Last updated: January 18, 2025
Adrar, Mauritania, is characterized by a BWh Köppen-Geiger climate classification, indicative of a hot desert environment. The region experiences extreme temperature variations, with winter minima reaching as low as 5°C (41°F) in January. Average temperatures hover around a balmy 27°C (82°F) throughout the year, while the scorching summer months see maxima soaring up to 47°C (117°F) in July. This climate profile underscores the region's arid conditions and significant thermal range, shaping both its natural environment and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
In Adrar, Mauritania, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends, reflecting the region's hot desert climate. The year begins with cool winter months, where January and February experience minimum temperatures around 5-6°C (41-43°F) and average highs reaching 34°C (93°F) and 35°C (96°F), respectively. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in March and April with daily averages climbing to 24°C (75°F) and 27°C (81°F) and maximums remaining consistently high at 40°C (104°F). The intensity of summer becomes evident in May and June, as minimums rise to 16-20°C (60-68°F) and peak temperatures soar to 44°C (111°F) and 45°C (113°F). July is the hottest month, with averages peaking at 35°C (95°F) and maximums reaching an extreme 47°C (117°F). As summer wanes in August and September, temperatures remain elevated but begin to stabilize, while the cooler months of October to December see a gradual decline, with averages of around 30°C (86°F) in October and a notable dip to 20°C (68°F) by December, emphasizing the region's stark contrasts between seasons.
Chinguetti experiences a temperature range with a minimum of 5°C (41°F) in January and soaring to a maximum of 45°C (114°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Chinguetti. In comparison, Atar has a slightly milder January minimum of 7°C (46°F) and a peak July temperature of 47°C (117°F), which can be explored further in the monthly temperatures in Atar.
Precipitation in Adrar, Mauritania, is markedly sparse throughout the year, characterizing the region's arid climate. From January to May, rainfall amounts are minimal, with only sporadic occurrences noted: 0 mm in January, creeping up to a mere 3 mm (0.1 in) in both March and April. This dry spell persists into the summer months, where rainfall remains low, peaking briefly in August and September, with each month recording 9 mm (0.3 in). The rest of the year sees little to no precipitation, culminating in November and December where rain returns to insignificance with 0 mm again in November.
Despite the overall lack of rainfall, the number of rainy days remains exceptionally low across the year. Notably, there are no recorded rainy days from January to June, mirroring the considerable dryness of the early months. It is only during August and September that any measurable precipitation occurs, with two days of rainfall each month. The negligible precipitation patterns across the calendar year underscore the extreme aridity of Adrar, reflective of its desert climate, and reinforce the challenges of water availability in this region.
In Adrar, Mauritania, sunshine duration showcases a pronounced seasonal trend, with clear increases in daylight hours as the year progresses. Beginning in January with 246 hours of sunshine, the duration gradually rises to 365 hours in May, marking it as the peak month for sunlight. The months from February through April also contribute to this upward trajectory, with March and April registering 334 hours and 343 hours, respectively. As the hot summer months roll in, sunshine hours remain consistently high, demonstrating that Adrar experiences abundant sunlight, even reaching 352 hours in July and 348 hours in August.
As the year transitions into autumn, a slight decline in sunshine hours can be observed, with September recording 319 hours and October further diminishing to 313 hours. This gradual decrease continues into the final months of the year, with November and December offering 292 and 296 hours of sunlight, respectively. Despite this reduction, Adrar maintains a robust average of daylight throughout the year, underscoring the region's desert climate. The consistent abundance of sunshine highlights both the opportunities and challenges for agriculture, energy production, and overall lifestyle in this arid landscape.
The UV Index in Adrar, Mauritania, exhibits notable seasonal variations, presenting significant health implications for residents and visitors. Throughout the winter months, January and February start with a UV Index of 8 and 9, respectively, categorized as very high—indicating a burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. As spring arrives, the UV Index escalates dramatically, peaking in March and April at 12 and 14, categorized as extreme, with burn times reducing to 10 minutes due to the intensified solar radiation. This trend underscores the increasing need for sun protection measures as the year transitions toward summer.
From late spring into summer, the UV Index remains predominantly in the extreme category, with values of 13 and 14 recorded from May through June. The peak summer month of July sees a slight dip to 11, yet the burn time remains critically short at 10 minutes. As summer wanes into autumn, the UV Index remains elevated but begins to decline, with values dropping to 9 in November and returning to 8 in December. This year-round emphasis on sun safety is crucial in Adrar, where prolonged sun exposure can lead to serious health risks, underscoring the necessity for protective measures, particularly during the peak UV months.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Adrar, Mauritania, exhibits a gradual increase from winter to summer, followed by a slight decline as the year ends. January and February feature approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing consistent exposure during the winter months. As spring arrives in March, daylight increases to 12 hours, maintaining this level into April. This upward trend continues into May and June, where daylight peaks at 13 hours, highlighting the lengthy days typical of the region's summer season.
As summer progresses into late August and September, daylight begins to taper back to 12 hours, reflecting the transitional period toward autumn. October and November return to 11 hours, maintaining relatively stable light exposure as daylight shortens in December to 10 hours. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration is characteristic of Adrar’s climatic conditions, where variation is less drastic than in temperate regions, ensuring a steady rhythm of light that shapes the daily lives and activities of its inhabitants.
Atar, Mauritania experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by high temperatures year-round and minimal rainfall. January sees average temperatures around 20°C (68°F), while summer months like July can reach up to 35°C (95°F) or more. Precipitation is scarce, with August being the wettest month at just 13mm (0.5 in). The region enjoys significant sunshine, particularly in May with the highest average of 365 hours. For more details, visit Atar climate.
Chinguetti, Mauritania experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures year-round. January sees average temperatures around 17°C (63°F), rising to 34°C (94°F) in July, the hottest month. Precipitation is minimal throughout the year, with the highest recorded at just 6 mm (0.2 in) in September. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in May with 366 hours, making it a notably bright location. More details can be found at Chinguetti climate.
In conclusion, Adrar, Mauritania, presents a unique climate characterized by its extreme temperatures, limited precipitation, and abundant sunshine, all of which significantly influence the daily lives of its residents. With a marked increase in sunshine duration from winter to summer and consistently high UV Index values, the need for sun protection is paramount, particularly during the prolonged daylight hours experienced in the warmer months. As seasonal transitions occur, these climatic factors create both opportunities and challenges for agriculture, water resource management, and health. Understanding this interplay is crucial for fostering sustainable practices and enhancing the quality of life in this arid yet resilient region.