Last updated: January 18, 2025
Saint-Louis, Senegal, is characterized by a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen-Geiger classification: BWh), which showcases a striking temperature range throughout the year. January marks the cool season, with minimum temperatures dropping to a refreshing 12°C (55°F), while the sweltering peak occurs in May, where maximum temperatures can soar up to a staggering 46°C (115°F). The average temperature throughout the year hovers around a warm 29°C (84°F), highlighting the region's overall warmth and significant seasonal variations.
In Saint-Louis, Senegal, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends throughout the year, characterized by a warm climate. The year begins with cooler temperatures in January, where the minimum dips to 12°C (55°F), gradually warming as the months progress. February and March see a steady increase in both average and maximum temperatures, with March peaking at 44°C (112°F). By May, the heat intensifies, reaching a maximum of 46°C (115°F), which is maintained into June. As the summer concludes in July and August, nightly lows rise significantly to around 23°C (74°F), while average temperatures stabilize at 30°C (86°F). The transition into the cooler months begins in October, when average temperatures peak at 32°C (89°F) before dipping slightly from November to December, concluding the year with milder temperatures around 14°C (57°F) at night. This cyclical pattern underscores the region's warm climate and fluctuating seasonal temperatures.
Saint-Louis experiences a temperature range with a minimum of 16°C (60°F) in January and a maximum of 36°C (98°F) in April, making it relatively mild compared to its neighboring regions. In Richard-Toll, the climate is hotter, with January temperatures starting at 14°C (57°F) and soaring to a sweltering 46°C (115°F) in May. Similarly, Rosso shares the same January minimum of 14°C (57°F) but also peaks at 46°C (115°F) in May. For more detailed information, you can explore the monthly temperatures in Saint-Louis, monthly temperatures in Richard-Toll, and monthly temperatures in Rosso.
Saint-Louis, Senegal, experiences a stark contrast in precipitation distribution throughout the year, aligning closely with its hot semi-arid climate. The dry season spans from January to May, where no significant rainfall is recorded, resulting in 0 mm of precipitation over these five months. A minimal amount of rain—1 mm—is observed in March, indicating the arid conditions prevalent during this period. As the rainy season approaches, June marks the beginning of increased precipitation, albeit still modest, with 3 mm noted.
The peak of the rainy season occurs between July and September, bringing substantial rainfall that is vital for the local ecosystem. July experiences 11 mm, whereas August delivers the highest monthly total of 54 mm, followed closely by 50 mm in September. This increased precipitation results in approximately 6 to 7 rainy days per month during the height of the season. As October approaches, the region sees a significant drop in rainfall with only 10 mm reported, followed by a return to dryness in November and December, where no rainfall is recorded. This seasonal variability emphasizes the dependency of local agriculture and water resources on the brief but intense rainy period.
Saint-Louis, Senegal, showcases a remarkable trend in sunshine duration, with a steady rise in sunlight hours as the year progresses from winter into summer. January begins the year with 243 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing through February and reaching 281 hours. March and April continue this upward trajectory with 335 hours each, marking the transition into the warmer months and the onset of longer days. May stands out as the month with the highest recorded sunshine, totaling 351 hours, which perfectly encapsulates the peak of the intense Senegalese sun.
As the summer season unfolds, sunshine hours remain comparatively high, with June and July recording 330 hours and 342 hours respectively, ensuring ample light for outdoor activities. The subsequent months, August and September, experience a slight dip in sunshine duration, but still maintain robust totals at 330 hours and 310 hours. October witnesses a modest increase to 316 hours, followed by a gradual decrease in November (290 hours) and December (293 hours). Overall, the sunshine data underscores the essential role that prolonged daylight plays in shaping both the climate and lifestyle of the region, particularly during the vibrant summer months.
In Saint-Louis, Senegal, the UV Index demonstrates significant seasonal fluctuations, highlighting the region's intense sunlight and its associated risks. Throughout the first few months of the year, the UV Index remains elevated, starting at 9 in January and reaching 10 in February, both categorized as "very high" with a burn time of just 15 minutes. However, as the heat intensifies from March to May, the UV Index escalates to levels deemed "extreme," peaking at 14 in April. During this peak season, the burn time decreases to just 10 minutes, underscoring the urgent need for sun protection as exposure can quickly lead to skin damage.
