The climate of Tichla
West Africa's
Western Sahara houses
Tichla, located in a region known to have a BWh climate type according to the Köppen climate classification. This translates to a subtropical desert involving a predominant climate of high temperatures and minimal rainfall throughout the year. A constant feature of Tichla's climate is a significantly low amount of rainfall, irrespective of the month. Significantly, the sun shines over Tichla for up to 9.6 hours in
January to 9.9 hours from
May to
July, indicating a predominantly sunny year.
Temperature changes over the year see the mercury fluctuating roughly from around 15.8°C (60.4°F) in January to a scorching 41.8°C (107.2°F) by
June. Peak temperatures are experienced from June to
September with September experiencing about 40.2°C (104.4°F). The region remains relatively dry, and one would consistently find a visibility of about 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year. Wind speeds in Tichla range from an average of 16.5km/h (10.3mph) in
October to about 20km/h (12.4mph) in June. Interestingly, the wind gust reaches a high point of approximately 32.8km/h (20.4mph) in January.
The sky remains mostly clear across the year, with cloudiness percentage varying from a low of 7% in May to 14% in September. The region's relative humidity toggles between 18% in May to 34% in
August. Remarkably, rainfall is hardly expected, with maximum average amounts of 9mm (0.35") in August and September. UV index readings oscillate between 6 and 9, reaching the highest levels from June to August.
The best time to visit Tichla
Considering that
Tichla experiences extremely high temperatures almost all year round, the ideal time to visit would be between
January and
April. These months see relatively cooler temperatures ranging from about 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 22.5°C (72.5°F). Days are usually bright, with up to 12.7 hours of daylight by April. Winds are tolerable, with speeds ranging from 19.6km/h (12.2mph) to 18.2km/h (11.3mph) during this period, and pressure is fairly good, standing close to 1016.6mb in January and gradually lowering to around 1010.9mb in April. Visitors would rarely need to bother about rainfall, as it averages around 1mm (0.04") from
February to April.
The worst time to visit Tichla
While
Tichla's sun-soaked scenery may be a draw for some, the searing heat from
June to
September can be brutal, particularly for those unacclimated to desert climates. Average high temperatures soar up to 41°C (105.8°F) during these months. Additionally, UV indices peak at 9 in June, indicating extreme exposure levels. Those averse to humidity should also steer clear of
August, when relative humidity peaks at around 34%.
Spring weather in Tichla
The arrival of spring in
Tichla does not bring the common associations of fresh blooms or moderate temperatures. Instead, it signals the onset of higher temperatures. For instance, the average high temperature climbs from 28.3°C (82.9°F) in
February to 39.9°C (103.8°F) in
May. Wind speeds oscillate mildly from about 20km/h (12.4mph) in February to approximately 19.2km/h (11.9mph) by May. Daylight hours also increase progressively from 11.4 hours in February to roughly 13.2 hours in May.
Summer weather in Tichla
Tichla's summer is characterized by scorching temperatures and minimal rainfall. Average high temperatures peak around
June at a blistering 41.8°C (107.2°F) before easing slightly to around 40.6°C (105.1°F) in
August. Even the average low during this period is a relatively high 28.8°C (83.8°F) in June to about 30.4°C (86.7°F) in August. The humidity levels also rise slightly over this period, from 19% in June to 34% in August. Despite the relatively slight increase in rainfall, the amount still remains meager, hovering around 2mm (0.08") to 3mm (0.12") in June and
July, and up to 9mm (0.35") in August.
Autumn weather in Tichla
With autumn comes mildly lower temperatures, as
September sees an average high around 40.2°C (104.4°F), dipping to approximately 32.7°C (90.9°F) by
November. Wind speeds slow down somewhat, from 16.8km/h (10.4mph) in September down to 16.6km/h (10.3mph) in November. Rainfall remains largely the same as the summer months, with about 9mm (0.35") in September, lessening to 1mm (0.04") in November. The number of daylight hours fades slightly from roughly 12.3 hours in September to around 11.1 hours in November.
Winter weather in Tichla
Winter in
Tichla sees a drop to relatively cooler conditions compared to the rest of the year.
December starts with average high temperatures at about 29.5°C (85.1°F), dropping to a 15.8°C (60.4°F) norm by
January. Wind speeds increase during this period from around 16.6km/h (10.3mph) in December to about 19.3km/h (12mph) in January. Despite being deemed the 'cooler' months, sun hours are still aplenty, with 11.1 hours in December and a slight dip to approximately 10.8 by January. With minimal rainfall, the winter months maintain the dry characteristic that pervades Tichla year-round.
Weather in January
Tichla,
Western Sahara begins the new year with moderate weather.
January hosts a high temperature of 28.3°C (82.9°F) and, compared to the following month, less humidity at 21%. As the first month of the year passes, residents can expect increased daylight hours, progressing from 11 hours in January to 11.4 hours in
February.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Following
January, the desert town of
Tichla sees a slight increase in heat and humidity in
February. Temperatures climb to a high of 30.5°C (86.9°F), noticeably warmer than the preceding month. Simultaneously, daylight hours extend further, suggesting the oncoming of summer.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the arrival of warmer weather in
Tichla. Monthly highs average to 33.9°C (93°F), featuring the marked ascent in heat common to the season. This increase aligns with an upsurge in the hours of daylight from
February's 11.4 hours to 12 hours in March.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
Tichla transitions deeper into spring,
April brings further increase in temperature and daylight hours. Tichla's climate sees a surge in its high to 36.9°C (98.4°F), indicating the gradual integration of summer's heat. April expands its sunshine duration to 12.7 hours, slightly more than
March.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Tichla,
Western Sahara marks the onset of summer with higher temperatures and extended hours of sunlight. The temperature peaks at 39.9°C (103.8°F), making it significantly hotter than
April. Despite this heat, May showcases a strong wind presence with gusts reaching speeds of 29.1km/h (18.1mph).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is synonymous with the summer solstice and the peak of the year's heat in
Tichla. The temperature maximizes to an extreme 41.8°C (107.2°F), surpassing the preceding month's high. Coinciding with this intensifying heat, June also witnesses the longest daylight duration of the year at 13.4 hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Tichla remains within summer's grasp, featuring similar climatic conditions as
June. Highs average to 41.5°C (106.7°F), rendering it one of the hottest periods. July confronts residents with a slightly higher relative humidity of 29%, up from June's 19%.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Tichla,
Western Sahara, signals the start of the downward trend in weather extremities. High-temperature averages hit 40.6°C (105.1°F), marking a slight relief from
July's heat. The daylight hours start to decrease to 12.9 hours, serving an early indication of the approaching fall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the end of summer in
Tichla, with temperatures and daylight hours continuing their downward trend. It records a high temperature of 40.2°C (104.4°F), a decrease from
August. Daylight hours contract further to 12.3 hours from the previous month's 12.9 hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Tichla ushers in the beginning of the cooler season. The high averages around 38°C (100.4°F), a notable drop from
September's 40.2°C (104.4°F). As the month progresses, the duration of daylight continues to decrease, aligning with autumn's progress.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Weather in December
December showcases
Tichla's winter season in full swing. The highest temperature for the month averages around 29.5°C (85.1°F), a marked decrease from
November's 32.7°C (90.9°F). Daylight hours are at their shortest for the year, totaling 10.8 hours, indicative of the winter solstice.
Weather in December »