Last updated: January 18, 2025
Diourbel, Senegal, falls within the Koppen-Geiger climate classification of BSh, indicative of a tropical savanna climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 13°C (55°F) in January, gradually rising to an average of 27°C (82°F) throughout the year. Notably, temperatures peak in May, reaching a staggering maximum of 45°C (113°F), highlighting the intense heat that defines this climate. Such variations underscore the unique thermal dynamics of Diourbel, with significant implications for both local ecosystems and human activity.
Diourbel, Senegal, exhibits distinct temperature patterns throughout the year, marked by a pronounced dry season from January to June. The year begins with cooler temperatures in January, where minimums dip to 13°C (55°F) and average around 24°C (76°F). As the months progress into April and May, temperatures rise sharply, reaching maximums of 44°C (111°F) and 45°C (113°F) respectively, indicating the peak of the hot season. Following this intensity, temperatures start to moderate in June and July, maintaining averages around 29°C (84°F), while experiencing a slight decline in maximums. The transition into the wetter months of August and September sees a gradual cooling, with maximum temperatures on average falling to approximately 38°C (100°F) and 37°C (98°F). By the end of the year, temperatures stabilize, showcasing a mild December average of 25°C (77°F) and returning to cooler minimums, reflecting the cyclical nature of the region’s climate.
In the region of Diourbel, temperatures exhibit a significant range, with Touba and Mbake experiencing minimums of 13°C (55°F) in January, while all three locations peak in heat during May, with Touba and Mbake reaching maximums of 45°C (113°F), and Diourbel slightly cooler at 43°C (110°F). For more details on the temperature variations, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Touba here, in Mbake here, and in Diourbel here.
Diourbel, Senegal, is characterized by a strongly defined dry season, where the first five months of the year receive no precipitation at all, with January through May recording 0 mm (0.0 in) of rainfall. This extended period of dryness contributes to the intense heat and arid conditions prevalent in the region. The onset of the rainy season begins in June, albeit modestly, with a mere 6 mm (0.2 in) of rainfall, marking a significant shift in the climate as the region transitions into a wetter pattern.
As the rainy season progresses through July, August, and September, precipitation levels surge dramatically, with August receiving the highest monthly total of 157 mm (6.2 in), indicative of intense rainfall and the peak of the rainy season. This period of increased precipitation fosters a stark contrast to the preceding months, with July and August also witnessing 6 and 13 rainfall days respectively. The season tapers off in October with 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain over three days, and begins to dry up again in November and December, with negligible amounts recorded, thus rounding out a yearly cycle of pronounced dry and wet phases in Diourbel's climate.
In Diourbel, Senegal, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with significant variations throughout the year. Starting from January, the region receives 249 hours of sunshine, which gradually increases as the months progress. February sees a rise to 282 hours, followed by March and April, where sunshine hours peak at 337 and 335 hours respectively. The trend continues into May, reaching its zenith with 350 hours, signaling the height of the dry season and the sun’s prominence in the sky. As the rainy season approaches in June, sunshine hours still remain substantial at 329 hours, illustrating the resilience of sunlight despite the onset of precipitation.
As the year transitions into the latter part, sunshine hours gradually decrease but still maintain a robust presence. July and August witness 331 and 307 hours respectively, reflecting a slight decline as clouds begin to dominate the sky during the peak rainy months. September continues this trend with 299 hours, followed by October, which rebounds to 320 hours as the rainy season subsides. The year closes out in November and December with 298 and 304 hours of sunshine, indicating a return to clearer skies. Overall, Diourbel experiences a dynamic cycle of sunshine, characterized by extended bright periods during the dry season and moderate sunlight during the wetter months.
In Diourbel, Senegal, the UV Index exhibits significant variation throughout the year, reflecting the region's intense solar exposure. Beginning in January and February, the UV Index is rated at 10, categorized as "very high," with a burn time of just 15 minutes. As the year progresses into March, the UV Index escalates to 12, reaching "extreme" levels with an even shorter burn time of 10 minutes. April and May experience the peak UV Index of 14, necessitating heightened sun protection measures due to the quick onset of skin damage. This extreme UV radiation persists through the humid months of June and July, maintaining a rating of 13 and 14 respectively.
As the rainy season approaches, the UV Index begins to slightly decrease but remains in the "extreme" category through August and September, with values of 14 and 13. By October, the value tapers down to 12, before dropping back to 10 in November, re-entering the "very high" zone. Finally, December showcases a further decline to 8, still classified as "very high," but signaling the end of the extremes. Overall, residents and visitors in Diourbel are advised to be vigilant about sun safety year-round, particularly during the peak months of March through September, when exposure can rapidly lead to skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
In Diourbel, Senegal, daylight duration demonstrates a consistent pattern throughout the year, with minor fluctuations that reflect the region's tropical positioning. During the first half of the year, from January to February, daylight remains stable at 11 hours, providing a solid foundation for daily activities. As the equinox approaches in March, there is a gradual increase, extending to 12 hours from March through October. This consistent length of daylight during the encompassing months promotes a predictable environment that supports both agriculture and daily life.
As October arrives, daylight begins to decrease again, returning to 11 hours in November and December. This slight reduction mirrors the seasonal shifts typically seen in tropical climates, yet the overall variation remains relatively mild compared to regions with more pronounced seasonal changes. The stability in daylight helps establish a rhythm for the community, allowing for planning and adaptation to the consistent light conditions that define life in Diourbel.
Diourbel, Senegal, experiences a hot and dry climate with minimal rainfall, particularly from January to May, where precipitation remains at 0 mm. The hottest months are March through May, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 43°C (109°F). Rainfall becomes significant in July and August, peaking at 156 mm, while the temperature cools slightly during these months. Sunshine is abundant year-round, with March averaging the most hours at 337. For more detailed information, visit the Diourbel climate.
Mbake, Senegal experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal rainfall. January to May sees daytime highs reaching up to 45°C (113°F), while the wet season from June to September brings significant rainfall, peaking in August with 158 mm (6.2 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with May averaging 350 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest months. Despite drastic temperature variations, particularly in the dry season, the climate remains predominantly warm throughout the year. For more details, visit Mbake climate.
Tiebo, Senegal experiences a hot and dry climate for most of the year, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C (76°F) in January to 29°C (84°F) in the rainy season months of June to October. The region sees minimal precipitation from January to May, with a sharp increase in rainfall during July and August, totaling 156 mm (6.2 in) in August alone. The highest temperatures can reach up to 43°C (109°F) in March and April, while the cooler months feature milder temperatures around 13-17°C (55-63°F). Despite the rain, Tiebo enjoys abundant sunshine, with May boasting the highest sunlight hours at 350. For detailed insights, visit Tiebo climate.
Touba, Senegal, experiences a hot semi-arid climate with high temperatures throughout the year, ranging from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) in January to a maximum of 45°C (113°F) in May. The city sees negligible precipitation from January to May, followed by a significant increase during the rainy season between June and September, peaking in August with 158 mm (6.2 in). Despite the heat, Touba enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in May, when it reaches 350 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Touba climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Diourbel, Senegal, is characterized by its distinct seasonal patterns, marked by extreme temperatures, varying precipitation, high UV Index levels, and stable daylight duration. The stark contrast between the dry and rainy seasons significantly influences local ecosystems and human activities, with long periods of intense sunlight enabling agricultural practices during the dry months. Yet, the extreme UV exposure during this time necessitates vigilant sun protection. Overall, the climatic attributes of Diourbel underscore the necessity for adaptive strategies to manage the challenges posed by its weather, while also leveraging the advantages offered by its abundant sunshine and consistent daylight.