Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Northern Province, Sierra Leone, is characterized by its classification under the Köppen-Geiger system as tropical savanna (Aw) and tropical monsoon (Am). This region experiences notable temperature variations, with a minimum of 15°C (59°F) recorded in January, warming to an average of 27°C (80°F) throughout the year, and reaching up to a maximum of 41°C (107°F) in February. The interplay of monsoon influences and savanna conditions creates a dynamic climate, essential for understanding the ecological and agricultural landscapes of this area.
Northern Province, Sierra Leone exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, characterized by a warm tropical climate. January marks the year’s cooler beginning with minimum temperatures of 15°C (59°F) and an average of 27°C (82°F). As February approaches, temperatures rise, reaching a maximum of 41°C (107°F), signaling the onset of warmer conditions that peak in March. March experiences similar warmth, but by April, the minimum temperatures increase significantly to 21°C (69°F), while averages remain stable. The month of May sees a cooling trend, with averages dipping to 27°C (82°F), before entering the cooler rainy season from June to August, where temperatures plateau near 25°C (77°F). This mild period transitions back to higher temperatures in September and October, culminating in a return to the cooler averages seen at the year's start by December. Overall, these trends reveal a cyclical rhythm of warmth and cooler periods shaped by local climatic influences.
In January, Makeni experiences temperatures ranging from a minimum of 17°C (64°F) to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in February, while Loma has a slightly warmer minimum of 17°C (63°F) in December and peaks at 41°C (107°F) in February. Lunsar shows similar trends with a minimum of 18°C (65°F) in January and a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in February. For more detailed information, visit monthly temperatures in Makeni, monthly temperatures in Loma, and monthly temperatures in Lunsar.
Precipitation patterns in Northern Province, Sierra Leone, exhibit a pronounced seasonal cycle, primarily influenced by the region's tropical climate. The year begins with minimal rainfall, receiving only 2 mm (0.1 in) in January, which dramatically increases to 22 mm (0.8 in) by March as the dry season transitions to the wet season. April marks a significant uptick with 61 mm (2.4 in) of rainfall, and by May, precipitation escalates sharply to 154 mm (6.1 in), heralding the full arrival of the rainy season.
The peak of the rainy season occurs in July and August, with staggering amounts of precipitation reaching 572 mm (22.5 in) and 601 mm (23.6 in), respectively. This period accounts for the highest number of rainy days, with rain almost daily in July. As the season wanes, September sees a decline in rainfall to 474 mm (18.7 in), followed by October's 280 mm (11.0 in) and a gradual tapering off into November and December, where precipitation drops to 116 mm (4.5 in) and 15 mm (0.6 in), respectively. This pattern emphasizes the stark contrast between the dry and wet seasons, essential for understanding the region's agricultural cycles and water management practices.
In Northern Province, Sierra Leone, sunshine duration reflects the region's tropical climate, showcasing noticeable seasonal trends throughout the year. The year begins with a robust 256 hours of sunshine in January, which gradually increases to a peak of 313 hours in March, marking the transition from the dry to the early wet season. This period is characterized by an abundance of sunlight, ideal for agricultural activities. While April experiences a slight decrease to 296 hours, May maintains a comparable 289 hours before the onset of the rainy season, indicating a consistent availability of sunshine during these critical months.
However, as the rains begin in June, sunshine hours decrease significantly, plunging to 241 hours and further to 225 hours in July and 211 hours in August, the months typically associated with the heaviest rainfall. Interestingly, September sees a rebound to 227 hours, hinting at a gradual return of sunshine as the rainy season recedes. In the latter part of the year, October and November again enjoy notable sunshine, with 272 hours and 275 hours, respectively. December returns to 313 hours, revisiting the sunlight levels observed in early spring. Overall, this pattern emphasizes the strong relationship between rainfall and sunshine in Northern Province, underscoring the significant impact that seasonal variations have on local ecology and agriculture.
