Last updated: January 18, 2025
Kédougou, Senegal, is characterized by a tropical savanna climate (Köppen-Geiger classification Aw), which showcases distinct seasonal temperature variations. The region experiences minimum temperatures of around 14°C (58°F) in January, gradually rising to average temperatures of approximately 29°C (85°F) throughout the year. The peak warmth occurs in April, with maximum temperatures soaring to an impressive 43°C (110°F). This climatic profile not only influences local ecosystems but also shapes the livelihoods of the communities residing in this vibrant area of West Africa.
Kédougou, Senegal, exhibits marked seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, reflecting its tropical savanna climate. In the cooler months of January through March, temperatures gradually rise from minimums of 14°C (58°F) to 17°C (63°F), with averages climbing from 27°C (80°F) to 32°C (90°F), peaking with maximums reaching 42°C (108°F) by March. The heat intensifies in April and May, with minimums around 23°C (73°F), consistent average temperatures of 34°C (93°F), and sweltering highs of 43°C (110°F). As the rainy season approaches in June, the daily temperatures begin to moderate slightly, with averages dropping to 31°C (88°F) while still maintaining high maximums. From July to September, the region experiences its coolest stretch, with average temperatures decreasing to about 27°C (81°F) and maximums falling to the mid-30s Celsius. As the year concludes, temperatures begin to recover, with December mirroring January's cooler conditions, thus creating a dynamic interplay of heat and respite within Kédougou’s climate throughout the year.
Kedougou experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with a minimum of 14°C (58°F) in January, reflecting the cooler winter months, and rising to a maximum of 43°C (110°F) in April, marking the peak of the hot season. For more detailed information, you can check the monthly temperatures in Kedougou.
Kédougou, Senegal, experiences a predominantly dry climate from January to April, with no recorded precipitation during these months. This dry spell is critical for the region as it marks a significant part of the annual climate cycle, allowing for a brief period of agricultural preparation before the onset of the rainy season. As May approaches, the climate shifts, albeit gently, to introduce the first rainfall of the year, with 14 mm (0.5 in) falling over about two days. This light rain signals the transition towards a more pronounced wet season.
The rainy season truly takes hold in June, when precipitation surges to 46 mm (1.8 in), and intensifies dramatically with July and August witnessing the heaviest downpours of the year at 165 mm (6.5 in) and 319 mm (12.6 in), respectively. During this peak period, rainfall can occur over nearly every day, with August alone averaging 24 wet days. Following this peak, September and October see a gradual tapering of the rainfall, down to 263 mm (10.4 in) and 75 mm (2.9 in), while November and December revert to their dry state, effectively closing out the year. This marked seasonal variation in precipitation not only shapes the local agriculture but also influences the overall ecological balance of the region.
Kédougou, Senegal, experiences a notable seasonal shift in sunshine duration, with the number of sunlight hours peaking in the spring and early summer months. Beginning in January with 261 hours of sunshine, the region witnesses a steady increase through February and March, culminating in a remarkable 336 hours by March. This trend continues into May, where sunshine hours reach a maximum of 338 hours, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. The clarity of the skies during this period not only enhances local agriculture but also provides residents ample daylight for various activities.
As the rainy season approaches in June, the sunshine duration slightly decreases to 318 hours, signaling a shift in weather patterns. The trend continues with July experiencing a further decline to 291 hours as cloud cover and rain become more frequent. August marks the low point of the year with just 258 hours of sunshine. Post-rainy season, however, there is a gradual recovery, with October and November registering 306 hours and 304 hours, respectively, followed by December's 319 hours. This cyclical pattern reveals how Kédougou's climate fosters vibrant sunlight during its warmest months while noting a temporary reduction as the region navigates through the wet season.
Kédougou, Senegal, features a consistently high UV Index throughout the year, with exposure levels that necessitate caution among residents and visitors. The year begins with a UV Index of 10 in both January and February, categorized as "very high," allowing for a brief burn time of just 15 minutes. As the months progress into March and April, the UV Index escalates to 12, indicating an "extreme" exposure category, reducing the safe sun exposure time to just 10 minutes. This trend continues into May and June, where the index remains at 13, reinforcing the need for protective measures against harmful UV radiation during these months.
The peak of UV exposure occurs from August to September, with the UV Index reaching 14, which signifies some of the highest levels of solar radiation experienced in Kédougou. Notably, the burn time remains critically short at 10 minutes. Following this peak, the UV Index slightly declines to 12 in October and further drops to 10 by November, before hovering at 9 in December. Throughout the year, particularly during the dry season when sunlight intensity is highest, residents are advised to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and limiting direct sun exposure during peak hours to mitigate health risks associated with high UV exposure.
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In Kédougou, Senegal, daylight duration exhibits a consistent pattern, reflecting the region's proximity to the equator. Throughout January and February, residents enjoy approximately 11 hours of daylight, providing a stable, albeit shorter, duration of light for activities. As March progresses, the total daylight begins to increase, peaking at 12 hours from March through September. This extended daylight during the warmer months supports vibrant ecological activity and plays a crucial role in agricultural practices, allowing farmers to maximize productivity.
As September transitions into October, daylight hours decrease once again, returning to 11 hours by the end of the year. This gradual reduction in sunlight signals the onset of the dry season, affecting both daily routines and natural cycles within the environment. Notably, the consistency of daylight duration in Kédougou emphasizes the region's relatively stable climate, where changes in sunlight hours are less pronounced than in regions further from the equator. Overall, Kédougou's daylight dynamics contribute to a predictable rhythm in both the natural world and human activities throughout the year.
Kedougou, Senegal experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to April, temperatures range from a minimum of 14°C (58°F) to a maximum of 43°C (110°F) with little to no rainfall. The rainy season typically starts in June and peaks in August, with August alone receiving 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain. Despite this, the area enjoys ample sunshine, especially in March and May, where it reaches up to 338 hours. For more detailed information, visit Kedougou climate.
In conclusion, Kédougou, Senegal, presents a unique and dynamic climatic profile characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The region experiences intense heat during the dry season, transitioning into a pronounced rainy period marked by heavy rainfall and fluctuating sunshine hours. The consistently high UV index throughout much of the year necessitates careful sun protection, especially during the peak exposure months from August to September. In addition, the stable daylight durations help support agricultural practices and local ecosystems. Together, these climatic factors not only shape the daily lives of Kédougou's residents but also underscore the importance of adaptive measures in agriculture and health to thrive in this vibrant environment.