Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Province 2 in Nepal is characterized by the Koppen-Geiger climate classification of Cwa, which signifies a humid subtropical climate with a distinct dry winter. The region experiences a broad temperature range, with minimum temperatures dropping to 5°C (40°F) in January, rising to an average of 25°C (77°F) throughout the year, and peaking at maximal levels of 43°C (110°F) in June. This climatic variability contributes to the unique ecological and agricultural patterns observed in Province 2, influencing crop cycles and local livelihoods.
Province 2 in Nepal exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, bring cooler temperatures with minimums around 5°C to 6°C (40°F to 42°F) and an average range from 15°C to 19°C (60°F to 66°F). As spring approaches, temperatures rise significantly, with March recording average temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and reaching 9°C (48°F) at night, indicating a warm transition. By summer, particularly in May and June, the heat intensifies, with daytime maximums soaring to 42°C (108°F) and 43°C (110°F), while nighttime lows remain elevated around 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 74°F). The monsoon season from June to September brings a slight reprieve from extreme heat, as temperatures stabilize but remain warm. The autumn months of October and November witness a gradual cooling trend, with average temperatures dropping to 27°C (80°F) in October and minimums falling to 10°C (51°F) by November. Ultimately, December signals a return to cooler conditions, setting the stage for winter once again.
Birganj experiences a minimum temperature of 5°C (40°F) in January, rising to a scorching maximum of 43°C (110°F) in June, as detailed in the link: monthly temperatures in Birganj. Similarly, Janakpur also has a minimum of 5°C (41°F) in January, but its highest temperature reaches 41°C (107°F) in May, which can be explored further at this link: monthly temperatures in Janakpur.
The precipitation patterns in Province 2, Nepal, reveal a marked contrast between the dry winter months and the wet summer season. During the winter, from January to March, the area experiences minimal rainfall, with averages of 9 mm (0.4 in) in January and slightly increasing up to 16 mm (0.6 in) in March. This dry period is characterized by only a few rainy days, with January and February seeing just one day of precipitation each, and March accumulating around three days. As Spring transitions into the monsoon season, April sees a significant uptick in rainfall, reaching 41 mm (1.6 in) and introducing more days of precipitation, which peaks dramatically in May.
The intensity of rainfall escalates sharply from May through September, with June marking the onset of the full monsoon, where the province receives a staggering 209 mm (8.2 in), leading to 22 days of rainfall. The heaviest precipitation occurs in July, with an astounding 484 mm (19.0 in), and rainfall remains substantial in August and September at 323 mm (12.7 in) and 259 mm (10.2 in), respectively. Following this wet season, October experiences a decrease to 76 mm (3.0 in) before entering the drier months of November and December, where precipitation drops to zero and the region enjoys clear skies. This seasonal fluctuation in rainfall profoundly impacts the local ecosystem and agriculture, underscoring the importance of monitoring precipitation trends in the region.
In Province 2, Nepal, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with notable increases from winter to summer. January begins the year with 238 hours of sunshine, gradually rising through February to 276 hours, and further climbing through March to a total of 333 hours. This upward trajectory continues into April and May, reaching a peak of 349 hours in May, illustrating the gradual transition to the warmer months when daylight becomes more abundant. The spring months not only bring warmer temperatures but also maximize sunlight exposure, enhancing the region's agricultural potential during this vital growing season.
As the monsoon season approaches in June, sunshine hours slightly decrease to 320 hours, indicating a bit of cloud cover as rainfall begins. This decline continues in July, where the province receives only 241 hours of sunshine, marking the low point for the year. However, the situation improves in the following months, with sunshine hours gradually climbing back up through August (265 hours) and September (272 hours). By October, the sunshine duration rebounds to 307 hours as the dry season approaches, settling at 285 hours in November and 280 hours in December. Overall, this pattern of sunshine hours highlights the significance of seasonal changes in influencing both the climate and the livelihoods of the local communities, ensuring that each season plays a critical role in shaping agricultural practices.
The UV Index in Province 2, Nepal, demonstrates significant variability throughout the year, reflecting the region's climatic changes and solar exposure. In the winter months of January and February, the UV Index starts at a moderate level of 5, requiring about 30 minutes for skin to begin burning, and rises to 6 in February, where the exposure category shifts to high with a burn time reduced to 25 minutes. As spring arrives, there's a remarkable increase in UV radiation, peaking in March at an index of 8, categorized as very high, and resulting in a burn time of just 15 minutes. The intensity of UV radiation remains at this high level throughout April and May, with both months maintaining a UV Index of 10.
The onset of the monsoon season in June marks a dramatic spike, with the UV Index escalating to 12—an extreme level of exposure—demanding only 10 minutes before skin damage can occur. July reaches its peak at 13, remaining in the extreme category, with August and September closely following at 12. As the year progresses into October, the UV Index declines to 9, a very high rating, providing a bit of respite before dropping to 7 in November. Finally, December returns to a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for safer outdoor activities during the winter months. This seasonal fluctuation underscores the importance of sun protection, especially during the summer and monsoon seasons when UV exposure can be particularly harmful.
UV Risk Categories
In Province 2, Nepal, daylight duration follows a distinct seasonal pattern, gradually increasing from the winter months into spring and peaking during the summer. January starts the year with just 10 hours of daylight, which progressively extends to 11 hours in February. As the region transitions into spring, March and April maintain 12 hours of daily sunlight, culminating in May when daylight reaches its maximum of 13 hours. This increase in daylight not only heralds the warmer months but also plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities as crops thrive under extended sunlight.
The summer months from June to August remain stable at 13 hours of daylight, offering ample time for outdoor tasks and fostering robust plant growth. However, as the monsoon season wanes into autumn, the duration of daylight begins to decline, dropping back to 12 hours in September. The shortening days continue through October at 11 hours, finally retracting to 10 hours by November and staying consistent into December. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration illustrates how the changing seasons influence daily life in Province 2, reinforcing the importance of sunlight for both people and ecosystems alike.
Birganj, Nepal experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot summers and a distinct monsoon season. Temperatures can soar up to 43°C (110°F) in June, while winter months see lower averages around 15°C (60°F) in January. The region receives the majority of its rainfall between July and September, with July alone experiencing 513 mm (20.2 in). Despite the heavy rains, Birganj enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, peaking at 350 hours in May. For more detailed information, visit Birganj climate.
The climate in Janakpur, Nepal, features a significant range in temperatures throughout the year. In January, the temperatures vary from a minimum of 5°C (41°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) with an average of 15°C (60°F). The month receives about 9 mm of precipitation and enjoys 239 hours of sunshine, making it relatively dry and sunny. As the year progresses, temperatures rise sharply, especially in April and May, while the monsoon season between June and August brings heavy rainfall. For more detailed information, visit Janakpur climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental conditions of Province 2, Nepal, are shaped by distinct seasonal patterns that profoundly impact its ecosystems and agriculture. The region experiences substantial variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours throughout the year. As temperatures rise during spring and peak in summer, the increased sunlight and longer days enhance agricultural productivity, while the monsoon season introduces critical rainfall essential for sustaining crops. Conversely, winter months bring cooler temperatures, reduced daylight, and lower UV exposure, influencing outdoor activities and lifestyle. Understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for effective land management, agricultural planning, and ensuring the well-being of the communities residing in this diverse and vibrant region.