Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Sédhiou, Senegal, is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw, characterized by a tropical savanna climate. It experiences a notable temperature range, with minimum values dipping to 15°C (59°F) in January, while the average hovers around 28°C (83°F). The peak warmth occurs in April, when temperatures can soar to a scorching 43°C (109°F), underscoring the region's hot and dry conditions. This climatic profile highlights the significant seasonal temperature fluctuations typical of Sédhiou, influencing local ecosystems and agricultural practices.
Sédhiou, Senegal exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, characterized by rising warmth culminating in peak summer heat. January begins with cooler temperatures, featuring a minimum of 15°C (59°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F), before temperatures gradually increase as the year progresses. February and March experience a noticeable climb, with maximums reaching 41°C (106°F) and 42°C (108°F) respectively. The hottest month, April, sees average temperatures stabilizing at 30°C (86°F) and extreme highs of 43°C (109°F). As the rainy season approaches, temperatures remain high in May, while slightly cooler conditions emerge in June, marking the onset of monsoonal influences. The summer months of July and August bring a subtle decline, with maximum temperatures decreasing to the mid-30s, while September through November sees more moderate averages. By December, the cycle returns to cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping back to 15°C (59°F), demonstrating the region’s characteristic rhythm of intense heat followed by a brief respite.
In Sedhiou, the temperature varies significantly throughout the year, with a minimum of 15°C (59°F) in January and a peak of 43°C (109°F) in April. This range highlights the region's warm climate, especially during the hotter months. For more detailed information on monthly temperatures in Sedhiou, visit monthly temperatures in Sedhiou.
Precipitation in Sédhiou, Senegal, follows a highly seasonal pattern, with the dry season spanning from January to April, during which no rainfall occurs. The months of May and June mark the shift towards the rainy season, with a mere 1 mm recorded in May and 38 mm in June, indicating the beginning of significant precipitation. As the summer progresses, the region is subject to intense rainfall, peaking in July and August. July alone receives an average of 296 mm (11.6 in), while August sees even greater totals at 381 mm (15.0 in), often resulting in nearly daily rain showers.
Following the peak months, September continues to experience substantial rainfall, with 293 mm (11.5 in) collected, before tapering off dramatically in October to 71 mm (2.8 in). This progressive decline culminates in November and December, where rainfalls diminish to 6 mm (0.2 in) and 0 mm respectively, signaling the return to the dry season. Overall, Sédhiou endures a clear contrast between a parched landscape for most of the year and a lush, rainy environment during the monsoon months, fundamentally influencing the local ecosystem and agricultural practices.
Sédhiou, Senegal experiences notable seasonal variations in sunshine duration, with an upward trend from the cooler months to the warmer summer season. Beginning in January with 255 hours of sunshine, the region gradually welcomes more daylight as February brings 284 hours and March sees a significant leap to 334 hours. This increase peaks in May with 346 hours, marking it as one of the sunniest months of the year. As the temperatures climb and summer approaches, the extended daylight hours play a pivotal role in supporting local agriculture and influencing daily life.
However, as the summer months transition into autumn, there is a noticeable decline in sunshine duration. July records 280 hours, followed by August, which drops to 246 hours, signaling a shift towards the rainy season that typically brings increased cloud cover. September and October see a modest recovery with 272 hours and 301 hours respectively, while November maintains a steady 302 hours. By December, sunshine returns to 315 hours, rounding out the year with a bright finish. This cyclical pattern underscores the significance of seasonal changes in sunshine, impacting everything from agricultural practices to solar energy utilization in Sédhiou.
The UV Index in Sédhiou, Senegal, reveals a clear pattern of intensity that correlates with the seasonal changes throughout the year. In the early months of January and February, the UV Index registers at 9, categorized as "very high," with a recommended burn time of just 15 minutes. This highlights the importance of sun protection even in the cooler season. The intensity spikes significantly in March and April, reaching an “extreme” UV Index of 12, where the burn time decreases to 10 minutes, emphasizing the need for vigilant sun safety measures as sunlight becomes more direct and intense.
During the peak summer months of May through September, the UV Index remains consistently high, peaking at 14 in August and September, with a sustained burn time of just 10 minutes across these months. This extreme category underscores the enhanced risk of skin damage from unprotected sun exposure. As the seasons begin to shift in October, the UV Index drops to 12 before returning to 9 in November and December, indicating a reduction in solar intensity. Throughout the year, residents and visitors to Sédhiou must remain aware of the UV Index, particularly during the high and extreme periods, to protect themselves from harmful UV radiation.
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Daylight duration in Sédhiou, Senegal, showcases a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, with minor variations that align closely with seasonal transitions. January and February both offer around 11 hours of daylight, providing a measured start to the year. As March arrives, daylight extends to 12 hours, and this duration is consistent through the following months of April, May, June, July, August, and September. This steady span of daylight not only enhances agricultural activities but also enriches daily life, allowing for more time outdoors during the warmer months.
As the year winds down, daylight duration begins to taper off again, returning to 11 hours in October and persisting through November and December. While the initial months of the year provide a lesser amount of daylight, the transition into the midyear yields longer days that contribute significantly to the region's vibrant ecosystems and agricultural cycles. The consistency of daylight in Sédhiou highlights the predictability of its tropical climate, allowing residents to plan their activities around the reliable pattern of light throughout the year.
Sedhiou, Senegal, experiences a hot and dry climate for the majority of the year, with peak temperatures reaching up to 43°C (109°F) in April. The wet season begins in June, leading to significant rainfall, especially in July and August, where totals can exceed 300 mm (11.8 in). Despite the heat, Sedhiou enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the early months, with January to May averaging over 300 hours of sunshine. By November, temperatures cool down slightly, but the dry conditions prevail until the onset of the next rainy season. For more detailed information, visit Sedhiou climate.
In conclusion, Sédhiou, Senegal, experiences a distinctive climate characterized by its seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region's tropical savanna climate brings hot temperatures and significant rainfall during the monsoon months, influencing local agriculture and daily life. Residents must account for high UV Index levels, particularly during the extreme summer months, and embrace protective measures to safeguard their health. Additionally, the relatively stable daylight hours throughout the year enrich the region's vibrant ecosystems and provide ample time for outdoor activities. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for both residents and visitors, ensuring they can fully appreciate the unique environmental characteristics of Sédhiou.