The UV Index in Northern Province, Sierra Leone, consistently indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure throughout the year. Beginning in January, the UV Index measures 11, categorized as extreme, and remains unchanged in February. The index escalates slightly in March to 12, reflecting increasing solar intensity. April and May set a peak UV reading of 13, indicating prolonged exposure can lead to skin damage within just 10 minutes. This extreme classification persists into the later months, with June and July maintaining the same index, underscoring the ongoing need for sun protection during these periods.
August and September mark the highest UV Index readings at 14, reinforcing the critical importance of caution regarding sun exposure. Despite a drop to 12 in October, the risk remains significant, followed by a slight decrease in November, where the UV Index returns to 11. December sees a further reduction to 10, categorized as very high, allowing for a slightly extended burn time of 15 minutes. Overall, the prevailing extreme UV conditions throughout the majority of the year emphasize the necessity for proper sun safety measures, including protective clothing and sunscreen, especially during peak months.
UV Risk Categories
In Northern Province, Sierra Leone, daylight duration shows a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, reflecting the region's equatorial positioning. January and February both offer approximately 11 hours of daylight, establishing a consistent foundation for the early part of the year. As spring approaches in March, daylight hours increase to 12, a trend that persists through April, May, and into the heart of the rainy season. This steady duration of 12 hours allows for ample opportunities for agricultural activities, vital for the local economy.
As the year progresses towards October, daylight begins to decrease once again, returning to 11 hours. This reduction continues through November and December, completing the cycle. Despite the slight variations in daylight hours, the overall consistency across the months highlights a unique characteristic of the region's climate, with only minor fluctuations. Such regularity in daylight allows for predictable patterns in natural behaviors and farming cycles, considerably influencing life in Northern Province throughout the year.
Alikalia, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and a distinct wet season. The hottest months are typically from February to April, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F). The region sees significant rainfall, especially from July to August, where monthly precipitation can exceed 400 mm (15.7 in). Despite the heavy rains, Alikalia enjoys considerable sunshine, with March boasting the highest at 310 hours. For more detailed information, visit Alikalia climate.
Bindi, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by significant temperature variations throughout the year. The hottest months are March and April, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F). The rainy season spans from May to September, peaking in July and August, when precipitation exceeds 300 mm (11.8 in) monthly. Despite heavy rainfall, Bindi enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the dry months of January to March, where sunlight averages over 300 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Bindi climate.
Binkolo, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall. Monthly average temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C (64°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in February and March. The rainy season peaks from June to August, with July receiving the highest precipitation at 503 mm (19.8 in). Despite the heavy rains, Binkolo enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly in March with 311 hours. For more detailed information, visit Binkolo climate.
Bumbuna, Sierra Leone, experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in February. The wettest months are July and August, receiving up to 573 mm (22.6 in) of rain. Despite the heavy rainfall during the rainy season, Bumbuna enjoys ample sunshine, peaking at 310 hours in March. For more detailed climate information, visit Bumbuna climate.
Gberia Fotombu, Sierra Leone, experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 15°C (59°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in the hotter months of February through April. The region witnesses significant rainfall, especially from June to September, where monthly precipitation can reach up to 358 mm (14.1 in). Sunshine hours vary, peaking at 322 hours in March and dipping to 232 hours in August. For more detailed information on the area's climate, visit Gberia Fotombu climate.
Kabala, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall. January through March sees average temperatures ranging from 27°C to 29°C (81°F to 85°F) with minimal precipitation, while the peak of the rainy season from June to August brings heavy downpours, reaching up to 413 mm (16.2 in) in August. Temperatures during the rainy months drop slightly, averaging around 24°C (75°F). The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the dry season, with February and March recording over 300 hours. For more detailed information, visit Kabala climate.
Kamakwie, Sierra Leone, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall. The warmest months are February and April, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 41°C (106°F). The rainy season peaks from July to August, accumulating over 500 mm (20 in) of precipitation, while January is the driest month with virtually no rain. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in March and April, where daylight hours exceed 300. For more details, visit Kamakwie climate.
