The climate of Kolda
Based on the Köppen climate classification,
Kolda aligns with the Aw category, placing it within the Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate zone. This zone generally corresponds with areas that are located near the equator, indicating a hot climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Temperature is an important factor in Kolda's general weather conditions, with glaring variations throughout the year. During the driest months, temperatures peak from 41.1°C (106°F) to 42.2°C (108°F) on average between
March and
May, decreasing to a more moderate range between 31.6°C (88.9°F) and 36.8°C (98.2°F) from
July to
November. On the contrary, during the wettest months, temperatures dip to a low between 23.2°C (73.8°F) and 25.7°C (78.3°F) from May through July, slowly rising to a range from 21.9°C (71.4°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F) from November to
February.
Relative humidity also varies considerably in Kolda, due to the differing influence of dry and wet periods. Levels are lowest between 17% and 28% from
January to
April, increasing substantially from 37% to 84% between May and
October.
Rainfall is perhaps the most distinctive element of Kolda's climate, with the city experiencing significant fluctuations throughout the year. Rainfall stands at 1mm (0.04") in April and rises dramatically to 188mm (7.4") in
August. However, it decreases again to 0mm (0") by
December.
UV index in Kolda ranges from 6 to 8 throughout the year, cresting in the months from March to
June and only dropping slightly to 6 in August.
The best time to visit Kolda
The most favorable period to visit
Kolda would be during the cooler dry season when weather conditions are most comfortable. With lower humidity levels of 17% to 23% and temperatures varying from 31.6°C (88.9°F) to 36.4°C (97.5°F), the time between
December and
February presents an ideal time to visit.
The worst time to visit Kolda
Visiting
Kolda during the wet season, particularly from
July to
August, can be significantly challenging due to high rainfall of 125mm (4.92") to 188mm (7.4") and high temperatures from 34.4°C (93.9°F) to 39.6°C (103.3°F). This period also experiences high relative humidity of 72% to 84%, adding to the discomfort.
Spring weather in Kolda
Spring, considered as the period from
March to
May, witnesses temperatures climbing as high as 41.1°C (106°F) to 42.2°C (108°F), and dipping to 21°C (69.8°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F). Relative humidity ranges from 23% to 37%, signifying a gradual increase from the dry to the wet season. During this time,
Kolda gets a scanty amount of rainfall from 0mm (0") to 7mm (0.28").
Summer weather in Kolda
Summers in
Kolda extends from
June to
August with temperatures peaking between 34.4°C (93.9°F) to 41.8°C (107.2°F) and dropping as low as 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 25.7°C (78.3°F). Rainfall peaks at this time, ranging from 38mm (1.5") in June to a whopping 188mm (7.4") in August. Corresponding with the rainfall increase, the relative humidity rises dramatically to 72% in June and escalates further to 84% in August.
Autumn weather in Kolda
The months of
September to
November are marked as the Autumn season in
Kolda. During this time, the city experiences average high temperatures between 32.1°C (89.8°F) and 36.8°C (98.2°F) and average lows between 23.2°C (73.8°F) and 21.9°C (71.4°F). The rainfall declines in this period, fluctuating from 142mm (5.59") in September to 2mm (0.08") by November.
Winter weather in Kolda
December through
February marks the winter months in
Kolda. Average high temperatures range from 35.8°C (96.4°F) to 36.4°C (97.5°F), while lows range between 23.5°C (74.3°F) and 20.2°C (68.4°F). In terms of precipitation, the city experiences a dry spell during these months, receiving no rainfall in December and similarly insignificant quantities in
January and February. Corresponding with these conditions, relative humidity rests between 17% and 21% in these months.
Weather in January
January in
Kolda,
Senegal ushers in the new year with mild temperatures. The mercury fluctuates between a high of 36.4°C (97.5°F) and a low of 19.3°C (66.7°F), complimented by a low relative humidity of 17%. Ample sunlight fills the skies for most of the day, and there's little-to-no rain to disturb outdoor activities.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February,
Kolda's weather remains steady, with minor upward trends compared to
January. Slight increases in both temperature and humidity are observed, while rainfall still remains effectively absent. Wind speeds also modestly rise, but the city continues to enjoy clear, sunny days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March presents a more noticeable shift in
Kolda's climate, with the highest temperature reaching a sizzling peak of 41.1°C (106°F). Still, the month stays relatively dry, withholding the forthcoming rainy season. Breezy conditions start easing, contributing to the hot, almost arid atmosphere.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, residents of
Kolda begin to feel the early onset of the rainy season. It is only a light sprinkle, with the recorded rainfall amount barely reaching 1mm (0.04"). Nevertheless, the increased humidity and cloudiness hint at more substantial rainfalls to come in the later months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the real commencement of the rainy season in
Kolda, with significant rainfall recorded at 7mm (0.28"). Although rains dampen the city's usual sunny vibe, temperatures remain consistent, signaling to an increased humidity level.
Weather in May » Weather in June
With the rainy season in full swing,
June in
Kolda experiences increased rainfall and a spike in humidity levels, reaching up to 51%. The city grapples with dwindling sunshine hours, and cloudy skies dominate the weather scene. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm, even though they are slightly lower than the preceding months. The transition into June shows a subtle variation to a sweltering 39.6°C (103.3°F) from
May's 41.8°C (107.2°F) in the average high-temperature.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is marked by the highest amount of rainfall recorded for the year, a significant 125mm (4.92") in volume. Cloud cover is persistent due to frequent rain showers, reducing the amount of sunshine the city receives. Conversely, the rains bring with them some relief from the heat, as temperatures start to exhibit a mild decline.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the relentless rainfall, with a recorded 188mm (7.4"), while relative humidity hits a yearly high of 84%. Diminished sunshine hours and an elevated cloud percentage become the new norm in
Kolda, with overcast skies prevailing throughout the month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The tail-end of the rainy season is heralded in
September, with a reduction in rainfall to 142mm (5.59"). Though cloud cover remains persistent and visibility is limited, the overall weather begins to stabilize. With the rains receding and the sun slowly making a comeback,
Kolda prepares to welcome the dry season once again. The arrival of September in Kolda brings an average high-temperature of a still tropical 32.1°C (89.8°F), nearly identical to
August's 31.6°C (88.9°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Kolda re-embraces the sun with a significant drop in its rainfall to 37mm (1.46"). Sunshine hours begin to increase, as do daily temperature highs. The wind speed also exhibits a slight decrease, assisting in the gradual transition back to the dry season's characteristically sunny weather.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Kolda witnesses a return to near-zero rainfall. With the departure of the rainy season, temperatures remain steady, with a slight decrease in the evenings. The sun shines brightly over the city once again, replacing the cloud cover of months past.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding off the year,
December maintains the calm, dry weather established in the preceding month. An absence of rainfall and a mere 21% relative humidity signal the full swing of the dry season. Clear skies, abundant sunshine, and a cool breeze make for pleasant weather in
Kolda.
Weather in December »