The climate of Bolgatanga
Within the boundaries of
Bolgatanga in
Ghana, a predominant Aw, or Tropical wet and dry climate as per the Köppen climate classification, prevails throughout the year. The city's climatic state orchestrates weather duties for the geographical field of Ghana's upper eastern territory. The climate swings between high temperatures that peak over 35°C (95°F), down to a more agreeable scale of around 18°C (64.4°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F).
Monthly precipitation whisks through a broad spectrum, going from a trifling 5mm (0.2") on the drier months to a substantial increase over the calendar year, touching 206mm (8.11") during peak months. Daylight conditions register slight variations from the lowest observed sunlight duration of 11.5 hours to an increased 12.8 hours. Conversely, the sunshine duration records minimal fluctuations and ranges from 6 hours to 9 hours, while the UV index is almost constant, standing at 12. The greatest changes in the weather parameters are witnessed in rainfall patterns and temperature levels between the hottest months and the coolest ones.
An examination of the available climate data unveil that
April,
May and
August exhibit a surge in rainfall, effectively marking them as the wettest months. High temperature levels are predominantly witnessed from
February to April and in
November, with the heat peaking at 37.9°C (100.2°F). Meanwhile, the stretch between
December and February witnesses the lowest rainfall and relatively low temperatures, thereby lending Bolgatanga its unique climatic signature.
The best time to visit Bolgatanga
The best holiday experience in
Bolgatanga is woven around its climatic ropes. Bolgatanga's clear weather days are best experienced during the drier months, from
November to
February. These months mark a period of moderate temperatures ranging from 31.9°C (89.4°F) to 36°C (96.8°F). Furthermore, the region receives minimal rainfall, averting any interruptions in outdoor activities. Sunshine hours are ample; daylight illuminates the city for nearly 12 hours and visitors can bask under 9 sunshine hours daily.
The worst time to visit Bolgatanga
An ill-timed visit to
Bolgatanga can lead to a whirlwind of weather woes.
August stands out as the most difficult month due to high precipitation, reaching up to 206mm (8.11"), and 20 rainy days. This wet month is accompanied by increased humidity, which coupled with temperatures hovering around 29.7°C (85.5°F) makes for uncomfortable conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Furthermore, the amount of sunshine hours recedes to 6 hours, lowering the overall brightness of the days.
Spring weather in Bolgatanga
Despite tropical regions not traditionally experiencing spring, in
Bolgatanga, the months from
March to
May can be interpreted as such. This period measures high temperatures stretching from 35.8°C (96.4°F) to 37.9°C (100.2°F). A notable hike in rainfall begins in March with 18mm (0.71"), swelling further to hit a voluminous 56mm (2.2") in May. An average of 10 rainy days in May complements these conditions while daylight graces the region for about 12.4 hours to 12.6 hours.
Summer weather in Bolgatanga
As we trace
Bolgatanga on the summer map marked by
June to
August, it can be witnessed that the rainfall graph swells progressively. June begins with a substantial 94mm (3.7") and by August, precipitation swells to the year's apex at 206mm (8.11"). The temperature gauge during this phase oscillates between 29.7°C (85.5°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F). These months exhibit a decrease in daylight and sunshine duration down to 12.7 hours and 6 hours respectively.
Autumn weather in Bolgatanga
Though autumn doesn't traditionally occur in tropical climates, in
Bolgatanga the period from
September through
November can be deemed as such. The pivotal characteristics of this phase include a decrement of rainfall from 119mm (4.69") in September to a meager 8mm (0.31") by November. Temperatures encompass a narrow bracket from 29.9°C (85.8°F) in September to an increased 35.5°C (95.9°F) in November. Daylight spans 12.2 hours at the beginning of this period and tapers to 11.6 hours by the end.
Winter weather in Bolgatanga
The months from
December to
February can be regarded as winter in
Bolgatanga, despite the absence of snow and freezing temperatures. This period is characterized by the year's minimum rainfall figures, plummeting to 5mm (0.2") in December and February, leading to a modestly dry climate. The thermo-metric count during this stretch spans 31.9°C (89.4°F) to 36°C (96.8°F), maintaining an agreeable weather state through the winter period. Daylight during these months extends from 11.5 hours to 11.8 hours daily.
Weather in January
An ideal commencement for the year in
Bolgatanga,
Ghana is marked by the cool and dry conditions of
January. Compared to
December, the weather tends to be a notch warmer and less rainy. This month is characterized by the noticeable warmth of its robust sunshine, as daylight extends up to 11.6 hours per day.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February ushers in the love season,
Bolgatanga follows suit with an amiable rise in warmth during the day. Nighttime lows start climbing, thus distinguishing this month from
January. The city gets bathed in slightly more sunlight, supporting the growth of shea trees widely spread across the northern region of
Ghana.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As one transitions into
March, the notable characteristic of this month in
Bolgatanga is the onsetting of the rainy season. This signals a transition from the unbroken monotonous dry spell. March, compared to
February, has more days encompassing rainfall events indicating the start of the rainy period.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The month of
April brings along an interesting twist in the weather narrative for
Bolgatanga. The rainfall phenomenon gets a hike, with precipitation amounts swelling to 25mm (0.98"). To those in April weddings, this makes the city glow with a rejuvenating greenery unseen in previous months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As
May ushers in, ramped-up rainfall marks this month’s unique characteristic in
Bolgatanga. Striking a contrast with
April, May’s rain events intensify and culminate up to 56mm (2.2"), nurturing the thriving crops planted in the previous month.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June ushers in with full-throttle as rainy activities become more vigorous in
Bolgatanga. There's a marked increase in precipitation, peaking at 94mm (3.7"). June marches in as the wettest month so far, overtaking the preceding months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Bolgatanga's weather reaches its most intense chapter; with the rainy season reaching its pinnacle. The city's streets bear evidence of this climatic peak, with rainfall amounting to a significant 142mm (5.59"), the highest all year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Bolgatanga brings with it the climax of the rainy season, with the number of rainy days escalating to an annual high of 20. The vibrancy of the city's cultural exuberance and business life, however, perseveres under the protection of rooftops and umbrellas.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September is characterized by the dwindling pulse of the rainy season in the city of
Bolgatanga. Rainfall volume and frequency ease off to 119mm (4.69") and 18 days respectively, a reduction from the previous month. The city welcomes the gradual descent into the dry season, as everyday life gets back to its sunny and dry routine.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Bolgatanga manifests vibrancy, characterized by a significant slackening in rainfall amount and frequency. With a noticeable shift from the rainy months, the amount of rainfall dips to 38mm (1.5"), while sitting at a comfortable 8 days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The impressively dry month of
November revisits
Bolgatanga, marking the city's successful undulation from a wet to a dry season. November's weather carries its unique identity with the UV Index, which goes back up to 10, highlighting the city's susceptibility to the robust sun rays.
Weather in November »Weather in December
As
December rolls in, the weather in
Bolgatanga steadily brisk its feet on the dry and cool side. The weather holds a festive charm, dovetailing perfectly with global holiday celebrations. The rainfall frequency further dwindles, solidifying the retreat of the rainy season.
Weather in December »