The climate of Goundam
Deep in the heartland of
Mali, located in the Sahel belt, the city of
Goundam is characterized by a subtropical desert climate, denoted as "BWh" by the Köppen climate classification. With tremendous variations in temperature and sparse rainfall, Goundam is the epitome of desert weather irritability.
On the temperature front, extremes swing between a scorching high of 42.6°C (108.7°F) in the month of
June, to a mellow 15.4°C (59.7°F) on a chilly
January night. The bottleneck humidity, predominantly ranging from 11% to 38%, intertwines with these searing temperatures, often causing discomfort. Notably, the humidity peaks during the month of
August.
Rain is an almost foreign concept in Goundam, sporting a drought-like setting for most months. The rain gauge collects only 1mm (0.04") to 5mm (0.2") from
April to June, taking a leap to 45mm (1.77") in August, and again dwindles down between
September and
March. This sharp contrast underlines the sporadic nature of precipitation in this area.
Along with sunlight being prevalent for roughly 11.3 hours to 13.1 hours a day throughout the year, the city enjoys abundant sunshine days, from a minimum of 19.3 days in August to a maximum of 31 days in
December. UV index also stays high from March till September, with the peak being in the months from
May to
July.
The best time to visit Goundam
Weather preferences can vary from person to person, however, for someone with a proclivity towards mild temperature, the span from
December to
February would be ideal to visit
Goundam. During these months, temperatures are relatively gentle, fluctuating between 30.7°C (87.3°F) to 15.4°C (59.7°F). Moreover, these months enjoy the least humidity and the maximum number of sunshine days, making it amiable for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Goundam
Unless one truly enjoys the harsh desert climate, it is unadvisable to plan a visit from
May to
September. During these months, temperatures skyrocket beyond 40°C (104°F), peaking in
June with a blistering 42.6°C (108.7°F). Along with escalating humidity levels, this period also witnesses the maximum amount of rainfall, potentially causing inconveniences.
Spring weather in Goundam
With Spring months from
March to
May,
Goundam experiences a swift escalation in temperatures.
February's mild 33.3°C (91.9°F) high leaps to a sweltering 40.5°C (104.9°F) by May. The rainfall is occasional, with a meager 1mm (0.04") in March gradually increasing to 4mm (0.16") by the time May ends. While humidity stays relatively low compared to the later months, the UV Index sees its first peak in May.
Summer weather in Goundam
Summers in
Goundam from
June to
August can be quite intense. The average high temperature remains a staggering 40°C (104°F)+. A sign of relief appears in the form of rainfall with the rain gauge filling to 14mm (0.55") in
July and 45mm (1.77") in August. However, increased humidity levels and a persistent high UV index can create uncomfortable conditions.
Autumn weather in Goundam
The onset of Autumn marks the end of the hot season. Although with highs still hovering around 39°C (102.2°F) in
September and
October, relief does not arrive until
November, where the mercury drops to a more tolerable 35°C (95°F). Rainfall also retreats back to a mere trickle post-
August, with a notable fall to 2mm (0.08") by October.
Winter weather in Goundam
Winter months ranging from
December to
February display a noticeable downswing in temperatures with lows going down to 17.3°C (63.1°F). Precipitation remains negligible, while the humidity returns to a bearable range. Additionally, the UV index drops to its lowest during these months, making winter a welcoming retreat from the scorching summer.
Weather in January
The year begins on a cooler note in
Goundam, floating between a high of 29.7°C (85.5°F) and a low of 15.4°C (59.7°F). The skies generally remain clear, painting a bright picture for the month. Coupled with ample sunlight of 8.4 hours per day, it is a wakeful time in Goundam.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Warmth begins to take hold in
February as temperatures begin their upward climb, drawing a contrast from the relatively cooler
January. A dry phenomena dominate the month, paving the way for sun-drenched days. Differences from January weather are notable in longer daylight hours.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
March sets in,
Goundam witnesses an increase in daily sunshine hours. The mercury counts jump up further, making it much warmer than
February. Rain is almost non-existent, making it one of the driest months of the year. The landscape is bathed in sunlight for almost the entire day.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in warmer conditions, sustaining the heat wave from
March. There are minor changes in weather aspects like the wind velocity and relative humidity. In
Goundam, a subtle hint of rain is observed, marking a break from the persistent dry conditions.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
May unfolds,
Goundam records a further surge in temperature. The days lengthen, and a significant upturn is noted in the humidity level. A welcome change from
April is the modest amount of rainfall. However, the strong sunlight continues to persist, and the wind maintains a steady flow.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June signals the onset of the summer solstice with the peak of daily sunlight hours. The heat touches near-record levels compared to
May, and a significant amount of rainfall kicks in. This alternation in the weather pattern gives way to increased humidity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July shows a minor dip in temperature, offering a brief period of relief from the extreme heat of
June. However, the humidity spikes up, with the most substantial rainfall of the year. The wind speed also increases in the attempt to cool the heated atmosphere.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August ushers in slightly milder conditions, breaking from the constant high temperatures of
July. The rainfall decreases a bit, but the humidity remains at its highest for the year. The daylight hours start to shorten, with a decline in the overall sunlight.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September initiates the gradual withdrawal of summer, ushering in slightly cooler temperatures compared to
August. This month experiences a steady decline in rainfall and humidity, which marks the approaching dry season. Though daylight hours decrease, the sun's intensity remains invariably high.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October prolongs the trend of cooling from
September. The city witnesses a significant drop in rainfall, reducing the overall humidity. The daylight hours and sunshine also notably decrease. A steady wind continues to flow, allowing comfortable breathable conditions.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Goundam brings further relief from the heat with a noticeable drop in temperature from the preceding month. The decline in rainfall raises the onset of the dry season. Despite shorter daylight hours, the city enjoys clear skies, leading to bright sunlit days.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the wrap-up of the year with the coolest temperatures, offering a stark contrast from the sweltering heat of
November. The dry conditions prevail with virtually no rainfall, pushing the atmospheric humidity to a low.
Weather in December »