Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Thiès, Senegal, is classified as BSh under the Köppen-Geiger system, indicating a hot semi-arid environment characterized by significant temperature variation throughout the year. January witnesses a chilly minimum of 12°C (55°F), providing a stark contrast to the sweltering maximum of 44°C (112°F) recorded in May. On average, the temperature hovers around 26°C (79°F), reflecting the region's overall warmth and dryness. This climatic pattern significantly influences local ecosystems and agricultural practices, making an understanding of Thiès' climate essential for sustainable development.
The temperature patterns in Thiès, Senegal, reveal distinct seasonal trends characterized by a hot semi-arid climate. The year begins with cooler months, where January sees minimum temperatures drop to 12°C (55°F), gradually rising to 17°C (63°F) by May, the peak of the hot season. This period witnesses maximum temperatures consistently reaching 44°C (111°F), especially in March through May. As the rainy season approaches, temperatures start to moderate, with June marking a transition to slightly cooler averages, peaking at 28°C (82°F) in the following months of July and August. The latter part of the year exhibits a gradual cooling trend, with minimums returning to the range of 14°C (57°F) to 22°C (71°F), while maximum temperatures range from 37°C (98°F) to 42°C (108°F), showcasing clear seasonal shifts in Thiès' climate.
Joal-Fadiout experiences a diverse climate, with January temperatures dipping to a minimum of 15°C (59°F) and peaking at a scorching 38°C (102°F) by March. For further details, you can explore the link: monthly temperatures in Joal-Fadiout.
Precipitation in Thiès, Senegal, exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern, characterized by a stark contrast between the dry and rainy months. From January to May, the region remains almost entirely devoid of rainfall, recording 0 mm of precipitation during this period. This dry spell is followed by the onset of the rainy season in June, which brings a modest 5 mm of rain over the course of a single day. The precipitation significantly intensifies in the heart of the rainy season, particularly in July and August, when the region experiences its heaviest rainfall, with 34 mm and 155 mm respectively.
The trend continues into September, where another substantial 133 mm is recorded, underscoring the peak of the wet season. As the region transitions into October, precipitation diminishes to 24 mm, with only a few days of rainfall. November and December revert to dry conditions, with negligible amounts reported—1 mm in November and 0 mm in December—indicating the conclusion of the wet season. Overall, Thiès' climate is marked by a stark contrast between the prolonged dry months and a concentrated rainy period, significantly impacting the local ecosystem and agriculture.
In Thiès, Senegal, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with notable increases from winter to summer. The year opens with 249 hours of sunshine in January, gradually rising to 281 hours in February. As spring approaches, the sunshine hours peak dramatically in March at 336 hours and maintain a similar level in April (335 hours) before reaching their maximum in May, where residents enjoy 351 hours of sun. This period marks the transition into the warmest months, providing ample light and warmth that characterize the region's dry season.
As the rainy season begins in June, the sunny hours remain relatively high at 330 hours, indicating a resilient sunshine presence despite the impending rains. July and August mirror this trend with 331 hours and 310 hours, respectively, showing that plentiful sunshine continues even during the wettest months. However, from September onward, sunshine hours begin to decline gradually, with 299 hours in September and 321 hours in October. The trend stabilizes in November (300 hours) and December (302 hours), signifying a return to cooler and drier conditions. Overall, Thiès experiences an abundance of sunshine throughout the year, with the most intense periods occurring in late spring and early summer, while still enjoying considerable daylight during the rainy months.
The UV Index in Thiès, Senegal, consistently indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure throughout the year, with particularly extreme levels during the warmer months. Starting from January, the UV Index registers at 10, categorized as "very high," which requires diligent sun protection with a recommended burn time of just 15 minutes. This level of UV exposure persists in February, but as the season transitions into March, the index peaks at 12, moving into the "extreme" category, and necessitating a reduced burn time of only 10 minutes. This high UV intensity continues to dominate through April and May, reaching a maximum of 14 in April, where caution is paramount.
As the rainy season approaches in June, the UV Index remains high at 13, and stays constant through July and August, while still categorized as extreme. This trend indicates that despite the increase in cloud cover from the rains, UV levels remain perilously high, with a burn time limited to 10 minutes. September follows suit, sustaining the extreme UV index before dipping slightly in October (12) and November (10), where the exposure category shifts back to very high. Come December, the index decreases to 8, which still represents a significant risk. Overall, the persistent extreme UV levels in Thiès underscore the importance of sun safety practices, especially during the peak summer months.
UV Risk Categories
In Thiès, Senegal, daylight duration exhibits a stable pattern throughout the year, with minor variations that reflect the changing seasons. January and February each experience 11 hours of daylight, marking the shorter days of winter. As the months progress into March, the duration increases to 12 hours, and this extended daylight persists through April, May, June, July, August, and September. This consistency in daylight hours during the mid-year reflects the region's proximity to the equator, where day length remains relatively uniform throughout the year.
However, starting in October, daylight begins to decrease again, returning to 11 hours by November and December. This reduction indicates a shift towards shorter days as the year comes to a close. The overall stability in daylight duration throughout the year not only contributes to the predictable climate of Thiès but also influences local activities, agricultural cycles, and community life, allowing residents to plan their daily routines with confidence in the availability of natural light.
Joal-Fadiout, Senegal, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. January through May sees high temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 38°C (102°F), while June to August remains slightly cooler with averages around 27°C (81°F) to 28°C (82°F). The rainy season occurs from June to September, with August receiving the highest precipitation of 212 mm (8.4 in). Despite the rain, sunshine remains plentiful, especially in March and May, boasting up to 349 hours of sunlight. For more details on weather patterns, visit Joal-Fadiout climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental conditions in Thiès, Senegal, showcase a unique interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV index, and daylight hours. The region experiences a hot semi-arid climate with significant seasonal variations, particularly in temperature and rainfall, which greatly influence local agriculture and lifestyle. High UV levels throughout the year necessitate precautions for sun safety, especially during peak summer months when daylight duration is longest. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for residents and policymakers alike, as they navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by Thiès' distinct environmental characteristics. Through sustainable practices and awareness, the community can effectively harness the benefits of its climate while mitigating potential risks associated with extreme weather and UV exposure.