Last updated: January 18, 2025
Tombouctou, Mali, is characterized by a BWh Köppen-Geiger climate classification, indicating a hot desert climate with minimal precipitation. Throughout the year, temperatures exhibit significant fluctuations, ranging from a chilly minimum of 2°C (36°F) in January to sweltering highs of 47°C (116°F) in July. The average temperature settles around a warm 30°C (86°F), underlining the region's arid conditions and emphasizing the need for adaptation strategies to cope with the extreme heat, particularly during the peak summer months.
In Tombouctou, Mali, temperature patterns display a distinct seasonal progression characteristic of a hot desert climate. The year begins with January's brisk temperatures, featuring a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F), gradually warming to more moderate levels by February. As spring approaches, March brings notable heat with max temperatures peaking at 42°C (108°F), preparing the region for the intense summer months. By May, daytime highs reach 46°C (114°F), continuing into June and July, where temperatures often plateau at 46°C (116°F) and spike to an extreme 47°C (116°F) respectively. The sweltering summer gives way to slightly cooler conditions in August and September but remains relatively high, averaging 32°C (89°F). As the year closes, November and December witness a retreat to milder averages, with temperatures dipping back to around 10°C (50°F) at night and maximums again stabilizing around 38°C (100°F). This cycle reflects the broader climatic extremes typical of the region, combining harsh summer heat with cooler, more bearable winter nights.
Timbuktu experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year, with January's minimum dipping to 9°C (48°F) and June's maximum soaring to 46°C (115°F). For more detailed information on monthly temperatures in Timbuktu, you can visit monthly temperatures in Timbuktu.
Tombouctou, Mali, experiences a starkly arid climate, with precipitation largely absent for the majority of the year. From January to April, the region records zero rainfall, leaving the landscape parched under relentless sunshine. This dry spell is only slightly interrupted in May, when just 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain falls, signaling the onset of the rainy season that climaxes during the summer months.
By July and August, the atmospheric conditions change dramatically, leading to a significant increase in precipitation. July sees approximately 29 mm (1.2 in) of rainfall, while August receives an even heftier 56 mm (2.2 in), marking the peak of the wet season, which lasts until September. After this short burst of rain, precipitation sharply declines again to merely 17 mm (0.7 in) in September, followed by negligible amounts thereafter, totaling just 1 mm (0.1 in) in October and reinforcing the dry conditions that dominate the remainder of the year.
In Tombouctou, Mali, sunshine duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight progressively increasing from winter to summer. January begins the year with 250 hours of bright sunshine, a figure that rises steadily each month, reaching its zenith in May with 345 hours. This period marks the transition into summer, where the days become significantly longer, providing ample sunlight to dry the arid landscape that typically characterizes the region. Throughout June and July, sunshine hours remain robust, averaging over 340 hours, which keeps the heat and clear skies prevalent.
As the year progresses into the fall months, the sunshine duration experiences a slight tapering off. August still enjoys substantial sun with 334 hours, but this dwindles down to 322 hours by September and continues to decrease as autumn arrives. Notably, October and November record 318 hours and 303 hours, respectively, while December sees a slight increase back to 306 hours. Despite this reduction, Tombouctou remains one of the sunniest destinations year-round, contributing to its distinctly dry climate and highlighting the region's consistency in warmth and sunlight exposure across all seasons.
Tombouctou, Mali, exhibits a consistently high UV Index throughout the year, indicative of its sunny, arid climate. The year begins with a UV Index of 9 in January, which categorizes exposure as "very high," leading to a burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. As the months progress into February, the UV Index escalates to 11, reaching "extreme" levels, and continues to peak in April with an alarming 15. This spike necessitates vigilant sun protection measures, as the risk of harm from UV radiation becomes significantly elevated during this period.
As summer unfolds, the UV Index maintains its extreme categorization, with values hovering around 12 to 14 from May through August, suggesting a consistent burn time of 10 minutes. Even as autumn approaches in September, the UV Index remains high at 13, before slightly declining in October to 11. By November and December, the UV Index decreases to 9 and 8, respectively, allowing for a marginally lower risk of UV exposure. Nevertheless, residents and visitors in Tombouctou should remain cautious throughout the year, given the ever-present risk posed by intense ultraviolet radiation.
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In Tombouctou, Mali, daylight duration is relatively stable throughout the year, with slight variations that reflect seasonal changes. Both January and February provide 11 hours of daylight, creating consistent conditions at the beginning of the year. As March arrives, daylight begins to increase, reaching 12 hours, a duration that persists through April and May, bringing longer hours of sunlight as the region transitions into the warmer months.
During June, the longest day extends to 13 hours, offering ample light for various activities. However, this peak is followed by a gradual decrease, with daylight returning to 12 hours from July through September. As autumn approaches, daylight duration falls back to 11 hours in October, aligning with the shorter days of November and December. This overall pattern reflects Tombouctou's tropical climate, showcasing a slight but important rhythm in daylight availability that can influence both lifestyle and agriculture in the region.
Timbuktu, Mali, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extremely high temperatures, particularly from April to June, where averages can reach up to 36°C (97°F). The coolest months are January and December, with average temperatures around 22°C (71°F) and 24°C (75°F), respectively. Rainfall is minimal, with most precipitation occurring during the summer months of July and August, totaling just 57 mm (2.2 in) in August. Despite the heat, Timbuktu enjoys abundant sunshine, with over 300 hours of sunlight in several months, making it a bright yet arid location. For more details, visit Timbuktu climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Tombouctou, Mali, is characterized by extreme temperatures, minimal precipitation, and high levels of sunshine, all of which shape the region's unique environmental conditions. The substantial UV Index emphasizes the need for protective measures against intense solar radiation, particularly during peak months when exposure can lead to rapid skin damage. Moreover, the consistent daylight duration throughout the year supports various activities, particularly during the longer days of summer. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for residents and visitors alike, as they navigate daily life and make informed decisions regarding health, agriculture, and outdoor pursuits in this striking desert landscape.