn time limited to just 10 minutes, signaling a pressing need for protective measures against sun exposure. Even in September, the index remains elevated at 13, slightly tapering to 12 in October. Notably, by November and December, the UV Index returns to 10 and drops to 9, both categorized as very high exposure risks, which still necessitate caution. These sustained high UV levels throughout much of the year underscore the importance of sun safety practices for residents and visitors alike in Mopti.
UV Risk Categories
In Mopti, Mali, daylight duration displays a fascinating consistency throughout the year, typically ranging between 11 to 12 hours. January and February both offer 11 hours of daylight, gradually reintroducing longer days as March approaches with an increase to 12 hours. This pattern of extended daylight continues from March through to September, maintaining the 12-hour mark. Such consistent daylight can enhance outdoor activities and agricultural practices, providing ample time for cultivation and community engagement.
As the year transitions into the last quarter, daylight hours begin to contract once again, returning to 11 hours in October and persisting through November and December. This reduction signifies the onset of the cooler months, where shorter days may influence daily routines and energy consumption. Overall, the stable daylight duration in Mopti contributes to a predictable rhythm of life, offering residents a steady balance between light and darkness across the seasons.
Bandiagara, Mali experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to May, temperatures reach their peak, with average highs often exceeding 30°C (86°F), while precipitation remains minimal until June. The rainy season peaks in July and August, bringing about 143 mm (5.6 in) of rainfall, followed by a gradual decrease in precipitation through October. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with the sunniest months being May and July, offering over 330 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Bandiagara climate.
Djenne, Mali, experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures year-round. January temperatures range from a cool 12°C (54°F) to a warm 39°C (103°F), while April and May see peak averages of 35°C (95°F) and 45°C (113°F), respectively. Rainfall is minimal from January to March, with precipitation increasing in the summer months, peaking in August at 183 mm (7.2 in). Djenne enjoys considerable sunshine throughout the year, particularly in April to June when sunlight exceeds 330 hours monthly. For more detailed climate information, visit Djenne climate.
Mopti, Mali, experiences a hot, dry climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal precipitation. From January to March, temperatures range from 11°C to 43°C (52°F to 110°F) with no rainfall. The rainy season begins in June, peaking in August with significant rainfall of 149 mm (5.9 in), while temperatures still average around 29°C (84°F). The dry season returns in October, with temperatures cooling slightly to between 20°C and 31°C (68°F to 88°F) and little rain. Overall, Mopti enjoys abundant sunshine, with the highest monthly hours recorded in July at 341 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Mopti climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Mopti, Mali, is characterized by its warm temperatures, significant variability in precipitation, and consistent sunshine hours, alongside a steady daylight duration throughout the year. The pronounced dry season gives way to an intense rainy period, particularly from July to August, while high UV indices necessitate precautionary measures against sun exposure year-round. These climatic conditions not only shape the landscape of Mopti but also significantly influence the livelihoods, agricultural practices, and daily activities of its inhabitants. Understanding these patterns is vital for fostering resilience and sustainability in the face of climatic challenges in this dynamic region.