Zamfara Climate

Last updated: January 18, 2025

The climate of Zamfara, Nigeria, is characterized by a mix of semi-arid (BSh) and tropical savanna (Aw) conditions, which significantly influence the region's weather patterns. Average temperatures hover around 27°C (82°F), with notable seasonal fluctuations. January experiences cooler minimum temperatures of about 10°C (51°F), while the peak of heat arrives in April, with maximum readings soaring to 43°C (111°F). This temperature variability underscores the challenges posed by Zamfara's climate, impacting both agricultural practices and daily life.

Zamfara temperature by month

Zamfara, Nigeria, experiences distinct temperature patterns throughout the year, marked by a sharp increase in warmth as it transitions from the cooler months of January and February into the peak heat of the dry season. January begins with minimum temperatures around 10°C (51°F) and average highs reaching 38°C (101°F), gradually rising into February, where temperatures reach a maximum of 40°C (105°F). The heat intensifies in March and April, with maximum temperatures peaking at 43°C (111°F), indicating the region's hottest period. As the year progresses into May and June, temperatures stabilize, but remain high, although a slight drop in maximums occurs during the wet season, which brings cooler averages. The latter part of the year from July to December showcases a gradual cooling trend, with temperatures returning to a more moderate range, culminating in more comfortable climates by December, where averages settle around 24°C (75°F) before the cycle begins anew.

Monthly Temperatures in Zamfara, Nigeria

The chart illustrates Zamfara's temperature patterns throughout the year, with values aggregated from various locations across the region. It highlights seasonal variations and temperature changes across the months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec747886918984807880817975
Data source: Zamfara temperature data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

Moriki experiences a minimum temperature of 11°C (53°F) in January and can reach a maximum of 43°C (110°F) in April, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Moriki. Similarly, Bakura records a minimum of 13°C (55°F) in January and peaks at 43°C (111°F) in April, according to the monthly temperatures in Bakura. Gummi has slightly higher minimum temperatures, starting at 14°C (57°F) in January, while also hitting a maximum of 43°C (110°F) in April, as shown in the monthly temperatures in Gummi.

Precipitation Patterns in Zamfara

Zamfara, Nigeria, experiences a notable precipitation pattern that aligns closely with its seasonal climate changes. The dry season spans from January to March, during which the region receives virtually no rainfall, with all three months recording 0 mm of precipitation. By April, a slight increase occurs with just 1 mm of rainfall, but it is in May that the onset of the rainy season becomes evident, with precipitation rising sharply to 36 mm over about five days, setting the stage for a significant shift in the climatic landscape.

The rainy season intensifies from June to August, peaking in August with a staggering 272 mm of rainfall, falling over an average of 23 days. This period accounts for the majority of the annual precipitation and serves to rejuvenate the region's vegetation following the dry months. Precipitation begins to taper off in September with 117 mm, followed by a decrease in October at 37 mm, returning to drought conditions in November and December, each receiving no rainfall. This critical wet-dry cycle underscores the importance of seasonal rains for agriculture and water resources in Zamfara.

Monthly Average Precipitation in Zamfara, Nigeria

The average monthly precipitation in Zamfara, providing insights into seasonal rainfall patterns and the region's precipitation trends throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec001136841322721173700
Data source: Zamfara precipitation data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

Sunshine Duration in Zamfara

Zamfara, Nigeria, experiences a remarkable increase in sunshine duration as the year progresses from winter to summer. Starting the year with 267 hours of sunshine in January, the duration rises steadily through February and March, reaching a peak of 332 hours. April maintains high sunshine levels at 328 hours, but it is in May that the region experiences its maximum sunshine, totaling an impressive 346 hours. This trend showcases a clear correlation between the transition to summer and the availability of sunlight, essential for agricultural productivity and overall well-being in the region.

As the rainy season approaches, sunshine hours remain robust through June and July, with 336 and 344 hours respectively, indicating that even during the initial onset of rains, the sun continues to play a significant role. The subsequent months of August and September experience a slight decrease in sunlight, reflecting the increasing cloud cover associated with the wet season, but still maintain healthy totals of 319 and 317 hours. By October, sunlight begins to rebound with 330 hours, leading into November and December, which offer slightly lesser, yet consistent durations of around 320 to 324 hours. This cyclical pattern highlights the dual role of sunshine in both supporting dry season warmth and sustaining the agricultural cycles that depend on the annual rainfall.

Monthly Sunshine in Zamfara, Nigeria

Monthly sunshine duration represents the total hours of direct sunlight Zamfara receives each month, excluding periods when the sun is obscured by clouds or other obstructions.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec267h302h332h328h346h336h344h319h317h330h320h324h
Data source: Zamfara sunshine duration data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

Zamfara UV Index Trends

The UV Index in Zamfara, Nigeria, reveals a concerning trend of very high to extreme levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, posing significant health risks for residents and visitors alike. Beginning in January with a UV Index of 10, the region experiences high exposure conditions that necessitate cautious sun protection methods. The UV levels peak from February to August, with values ranging between 12 and 14, indicating an extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Notably, during these months, the recommended burn time is drastically reduced to just 10 minutes, emphasizing the need for stringent sun safety measures during daily activities.