Kambia, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures and significant rainfall during the rainy season, which lasts from May to October. Temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in the hotter months, with average temperatures hovering around 27-29°C (81-84°F). The region sees the highest precipitation in July, reaching 752 mm (29.6 in), while January remains the driest month with only 1 mm (0.0 in) of rain. Despite the rainy season, Kambia enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the first half of the year, with over 300 hours of sunlight in most months. For more detailed information, visit Kambia climate.
Kassiri, Sierra Leone, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall. Temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (69°F) in January to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in January, with the warmest months being January through April. The rainy season peaks from May to August, with July receiving an average of 735 mm (28.9 in) of precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, especially in the early months, with March offering the most hours at 323. For more detailed information, visit Kassiri climate.
The climate in Konakridee, Sierra Leone is characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 26°C (79°F) in July to 31°C (87°F) in January and December. Notably, the rainy season peaks from June to August, bringing significant precipitation, particularly in July with 889 mm (35.0 in). Sunshine hours are also abundant, particularly in February and March, with over 300 hours of sunlight each month. For more detailed climate information, visit Konakridee climate.
Kukuna, Sierra Leone, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C (64°F) in January to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in the peak months of February to April. The rainy season spans from May to October, with July and August seeing the highest precipitation levels at 641 mm (25.2 in) and 630 mm (24.8 in), respectively. Despite the rainfall, Kukuna enjoys considerable sunshine throughout the year, peaking at 324 hours in March. For more detailed information, visit Kukuna climate.
Loma, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C (63°F) in December to a maximum of 41°C (107°F) in February, with the warmest months being February and March. The region receives heavy rainfall, especially from June to August, peaking at 519 mm (20.4 in) in August. Sunshine hours vary throughout the year, with March offering the most, at 319 hours. For more detailed information, visit Loma climate.
Lunsar, Sierra Leone, features a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall, especially from May to August. Average temperatures range from a low of 18°C (65°F) in January to a high of 39°C (103°F) in February and March, while rainfall peaks in July with 579 mm (22.8 in). The region experiences abundant sunshine, with the most hours recorded in March (305 hours) and a notable decrease during the rainy season. For detailed climate information, visit Lunsar climate.
Magburaka, Sierra Leone, exhibits a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C (63°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in February and March, with a notable drop during the cooler months. The rainy season spans from May to October, peaking in July and August, with monthly precipitation reaching up to 596 mm (23.4 in). In contrast, the dry months of January and February experience significantly less rainfall, along with ample sunshine, particularly in February. For more detailed information, visit Magburaka climate.
The climate in Makali, Sierra Leone, is characterized by a distinct wet and dry season. Temperatures range from a low of 16°C (61°F) in January to a high of 40°C (104°F) in February. Rainfall peaks during the months of June to August, with August receiving the highest average precipitation of 595 mm (23.4 in). Despite the heavy rains, sunshine remains abundant, particularly in December and January, where it can exceed 257 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Makali climate.
Makeni, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 17°C (64°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in February and March. The rainy season, peaking in July and August with over 500 mm of precipitation, significantly reduces temperatures and sunshine hours. Conversely, the dry months of January and February are marked by higher sunshine exposure, reaching up to 311 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Makeni climate.
Mambolo, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall. January to April sees higher temperatures, with averages around 27-29°C (81-84°F), while May through October marks the rainy season, peaking in July with a staggering 735 mm (28.9 in) of precipitation. Sunshine is abundant in the early months, with February recording up to 291 hours, but declines during the peak of the rainy season. Despite heavy rainfall, the temperatures remain relatively stable, ranging from 22°C (72°F) to 37°C (99°F) throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Mambolo climate.
Mange, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall. Temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) in January and December to a maximum of 39°C (102°F) during the hottest months (January to April). The rainy season peaks between July and August, with rainfall reaching up to 644 mm (25.4 in) in July, while the dry season sees considerably less precipitation, particularly in January (2 mm). Despite the heavy rain, the region enjoys ample sunshine, with March averaging 320 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Mange climate.