The summer months continue to reflect high UV levels, as June, July, and August maintain an Index of 13 to 14, demanding proactive measures for protection during outdoor activities. As the year progresses into September and October, the UV Index remains notably high at 14 and 12, respectively, before tapering off in November and December back to "very high" levels at 10 and 8. The sustained intensity of the UV Index throughout much of the year serves as a crucial reminder for residents and visitors alike to prioritize sun safety, especially during the intense summer months when the risk is at its highest.
UV Risk Categories
In Saint-Louis, Senegal, daylight duration exhibits a remarkable consistency throughout the year, with only minor fluctuations that reflect the region's tropical climate. January and February both offer 11 hours of daylight, providing a steady start to the year. As March arrives, daylight extends slightly to 12 hours, a trend that persists through April and May, aligning with the warmer months when activities and outdoor pursuits ramp up. This prolonged daylight encourages a multitude of social and agricultural endeavors, crucial for community life.
The peak of daylight occurs in June, when residents enjoy 13 hours of sunshine, enhancing opportunities for leisure and productivity. However, as summer transitions to fall, daylight duration reverts to 12 hours in July through September, maintaining a comfortable balance. As the year winds down, October to December sees a return to 11 hours of daylight. This cyclical pattern of daylight duration reflects the region's stable climate, allowing inhabitants to sustain their daily activities with reliability throughout the year, benefiting both lifestyle and agriculture.
Golere, Senegal experiences a hot and dry climate with high temperatures throughout the year, peaking in April and May, where averages can reach up to 35°C (95°F) and maximums soar to 46°C (115°F). Limited precipitation occurs from June to September, with August being the wettest month at 81 mm (3.2 in). Sunshine is abundant, with hours ranging between 243 in January to 349 in May, providing plenty of warm, sunny days. For detailed climate insights, visit Golere climate.
Ndioum, Senegal experiences a hot and dry climate, with temperatures soaring from a minimum of 12°C (55°F) in January to peaks of 46°C (115°F) in May and June. The rainy season begins in July, bringing an increase in precipitation, peaking at 55 mm (2.2 in) in August. Sunshine is abundant year-round, with May boasting the highest(hours) at 350. Overall, Ndioum's climate features high temperatures and limited rainfall, making it a characteristic Sahelian environment. For more details, visit Ndioum climate.
The climate in Richard-Toll, Senegal is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, with average monthly highs ranging from 25°C (77°F) in January to 32°C (89°F) in October. The hottest months are May and June, where maximum temperatures can reach up to 46°C (115°F) and 45°C (114°F), respectively. Precipitation is minimal, with the rainy season peaking in August and September, when total rainfall reaches about 43 mm (1.7 in) and 54 mm (2.1 in). Sunshine is abundant, with over 300 hours of sunlight in most months, particularly bright in May with 351 hours. For more detailed information, visit Richard-Toll climate.
The climate in Rosso, Senegal, is characterized by high temperatures and limited rainfall, with the hottest months being May and June, where maximum temperatures can reach up to 46°C (115°F). January through April experiences minimal precipitation, typically remaining under 5 mm, while the rainy season peaks in August and September, bringing around 43 mm to 54 mm of rainfall. Sunshine is abundant year-round, with the highest hours recorded in May (351 hours). Overall, Rosso experiences a dry and hot climate that is typical of the Sahel region. For more detailed information, visit Rosso climate.
Saint-Louis, Senegal, experiences a warm tropical climate characterized by a range of temperatures throughout the year. Average monthly highs peak in April at 36°C (98°F), while the cooler months, like January and February, see averages around 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is minimal from January to May, with the wettest months occurring in August and September, averaging about 49 mm (1.9 in). Ample sunshine is a hallmark, with May boasting the highest at 353 hours. For more details on the weather patterns, visit Saint-Louis climate.
In conclusion, Saint-Louis, Senegal, presents a unique climatic profile characterized by its hot semi-arid conditions, marked temperature fluctuations, and distinctive seasonal trends in sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The combination of high temperatures and intense sunshine, particularly during the dry and hot months, emphasizes the importance of sun safety measures for residents and visitors alike. With ample daylight throughout the year, the community is afforded numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and agricultural pursuits. Understanding these climatic patterns not only enhances awareness of the environment but also aids in effectively planning for seasonal challenges and leveraging the ecological benefits that the region's climate affords.