Last updated: January 18, 2025
Ségou, Mali, is characterized by a BSh (semi-arid) climate, where temperature extremes define the weather patterns. The coldest month experiences a minimum of 10°C (51°F) in January, while the average temperature hovers around a warm 30°C (86°F) throughout much of the year. The peak heat is felt in May, with maximum temperatures soaring to an intense 45°C (114°F). This climate profile highlights the significant variability and challenges posed by extreme heat in the region.
Ségou, Mali, exhibits pronounced seasonal temperature trends throughout the year, beginning with the cool January where minimums dip to 10°C (51°F) and peak at 40°C (104°F). As February arrives, temperatures gradually rise, with averages reaching 28°C (82°F) and maximums climbing to 41°C (107°F). The heat intensifies in March and April, peaking in April at both 34°C (93°F) average and a scorching 45°C (113°F) maximum. May maintains this temperature profile, yet with slight decreases in the minimums. The onset of the rainy season in June marks a transition with temperatures starting to cool slightly, although maximums remain high at around 45°C (113°F). July and August experience further cooling, with average temperatures around 29°C (85°F) and 28°C (82°F), while maximums drop below 40°C (104°F). Post-rainy season, September and October reflect moderate temperatures, ranging from 28°C (83°F) to 30°C (87°F), before closing the year with a return to cooler conditions in November and December. Throughout the year, the climate is characterized by substantial heat, interspersed with a distinct rainy season that influences both temperature and humidity.
Segou experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with January seeing a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and May reaching a maximum of 43°C (111°F). This variation highlights the extreme heat that can be expected during the warmer months. For more detailed information, you can refer to the monthly temperatures in Segou here.
Precipitation in Ségou, Mali, exhibits a clear pattern, dominated by a distinct dry season followed by a pronounced rainy season. From January through March, the region experiences virtually no rainfall, accumulating 0 mm (0.0 in) of precipitation each month. The shift towards moisture begins in April with a mere 4 mm (0.2 in), but it is not until May that a significant increase occurs, totaling 13 mm (0.5 in) over approximately three rainy days. This gradual progression sets the stage for the peak of the wet season in July and August, when rainfall reaches 133 mm (5.2 in) and 187 mm (7.4 in) respectively, accompanied by an increase in rainy days.
As the rainy season continues, September maintains considerable precipitation, with 96 mm (3.8 in) recorded over twelve days. However, by October, rainfall diminishes significantly to 20 mm (0.8 in), signaling the transition toward the dry season. November and December see a complete return to dryness, once again recording 0 mm (0.0 in). This seasonal cycle of precipitation profoundly influences the local climate, agriculture, and water resources, underscoring the reliance of Ségou's ecosystem on the annual rains.
In Ségou, Mali, sunshine duration reveals a compelling seasonal pattern that correlates with the region's climate. Beginning in January, residents enjoy 259 hours of sunlight, but this figure steadily climbs as winter transitions into spring. February and March see increases to 290 hours and 325 hours, respectively, and by April, the sunshine reaches 326 hours. The peak sunshine month is May, with an impressive 339 hours, coinciding with warm temperatures and the onset of seasonal heat. As the summer months unfold, sunshine remains abundant, hovering around 334 to 333 hours from June to July, before experiencing a slight decline in August at 307 hours.
Following the peak of sunshine in May, the subsequent months maintain a generally high level of sunlight, with September and October recording 312 hours and 325 hours, respectively. However, a gradual decrease is observed as the year draws to a close; November offers 315 hours, while December returns to 321 hours. This annual cycle emphasizes the robustness of Ségou's sunny climate, providing ample opportunities for agriculture and outdoor activities during the peak months, while also highlighting a brief period of reduced sunlight during late summer to early autumn. Overall, the consistency and duration of sunshine play a crucial role in shaping the region's environmental conditions and lifestyles.
Ségou, Mali, experiences a notably high Ultraviolet (UV) Index throughout the year, with values indicating very high to extreme levels of UV exposure. In January, the UV Index starts at 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a burn time of just 15 minutes. As the months progress into February and March, the UV Index escalates to 11 and 12, both categorized as extreme, with burn times dropping to a mere 10 minutes. April marks the peak UV intensity, reaching an alarming 14, signifying extreme exposure risks that persist through May and August. This consistent pattern underscores the critical need for sun protection, as individuals engaging in outdoor activities must be particularly vigilant during these higher UV months.
As the rainy season approaches in September and October, the UV Index remains elevated, ranging from 12 to 13, with sustained extreme exposure levels. November sees a slight decrease back to 10 and December further dips to 9, yet both still fall under the very high exposure category. This annual review highlights the importance of awareness and caution concerning sun safety in Ségou, where even short outdoor excursions can lead to significant UV-related health risks. Ensuring adequate sun protection is essential year-round, particularly during the peak exposure months when burn times can be as brief as 10 minutes.
UV Risk Categories
In Ségou, Mali, daylight duration exhibits minimal variation throughout the year, typically ranging between 11 to 12 hours. During the early months of January and February, residents enjoy 11 hours of daylight, laying a steady foundation as the region transitions towards the longer days of spring. As March arrives, daylight increases to 12 hours, a duration that remains stable through April, May, and throughout the summer months. This consistent exposure to daylight supports agricultural activities and contributes to the overall vibrancy of daily life in Ségou.
As the year progresses into autumn, daylight duration begins to taper off once again, particularly in October, when it returns to 11 hours. This reduction continues into November and December, where Ségou once again experiences 11 hours of daylight. Despite these fluctuations, the relatively stable daylight hours throughout the year allow for a predictable rhythm of activities. The consistent daylight also provides opportunities for community engagement and outdoor pursuits, emphasizing the integral role of sunlight in the lives of Ségou's residents year-round.
Segou, Mali, experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January marks the coolest month, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 38°C, while April and May see peaks around 43°C. The rainy season begins in June, peaking in July and August with substantial precipitation—152 mm and 180 mm, respectively. Sunshine hours are abundant year-round, with May enjoying the most sunlight at 339 hours. For more detailed information, visit Segou climate.
In conclusion, Ségou, Mali, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by distinct temperature patterns, substantial sunshine duration, high UV Index levels, and a relatively stable daylight duration throughout the year. The region's pronounced dry and rainy seasons significantly influence not only the environmental conditions but also daily life, agricultural practices, and health considerations pertaining to sun exposure. With the highest temperatures and UV exposure occurring during the peak months of May to August, it is essential for residents and visitors alike to remain vigilant against the risks of intense sun exposure. Overall, the interplay of these climatic elements illustrates the dynamic nature of Ségou's environment, shaping the lifestyle and resilience of its inhabitants.