Last updated: January 18, 2025
Ziguinchor, Senegal, exhibits a tropical savanna climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Aw. The region experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year, with a minimum recorded temperature of 14°C (58°F) in January and an average temperature of approximately 27°C (82°F). The peak heat is notably felt in April, where maximum temperatures can surge to an extreme 44°C (112°F). This climatic profile highlights the diverse thermal conditions experienced in Ziguinchor, significantly influencing its ecological and socio-economic dynamics.
Ziguinchor, Senegal, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, marked by warm and hot periods. Starting in January, the region experiences cooler temperatures with a minimum of 14°C (58°F), gradually rising to warmer averages of 26°C (79°F). As the months progress towards April, temperatures peak, reaching maximums of 44°C (112°F), indicative of the region's hottest season. May sees a slight reduction in peak heat but maintains high averages around 28°C (83°F). The onset of the rainy season in June brings some relief with cooler nights and average temperatures rising to 29°C (84°F). As summer continues through July and August, the maximum temperatures moderate, while generally remaining warm, with July capping at 36°C (97°F). Notably, September and October experience similar temperatures, with averages consistently around 27-28°C (81-83°F). The year concludes with a return to cooler patterns in November and December, with minimums resuming to 15°C (60°F), demonstrating the climatic shifts characteristic of Ziguinchor's tropical savanna climate.
In Senegal's Casamance region, temperatures vary across three key locations. Ziguinchor experiences a minimum temperature of 16°C (60°F) in January, soaring to a maximum of 44°C (112°F) in April, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Ziguinchor. Similarly, Bignona records a slightly lower minimum of 15°C (60°F) in January, with a peak of 44°C (111°F) in April, according to the monthly temperatures in Bignona. Oussouye shows a comparable minimum of 16°C (61°F) in January and a maximum of 43°C (109°F) in April, highlighted in the monthly temperatures in Oussouye.
Ziguinchor, Senegal, experiences a pronounced dry season from January to May, during which precipitation remains nonexistent, with no recorded rainfall across these months. This extended dry period is characterized by clear skies and minimal cloud cover, leading to high evaporation rates and intensifying the heat. The absence of rainfall during these months sets the stage for the subsequent rainy season, which begins in June and marks a dramatic shift in the climatic conditions of the region.
Starting in June, Ziguinchor receives its first significant rainfall, totaling 38 mm (1.5 in), and this marks the beginning of an intense wet season. July and August are particularly notable, with precipitation peaks of 320 mm (12.6 in) and 418 mm (16.5 in), respectively, leading to a lush landscape and replenished water sources. The rainy season continues into September, although the rainfall begins to decrease, with 328 mm (12.9 in) recorded. By October, precipitation drops to 110 mm (4.3 in), and the rainfall further diminishes in November to 14 mm (0.6 in), with December returning to dry conditions. This seasonal variability in rainfall underscores the tropical savanna climate of Ziguinchor, providing crucial moisture during the peak months while maintaining a dry spell for much of the year.
Ziguinchor, Senegal, showcases a distinct pattern in sunshine duration throughout the year, with a marked increase from winter into summer. January begins the year with 254 hours of sunlight, gradually climbing to 285 hours in February. By March, the sun shines for an impressive 335 hours, heralding the arrival of warmer weather. This upward trajectory continues through April and May, peaking at 346 hours of sunshine. The consistency and intensity of sunlight during these months play a vital role in shaping the local climate, supporting agriculture, and providing ample energy for solar use.
As the rainy season approaches in June, sunshine hours begin to dip slightly to 318 hours, but not by much, indicating a gradual transition rather than a sharp decline. July and August mark the lowest points of the year, with 289 hours and 255 hours of sunshine, respectively, as cloud cover from increased precipitation impacts sunlight availability. However, even in these months, Ziguinchor maintains a commendable amount of sunshine. As the rainy season wanes, sunlight rebounds in September with 273 hours, continuing through October and November, which both deliver more than 300 hours of sunshine. By December, the sun shines for 315 hours, closing the year on a bright note. Overall, the sunshine trends reflect the dynamics of Ziguinchor’s tropical savanna climate, illustrating how the interplay between dry and wet seasons influences daily sunlight exposure.
In Ziguinchor, Senegal, the UV Index reflects significant seasonal variations, emphasizing the need for sun safety across the year. Starting in January, the UV Index registers at 9, categorized as 'very high,' with a recommended burn time of just 15 minutes. This trend escalates rapidly, peaking in March and April with an extreme 12, dramatically reducing safe exposure time to 10 minutes. May and June maintain this intense level, indicating a pattern of elevated UV radiation during the dry season—when the sun is high and clear skies dominate the landscape.
