Last updated: January 18, 2025
Matam, Senegal, is characterized by a hot semi-arid climate classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as BWh and BSh. The region experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year, with minimum temperatures dropping to 13°C (55°F) in January and soaring to a staggering maximum of 47°C (116°F) during the peak of June. The average temperature remains consistently high at 31°C (88°F), underscoring the intense heat and dry conditions typical of this part of West Africa.
In Matam, Senegal, temperature patterns exhibit a marked seasonal trend characterized by an increase in warmth from January to May, culminating in the peak heat of the dry season. January begins with cooler nights, recording a minimum of 13°C (55°F) and an average of 26°C (79°F), but by May, temperatures are soaring with averages reaching 36°C (97°F) and maximums hitting an extreme 47°C (116°F). After May, temperatures slightly dip in June while remaining high, but the following months of July and August see a gradual cooling with average temperatures around 31°C (87°F). As the year progresses towards October and November, a further decline is noticed, yet the temperatures remain relatively warm with averages clustering around the low 30s °C (mid-80s °F). This seasonal cycle underscores the region's hot semi-arid climate, with intense heat during the dry months and a slight respite as the wet season approaches.
Ouro Sogui, Waounde, and Matam experience similar temperature ranges, with minimums around 13-14°C (56-57°F) in January. However, their maximum temperatures peak at 47°C (116°F) during different months, with Ouro Sogui and Matam reaching this high in May, while Waounde does so in June. For detailed monthly temperatures, you can visit monthly temperatures in Ouro Sogui, monthly temperatures in Waounde, and monthly temperatures in Matam.
Matam, Senegal, experiences a pronounced dry season, with no recorded precipitation from January to May. This extended dry period sets the stage for the intense heat that characterizes these months, with vegetation largely relying on stored moisture. The arrival of the rainy season begins in June, albeit modestly, with a mere 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain and about one day of rainfall. The precipitation gradually escalates in July, with 48 mm (1.9 in) spread over six rainy days, marking the onset of a more substantial wet phase.
The peak of precipitation occurs in August, accumulating 103 mm (4.1 in) over approximately ten days, significantly alleviating the dry conditions experienced earlier in the year. Following this peak, rainfall diminishes in September to 78 mm (3.1 in), and then further declines in October to 15 mm (0.6 in). The transition into the dry months resumes in November and December, with no rainfall recorded during these months, indicating a stark seasonal contrast in Matam's climate, where the dry and wet seasons are sharply defined.
In Matam, Senegal, sunshine duration follows a clear seasonal trend, showcasing a steady increase in hours from the cooler months of winter into the warmth of summer. Beginning in January with 250 hours of sunshine, there is an observable rise, culminating in May, which boasts the highest exposure at 347 hours. This period is characterized by prolonged daylight, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and agricultural practices, as the sun shines brightly and consistently. Following May, sunshine hours remain strong during the summer months, with June and July recording 326 and 336 hours, respectively, providing ample daylight before slightly tapering off into the fall.
As the year progresses into August, sunshine durations begin to show a slight decline, dropping to 312 hours, yet still remaining substantial. The trend of diminishing daylight continues into September and October, where hours fall to 302 and 316, respectively. However, this decline is gradual, and even during the autumn months, Matam enjoys a healthy number of sunshine hours, making it a sun-rich location year-round. By the time November rolls around, sunshine persists with 296 hours, and December sees a moderate recovery to 303 hours. Overall, Matam's climate offers a vibrant spectrum of sunshine, peaking in May, which serves as a prime indicator of the region's hot semi-arid characteristics.
The UV Index in Matam, Senegal, presents a significant seasonal pattern, with values generally peaking during the hottest months of the year. From January to February, the UV Index starts at 9, classified as very high, and maintains a similar level with a value of 10 in February, highlighting the need for sun protection during these months, with a burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. This trend escalates dramatically as spring progresses, with March and April recording an extreme UV Index of 12, leading to even shorter burn times of 10 minutes. By May, the UV Index reaches its peak at 13, continuing to challenge residents and visitors to take precautions against potential sunburn.
