The climate of Bandiagara
Under the Köppen climate classification, the area around
Bandiagara in
Mali falls predominantly within the BSh or Subtropical Steppe climate. This type of climate is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year with lesser amounts of precipitation. The geographical position of Bandiagara creates unique weather patterns and a distinct climatic rhythm through the year.
The year at Bandiagara sees a wide range of temperatures. From
December to
February, the lowest temperatures range from 18.8°C (65.8°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), gradually increasing to peak in the month of
August at 31.3°C (88.3°F). The highest temperatures fluctuate from 32.7°C (90.9°F) in
January and rise steadily to the maximum of 41.5°C (106.7°F) witnessed in
May.
Relative humidity is at its minimal level of 11% to 13% from February to
April, and starts to rise reaching its peak at 53% in August. Rainfall also varies significantly, with a dry period from January to April, receiving no more than 4mm (0.16") in April and peaks drastically in August with a maximum of 119mm (4.69").
What stands out is the constant visibility available throughout the year is at a relatively optimal 10km (6.2mi), coupled with low cloud% of 7% to 11% from January to May, and 8% to 29% from
June to December. Another remarkable aspect is the wind speed which oscillates between 11.1km/h (6.9mph) in
October and 16.7km/h (10.4mph) in February.
The best time to visit Bandiagara
Weather conditions in
Bandiagara suggest that the prime time for visiting falls from
November to
February. During these months, the weather is relatively cooler with the highest temperatures lying between the range of 32.7°C (90.9°F) to 35.6°C (96.1°F), and lower temperatures at 18.8°C (65.8°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). Furthermore, the city experiences almost no rainfall during these months, providing a pleasant time for tourists around the globe.
The worst time to visit Bandiagara
Based on the weather conditions, the least favorable time for visiting
Bandiagara would be from
May to
August. These months exhibit extremely high temperatures, reaching up to 41.5°C (106.7°F). Notably, the rainfall during these months is also significantly high, thus making outdoor activities less enjoyable. By August, the city experiences the highest relative humidity of 53% and maximum rainfall of 119mm (4.69"), making the overall weather wet and stifling.
Spring weather in Bandiagara
Spring in
Bandiagara, spanning from
March to
May, is characterized by a sharp rise in temperatures with May reaching an annual high of 41.5°C (106.7°F). The city sees low cloud coverage (7% to 11%), favorable wind speeds and a rise in daylight hours (12.1 to 12.8). On the other hand, rainfall begins to appear with 4mm (0.16") in
April to a substantial 8mm (0.31") in May.
Summer weather in Bandiagara
The city's summer, ranging from
June to
August, is accompanied by intense heat, high humidity, and significant rainfall. Temperatures reach an annual high of 40.5°C (104.9°F) in June and steadily decrease to 35.3°C (95.5°F) by August. The city sees its highest rainfall in August at 119mm (4.69"). Noteworthy is the gradual increase in both relative humidity (29% to 53%) and cloud cover (15% to 29%).
Autumn weather in Bandiagara
The Autumn months from
September to
November bring a pronounced drop in temperature with a high of 38.5°C (101.3°F) in September diminishing to 36.3°C (97.3°F) in November. The rainfall decreases drastically from 33mm (1.3") in September to only 1mm (0.04") in November. A significant drop in relative humidity from 45% in September to 16% in November accompanies the decreased rainfall, improving the overall climate.
Winter weather in Bandiagara
Winter, extending from
December to
February, is a cooler and drier period in
Bandiagara. The highest temperatures stand at 32.7°C (90.9°F) to 35.6°C (96.1°F), while the lowest temperatures are from 18.8°C (65.8°F) to 21°C (69.8°F). During these months, the region sees minimal to no rainfall, making it an ideal span for outdoor activities. The relative humidity also remains low, ranging from 13% to 14%, ensuring comfortable weather conditions.
Weather in January
Beginning the year with relatively cooler temperatures,
January experiences a high of 32.7°C (90.9°F) and a low of 18.8°C (65.8°F) in
Bandiagara,
Mali. Compared to the subsequent month, the weather leans into the cooler side, however, it still ensures a warm start to the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Following
January’s lead,
February continues the trend of warmth, albeit with a slight rise in temperature. The climatic conditions nonetheless remain comfortable, making
Bandiagara an ideal destination for those seeking a winter escape.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As spring unfolds,
March greets
Bandiagara with an escalation in temperature as compared to
February. On account of the 0mm (0") rainfall, the arid characteristic of the city's climate remains dominant. The daylight hours gradually increase, permitting more room for daytime activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Marking the transition from the warm months to the hot season, the weather in
April stands out distinctively from its preceding month,
March.
Bandiagara,
Mali witnesses a surge in temperature during this period. Additionally, rainfall starts to make occasional appearances, however, maintaining a low intensity.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The increase in temperature continues into
May, positioning this month on the hotter side of the annual weather spectrum. The evaporation rate from water bodies sees an uptick, causing a rise in relative humidity. The increase in daylight hours further intensifies the overall warm ambiance.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Bandiagara is notably hot, with the mercury levels continuing their upward trend from
May. The distinctive feature of this month is the increased levels of humidity, associating moisture with the heat. Spectators can witness a significant rise in daily rainfall and cloudy days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of the rainy season in
Bandiagara with rainfall levels escalating to 52mm (2.05") from
June's 11mm (0.43"), marking the highest point in the year. The weather displays a distinct shift from the preceding months, with cooler temperatures and increased relative humidity.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In step with the ongoing rainy season,
August follows
July's lead with increased rainfall, the highest for the year at 119mm (4.69"). The temperature drops further from July, giving a respite from the previous months' heat. The rise in humidity is noticeable, echoing the ongoing monsoon conditions.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Embracing the transitional weather,
September witnesses a descent in temperature from
August, and also a drop in the rain tally to 33mm (1.3"). The decrease in cloud coverage translates to clear azure skies, thus giving way to more sunshine hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the end of the monsoon season, shifting back to the arid climate that
Bandiagara is well-known for. There is a further dip in temperature when compared with
September, yet the weather remains comfortably warm. Precipitation continues its downward trend, tapering off to a negligible 7mm (0.28").
Weather in October » Weather in November
Bringing in the cool season,
November sees a significant drop in temperature from
October. The weather characteristics echo the notable shift from the previous month. With a mere 1mm (0.04") of rain, November underscores the retreat of the rainy season and the commencement of drier months.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Wrapping up the year,
December boasts of a cool climate in
Bandiagara. The mercury level sees its lowest plunge for the year. With no rainfall in sight, arid conditions become the order of the day. The humidity too falls, in response to the dryness of the atmosphere.
Weather in December »