The climate of Grand-Bassam
Grand-Bassam rests within the geographical scope of the Am zone of the Köppen climate classification. This particular category designates a tropical monsoon climate, known for high humidity levels and substantial rainfall, especially during the rainy season.
The climate helm of Grand-Bassam revolves around a central theme; high temperatures and extensive rainfall. With average high temperatures ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) in
August to 30.4°C (86.7°F) in
April, the atmosphere can get quite hot. Correspondingly, the mercury level during the cooler months falls slightly, with lows recorded between 23.4°C (74.1°F) in August and 26.8°C (80.2°F) in April.
When it comes to rainfall, the weather patterns show a clear shift between two faces of nature. From
January to April and then again from
October to
December, rainfall is relatively less, reaching a peak of 103mm (4.06") in October. The rest of the year, from
May to
September, reveals the rainy side of Grand-Bassam with monthly rainfall topping 200mm (7.87") in
June. An interesting development to note is that the number of rainy days doesn't vary much throughout the year. It indicates a consistent, albeit strikingly diversified precipitation pattern, which could be characteristic of the tropical monsoon climate.
The sea temperature doesn't exhibit drastic fluctuations as water bodies tend to be more resistant to temperature changes. It dips from a warm 29°C (84.2°F) in April to an agreeable 24.4°C (75.9°F) in August. The humidity remains high year-round, with the lowest relative humidity recorded at 76% in January, and the highest at 87% in September.
The best time to visit Grand-Bassam
Visiting
Grand-Bassam would be most enjoyable during the cooler and drier months, from
November to
April. During these months, daily high temperatures lay around 30°C (86°F), and rainfall is less frequent, allowing visitors to explore its tropical beauty without worrying about sudden downpours. The relative humidity also dwindles down during these months, dropping to 76% in
January and offering a reprieve from the otherwise high humidity.
The worst time to visit Grand-Bassam
The period from
May to
September is less favorable for a visit to
Grand-Bassam, owing to the heavier and frequent rainfall.
June, in particular, records substantial rainfall of 200mm (7.87"), and the relative humidity touches its yearly upper limit, with an average of 87% in September. During this time, sunny days are fewer, and the general weather is cloudy and wet, which may hinder outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Grand-Bassam
In stark contrast to many temperate regions,
Grand-Bassam's spring months from
March to
May host a significantly wetter climate. Rainfall averages increase from 55mm (2.17") in March to a substantial 200mm (7.87") by
June. Temperatures during this period rise slightly, with high temperatures peaking around 30°C (86°F) and low temperatures fluctuating between 26.5°C (79.7°F) and 26.1°C (79°F).
Summer weather in Grand-Bassam
For the period of
June through
August, also known as the summer months in many parts of the world,
Grand-Bassam witnesses a cooling trend, particularly in sea temperatures. Sea temperatures drop to a low of 24.4°C (75.9°F) in August. Rainfall remains heavy in June at 200mm (7.87"), then tapers off to 83mm (3.27") by August. The humidity levels peak during these months, soaring up to 85%.
Autumn weather in Grand-Bassam
Come
September, the rainfall returns to a steadier pattern. From September through to
November, rainfall averages between 51mm (2.01") and 95mm (3.74"), while temperatures remain consistently high. High temperatures glide between 26.5°C (79.7°F) and 28.9°C (84°F), while the lows hover around 23.9°C (75°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F).
Winter weather in Grand-Bassam
Winter manifests itself rather subtly in
Grand-Bassam.
December ushers in slightly cooler sea temperatures of 28.4°C (83.1°F), down from 28.7°C (83.7°F) in
November. High temperatures maintain their mark near 30°C (86°F), whereas low temperatures often measure above 25°C (77°F). While it may not be winter in the conventional sense, it still offers a slightly cooler environment and a lessening in the rainfall count, with averages falling to 74mm (2.91").
Weather in January
Compared with
December temperatures in
Grand-Bassam,
Ivory Coast,
January sees a slight increase. On its warmest days, temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F), characterized by high humidity levels. This period, often typified by moderate rainfall, experiences precipitation on approximately 16.5 days of the month.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather in March
Weather in April
April in
Grand-Bassam,
Ivory Coast, continues showcasing the stable tropical climate with temperatures peaking marginally higher at 30.4°C (86.7°F). The similarities in weather conditions between
March and April underline the consistency of the climate in this region.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The weather in
May in
Grand-Bassam,
Ivory Coast, expresses a clear shift in patterns compared to the preceding months. Remarkably, rainfall nearly doubles to 98mm (3.86"), distinguishing May as the onset of the wetter part of the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the peak of precipitation in
Grand-Bassam,
Ivory Coast, with recorded averages of 200mm (7.87") rainfall. This constitutes the maximum level of annual rainfall, setting June apart as the wettest month of the year. These conditions coincide with a noticeable drop in temperature and a decrease in sunlight hours, thereby amplifying humidity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Grand-Bassam,
Ivory Coast, experiences a perceptible drop in rainfall, down to 83mm (3.27"), in line with diminishing temperatures. This relief from intense rainfall provides a welcome change from
June’s peak precipitation, resulting in marginally cooler and drier conditions.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
August, the weather in
Grand-Bassam,
Ivory Coast shows a marked decrease in both sea and air temperatures, making it one of the coolest months of the year. Rainfall reduces further to 32mm (1.26"), adding to the cooler conditions.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As
August transitions into
September in
Grand-Bassam,
Ivory Coast, rainfall amounts rise to 51mm (2.01"). The weather begins to transition back towards the warmer and wetter patterns observed earlier in the year. Temperatures show a moderate increase more reminiscent of the first half of the year, keeping humidity levels high.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Grand-Bassam,
Ivory Coast, welcomes more familiar tropical weather patterns as temperatures rise to 27.7°C (81.9°F). The city experiences increased rainfall, averaging 103mm (4.06"), and marks one of the wettest months of the year.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November witnesses the continuation of tropical conditions with high temperatures, reaching a peak of 28.9°C (84°F), in
Grand-Bassam,
Ivory Coast. Although rainfall decreases to 95mm (3.74"), the high temperatures and constant cloud coverage heighten humidity.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Grand-Bassam,
Ivory Coast, is marked by a slight decrease in temperature, falling to an average low of 25.6°C (78.1°F). With rainfall dropping to 74mm (2.91"), the city begins to trend towards drier conditions. The combination of reduced rainfall, ample sunlight and maintained high humidity, establishes a warmer atmosphere.
Weather in December »