As summer unfolds, the UV Index continues to reach new heights, climbing to 13 in July and remaining at this level through August. Notably, August sees a peak of 14, categorizing conditions as 'extreme' and necessitating even stricter sun protection measures. With the onset of September, the UV Index remains high at 14, before gradually decreasing to 12 in October. The year concludes with lower UV levels in November and December, returning to 9 and prompting a more relaxed approach to sun exposure. This seasonal analysis underscores the importance of awareness regarding UV exposure in Ziguinchor, especially during the mid-year months when protective measures are crucial.
UV Risk Categories
Ziguinchor, Senegal, exhibits a relatively stable pattern of daylight duration throughout the year, characteristic of its tropical environment near the equator. January and February offer approximately 11 hours of daylight, creating a consistent yet shorter light period during the early months of the year. As the days transition into March, daylight increases slightly to 12 hours, maintaining this duration consistently until the end of September. This stable daylight pattern enhances agricultural productivity and supports various ecological processes, providing ample light for both biodiversity and human activities.
The months of October through December revert back to 11 hours of daylight, closing the year with the same durations observed at its beginning. This unique characteristic of Ziguinchor's daylight hours reflects minimal seasonal variation, making the region less susceptible to the drastic changes in daylight experienced in higher latitudes. The consistent daylight not only influences daily routines but also underscores the overall climatic stability in Ziguinchor, contributing to its vibrant ecosystem and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
The climate in Adeane, Senegal is characterized by high temperatures year-round, with average monthly highs ranging from 25°C (78°F) in January to 29°C (84°F) in the warmer months. The region experiences minimal rainfall from January to May, with significant precipitation occurring during the rainy season from June to September, peaking at 377 mm (14.9 in) in August. Adeane also enjoys abundant sunshine, especially from March to May, averaging over 300 hours per month. Overall, the climatic conditions support a hot and dry atmosphere for most of the year. For more details, visit Adeane climate.
Bignona, Senegal experiences a hot climate characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, with averages peaking around 29°C (84°F) from April to June. The hottest months are March and April, where maximum temperatures reach up to 44°C (111°F). Rainfall is scarce from January to May, but the rainy season intensifies in July and August, bringing significant precipitation totals of 317 mm (12.5 in) and 399 mm (15.7 in) respectively. Despite the rain, sunshine remains abundant, reaching over 300 hours in many months. For more detailed information, visit Bignona climate.
Oussouye, Senegal experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and a distinct wet season. From January to April, temperatures range from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) to a maximum of 43°C (109°F), with little to no precipitation. The rainy season peaks in July and August, where rainfall can exceed 400 mm (15.7 in), while average temperatures remain steady at around 27-28°C (81-82°F). Sunshine hours are plentiful, reaching up to 346 hours in May, making the region ideal for sun seekers. For more details, visit Oussouye climate.
Tionk Essil, Senegal experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to May, temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) to a maximum of 43°C (110°F), with minimal rainfall. The rainy season peaks in July and August, bringing substantial precipitation of 306 mm (12.1 in) and 431 mm (17.0 in), respectively, while temperatures remain between 22°C (73°F) and 35°C (95°F). The area enjoys significant sunshine throughout the year, with May having the highest sunshine hours at 346. For more details, visit Tionk Essil climate.
Ziguinchor, Senegal experiences a tropical climate with distinct temperature variations throughout the year. January to April sees high maximum temperatures peaking at 44°C (111°F) in March and April, while May marks the beginning of the rainy season with minimal precipitation. The heaviest rainfall occurs from June to August, with August averaging 436 mm (17.1 in) of rain, amidst relatively lower temperatures. Despite the rain, sunshine is plentiful, particularly in the first half of the year, with May enjoying the most hours at 346. For more detailed information on the climate, visit Ziguinchor climate.
In conclusion, Ziguinchor, Senegal, is characterized by distinct climatic patterns that significantly influence its ecological and social dynamics. The region's temperature variations, marked by hot months and a pronounced warm season, combine with seasonal precipitation trends that highlight a stark dry period followed by intensive rain. Coupled with sustained sunshine duration and high UV Index levels, particularly during the summer months, the climate presents both opportunities and challenges for local communities and agriculture. The consistency of daylight duration throughout the year further reinforces the stability of this tropical savanna climate. Understanding these climatic factors is crucial for residents and policymakers alike, as they navigate the implications for public health, resource management, and sustainable development in this vibrant region of Senegal.