Last updated: January 18, 2025
Western Bahr al Ghazal, located in South Sudan, exhibits a Köppen-Geiger climate classification of Aw, indicating a tropical savanna climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with minimum temperatures dropping to 13°C (55°F) in January, while average temperatures hover around 28°C (83°F). The peak heat is recorded in March, where maximum temperatures can soar up to 43°C (110°F), highlighting the extreme thermal conditions typical of this environment. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for managing local agriculture and adapting to the challenges posed by climate variability.
In Western Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan, temperature patterns reveal a significant seasonal progression throughout the year. The region starts with cooler winters in January, marked by a minimum temperature of 13°C (55°F) and a maximum reaching up to 41°C (106°F). As February and March approach, temperatures rise, with March peaking at 43°C (110°F), indicating the onset of the hotter season. April maintains these high temperatures while slightly stabilizing averages around 32°C (90°F). The transition into the rainy season begins in May, where a decline in maximum temperatures occurs, followed by more moderate averages around 30°C (86°F) in the milder months of June and July as rainfall becomes more frequent. August and September exhibit a continuation of cooler temperatures with minima around 19°C (67°F) and flat averages near 26°C (78°F), while October brings a gradual rise with an increase in maxima reaching 37°C (99°F). This trend stabilizes with November and December, where average temperatures revert back to 28°C (83°F), marking the end of the rainy season and a return to drier conditions.
In the region of Western Bahr al-Ghazal, the climate varies across several locations. Wau experiences a minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F) in January, rising to a maximum of 43°C (110°F) in March. For Kafia Kingi, the temperature ranges from a cool 13°C (55°F) in January to a sweltering 43°C (109°F) in April. Meanwhile, Raja sees temperatures starting at 15°C (59°F) in January and peaking at 42°C (108°F) in April. For more details, visit the links: monthly temperatures in Wau, monthly temperatures in Kafia Kingi, and monthly temperatures in Raja.
Precipitation in Western Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan exhibits a pronounced seasonal pattern, with minimal rainfall occurring during the dry months from January to March. January records no precipitation, while February and March see slight increases, measuring 2 mm (0.1 in) and 6 mm (0.2 in), respectively. As the region progresses into April, rainfall begins to intensify, culminating in a significant uptick during the peak wet season from May to August. This period is characterized by heavy rainfall, with June and August experiencing the highest levels at 114 mm (4.5 in) and 164 mm (6.5 in), respectively, reflecting the region’s transition to a more humid climate.
The duration of rainy days further emphasizes the distinction between wet and dry seasons in Western Bahr al Ghazal. By May, rainfall becomes more frequent, with 15 days of precipitation, increasing to 21 days in July and 22 days in August. Following this peak, September and October maintain considerable rainfall, with 142 mm (5.6 in) and 78 mm (3.1 in), respectively, although with decreasing rainy days as the season winds down. By November, precipitation drops dramatically to 7 mm (0.3 in) over just one day, before returning to a dry state in December and January, completing the annual cycle.
In Western Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with a noticeable increase during the early part of the year leading into the summer months. Starting at 275 hours of sunshine in January, the region enjoys a robust rise, peaking in March with 343 hours. This upward trajectory highlights the clear and sunny conditions typical of the transition from winter to spring. April and May maintain high sunshine totals as well, averaging 333 to 338 hours, indicating that the early wet season does not significantly impede sunlight availability during these months.
As the summer progresses into June, July, and August, sunshine hours level off at around 324 hours, suggesting that although the rainy season brings clouds and precipitation, abundant sunshine remains. The consistent sunlight during these months is vital for agriculture despite the onset of rains. As the year transitions back to cooler temperatures in September and October, sunshine hours slightly decrease but remain high, fluctuating between 323 and 334 hours. The annual cycle culminates in December, which also experiences a noteworthy 335 hours, reinforcing the area's overall potential for solar energy and its suitability for agriculture throughout much of the year.
The UV Index in Western Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan, reflects a consistently high risk of ultraviolet exposure throughout the year, categorized predominantly as extreme. From January to May, the UV Index ranges from 12 to 14, indicating a significant risk for skin damage from unprotected sun exposure, with a recommended maximum burn time of only 10 minutes. This period correlates with the dry season, where clear skies amplify UV radiation levels, necessitating precautions for individuals exposed to the sun. The peak months, April and May, underline the urgency for protective measures, even as May transitions into the onset of the wet season.
As the rainy season arrives in June, the UV Index slightly decreases to 12, yet it remains in the extreme category, showing that even during rainy months, UV radiation remains a concern. July and August see a return to a 14 UV Index, emphasizing that cloudy or rainy weather does not significantly diminish UV levels. By September, the UV Index stabilizes at 14, followed by a slight decline to 10 in November and December, placing them at a very high risk category, with a recommended burn time of 15 minutes. This data highlights the necessity for year-round sun protection strategies in Western Bahr al Ghazal, ensuring residents and visitors alike are aware of the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In Western Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan, daylight duration exhibits a distinct annual rhythm that is largely consistent throughout the year. The region experiences approximately 11 hours of daylight in the initial months of January and February, providing a steady start to the year. As spring approaches in March, daylight extends slightly to 12 hours, a duration that remains stable through the summer months of April, May, and onwards until September. This extended daylight supports the agricultural activities in the region, giving farmers ample time to cultivate and harvest crops during the growing season when sunshine is abundant.
As the year progresses into October, November, and December, daylight duration reverts back to approximately 11 hours, signaling the transition back into the winter months. This consistency of roughly 11 to 12 hours of daylight suggests a relatively equable climate that can positively influence crop cycles and daily life in Western Bahr al Ghazal. Overall, this pattern highlights the region's predictable sunlight availability, which is crucial for both environmental sustenance and human activities throughout the year.
Kafia Kingi, South Sudan, exhibits a hot tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) in January to a maximum of 43°C (109°F) in April. The rainy season peaks between July and September, with precipitation reaching up to 165 mm (6.5 in) in August. Despite its high temperatures, Kafia Kingi enjoys substantial sunshine, averaging over 300 hours per month from January to May. The dry months typically span from January to March and again in November and December. For more details on the climate, visit Kafia Kingi climate.
Raja, South Sudan, experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January through April sees average temperatures rising from 28°C (82°F) to 32°C (89°F), with maximums peaking around 42°C (108°F) in March and April. The rainy season begins in May, bringing significant precipitation, with June to August recording the highest rainfall, averaging over 130 mm (5.1 in) per month. Sunshine is abundant year-round, with March enjoying the most sunlight at 344 hours. For more detailed information, visit Raja climate.
Wau, South Sudan, experiences a hot tropical climate with minimal rainfall primarily from May to September. January marks the cool season with temperatures ranging from 18°C (65°F) to 41°C (106°F), while the peak heat is observed in March, reaching up to 43°C (110°F). Rainfall is scarce at the beginning of the year but increases significantly during the wet season, peaking in August with 166 mm (6.5 in). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, averaging between 276 to 340 hours monthly. For more details, visit Wau climate.
In conclusion, the climatic patterns of Western Bahr al Ghazal, South Sudan, characterized by distinct temperature variations, significant rainfall, and consistent sunlight, form a unique environment that shapes the region's agricultural practices and daily life. The extreme UV Index highlights the critical need for sun protection, particularly during the dry season when ultraviolet exposure poses health risks. Furthermore, the relatively stable daylight duration throughout the year supports effective farming schedules, making it essential for locals to adapt their activities in response to climatic changes. As climate variability continues to impact global weather patterns, understanding these localized conditions is invaluable for fostering resilience and ensuring sustainable livelihoods in Western Bahr al Ghazal.