The climate of Tamale
Tamale,
Ghana belongs to the Köppen Climate Classification 'Aw' which denotes a topical wet and dry environment or savanna type. Uniquely positioned in the northern part of the country, it benefits from the two winds that traverse the Ghanaian territory: the dry and dusty Harmattan wind from the Sahara and the moist southwesterlies from the Atlantic.
Reviewing the data, it's evident that Tamale experiences a fluctuation in certain weather parameters throughout the year. High temperatures, for instance, peak to a high of 39.6°C (103.3°F) regarding monthly averages and dip to a low of 29.9°C (85.8°F). Low temperatures swing between 21°C (69.8°F) and 28.2°C (82.8°F) with little variation. An interesting pattern emerges with rainfall. The months from
May to
September sees high precipitation, reaching up to 127mm (5"), contrasted with virtually no rainfall from
December to
February. The relative humidity follows a similar pattern as rainfall, increasing during the rainy months and then taking a lull during the sunny periods. Particularly pleasing are the sunshine hours, which average around 10 hours a day throughout the year, ensuring plenty of daylight for outdoor activities.
As this data illustrates, the nuanced weather conditions of Tamale distinguishes it from less diversified climates. The shift from arid conditions during one part of the year into a lush savanna during the rainy season is a fascinating spectacle to experience.
The best time to visit Tamale
The best time to visit
Tamale is dependent on the visitor's preference. For those who enjoy a drier climate, the months between
December to
February are ideal. During this period, rainfall is at a minimum and humidity levels are at their lowest, making it a comfortable season for outdoor exploration. The number of sunlight hours during the day is also favorable, with figures peaking at 11.7 hours in
May. Visitors can bask on the plentiful sunshine and immerse in the local culture and festivities around this period.
The worst time to visit Tamale
While
Tamale has an enticing charm all year round, the least favorable time to visit falls between
July and
September. The area experiences its highest level of rainfall and humidity during these months, making outdoor activities less enjoyable. Furthermore, the visibility drops to 9km (5.6mi), and there are fewer sunshine hours compared to the rest of the year. Visitors who are not comfortable with intense rainy periods may find these conditions inconvenient for exploration.
Spring weather in Tamale
In
Tamale, the spring season (
March to
May) is characterized by a significant increase in temperatures, with highs soaring towards 39.6°C (103.3°F) by May. The period also sees a gradual increase in rainfall, peaking at 36mm (1.42") in May, with approximately 13.3 days of rain during the month. The relative humidity figures stay between 36% and 53%, leading to a comfortable blend of warm and moist conditions when compared to the drier periods.
Summer weather in Tamale
Tamale's summer, from
June to
August, presents a different picture. With high temperatures declining to hover between 34.7°C (94.5°F) and 31.3°C (88.3°F), the weather is cooler. However, rainfall increases, rising to its peak of 127mm (5") in August. Humidity too, follows the trend of rainfall to reach a high of 81% in August. This is also the period when Tamale experiences reduced sunshine - about 8.6 hours per day, hence making it the least sunny part of the year.
Autumn weather in Tamale
The autumn season witnesses a descent in rainfall and humidity, with a steady decline towards the dry months. Temperatures start to increase again, from 29.9°C (85.8°F) in
September to 33.5°C (92.3°F) in
November while the low temperatures range between 23.1°C (73.6°F) and 24.8°C (76.6°F). Rainfall drops from 120mm (4.72") to a mere 3mm (0.12") by November with reduced rainfall days. The receding rain and cooler temperatures make the autumn months comfortable for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.
Winter weather in Tamale
Winter in
Tamale brings with it clear skies, low humidity, and less rainfall. The period from
December to
February sees temperatures ranging from 36.6°C (97.9°F) to 37.3°C (99.1°F) for highs and from 21°C (69.8°F) to 24.6°C (76.3°F) for lows. Rainfall remains negligible during these months, and humidity figures also reach their lowest, resulting in dry conditions. Even though temperatures may seem high compared to traditional winter, it offers a welcome change from the intense rains and humidity of the previous months. This season is also known for the Harmattan winds that carry dry dusty air from the Sahara, dropping down the visibility to 10km (6.2mi).
Weather in January
January, the initial month of the year in
Tamale,
Ghana, heralds an uptick in the average high and low temperatures with 37.3°C (99.1°F) and 21°C (69.8°F) respectively. The weather remains clear with minimum cloud coverage creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Tamale,
Ghana, witnesses a slight increase in the average high temperature to 39°C (102.2°F) and low temperature to 24.6°C (76.3°F) compared to
January. The slightly thicker cloud coverage in comparison to the previous month still allows for excellent visibility.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
Tamale,
Ghana, enters
March, locals and tourists can expect an average high and humid temperature of 39.6°C (103.3°F), a slight increase from the previous month. The city encounters more rainfall, and cloud cover thickens compared to
February, yet, the visibility remains unaffected.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Tamale,
Ghana, sees the average high temperature slightly decrease to 38.8°C (101.8°F). The noticeably increased rainfall amounting to 34mm (1.34") contributes to a higher humidity level. Despite the increase in rainfall, favorable visibility conditions persist throughout the month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May displays a cooling trend in
Tamale,
Ghana, with a decrease in the average high temperature to 37.3°C (99.1°F). A further rise in humidity levels is evident due to an increase in rainfall of 36mm (1.42"). As this month progresses, the days become somewhat shorter but still provide ample sunlight.
Weather in May » Weather in June
By
June, the maximum temperature in
Tamale,
Ghana, has decreased to 34.7°C (94.5°F), signaling an appreciative respite from the previously high temperatures. The month sees a rise in cloud coverage, accompanied by a correlating increase in rainfall that ushers in higher humidity levels.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the wettest month in
Tamale,
Ghana, records a maximum rainfall of 93mm (3.66"). Consequently, temperatures drop further to a more comfortable average high of 31.3°C (88.3°F). Even though humidity levels rise due to the rainfall, visibility remains quite good.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Tamale,
Ghana, experiences a further drop in average high and low temperatures to 29.9°C (85.8°F) and 22.8°C (73°F) respectively. Although rainfall decreases slightly to 127mm (5") compared to
July, humidity levels rise.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September's weather in
Tamale,
Ghana, greets the city with a slight rise in average high temperature to 30.5°C (86.9°F). A reduction in rainfall to 120mm (4.72") mildly decreases humidity levels. The cloud coverage reduces somewhat, and the city sees a climb in daylight hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Tamale,
Ghana, continues the trend of increasing temperatures with an average high of 33.5°C (92.3°F). A significant reduction in rainfall, which drops to 62mm (2.44"), leads to a corresponding decrease in humidity levels.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sees an ascent in average high temperatures to 36.3°C (97.3°F) in
Tamale,
Ghana. A sharp decrease in rainfall to just 3mm (0.12") results in lower humidity levels. As rainfall days become fewer, cloud coverage reduces, and the city enjoys a sunny atmosphere.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Tamale,
Ghana, finishes the year on a high note with an average high temperature of 36.6°C (97.9°F). The month registers minimal rainfall with an average of just 0.2 days. The reduced humidity and clearer skies continue to provide enjoyable weather conditions.
Weather in December »