As the year progresses towards the end of autumn and winter, the UV Index begins to decline slightly, with November and December returning to a very high category of 10. This reduction provides a temporary respite from the extreme UV exposure experienced earlier in the year, allowing for safer outdoor activities without the immediate concern of sunburn. Nonetheless, even in the cooler months, protective measures remain essential, as the sun's intensity can still pose risks, particularly during midday hours. Overall, understanding the seasonal patterns of UV radiation in Zamfara is crucial for promoting public awareness and encouraging protective behaviors against harmful sun exposure.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Zamfara, Nigeria

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Zamfara. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec101213121112131412111010
Data source: Zamfara UV Index data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Daylight Hours in Zamfara

In Zamfara, Nigeria, daylight duration exhibits a consistent pattern throughout the year, with variations that reflect the region's overall climatic conditions. From January to February, the daylight lasts around 11 hours, indicating the shorter days typical of the winter months. As the seasons transition into spring and summer, daylight hours increase slightly, peaking at 12 hours from March through September. This uniformity during the warmer months supports agricultural activities, allowing farmers to maximize the benefits of extended sunlight for crop growth.

As the year draws to a close, daylight duration returns to 11 hours in October and remains consistent through November and December. This cyclical pattern illustrates how daylight in Zamfara is relatively stable, with minimal fluctuations. The consistency in daylight also suggests that residents can rely on a predictable schedule for their daily activities, making it easier to plan tasks regardless of the season. Overall, this stability in daylight duration is beneficial for the community's lifestyle and agricultural practices, reinforcing the importance of sunlight in their daily lives.

Average Monthly Daylight Hours in Zamfara, Nigeria

This chart shows the total daylight hours Zamfara receives each month, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec688h703h723h743h760h769h764h749h729h709h692h683h
Data source: Zamfara daylight hours, calculated based on aggregated data for various regional locations, determined by the times between sunrise and sunset.

Climate Highlights of Zamfara's Popular Destinations

Anka, Nigeria, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. Average temperatures range from around 24°C (76°F) in January to 33°C (92°F) in April, with maximum temperatures peaking at 43°C (109°F) in April. The rainy season spans from May to August, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 314 mm (12.4 in). Despite the rainfall, Anka enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with the most hours recorded in May at 346 hours. For more detailed information, visit Anka climate.

Bakura, Nigeria, experiences a hot climate with temperatures ranging from a low of 13°C (55°F) in January to a high of 43°C (109°F) in March and April. The wettest months are July and August, with rainfall peaking at 274 mm (10.8 in) in August, while the rest of the year sees minimal precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in May, which enjoys 348 hours of sunlight. Overall, Bakura presents a typical dry and hot climate, ideal for sun lovers. For more details, visit Bakura climate.

Birnin Magaji, Nigeria experiences a distinct climate with high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. Temperatures range from a chilly 10°C (51°F) in January to a scorching 42°C (108°F) in April and May, with averages hovering around 24-32°C (76-89°F). Rainfall is minimal in the early months, with a significant increase in precipitation from June to August, peaking in August at 259 mm (10.2 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the dry months, with up to 346 hours in May and July. For more detailed information, visit Birnin Magaji climate.

Bukkuyum, Nigeria experiences a hot climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to March, the area sees temperatures soar, peaking at 43°C (109°F) in March, while precipitation remains minimal. The rainy season spans from May to September, with August recording the highest rainfall at 270 mm (10.6 in). Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant, with May receiving the most hours at 347. For more detailed climate information, visit Bukkuyum climate.

Bungudu, Nigeria experiences a distinct climate characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. The hottest months are March to April, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 42°C (108°F) and average temperatures around 33°C (91°F). Precipitation peaks in August, with an average of 279 mm (11.0 in), while January and February remain dry with no recorded rainfall. Despite the heat, Bungudu enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in May, which records up to 347 hours of sunlight. For more details, you can visit Bungudu climate.

Dan Sadau, Nigeria experiences a hot climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 12°C (55°F) in January to a maximum of 41°C (106°F) in March and April. The region sees minimal rainfall from January to February, with precipitation significantly increasing from May to August, peaking in August at 316 mm (12.4 in). The annual sunshine totals are impressive, with May seeing the most hours at 343. The dry season resumes in November and December, restoring clearer skies. For more detailed information, visit Dan Sadau climate.

Gummi, Nigeria, experiences a hot tropical climate characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, peaking in March and April with maximums reaching up to 43°C (109°F). The wet season occurs from May to August, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 261 mm (10.3 in), while the dry months of January, February, and November see little to no rainfall. Despite the heat, Gummi enjoys considerable sunshine, averaging over 300 hours per month from January to December. For more detailed climate information, visit Gummi climate.

