The climate of Gakoura
The Köppen climate classification identifies
Gakoura,
Mali, as situated in a subtropical steppe zone, known as BSh. This climate type comes with high temperatures year-round, less rainfall, a very low humidity percentage, and abundant sunlight. All these elements, combined with its geographical position in Mali's sub-Saharan region, contribute to Gakoura's dry and hot climate.
Looking at weather data throughout the year, Gakoura exhibits hot conditions with minimal yearly differences. Temperatures remain high all year round, rising from 34.4°C (93.9°F) in
January to peak at 42.3°C (108.1°F) in
May before gradually declining to 34.8°C (94.6°F) in
December. Lows range from 17.9°C (64.2°F) in January to 30°C (86°F) in
June, making for warm nights especially during the summer months.
The town records persistently low relative humidity levels below 16% during the cooler months, with a gradual increase from May to a peak of 70% in
August. Then it declines again to reach around 16% by December. Rainfall in Gakoura is almost negligible from January to
April, and in
November and December, ranging between 0mm (0") and 1mm (0.04") on average. However, a distinct wet period is observed from June to
September, with rainfall peaking at 109mm (4.29") in August, which is the most humid month.
Gakoura has plenty of sunshine, with daylight hours ranging from 11.3 hours in December to 13 hours in June and total sunshine hours between 8.3 hours in August and 9.9 hours in April and
March. The UV index increases from a low of 6 in December to a high of 9 in May and June.
The best time to visit Gakoura
Undeniably, the best time to visit
Gakoura for pleasant weather and outdoor activities is between
November and
April. During this time, temperatures are modestly lower, between 34.4°C (93.9°F) and 42.2°C (108°F), compared to the summer months. Relative humidity is low, varying between 15% and 21%, making the climate especially suitable for visitors who prefer dry conditions. The rainfall ranges from 0mm (0") in
January and
February to only 6mm (0.24") in
May, indicating virtually dry conditions. The UV index ranges from 6 to 9, worth considering when planning outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Gakoura
Tourists should avoid coming to
Gakoura from
June to
September as these months constitute the wet season. With rainfall ranging from 66mm (2.6") to 109mm (4.29"), coupled with high temperatures from 36.6°C (97.9°F) to 40.8°C (105.4°F) and high relative humidity from 54% to 70%, the climate becomes uncomfortably hot and humid.
Spring weather in Gakoura
Despite its subtropical steppe climate,
Gakoura does experience some variation symbolic of a spring season—occurring approximately from
March to
May. During this period, the average high temperature gradually increases from 40.2°C (104.4°F) to 42.3°C (108.1°F). The low temperature follows a similar pattern, increasing from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F). At the same time, a gradual increase in rainfall can be noticed, going from negligible 1mm (0.04") in March to 6mm (0.24") in May.
Summer weather in Gakoura
In a subtropical steppe climate such as
Gakoura's, the summer months of
June to
September are typically very hot, humid, and wet. Average high temperatures range from 36.6°C (97.9°F) to 40.8°C (105.4°F), and low temperatures range from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 30°C (86°F). Rainfall significantly increases and peaks at 109mm (4.29") in
August, increasing the relative humidity to a high of 70% in the same month.
Autumn weather in Gakoura
The autumn period in
Gakoura, approximately from
October to
November, brings a marked transition in weather conditions. Average high temperatures decrease from 38.2°C (100.8°F) in October to 37.4°C (99.3°F) in November, with the low temperatures ranging from 26°C (78.8°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F). Importantly, the rainfall decreases dramatically from 8mm (0.31") in October to just 1mm (0.04") in November, leading to a decrease in relative humidity from 42% to 21%.
Winter weather in Gakoura
The wintertime in
Gakoura, roughly from
December to
February, exhibits drier and somewhat cooler conditions. Average high temperatures range from 34.8°C (94.6°F) in December to 34.4°C (93.9°F) in
January before slightly increasing to 36.8°C (98.2°F) in February. Even the low temperatures remain comfortably warm, between 17.9°C (64.2°F) and 19.5°C (67.1°F). With just 1mm (0.04") of rainfall seen in January and no rainfall in February, the winter months in Gakoura remain predominantly dry and sunny.
Weather in January
Gakoura,
Mali, experiences a comfortable and dry
January marking the beginning of the year, signaling the winter in a subtle tone. The temperatures are neither extreme nor very low with highs of 34.4°C (93.9°F). The clear sky, accompanied by enough daylight hours, makes outdoor exploration a good idea.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving towards
February,
Gakoura experiences a shift in the overall climate. The temperatures slightly rise, leading to warmer afternoons. While the rainfall remains missing, there’s a subtle drop in the number of sunny days. As compared to
January, the cooler nights turn a tad warmer.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather in
Gakoura goes through a transition in
March as the temperatures start to reach the year’s first high of 40.2°C (104.4°F). A mix of temperature escalation and the rain playing truant from the weather scene means it's time to gear up for the heat days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings the hot season a step closer in
Gakoura with soaring temperatures. Although the temperatures shoot upwards, evenings are somewhat soothing compared to afternoons. The first traces of rain appear in a negligible amount, indicating a shift towards the rainy season in the following months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Gakoura is noticeably warmer than before, positioning us right at the threshold of the hot season. The city offers scorching afternoons and warm yet pleasant evenings to the residents and visitors. Subtly indicating the onset of the rainy season, the first notable rain of the year strikes this month with an accumulation of 6mm (0.24").
Weather in May » Weather in June
June witnesses a significant twist in
Gakoura weather with maximum temperatures reaching 40.8°C (105.4°F). Despite the increase in maximum temperature, nights become quite cool providing a respite from the scorching days. Also, the arrival of pre-monsoon showers doubles the precipitation seen in
May, preparing the city for the upcoming rainy season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is a distinctive month in
Gakoura as it welcomes the monsoon season. Rainfall reaches its annual peak at 68mm (2.68") indicating the full swing of the rainy season. While showers dominate the cityscape, cloud coverage also increases darkening the sky most of the time.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is the coolest period in
Gakoura, somewhat influenced by the continued rainfall. A visible dip in the maximum temperature along with increasing rain showers characterizes the month. Although the rain volume is higher than
July reaching 109mm (4.29"), the number of sunny days does not decrease drastically.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the withdrawal of monsoons in
Gakoura. Rainfall starts to retreat significantly to 66mm (2.6"), from its peak in
August. The maximum temperatures start to climb up again, symbolizing the return of hot and dry weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Gakoura witnesses a drastic decline in the rainfall. The temperatures rise to 38.2°C (100.8°F), as the rainy season retreats fully, and the dry season returns. While the afternoons become hotter, the evenings cool down due to the withdrawing monsoons.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With a remarkable decline in rainfall to just 1mm (0.04"),
November sets the stage for the dry winter season. The temperatures continue to fall as days become shorter. While there is a noticeable drop in the maximum temperatures, nights become significantly chillier marking the onset of winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Gakoura is generally calm and relatively cold, wrapping up the year on a peaceful note. The temperatures continue their downward trend, offering chilly nights to the citizens. Absence of rainfall, a feature of this month makes it the driest in the year.
Weather in December »