The climate of Douentza
The climate in
Douentza,
Mali is primarily classified as BWh according to the Köppen climate classification, meaning it experiences a subtropical desert climate. Due to its geographical location within the Sahara Desert region, the year-round weather is typically characterized by exceedingly high temperatures and low relative humidity, giving Douentza an arid and hot atmosphere overall.
Diving deeper into the climate data, one comes across profound fluctuations in weather parameters throughout the year. The average high temperature sees significant fluctuations, escalating from 31.3°C (88.3°F) in
January, reaching a peak at 42.2°C (108°F) in
May, then receding to around the 38-degree mark from
July to
October, and it then descends to 32°C (89.6°F) in
December. The average low temperature follows a similar pattern, starting from 15.8°C (60.4°F) in January, scaling up to 31.6°C (88.9°F) in
June, before it dips to 17.7°C (63.9°F) in December.
Noteworthy is the amount of rainfall throughout the year. Douentza experiences quite sporadic rainfall. The wettest months occur during the peak of summer with 72mm (2.83") of rain in
August being the maximum for any month. Here the frequency of rainy days raises to 13.3 per month. In stark contrast, from
November to
April rain is virtually absent.
The relative humidity in Douentza is also worth mentioning. It ascends from 14% in January and
February, reaching its pinnacle at 44% in August, and then receding again towards the closing months of the year.
The best time to visit Douentza
Taking into account the various weather parameters, the most pleasant period to visit
Douentza is from
November to
February. During these months, the city experiences moderate temperatures ranging from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 34.6°C (94.3°F), coupled with reasonable humidity levels and virtually no rainfall. The absence of rain further enhances the visibility, providing unhindered views of the stunning Saharan landscapes. The daylight hours are also ample during these months, ranging from 11.2 hours to 11.7 hours per day, allowing ample time for outdoor activities and exploration.
The worst time to visit Douentza
The least favorable time for a visit to
Douentza would be the peak summer months of
May through
August. Temperatures during this period are exceedingly high, often exceeding 38°C (100.4°F). In addition to the sweltering heat, these months also witness high relative humidity, reaching up to 44% in August. Further, August also receives the highest rainfall, i.e. 72mm (2.83"). As such, this combination of factors could present discomfort for those not accustomed to such severe weather conditions.
Spring weather in Douentza
Spring in
Douentza, falling from
March to
May, experiences steady temperature increases ranging from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 29.5°C (85.1°F) for lows and 38.7°C (101.7°F) to 42.2°C (108°F) for highs. Rainfall during this time remains virtually non-existent, while relative humidity begins to climb, moving from 11% in March to 19% in May.
Summer weather in Douentza
Douentza's summer, extending from
June to
August, is characterized by the most extreme temperatures and humidity levels. The monthly average temperatures remain above 36.4°C (97.5°F) for highs and 29.4°C (84.9°F) for lows. Humidity tops out at 44% in August, coinciding with the highest rainfall of 72mm (2.83"). Despite the rain, this season provides the most daylight of any season, peaking at 13 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Douentza
Autumn in
Douentza, from
September to
November, sees a gradual descent in average temperatures, moving from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F) for lows and 38.2°C (100.8°F) to 35.9°C (96.6°F) for highs. Relative humidity follows a similar downward trend. Rainfall decreases from 16mm (0.63") in September to no rain in November, effectively marking the end of the rainy season.
Winter weather in Douentza
Winter in
Douentza is more comfortable. Average temperatures hover in a range from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 18.2°C (64.8°F) for lows, and from 31.3°C (88.3°F) to 34.6°C (94.3°F) for highs. Relative humidity and rainfall remain minimal during these months, making it an amenable time for travel and outdoor activities. Despite the shorter daylight hours, averaging between 11.4 hours to 11.2 hours, sunshine hours remain relatively high ranging from 8 hours to 7.5 hours a day.
Weather in January
The start of the year in
Douentza,
Mali, ushers in a gentle breeze, with temperature navigating between 15.8°C (60.4°F) at its lowest to a welcoming 31.3°C (88.3°F) at the highest. Catching sight of the azure sky, unhindered by looming clouds, as their presence is merely 10%, fills up most days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Compared to
January,
February in
Douentza shares some similarities, but also brings its uniqueness. Temperatures undergo a slight rise, peaking at 34.6°C (94.3°F). An enduring presence of the sun offers ample daylight hours and warms up the winter-ridden chill, as the remaining winter cold witnesses a gradual thawing.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings a definitive transition from the trailing winter to the mounting heat, with the thermometer reaching up to 38.7°C (101.7°F).
Douentza gives a fair glance to the nearing summer. Showers continue to be fairly absent, with less rainfall than the last month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Douentza intensifies the heat, as thermometers climb to touch 41.1°C (106°F), paving the way for an early preview of summer. As the rainfall mildly increases with 2mm (0.08") per month, it barely seems adequate to moderate the surging temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Weather in
May sketches a vivid portrayal of summer, as this is the hottest month in
Douentza, with an immense heat escalating to 42.2°C (108°F). Cloud cover heightens, offering a brief respite from the unforgiving sun. An increase to 3mm (0.12") in rainfall indicates a slow transition towards the wet season, but fails to considerably cool down the atmosphere.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As
June enters, the weather in
Douentza continues to simmer, with the temperature still soaring to a maximum of 41.3°C (106.3°F). Indicating the onset of the rainy season, rainfall takes a sizeable leap to 11mm (0.43"), yet it does little to soothe the sizzling weather.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings along some moderation in temperature and an increase in the amount of precipitation. From a scorching 41.3°C (106.3°F) in the last month, temperatures find some respite, dropping to 38.5°C (101.3°F). The rainfall also undergoes a sharp escalation to 34mm (1.34"), signifying a pronounced shift to the rainy season.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August witnesses a significant climb in rainfall, reaching a maximum of 72mm (2.83") for the year, as the official peak of the wet season sets in. Temperatures in
Douentza take a dip compared to the previous month, scaling down to 36.4°C (97.5°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Douentza sees a considerable reduction in rainfall compared to
August, dipping down to 16mm (0.63"). The temperature holds steady at a peak of 38.2°C (100.8°F), only slightly higher than the preceding month. The cloud cover reduces significantly, paving the way for clearer skies.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a fair level of relief from the heat, with the mercury reading dropping to 38.7°C (101.7°F) at its maximum. The weather in
Douentza experiences a remarkable shift, as rainfall recedes to a mere 2mm (0.08"). Humidity levels start to decline, hinting at the city's steady exit from the monsoon season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Douentza presents an unmistakable transition toward a milder climate, as the thermometer averages around 35.9°C (96.6°F) at its peak. The rain gauge registers barely noticeable precipitation, indicating that the monsoon has practically retreated.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December embraces winter in full swing, while still maintaining a comfortable warmth with temperature peaking at 32°C (89.6°F). Rainfall becomes non-existent, marking the return of the dry season. The diminishing daylight hours intensify the winter touch.
Weather in December »