The climate of Ouahigouya
Ouahigouya, situated in Burkeina Faso, is characterized by a Subtropical steppe climate, classified as BSh in the Köppen climate classification. This region sees a prevalent dryness, with scorching summer temperatures and relatively cooler winters.
Throughout the year, temperatures navigate a broad range. The height of the mercury column accelerates from 33.2°C (91.8°F) in
January, peaking at 41.4°C (106.5°F) in
April. Following this, temperatures gradually decline, dropping to 33.6°C (92.5°F) by
December. The minimum temperatures also display a similar pattern, commencing at a mild 17.3°C (63.1°F) in January and reaching a peak of 29.4°C (84.9°F) from
May to
June before declining to 18.7°C (65.7°F) by December.
Relative humidity remains reasonably stable, showing a few notable fluctuations. It starts at 14% in January, dips to 12% in
March, before climbing up to 60% in
August and receding back to 15% in December. In terms of rainfall, Ouahigouya sees a dramatic shift. From a dry start in January, the region sees an upsurge in rainfall during the middle months, reaching a high of 100mm (3.94") in August. This is coupled with an increase in rainy days from less than one day in the first few months to a high of 17.3 days in August. Following this, the pattern inverts and Ouahigouya returns to drier months towards the year-end.
The best time to visit Ouahigouya
Considering the climate data, the prime time for a visit to
Ouahigouya is during the cooler winter months from
November to
February. During this period, the daily high temperatures sit comfortably between 33.6°C (92.5°F) and 36.6°C (97.9°F) and the night temperatures vary from a cool 18.7°C (65.7°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F). This period also coincides with fewer rainy days and less rainfall. With upwards of 7.6 hrs of sunshine per day and daylight lasting 11.3 hrs to 11.7 hrs, these months offer ample time for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Ouahigouya
The least opportune time for a visit would arguably be the scorching summer months from
April to
September. The daily high temperatures surge to a blistering 39.6°C (103.3°F) to 41.4°C (106.5°F) during this period. Furthermore, this period aligns with the rainiest months, specifically between
July and
August, when rainfall shoots up to 100mm (3.94"), and the area experiences 12.9 to 17.3 days of rainfall.
Spring weather in Ouahigouya
In
Ouahigouya, spring is a period of escalating temperatures and sparse rainfall.
March commences with average high temperatures of 39.9°C (103.8°F), gradually rising to 41.4°C (106.5°F) in
April. The average low temperatures also ascend from 22.8°C (73°F) to 26.1°C (79°F) during this period. Rainfall continues to be minimal, going from 6mm (0.24") in March to 4mm (0.16") in April, with rainy days numbering less than four.
Summer weather in Ouahigouya
Summer in
Ouahigouya commences with scorching temperatures accompanied by an uptick in rainfall as the season progresses.
May witnesses an average high temperature of 41.2°C (106.2°F), which subsequently eases to 33.8°C (92.8°F) by
August. Rainfall during these months experiences an upsurge, going from 11mm (0.43") in May to a peak of 100mm (3.94") in August. Correspondingly, the number of rainy days increase, making summer a damp and hot season.
Autumn weather in Ouahigouya
The Autumn season in
Ouahigouya brings a downward trend in temperatures coupled with a noticeable dip in rainfall.
September commences with an average high temperature of 35.5°C (95.9°F), steadily falling to 33.6°C (92.5°F) by
November. Similarly, low temperatures vary from 25.6°C (78.1°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F). Rainfall during these months sees a drastic fall, going from 26mm (1.02") in September to virtually no rainfall by November.
Winter weather in Ouahigouya
In
Ouahigouya, the winter months are a respite from the heat and the monsoons.
December marks the beginning of winter with an average high temperature of 33.6°C (92.5°F), which shows a slight increment to 36.4°C (97.5°F) by
February. Correspondingly, low temperatures range from 18.7°C (65.7°F) to 19.7°C (67.5°F). These months also solidify the dry season with virtually no rainfall, hence significantly fewer rainy days compared to other seasons.
Weather in January
Weather in
Ouahigouya commences with
January typified by meager humidity of 14%. Coupled with this low humidity, the weather is known to be moderately sunny with longer periods of daylight compared to other months. Wind speed in January is notable, with an average speed of 14.9km/h (9.3mph) and gusts reaching up to 25.3km/h (15.7mph), making this month characteristically breezy.
Weather in January »Weather in February
A transitional period, the weather in
February shows nominal increases in temperature and humidity from the previous conditions of
January. Experiencing an average high of 36.4°C (97.5°F), the heat in February can be felt more than it was in January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in noticeable changes as it is the beginning of the hot season in
Ouahigouya. The maximum temperature reaches on average 39.9°C (103.8°F), marking the onset of higher heat intensity compared to previous months. Nevertheless, rainfall is minimal and cannot yet be relied upon to cool the city.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April further continues the rising temperature trend started in
March, however, there is a significant change in the rainfall pattern with measurable precipitation from 4mm (0.16"). The radiating sunlight and temperatures reaching a high of 41.4°C (106.5°F) highlights the progression of the hot season in
Ouahigouya.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May, in
Ouahigouya, is a season of changes with rising humidity levels from 27%, vis-à-vis the previous month. The environment starts to transform from a relatively dry to a more humid climate, preparing for the impending rainy season.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signifies the onset of the rainy season in
Ouahigouya, with a substantial average rainfall of 14mm (0.55"). Uncharacteristically, the temperatures decrease when compared to
May, while the levels of relative humidity rise to 35%.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Ouahigouya experiences
July as the wettest yet with rainfall soaring to an average of 53mm (2.09"). This season, many days are marked by bouts of rainfall, leading to increased soil moisture and lush greenery around. However, rainfall does not make a dent to the visibility, retaining it at a constant 10 km, providing clear views throughout the month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings a balance between the heat and rain, with an average rainfall of 100mm (3.94"). While contributing to substantial changes on the landscape of
Ouahigouya, it also significantly influences the temperature and humidity level.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Ouahigouya witnesses a downfall in the heat intensity but continues to experience rainfall, averaging at 26mm (1.02"). As the wind speed subsides to an average of 10.7km/h (6.6mph), there is less constant breeze compared to the preceding months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Ouahigouya adopts a transitional climate, with a decrease in humidity, mirrored by a decline in the average rainfall to a mere 6mm (0.24"). This month witnesses a comforting calmness as the land transitions from the wet season to the dry season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Ouahigouya marks the onset of the dry season. The absence of rain becomes clear with a virtually nonexistent rainfall of 0mm (0"). The decrease in relative humidity to 17% is consistent with the climate in this city.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Ouahigouya keeps up the trend of the dry season with no rainfall observed. However, the temperatures remain temperate, with an average low temperature of 18.7°C (65.7°F). The dry winds and the absence of rainfall coupled with longer periods of sunshine make for a warm and clear atmosphere.
Weather in December »