Entering the summer months, Matam sustains its high UV levels, with July and August peaking at 14, denoted as extreme, reinforcing the critical importance of UV awareness and protective measures, with a consistent burn time of 10 minutes. As the fall season approaches, the UV Index gradually decreases; September measures 13, while October sees a slight drop to 12. Even in November, the Index remains notably high at 10 before declining to 8 in December, signifying the end of the extreme UV season. Throughout the year, individuals in Matam must be vigilant, particularly from March through October, to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
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In Matam, Senegal, daylight duration demonstrates a subtle yet noticeable seasonal variation throughout the year, closely aligning with the region's climatic conditions. The year begins with 11 hours of daylight in both January and February, creating a consistent and manageable amount of sunlight that facilitates various daily activities. As March approaches, daylight expands to 12 hours, a trend that continues through April and May, providing ample time for both agricultural pursuits and outdoor living. By June, daylight reaches its peak at 13 hours, offering the longest days of the year, perfectly aligned with the onset of the rainy season and the abundance of natural light.
As summer transitions into fall, daylight hours begin to taper off, returning to 12 hours in July and remaining steady through August and September. However, by October, daylight duration diminishes again to 11 hours and sustains this shorter length through November and December. This cyclical pattern highlights Matam's relatively consistent daylight, with the longest days occurring mid-year. The slight variations in daylight duration offer both benefits and challenges throughout the seasons, influencing daily rhythms and the region's agricultural cycles.
Diawara, Senegal experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures range from 26°C (80°F) in January to 37°C (98°F) in May, peaking at a maximum of 47°C (116°F) in June. Rainfall is scarce, with most precipitation occurring from July to September, accumulating up to 119 mm (4.7 in) in August. The region enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with the peak in May, averaging 346 hours. For more details, visit Diawara climate.
Kanel, Senegal, experiences a hot semi-arid climate, with high temperatures peaking in May at an average of 36°C (97°F) and a maximum of 47°C (116°F). The dry season lasts from January to May, receiving little to no precipitation, while the wet season begins in June, peaking in August with 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain. Despite the increase in rainfall, temperatures remain relatively high, with average values around 31°C (88°F) in the rainy months. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, with the highest hours logged in May at 347 hours. For more detailed information, visit Kanel climate.
Matam, Senegal experiences a hot semi-arid climate characterized by high temperatures year-round. From January to May, temperatures peak with averages reaching up to 36°C (97°F) in May, while maximums can hit 47°C (116°F). Rainfall begins in June, with August marking the wettest month at 86 mm (3.4 in), although overall precipitation remains low throughout the year. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in May with 347 hours and a consistent range of 250 to 347 hours monthly. For more details, visit Matam climate.
The climate in Ouro Sogui, Senegal, is characterized by extremely high temperatures, particularly from March to May, when average highs reach up to 36°C (97°F) and peaks at 47°C (116°F) in May. The dry season lasts from January to May, with virtually no precipitation, but from June to September, rainfall increases significantly, peaking in August with 95 mm (3.7 in). Despite the heat, the region enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, with May averaging the highest at 347 hours. Overall, the climate is hot and semi-arid with a distinct wet season. For more detailed information, visit Ouro Sogui climate.
Ranerou, Senegal, experiences a hot semi-arid climate, characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 25°C (78°F) in January to a peak of 34°C (93°F) in April and May, with maximums reaching up to 47°C (116°F). Rainfall is minimal until the rainy season begins in July, peaking in August at 134 mm (5.3 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with the sunniest months being May and March, totaling up to 348 and 335 hours, respectively. For more details on the weather patterns, visit Ranerou climate.
Seme, Senegal, experiences a hot tropical climate characterized by high temperatures year-round and minimal rainfall, particularly from January to May. The hottest months are April and May, with average temperatures reaching up to 36°C (97°F) and maximums hitting 47°C (116°F). The rainy season occurs from June to September, with August receiving the highest precipitation at 94 mm (3.7 in). Sunshine is abundant, peaking in May with 346 hours. For more detailed information, visit Seme climate.
Waounde, Senegal experiences a hot and dry climate for most of the year, with temperatures peaking in April and May, reaching up to 46°C (114°F). The cooler months, such as January and December, have average temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and 27°C (81°F), respectively. Precipitation is minimal from January to May, with a significant increase in July and August, where rainfall can reach 96 mm (3.8 in). Despite the rain, Waounde benefits from abundant sunshine, particularly in the dry season, with hours peaking in May at 346. For more detailed information, visit Waounde climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Matam, Senegal, is characterized by its hot semi-arid conditions, distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine, UV Index, and daylight duration. The region endures a prolonged dry season with minimal rainfall and extreme heat, particularly from May to July. This intensity is balanced by notable sunshine hours and elevated UV Index levels, especially during the peak of summer. Despite these challenges, the ample daylight duration, which peaks in June, supports local agriculture and daily life. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for residents and visitors alike, as it underscores the importance of protective measures against sun exposure and the efficient planning of outdoor activities in harmony with nature’s rhythms.