Masaka, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures typically range from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in February, with average temperatures hovering around 27°C (81°F). The rainy season peaks from June to August, where monthly precipitation can exceed 595 mm (23.4 in), resulting in significantly lower monthly sunshine hours during that period. In contrast, the dry months see higher sunshine exposure, notably in February with 290 hours. For detailed climate information, visit Masaka climate.
Masingbi, Sierra Leone, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. The hottest months are typically January to March, with average temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F) and maximums exceeding 40°C (104°F). The rainy season spans from May to August, peaking in July with approximately 596 mm (23.4 in) of precipitation, while the driest months are January and December. Sunshine is abundant, with March enjoying the highest sunlight at 300 hours, although this decreases during the peak rainy months. For more information, you can visit Masingbi climate.
Masoyila, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall. Average daily temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) in the cooler months to 28°C (82°F) in December, while maximum temperatures typically reach around 29°C (84°F). The wettest months are June and July, with recorded precipitation of 431 mm (17.0 in) and 863 mm (34.0 in) respectively. Despite the heavy rains, Masoyila enjoys a considerable amount of sunshine, particularly in the first half of the year, peaking at 318 hours in March. For more detailed information, visit Masoyila climate.
Pepel, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. The temperature ranges from 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with the hottest months being January through March. The wettest period occurs from May to August, with July recording a peak of 756 mm (29.8 in) of rainfall, while sunshine hours vary from a high of 318 in March to just 217 in August. For more detailed climate information, visit Pepel climate.
Rokupr, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by hot temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year. The warmest months typically occur from February to April, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 39°C (103°F). The rainy season peaks between June and August, when precipitation can exceed 688 mm (27.1 in), while the dry season features much lower rainfall and higher sunshine hours, especially in January and February. Overall, the region enjoys abundant sunshine, with an average of 305 hours in March. For more details, visit Rokupr climate.
Sawkta, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate with relatively stable temperatures throughout the year, averaging around 27°C (81°F). Temperatures range from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) in the cooler months to a maximum of 31°C (87°F) in January and December. The region receives the majority of its rainfall between May and August, with July recording an impressive 889 mm (35.0 in). Sunshine hours vary, peaking in March with 321 hours, gradually decreasing during the rainy season. For more details, visit Sawkta climate.
Seidu, Sierra Leone experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall. January starts with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 36°C, but by July and August, the region faces peak precipitation levels, averaging 371 mm and 399 mm, respectively. Sunshine hours vary throughout the year, with the most sunlight in March (302 hours) and the least in August (229 hours). The rainy season significantly affects both temperature and sunshine, leading to relatively cooler temperatures during the peak rainfall months. For more details, visit Seidu climate.
The climate in Tintafor, Sierra Leone, features a warm tropical pattern with average temperatures ranging from 26°C (79°F) to 28°C (82°F) year-round. January to April experiences lower rainfall, while the wet season peaks in July and August with over 750 mm (29.6 in) of precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, particularly from February to May, with February recording the highest at 291 hours. Cooler temperatures and decreased sunshine occur during the rainy months, making the climate dynamic throughout the year. For detailed climate information, visit Tintafor climate.
The climate in Yonibana, Sierra Leone is characterized by a tropical pattern with distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (66°F) in January to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in February and March, averaging around 28°C (83°F). The wet season, particularly from May to August, sees heavy rainfall, peaking in August with 696 mm (27.4 in), while the dry season registers significantly lower precipitation. Sunshine hours vary, with the highest in March at 295 hours and the lowest in August at 193 hours. For more detailed information, visit Yonibana climate.
In summary, the climate and environmental characteristics of Northern Province, Sierra Leone, reveal a dynamic interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine, UV index, and daylight duration throughout the year. The region's tropical savanna and monsoon climate create distinct seasonal trends, marked by warm temperatures and significant rainfall, particularly during the peak months of the rainy season. These factors directly influence the local ecology, agriculture, and daily lifestyles of its inhabitants. As the UV index remains consistently high, particularly through the summer months, the necessity for protective measures against harmful sun exposure is underscored. Overall, understanding these climatic and environmental patterns is crucial for effective resource management and planning in Northern Province, ensuring the sustainable development of this vibrant region.