The climate of Bobo-Dioulasso
Bobo-Dioulasso, situated in
Burkina Faso, is dictated by a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. Its weather conditions embody the characteristics of the Köppen climate classification 'Aw'. Weather conditions here convey a pattern of temperature highs peaking from 30.3°C (86.5°F) to 39.7°C (103.5°F), while lows range from 18.8°C (65.8°F) to 26.9°C (80.4°F).
Distinct monthly shifts exist in humidity levels, altering from 14% to 80%, clearly indicating the transitions between the wet and dry seasons. Rainfall exhibits a similar pattern, with the driest months witnessing no rainfall and the wettest months experiencing up to 160mm (6.3"). The increase in rainy days aligns with the rise in rainfall, reaching a maximum of 26.2 days in a month during the peak wet period.
Unique weather conditions exclusive to Bobo-Dioulasso is the significant shift in the quantity of sunshine hours, varying from 7.4 hours to 11.8 hours per day. Visible sunlight days also alter throughout the year, from a minimum of 3.3 days to a maximum of 30.8 days. The recorded UV index indicates high exposure levels throughout the year, fluctuating between 6 and 8.
The best time to visit Bobo-Dioulasso
Tourists seeking pleasant weather for travel should consider the period between
November and
February. During these months, the region experiences the least rainfall, with November recording a minimal 5mm (0.2") and
December to February observing no rainfall. The temperature conditions remain favourable, with days observing slightly high temperatures ranging from 34.6°C (94.3°F) to 36°C (96.8°F) and nights turning cooler between 19.4°C (66.9°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F). These months also witness a significant number of clear, sunny days, thus providing suitable weather for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Bobo-Dioulasso
The period from
July to
September comes across as a less ideal time for travel to
Bobo-Dioulasso. The city receives peak rainfall from 115mm (4.53") to 160mm (6.3") during these months. Humidity levels also rise significantly, reaching 76% to a maximum of 80%, resulting in sultry and damp days. Additionally, minimal sunshine hours are reported during this period, dropping down to as low as 7.4 hours per day in
August.
Spring weather in Bobo-Dioulasso
During the spring months of
March to
May, daytime high temperatures steadily increase from 39.3°C (102.7°F) to 38.5°C (101.3°F), while night temperatures show a nominal rise from 24.6°C (76.3°F) to 26.9°C (80.4°F). Rainfall increases progressively throughout this period, from an initial 12mm (0.47") in March to a substantial 57mm (2.24") in May. The number of sunlight hours remains consistent at 12.1 hours to 12.6 hours per day.
Summer weather in Bobo-Dioulasso
During the region's summer, extending from
June to
August,
Bobo-Dioulasso experiences its wettest months. Rainfall peaks to 160mm (6.3") in August, accompanied by an increase in rainy days to 26.2. Daytime high temperatures vary from 36.6°C (97.9°F) to 32.6°C (90.7°F), and night temperatures oscillate from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 22.9°C (73.2°F). Humidity levels also surge during these months, reaching up to 80%.
Autumn weather in Bobo-Dioulasso
In autumn, from
September to
November, the rainfall decreases notably from 92mm (3.62") to a mere 5mm (0.2"). Dry days gradually return, and the city reports an increase in sunshine days from 6.4 to 27.4. Daytime high temperatures also rise mildly from 31.7°C (89.1°F) to 36°C (96.8°F).
Winter weather in Bobo-Dioulasso
Winter in
Bobo-Dioulasso, spanning
December to
February, witnesses the city's dry period. Rainfall is negligible during these months, which also record the year's lowest humidity levels, fluctuating between 16% to 32%. Daytime temperatures stick to a high of 34.7°C (94.5°F) to 35.1°C (95.2°F), while night temperatures cool down to 18.8°C (65.8°F) to 22.3°C (72.1°F). It's noteworthy that this period also observes optimal sunshine hours and days for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
In
Bobo-Dioulasso,
Burkina Faso,
January’s weather introduces the new year with a wave of warmth and dryness. High temperatures soar to approximately 35.1°C (95.2°F), marking an arduous start to the year. While the tinge of the dry season hangs heavily in the air, this month also serves as clear data that indicates the reducing daylight hours.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving into the second month of the year, the overriding characteristics of the
Bobo-Dioulasso weather in
February continue to heavily lean into the dry season. Temperature, both high and low, indicate an upward trend when compared with
January, reaching potential heights of 37.3°C (99.1°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
Characterised by a notable shift, the
Bobo-Dioulasso weather in
March signifies a transition into
Burkina Faso’s rainy season. The temperature still maintains a relatively high point at 39.3°C (102.7°F), yet this is mitigated by the fractionally increased humidity.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
With an atmosphere reminiscent of
March,
Bobo-Dioulasso in
April witnesses a continuation of the rainy season. Alongside the rising levels of moisture, an intriguing detail stands out: the highest temperature reaches the peak of annual heights at 39.7°C (103.5°F).
Weather in April »Weather in May
Bobo-Dioulasso's weather in
May intensifies the prevailing characteristics of the rainy season. Despite the slight drop in temperature from a scorching 39.7°C (103.5°F) in
April, the humidity levels continue to climb. Considerably more rain, alongside an increasing number of daylight hours, gives way to a lush and verdant environment that is quintessential to this time of year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June heralds the beginning of Summer and in
Bobo-Dioulasso, the weather continues on its wet path. This month records the largest number of rainfall days, 14.6 days, stepping up the pace of the rainy season. Even as wind speed maintains a consistent pattern observed in the past few months, the increase in cloud percentage implies heavier cloud cover.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Deep into the rainy season, the weather in
Bobo-Dioulasso in
July experiences the highest humidity levels, marking the month as the wettest one of the year. This period is reinforced by regular monsoon showers with the average rainfall reaching up to 115mm (4.53").
Weather in July »Weather in August
August weather in
Bobo-Dioulasso embraces the continued rainfall pattern, wrapping up the peak of the wet season. This trend is reflected by the rainfall amount, which reaches its peak annual value of 160mm (6.3"). It is also a period of diminishing daylight and sunshine, countered marginally by an almost constant visibility.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
Bobo-Dioulasso, the month of
September heralds a significant shift in weather conditions. With decreasing humidity levels, rainfall dramatically drops from 160mm (6.3") in
August. The typically vivid September skies see less cloud cover, paving the way for the gradual return of the fabled African sun.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October weather in
Bobo-Dioulasso is characterized by a swift retreat of the rainy season. This change wipes away lingering rain clouds, providing more visible skies in comparison to the previous months. A distinct drop in rainfall from 92mm (3.62") in
September marks a decisive end to the wet season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Entering
Bobo-Dioulasso in
November, the atmospheric transition becomes more palpable. The weather has a defining characteristic of merely 5mm (0.2") of rainfall, erasing almost all remnants of the wet season. As rainfall fades, the cool breeze that once was a sign of impending rainfall becomes a herald of the advancing dry season.
Weather in November »Weather in December
With the turn of the year approaching,
Bobo-Dioulasso's weather in
December presents an air of tranquility and predictability. Without a single drop of rainfall, from the city's plains to its urban corridors, the scenery is marked by the dry and heated outdoors.
Weather in December »