Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Northern Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan, is characterized by a tropical savanna climate (Köppen-Geiger classifications: BSh, Aw), resulting in distinct wet and dry seasons. Monthly temperature variations highlight a minimum of 16°C (61°F) in January, escalating to an average of 29°C (85°F) throughout the year, and peaking at a maximum of 43°C (110°F) in March. These temperature ranges underscore the region's extreme heat, which is a defining feature of its climate, influencing both local ecosystems and human activities.
Temperature patterns in Northern Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan, exhibit a distinctive seasonal progression characterized by warm to hot conditions throughout the year. January marks the onset of the year with cooler temperatures, featuring a minimum of 16°C (61°F) and maximums reaching 41°C (107°F). As February approaches, temperatures begin their gradual rise, peaking at a maximum of 43°C (109°F). The heat sustains through March and April, with average temperatures hovering around 33°C (91°F) and consistent maximums of 43°C (110°F). May experiences slightly cooler conditions, as temperatures moderate to an average of 32°C (89°F) before transitioning into the wet season. From June to August, a notable drop in average temperatures occurs, reaching as low as 26°C (79°F) in August, coinciding with heavier rainfall. As October and November arrive, temperatures again increase, but the region retains a mild feel, with averages stabilizing around 30°C (86°F). The year closes with December, characterized by a slight dip in temperatures yet sustained warmth, reinforcing the overall trend of a predominantly hot climate with distinct seasonal fluctuations.
In both Winejok and Aweil, temperatures show a consistent range, with a minimum of 16°C (61°F) in January and a peak of 43°C (110°F) in March. This similarity reflects the climate patterns in the region, making both locations experience the same warm weather extremes. For more detailed temperature information, you can explore the links: monthly temperatures in Winejok and monthly temperatures in Aweil.
Precipitation patterns in Northern Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan, demonstrate a pronounced seasonal variability, with a significant shift from the dry to the wet season. From January to April, rainfall remains minimal, beginning with no precipitation in January and only 1 mm in February. As the region transitions into May, precipitation increases significantly, reaching 59 mm (2.3 in) over 14 rainy days. This trend continues into the peak of the rainy season during July and August, when the area receives 145 mm (5.7 in) and 165 mm (6.5 in) respectively, occurring over a high number of rainy days, typically around 20 days each month.
The latter part of the rainy season extends into September, where precipitation remains substantial at 129 mm (5.1 in). Following this peak, October shows a decline in rainfall to 65 mm (2.6 in) with 11 rainy days, before a stark drop in precipitation returns in November and December, where levels fall to just 5 mm (0.2 in) and no rainfall respectively. This pattern highlights the clear distinction between the prolonged wet season marked by heavy shower days, and the lengthy dry periods, underscoring the challenges and rhythms of life in this region.
In Northern Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan, sunshine duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal trend characterized by a steady increase as the year progresses. January begins with 276 hours of sunshine, gradually climbing to 306 hours in February. The trend sharpens through the early months, peaking in March with an impressive 343 hours. This upward trajectory continues as sunshine hours remain robust in April and May, reflecting the region's transition into its dry season. The sustained high levels of sunlight during these months provide optimal conditions for agriculture and daily life, highlighting the critical role of consistent sunshine in supporting local ecosystems.
As the year approaches the wet season in June and July, sunshine hours slightly decline but remain substantial, hovering around 326 to 327 hours. This pattern indicates that although the rainy season brings increased precipitation, the region still enjoys considerable daylight. Notably, the late dry season months, such as October and November, see sunshine levels rebound, reaching 336 hours in October and 323 hours in November, which further contributes to the agricultural calendar. Overall, the year closes with relatively stable sunshine, underscoring a climate where high luminosity is a defining feature, shaping both the environment and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
Northern Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan, experiences a consistently high UV Index throughout the year, underscoring the need for awareness regarding sun exposure safety. January sets the tone with an UV Index of 11, classified as extreme, which remains prevalent for the first half of the year, peaking in April at 14. Throughout these months, the burn time remains notably low at just 10 minutes, indicating that even brief sun exposure can lead to skin damage. February and March maintain a robust UV Index of 13, prompting residents to take necessary precautions during outdoor activities.
As the region transitions into mid-year, the UV Index slightly fluctuates but stays within extreme levels, with UV Index values generally around 12 to 14 from June to August. This highlights the importance of protective measures during these months when outdoor activities are commonplace due to favorable weather conditions. Notably, in November and December, the UV Index dips to 10, categorized as very high, yet burn times extend to 15 minutes, providing a marginally longer window for safe exposure. Overall, the data indicates a persistent risk of UV radiation, necessitating vigilance year-round to protect against the harmful effects of sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Northern Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan, daylight duration exhibits a relatively stable pattern throughout the year, oscillating primarily between 11 and 12 hours of sunlight daily. January and February start the year with a consistent 11 hours of daylight, creating a gentle transition as the days gradually lengthen. By March, daylight stretches to 12 hours, a trend that continues uninterrupted through to August. This regularity provides ample opportunity for agricultural activities and daily routines, vital in a region where reliance on sunlight is essential.
As the year progresses into the later months, daylight hours decrease once again, with October, November, and December returning to 11 hours of sunlight per day. This cyclical pattern emphasizes the slight seasonal variations in daylight duration but suggests a predominantly stable photoperiod that supports the local ecosystem and communities. The consistent daylight hours contribute to a rich environmental backdrop, fostering a rhythm of life that is closely aligned with the natural cycles of the region.
Aweil, South Sudan, experiences a hot tropical climate characterized by high temperatures year-round. January and February mark the hottest months, with daytime highs reaching up to 43°C (109°F). The rainy season peaks from June to August, where precipitation averages between 103 mm (4.0 in) and 168 mm (6.6 in), significantly cooling the temperatures, particularly in July, where the average drops to 27°C (80°F). Aweil benefits from abundant sunshine, with over 300 hours of sunshine each month typically. For more detailed weather patterns and information, visit Aweil climate.
Winejok, South Sudan, experiences a hot climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January sees minimum temperatures of 16°C (61°F) and peaks around 41°C (107°F), while the hottest months, March to May, can reach up to 43°C (110°F). The rainy season runs from May to September, with July and August receiving the most precipitation at 145 mm (5.7 in) and 162 mm (6.4 in) respectively. Throughout the year, Winejok enjoys abundant sunshine, with March boasting the highest at 343 hours. For more detailed information, visit Winejok climate.
In conclusion, Northern Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan, is characterized by its distinct climatic features, including high temperatures, pronounced seasonal precipitation, extended sunshine duration, high UV index levels, and stable daylight hours. The region experiences an extreme tropical savanna climate, marked by a significant wet season and ample sunshine that supports agricultural practices vital for local livelihoods. While the UV Index remains consistently high, underscoring the importance of sun safety, the stable daylight duration throughout the year fosters a rhythm that aligns with the natural ecosystem. Collectively, these climatic elements create a unique environment that not only shapes the lives of its residents but also underlines the broader ecological and agricultural dynamics of Northern Bahr al Ghazal.