Last updated: January 18, 2025
Gorgol, Mauritania, exhibits a BWh climate classification characterized by its hot and arid conditions. The region experiences a stark temperature range, with winter minima plummeting to 14°C (58°F) in January, contrasted sharply by summer maxima soaring to 46°C (116°F) in June. Throughout the year, the average temperature hovers around 31°C (89°F), highlighting Gorgol's persistent warmth and emphasizing its climatic extremes. This unique temperature profile underscores the challenges of living in such a scorching environment, making Gorgol a vivid example of desert climate dynamics.
In Gorgol, Mauritania, temperature patterns reveal significant seasonal variations that define its arid climate. The year begins with cooler temperatures in January, featuring a minimum of 14°C (58°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F), gradually warming through February and March, where averages reach 28°C (82°F) and 31°C (88°F), respectively. By April, temperatures rise sharply, marked by an impressive maximum of 45°C (113°F). The peak of the heat is felt in May and June, with average temperatures around 36°C (96°F) and 35°C (96°F), soaring to maximums of 46°C (116°F). As summer yields to autumn in July and August, temperatures remain high yet begin to stabilize, with averages around 32°C (89°F). The transition into cooler months occurs in October and November, where temperatures decrease slightly, stabilizing around 31°C (88°F) by late autumn. The cycle completes as December sees a return to cooler conditions, with temperatures once again dropping to a minimum of 15°C (59°F), illustrating the distinct seasonal rhythm of Gorgol's climate.
Kaedi experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with January featuring a cool minimum of 14°C (58°F) and June reaching extreme highs of 46°C (116°F). This dramatic temperature variation highlights the region's hot climate, making it crucial for residents and visitors to prepare adequately for the seasonal shifts. For more detailed insights, refer to the monthly temperatures in Kaedi.
In Gorgol, Mauritania, precipitation is scarce, especially during the first half of the year, with no measurable rainfall recorded from January through May. This prolonged dry period underscores the region's arid climate, providing a stark contrast to the later months. As the summer progresses, a shift occurs, beginning with a modest 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain in June, which marks the onset of the rainy season and a crucial change in the local climate dynamics.
July and August experience the peak of precipitation, receiving 17 mm (0.7 in) and 75 mm (3.0 in) respectively, as the rainy season reaches its climax. This is followed by September, which still remains relatively wet with 57 mm (2.2 in), before tapering off to 16 mm (0.6 in) in October. The return to dryness from November onwards reaffirms the annual cycle of Gorgol's climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, and highlighting the limited but vital rain that sustains the region's ecosystem.
Gorgol, Mauritania, showcases a remarkable pattern in sunshine duration throughout the year, characterized by a steady increase as winter transitions into summer. Beginning in January with 243 hours of sunshine, the region experiences a gradual ascent, reaching 334 hours in April and peaking in May at 349 hours. This sharp rise not only highlights a transition into warmer global climate patterns but also underscores the role of increased daylight in supporting local agriculture and ecosystems during the spring months.
As summer approaches, sunshine hours remain impressively high, with June recording 328 hours and July slightly increasing to 343 hours. However, a subtle decline begins in August with 326 hours, continuing into autumn. Despite this decrease, Gorgol maintains a healthy amount of sun, with 307 hours in September and 314 hours in October. Finally, as the year winds down, sunshine hours recede again to 288 hours in November and 293 hours in December. This overall trend emphasizes both the intensity of the summer sun and the persistent brightness during the late months, confirming Gorgol's status as a region deeply influenced by its ample solar exposure.
The UV Index in Gorgol, Mauritania exhibits a striking seasonal pattern, reflecting the region’s intense solar exposure throughout the year. During the winter months, particularly in January and February, the UV Index remains at 9, categorized as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As spring approaches, the index escalates, peaking between March and June, where it reaches an alarming 12 in March and April, transitioning to 13 in June. During this extreme exposure period, the burn time decreases to merely 10 minutes, highlighting the urgent need for sun protection.
The summer months continue to show extreme UV levels, peaking at 14 in August before slightly declining to 13 in September and 11 in October. November sees a return to 10, signaling a shift back to very high levels as winter is approached, while December dips to an index of 8. This analysis underscores the critical importance of sun safety measures for residents and visitors alike, particularly during the peak months, where even a brief exposure can lead to serious skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
In Gorgol, Mauritania, daylight duration exhibits notable stability throughout the year, with minor fluctuations that reflect the region's tropical climate. The year begins with consistent 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, paving the way for a gradual increase as spring approaches. By March, daylight extends to 12 hours, a duration sustained through April and May, suggesting a period of balanced sunshine that supports both agricultural and ecological activities in the region.
As summer arrives in June, daylight reaches its peak at 13 hours, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities and solar energy utilization. However, this duration then tapers off, returning to 12 hours in July and August, before settling back to 11 hours in the transition to autumn during October and November. This pattern indicates a cyclical rhythm in daylight that underscores Gorgol's climate stability, helping residents and ecosystems adapt to the long-term seasonal changes in sunlight availability.
Kaedi, Mauritania experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall. Average temperatures range from 25°C (78°F) in January to 36°C (96°F) in May, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 46°C (115°F). Rainfall is scarce, with significant precipitation occurring primarily in August (75 mm) and September (57 mm). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in May, when it receives approximately 349 hours of sun. For more detailed climate information, visit Kaedi climate.
In conclusion, Gorgol, Mauritania, presents a unique climate characterized by its arid conditions, significant temperature extremes, and consistent solar exposure throughout the year. The pronounced seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation highlight the challenges faced in this environment, while the high UV Index and stable daylight duration emphasize the necessity for sun safety and effective agricultural practices. These climatic attributes not only shape the daily lives of the local population but also influence the region's ecosystem. Understanding these patterns is crucial for sustainable living and resource management in Gorgol, underscoring the interplay between climate and human activity in this distinctive part of the world.