The climate of Zakouma
Located in the heart of
Chad,
Zakouma enjoys predominantly subtropical steppe climate as defined by the Köppen climate classification - a system that identifies various climate zones. The BSh classification bears characteristics including hot, dry summers, and milder winters with occasional showers. Over the course of a year, the weather may vary drastically, bringing to fruitions the unique features of this climate.
Temperature contrasts are the hallmark of Zakouma's landscape, presenting stark fluctuations throughout the year. Distinctly noticeable is the summer with daytime temperature soaring as high as 41.8°C (107.2°F), promptly dipping to a cooler 27.9°C (82.2°F) in the evening. Winter offers populace an inviting respite with highs of 36.5°C (97.7°F) and lows of 20.4°C (68.7°F).
Humidity advances from a significantly low 15% in
January to a steep 81% in
August - a drastic paradigm of the Zakouma climate. The rainfall also sees a similar pattern, progressing from dry months with little to no rainfall at the year's onset to a peak in August with 149mm (5.87") and 24 rainfall days. By contrast, the year ends on a dry note with minimal precipitation.
Sunlight availability and UV index also sway with the seasons. Clear skies in January grant approximately 8 hours of sunshine and a strong UV index of 7. By
June, daylight expands a little more, reaching 12.8 daylight hours and harmonizing with an increased UV index of 7.
The Best Time to Visit Zakouma
Optimal time for a visit to
Zakouma would be
November and
December. During these months, local and tourists alike are greeted with temperatures ranging from 21.1°C (70°F) to 37.6°C (99.7°F). Furthermore, there is hardly any rainfall with clear days accounting for nearly 30 in a month.
The Worst Time to Visit Zakouma
Zakouma's climate can be intense for tourists, especially between
June to
August. With temperatures going as high as 41.8°C (107.2°F), humidity levels rising up to 81% and receiving maximum rainfall of 149mm (5.87"), it is no doubt that these months are the least favorable for visiting.
Spring Weather in Zakouma
An amalgamation of varying weather conditions characterizes
Zakouma's spring months.
March sees an average high of 41.5°C (106.7°F) and a low of 25.8°C (78.4°F). While,
April and
May are marked by rainfall quantities of 4mm (0.16") and 16mm (0.63") respectively. The relative humidity also spirals from 13% in March to reach 33% in May.
Summer Weather in Zakouma
Summers are torrid in
Zakouma. The high temperatures range from 37.1°C (98.8°F) in
June to 32.6°C (90.7°F) in
August and the nights are not very cool with lows between 27.2°C (81°F) and 23.8°C (74.8°F). Accompanied by increased rainfall peaking at 149mm (5.87") in August, the humidity too peaks and reaches 68% in June and 81% in August.
Autumn Weather in Zakouma
Autumn in
Zakouma ushers in dryer air, with reduced precipitation of 68mm (2.68") in
September down to 33mm (1.3") in
October. The months retain sweltering temperatures ranging between 22.6°C (72.7°F) and 36.1°C (97°F). However, the average humidity decreases noticeably from 74% in September to 54% in October.
Winter Weather in Zakouma
The arrival of winter is marked with lowering temperatures and scanty rainfall. In
January, temperatures range from 20.4°C (68.7°F) to 36.5°C (97.7°F), with virtually no precipitation. Providing an agreeable climate, winters in
Zakouma are mild and relatively dry with a drop in relative humidity from 17% in
December to 15% in January.
Weather in January
January in
Zakouma includes a mix of clearly pleasing weather days. The city enjoys a healthy amount of sunshine with approximately 8.1 hours daily. Humidity is at its lowest; a breath of fresh air for those sensitive to high moisture levels.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Glimmers of an approaching summer become evident in
February in
Zakouma. Compared to
January, noticeable increases in temperature are recorded, and the amount of sunshine extends to nearly 8.8 hours a day. The humidity remains relatively low, ensuring that days and nights are quite comfortable.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March sees the introduction of a slight increase in humidity levels, causing a shift in the otherwise dry conditions typical of
Zakouma. While the temperature continues to rise, the number of sunshine hours peaks at 10 per day. March can be described as the curtain-raiser for the summer season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The month of
April in
Zakouma marks the beginning of the rainy season, with a record rainfall amount of 4mm (0.16"). Thermal conditions reach a season high, and humidity levels reflect a significant increase. While it remains a mostly clear month, the cloud coverage also sees an increment.
Weather in April »Weather in May
A noticeable heightened level of humidity dominates the weather patterns in
Zakouma throughout
May. The rainy season prevails as temperatures remain relatively high. While the cloud coverage is moderate, the city experiences a satisfactory amount of sunshine nearing 9.7 hours per day.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Observing the weather conditions in
Zakouma in the month of
June, an increase in wet conditions dominates the climate. Following the increased rainfall from
May, June experiences even heavier showers. Though this significantly escalates humidity levels, it results in an unexpected surge of sunshine hours, totaling 11.1 hours per day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
A trend of increased rainfall persists in the month of
July in
Zakouma. The city witnesses the peak of the rainy season, with torrential rains totaling to 123mm (4.84"). Cloud coverage reaches the highest level of the year, contributing to somewhat cooler temperatures.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August presents an easing trend of rainfall, depicting the gradual transition from the wet to dry season in
Zakouma. This period serves as the option satisfactory time for outdoor activities despite being the month with the highest relative humidity.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The month of
September in
Zakouma is characterized by a steady reduction in rain, humidity, and cloud cover. Even though the temperature ratchets upwards, it still remains relatively moderate compared to the summer period. The diminishing showers usher in the much-awaited dry season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October’s weather in
Zakouma brings about considerable changes with the discontent of the wet season almost in the rear-view mirror. A significant decrease in rainfall makes it the preferred time for outdoor exploration. The relative humidity lessens, as the temperatures continue to inch towards the maximum levels.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Getting into
November in
Zakouma, temperatures slowly come down from their
October peak, and humidity levels plummet further, adding to the comfortable weather. As the dry season settles, rainfall events become quite rare. The weather contributes to an extended duration of sunshine, nearing about 10 hours per day.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December carries forward the dry, sunny weather from
November in
Zakouma, with temperatures becoming friendlier. As the month progresses, a further drop in temperature records the onset of cooler weather conditions. Due to the almost non-existent rainfall, relative humidity remains lower.
Weather in December »