The climate of Ouidah
Ouidah, a city located in
Benin, is defined by the Köppen climate classification as a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate (Aw). Marked by consistent high temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year, Ouidah presents a climatic endurance test. An analysis of the climatological parameters shows an interesting pattern with slight fluctuations in several weather elements.
High temperatures in Ouidah are fairly consistent, ranging from 27.4°C (81.3°F) in
August to as high as 32.2°C (90°F) in
March. Low temperatures, on the other hand, demonstrate a slight fluctuation between 23.3°C (73.9°F) in
September and reaching up to 26.9°C (80.4°F) in
April. Relative humidity lingers around 71% in
January and climbs to 84% in August and September, hinting at the presence of saturated atmospheric conditions during these periods.
Rainfall levels see an important variation; from 16mm (0.63") in January and
December to a substantial 125mm (4.92") in
June. Days with rainfall are scattered throughout the year, with a minimum of 8.8 days in January, escalating to 24.5 days in
May and September. Meanwhile, snowfall days are a rarity, almost non-existent, with a slight hint only in September.
Daylight duration extends from 11.8 hours in January, December to 12.5 hours during June and
July. Sunshine hours per day, however, vary more significantly, dropping to 6.3 hours in July from 9.7 hours in January. This amount further gets reflected in sunshine days; from a low of 2.7 in September to a high of 18.4 in January. The UV index maintains a steady level of 7 except for July and August when it dips to 6. Pressure and wind parameters stay quite consistent throughout the year, instilling a sense of stability in Ouidah's climate.
The best time to visit Ouidah
Considering the weather parameters, the most pleasant time to visit
Ouidah encompasses
November to
February. During these months, temperatures remain consistently high, but rainfall levels significantly decrease. The presence of sunshine is also noted to be comparatively higher, with daylight extending as much as 11.8 hours, thus making it an ideal period for tourists and visitors.
The worst time to visit Ouidah
June to
September represents the most challenging period to visit
Ouidah due to excessive rainfall and increased humidity levels. With rainfall days reaching as much as 24.5 and humidity soaring to 84%, the weather becomes quite trickier for outdoor activities and explorations.
Spring weather in Ouidah
Spring in
Ouidah, observed from
March to
May, demonstrates a significant increase in humidity and rainfall. Throughout these months, regular rainfall occurrences coupled with high temperatures create a warm and humid environment. The average temperature ranges from 32.2°C (90°F) in March to 31.5°C (88.7°F) in May, making it a warm and wet period.
Summer weather in Ouidah
Summer in
Ouidah, lasting from
June to
August, is marked by the highest rainfall and humidity levels. The temperatures insightfully dip during this period: high of 29.2°C (84.6°F) in June down to 27.4°C (81.3°F) by August. It's a period of constant rains and elevated humidity where the number of rainfall days reaches the peak of 24.5 in June.
Autumn weather in Ouidah
Autumn in
Ouidah, running from
September to
November, brings along a decrease in rainfall, humidity, and staying pleasant, making it an intriguing period. As rainfall drops to 47mm (1.85") in November from 89mm (3.5") in September, visitors can start planning their trips towards the end of the period.
Winter weather in Ouidah
Winter season, stretching across
December to
February, signals the beginning of a season of relief from intense rainfall. Temperatures remain consistently high, but with a significant drop in rainfall, it provides a more conducive ambient for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the duration of sunshine during this period is comparatively more extended, adding more vibrancy to
Ouidah's winter.
Weather in January
January in
Ouidah,
Benin, presents a blend of warmth and humidity, with the weather relatively stable. The average high temperature in January is 32.1°C (89.8°F), with a low of 24.6°C (76.3°F). The city experiences approximately 16mm (0.63") of rainfall spread over an average of 8.8 days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather in
Ouidah subtly transforms in
February, maintaining high temperatures but registering a rise in both humidity and rainfall. Approximately 26mm (1.02") of rainfall is distributed over 13.5 days, an increase remarked from
January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The shift from
February to
March in
Ouidah signifies the initiation of increased monthly rainfall, registering at 30mm (1.18"). The average high and low temperatures display a slight increase, contributing to warmer evenings. This month also stands out for the consistently high UV index, making sunblock essential for outdoor activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Ouidah is characterized by a rise in rainfall, reaching an average of 31mm (1.22"). Furthermore, the increase in humidity signals the transition into wetter months. Approximately 12.3 hours of daylight, coupled with slightly warmer temperatures on average, display a typical tropical weather pattern.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sees a dramatic shift in the city's weather, as rainfall levels surge to 68mm (2.68"). Average temperatures slightly dip, especially the high ones, marking the beginning of a cooling trend. The humidity also peaks during this month, reaching some of the highest levels of the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Ouidah is the rainiest month of the year, with 125mm (4.92") of rainfall occurring over 24.5 days. The high temperatures start to plunge, reaching a yearly low, while the lower temperatures moderate. June also has the highest humidity level across the calendar.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The weather in
July continues to be defined by high rainfall, albeit lesser than
June, recording an average of 110mm (4.33"). It hosts the lowest average high temperature of the year, signaling peak cooling. The humidity and cloudiness remain persistently high.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August brings minor relief from the intensive rainy season, with average rainfall reducing to 41mm (1.61"). According to the records, the temperatures remain low, hinting at the persistence of cool conditions. A consistent UV index of 6, combined with decent sunshine hours, suggests mild and pleasant weather.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September witnesses a secondary peak in rainfall as it climbs to 89mm (3.5"). The month's temperatures start to rise once more, unveiling a heating trend. The cloud coverage begins to disperse, revealing more of the sun to
Ouidah residents.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October carries on the warming trend started in
September, with temperatures continuing to incline. The rainfall encounters a slight dip, averaging 79mm (3.11") over 22.7 days. Albeit being one of the rainiest months, October also enjoys 8.6 hours of sunshine.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The month of
November marks a decline in overall rainfall to 47mm (1.85"). The UV index remains high, underscoring the need for sun safety. Warming temperatures continue, hinting at a return to the year's beginning weather conditions.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December,
Ouidah registers similar weather conditions to
January, closing the year on a familiar note. The year's least amount of rainfall, totaling just 16mm (0.63"), signifies the onset of the dry season. The steadily rising temperatures serve as a gentle reminder of the heat the city started with.
Weather in December »