The climate of Gao
Located in
Mali,
Gao experiences a Subtropical desert climate, predominantly recognized by the Köppen climate classification as 'BWh'. The weather here is characterized by extreme heat, low humidity, and minimal rainfall throughout the year.
Temperatures in Gao see considerable fluctuations. The mean high temperature ranges from 30.8°C (87.4°F) in
January to 42.9°C (109.2°F) in
May, while the average low temperature varies from 15.6°C (60.1°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F) within the same time frame. This wide temperature span demonstrates the strong thermal oscillation spanning from somewhat cool to extreme, more evident within the daytime high values.
Humidity is relatively low, registering from 11% in
March to 38% in
August. Rainfall is scarce, peaking only in August at 56mm (2.2"), while during most of the year, it is negligible, calculated at less than 3mm (0.12"). The number of rainfall days is limited, with major concentration observed in the middle of the year around
July and August, to a maximum of 11.3 days.
Daily sunshine duration is quite substantial, ranging from a minimum of 7.5 hours in January and
December to 12.2 hours in May. The Ultraviolet index, indicative of the solar radiation strength, varies from 6 in the cooler months to 9 in the hotter months. Throughout the year, the visibility remains unaffected at 10km (6.2mi) while cloud cover generally stays low, with a peak of 20% in August.
The best time to visit Gao
The best time to visit
Gao in terms of weather conditions would ideally be in the cooler months of
November to
February. During this time, the daytime temperatures are more bearable, registering below 35.5°C (95.9°F) while the average lows are around 18°C (64.4°F). The humidity is also comparatively lower and rainfall is minimal, enhancing the comfort level for visitors.
April and
May should particularly be avoided due to extreme high temperatures crossing 40°C (104°F).
The worst time to visit Gao
The summer months from
June to
August are potentially the worst time to visit
Gao, owing to high temperatures which can reach up to 42.2°C (108°F). Humidity also spikes, reaching its annual peak of 38%. Adding to the discomfort, these months see the highest rainfall up to 56mm (2.2") and clouds cover increases to 20%.
Spring weather in Gao
Spring arrives in
Gao from
March to
May, perfect for witnessing the thermal transition. March starts with temperatures from 38.3°C (100.9°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F), gradually increasing to the extreme high of 42.9°C (109.2°F) and an average low of 29.7°C (85.5°F) in May. Despite the heat, the humidity remains low and rainfall is negligible.
Summer weather in Gao
Summer, running from
June to
August, is the most challenging period in
Gao with clear skies most of the time, high UV index of 9, and temperatures peaking at 42.2°C (108°F). Adding to the heat, humidity spikes at an annual maximum of 38%, and the most rainfall is recorded from 12mm (0.47") in June to 56mm (2.2") in August.
Autumn weather in Gao
Autumn in
Gao, experienced from
September to
November, marks the transition from the scorching summer to relatively cooler months. While September continues to see high temperatures averaging 39.3°C (102.7°F), by November, it subsides to an average high of 35.5°C (95.9°F). Rainfall becomes minimal and cloud cover also decreases.
Winter weather in Gao
December to
February marks winter in
Gao, featuring the most pleasant daytime temperatures from 31.5°C (88.7°F) to a low of 17.6°C (63.7°F). These months get the lowest rainfall measures and the humidity is much lower compared to the rest of the year, making it the best season to visit Gao.
Weather in January
January in
Gao,
Mali signifies the beginning of a new year with warm weather, clear skies and virtually no rainfall. Markedly;, the highest temperature reaches 30.8°C (87.4°F) and the lowest dips to 15.6°C (60.1°F). This month benefits from abundant sunlight, with long hours of daylight gracing the region.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February carries forward
January's warm and dry conditions but with a slight increase in temperature. The persistent sunny weather, modest winds and clear visibility collectively form an ideal setting for sightseeing. It is consistent with January in presenting virtually no rainfall and boasting long daylight hours.
Weather in February » Weather in March
The weather in
March continues to trend hotter in
Gao,
Mali with climatological data suggesting afternoon temperatures reach a high of 38.3°C (100.9°F). During this month, the intensifying heat is accompanied by an increase in daylight hours, offering ample sunshine.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Gao,
Mali manifests the peak of hot weather conditions, replacing the relatively mild heat of
March. Commencing the period of extreme heat, the gap between the peak and lowest temperatures significantly widens. Lengthier sunlight hours and clear visibility affirm a perpetuation of dry and sunny conditions.
Weather in April » Weather in May
With the advent of
May, the climate in
Gao,
Mali further perpetuates the hot and primarily dry conditions. The temperatures surge to an annual high of 42.9°C (109.2°F), marking May as the hottest month of the year. A gradual increase in humidity is observed while rainfall begins to make sporadic appearances.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June introduces a slight shift in weather in
Gao,
Mali, with an increase in rainfall and humidity, offering a respite from the preceding hotter months. Sky visibility remains clear and daylight hours are notably long, although marginally reduced from
May.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Gao marks the beginning of the rainy season, with total rainfall seeing a significant increase to 19mm (0.75"). The average maximum temperature trails slightly behind
June at 39.8°C (103.6°F). With the arrival of rains, a decline in maximum temperatures occurs, offering relief from the intense heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Gao,
Mali embodies a distinct shift in weather patterns with the highest rainfall of the year being recorded at 56mm (2.2"). An accompanying decline in maximum temperatures to 38.2°C (100.8°F) offers much needed respite from the heat extremes of preceding months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Gao,
Mali transitions from the high rainfall of
August to drier conditions. Estimated temperature highs measure 39.3°C (102.7°F), presenting a marginal increase from the prior month. As the month progresses, daylight hours decrease subtly beneath clear skies.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Gao,
Mali marks the return to decidedly warm and dry conditions. This month's rainfall narrows to a low 2mm (0.08"), while daylight hours dwindle compared to
September. Clear skies and reduced cloud cover translate to unhindered outdoor activity.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Gao,
Mali ushers in a return to dry weather, maintaining the trend set by
October. Daylight hours continue to decline, and cloud cover is minimal, fostering stunning clear sky views. As the transition to cooler months commences, a decrease in temperatures is observed.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December closes the year in
Gao,
Mali with a continuation of the
November pattern. It presents no rainfall, lower temperature averages, and shorter daylight periods. Amid lowered temperatures, the climate is relatively mild compared to the extreme heat of earlier months.
Weather in December »