Gusau, Nigeria experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to March, temperatures range from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a maximum of 41°C (106°F), with little to no precipitation. The rainy season peaks between July and August, with rainfall reaching up to 265 mm (10.4 in), while temperatures remain relatively moderate. Despite the rains, sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with May offering the highest sunshine hours at 346. For more detailed information, visit Gusau climate.

Kaura Namoda, Nigeria, experiences a hot and dry climate for most of the year. Temperatures range from a mild 11°C (52°F) in January to a peak of 42°C (108°F) in April. The rainy season occurs from June to August, with August seeing the highest precipitation at 292 mm (11.5 in), while the rest of the year remains largely dry. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, especially in May, which averages 347 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Kaura Namoda climate.

Kwatarkwashi, Nigeria experiences a distinct climate characterized by high temperatures and seasonal rainfall. The warmest months are typically March and April, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 42°C (108°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to March, but it increases significantly from May to August, peaking in August with 265 mm (10.4 in) of precipitation. Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant year-round, with May being the sunniest month at 346 hours. For more details, visit Kwatarkwashi climate.

Maradun, Nigeria, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures progressively rise, peaking in April with a maximum of 43°C (109°F). The rainy season begins in May and reaches its height in August, with August recording 287 mm (11.3 in) of precipitation. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with May enjoying the most hours at 347. For more detailed information, visit Maradun climate.

Maru, Nigeria, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and a distinct wet season. From January to April, temperatures rise steadily, peaking in April with an average of 33°C (91°F) and reaching maximums of up to 42°C (108°F). The rainy season begins in May, with precipitation increasing significantly, culminating in August with 279 mm (11.0 in) of rainfall. Despite the rainfall, sunshine remains abundant throughout the year, with May being the sunniest month, offering 347 hours of sunshine. For more detailed information, visit Maru climate.

Moriki, Nigeria experiences a hot climate with average temperatures ranging from 23°C (74°F) in January to 33°C (91°F) in May. The hottest months are March and April, where maximum temperatures can reach up to 43°C (110°F). The rainy season spans from May to September, with August seeing the highest precipitation at 262 mm (10.3 in). Despite the rains, Moriki enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in March, when it records 332 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Moriki climate.

The climate in Sauri, Nigeria, is characterized by a distinct wet and dry season, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 11°C in January to a maximum of 40°C in March, April, and May. The region experiences little rainfall from January to February, but precipitation significantly increases from May to September, peaking in August with 279 mm. Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in the dry months of January through April, averaging up to 345 hours in May. For more detailed information about climate patterns, visit Sauri climate.

Shinkafi, Nigeria, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures soar, with averages reaching up to 33°C (92°F) and highs of 43°C (110°F) in April, while precipitation remains minimal. The rainy season begins in May, peaking in August with 226 mm (8.9 in) of rainfall, and temperatures gradually decrease to an average of 26°C (80°F) during this period. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with May typically receiving the highest hours at 348. For more detailed information, visit Shinkafi climate.

The climate in Talata Mafara, Nigeria, is characterized by a hot sub-tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. From January to March, temperatures rise, peaking in April at a maximum of 43°C (110°F), while rainfall remains minimal until May. The wet season sees increased precipitation, particularly in August, with 267 mm (10.5 in) of rain, and cooler average temperatures from May to September. Despite the intense heat and humidity during the wet months, the region still enjoys significant sunshine, averaging around 330 hours monthly throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Talata Mafara climate.

The climate in Tsafe, Nigeria is characterized by a significant variation in temperature throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 22°C (71°F) in January to 31°C (88°F) in April. The hottest months are typically April and May, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F). Rainfall is minimal at the beginning of the year, increasing dramatically from May to August, peaking in August with 267 mm (10.5 in) of precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, with an average of over 300 hours per month from February to May. For more detailed information, visit Tsafe climate.

The climate in Zurmi, Nigeria, is characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures range from a low of 11°C (51°F) in January to highs reaching 42°C (107°F) in March and April. Rainfall is minimal from January to March, with a significant increase in June through August, peaking at 237 mm (9.3 in) in August. Despite the rainy season, sunshine is abundant, with over 300 hours of sun in most months. For more details, visit Zurmi climate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the climate and environmental conditions in Zamfara, Nigeria, present a unique interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours that significantly influence daily life and agricultural practices in the region. With extreme temperatures and a marked wet-dry cycle, understanding the seasonal variations allows residents to adapt their farming and lifestyle choices accordingly. Moreover, the high UV index highlights the need for protective measures against sun exposure, particularly during the intense summer months. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of these climatic factors not only fosters improved safety and health awareness but also enhances sustainable agricultural strategies, ensuring that communities can thrive in the face of changing environmental conditions.

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