Yearly & Monthly weather - Timbuktu, Mali

The climate of Timbuktu

Geographically situated within the country of Mali, Timbuktu falls under the BWh Köppen climate classification, indicating a subtropical desert climate characterized by high temperatures and scarce rainfall. Observing climate data for the entire year, fluctuations in average monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine hours become noticeable.

Through the year, Timbuktu's average monthly temperatures typically range from a relatively mild 13°C (55.4°F) to a blistering peak of 42.2°C (108°F), underlining the city's desert conditions. The highest temperatures occur in between the months of April to June, with a peak in May at 42.2°C (108°F). Meanwhile, the least warm periods fall from December to February, with the lowest recorded temperature of 13°C (55.4°F) in January.

Notoriously scant, Timbuktu's yearly rainfall predominantly takes place from June to September, with its peak of 74mm (2.91") in August. The rest of the year typically observes minimal to no precipitation, reflecting the desert climate classification.

A noteworthy pattern of Timbuktu's climate is its consistently high amount of sunlight. Sunshine hours remain relatively high throughout the year, ranging from 7.8 hours daily in June to a maximum of 9.1 hours in November.

The best time to visit Timbuktu

Based on the climate data, the most favorable time to visit Timbuktu would be from December to February. During these months, the temperatures average from 13°C (55.4°F) to 30.4°C (86.7°F), the coolest of the year, providing a more comfortable environment for tourists. Rainfall is virtually absent during this period, with only 0.1 to 1mm (0.04"), ensuring clear days and dry conditions. Furthermore, sunlight averages at around 11.3 to 11.6 daily hours, enough daylight to explore the city's landscapes and rich heritage.

The worst time to visit Timbuktu

Conversely, the least desirable season to visit Timbuktu is from April to June, especially with May being the hottest month, with daily highs soaring up to an intense 42.2°C (108°F). This blistering heat can be too much for unacclimatized visitors, making sightseeing or outdoor activities potentially challenging. In addition, these months also record the least amount of rainfall, potentially contributing to the uncomfortably dry heat.

Spring weather in Timbuktu

Spring in Timbuktu, from March to May, brings a dramatic increase in heat. The temperatures fluctuate from a high of 36.6°C (97.9°F) in March to a chilling high of 42.2°C (108°F) in May. Rainfall remains minimal at 0mm (0") in March and April, increasing slightly to 1mm (0.04") in May. The daylight hours commonly stretch up to 12.1 hours to 12.5 hours and the number of sunshine hours ranges from 8.5 to 8.7 hours per day.

Summer weather in Timbuktu

Timbuktu's summer months, from June to August, are characterized by persistently high temperatures and increased rainfall. The day's high temperature fluctuates from 41.6°C (106.9°F) to 36.5°C (97.7°F). June marks the start of the rainy season with a significant jump to 16mm (0.63"), peaking at 74mm (2.91") in August. An average daylight span of 13 to 13.1 hours is observed.

Autumn weather in Timbuktu

September to November is Timbuktu's autumn, with temperatures averaging between highs of 38.3°C (100.9°F) to 35.2°C (95.4°F), and lows of 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 17.7°C (63.9°F). Rainfall diminishes rapidly after August, tapering down from 29mm (1.14") in September, to barely measurable amounts in November. Daily sunlight averages from 12.2 to 11.4 hours.

Winter weather in Timbuktu

Winter in Timbuktu, from December to February, offers the mildest temperatures of the year, from highs of 30.4°C (86.7°F) to 33.2°C (91.8°F), and lows of 13°C (55.4°F) to 15.2°C (59.4°F). Rainfall is almost non-existent throughout these months, averaging from 0.1 to 1mm (0.04"), demonstrating the city's typical desert climate. Daylight hours hover from 11.1 to 11.6 hours, complemented by an average of 8.3 to 8.9 hours of direct sunlight.

Weather in January

January in Timbuktu, Mali, greets locals and visitors with relatively cooler conditions. The city experiences mild temperatures, with the lowest daytime low of 13°C (55.4°F) compared to other months. Most days are clear and sunny, making outdoor activities comfortable. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February offers a slight increase in temperature, indicating a transition towards the warmer part of the year. Still, the weather is generally pleasant and dry, with minimal rainfall. With an average increase in daylight hours, longer and sun-filled days become more prevalent. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March signals the imminent arrival of the hot season in Timbuktu. Tropical conditions become more prominent, as temperatures hit a high of 36.6°C (97.9°F) during the day. Despite peak daytime temperatures, nights are relatively comfortable with clear skies and cooler conditions. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April brings the most intense heat to Timbuktu, making it the hottest month of the year. The city experiences the highest average temperature of 40°C (104°F), often making outdoor activities challenging during the day. As rainfall remains scarce, the city remains extremely dry. Weather in April »

Weather in May

In May, Timbuktu continues to experience extreme heat, although temperatures drop slightly compared to April. Although rainfall starts to occur, its frequency and volume remain minimal, hardly making a difference in the overall aridity. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June introduces rainy season in Timbuktu with a significant jump in rainfall, amounting to 16mm (0.63") on average. As a result, the city experiences a drop in both daytime and nighttime temperatures. Despite the rain, clear skies and sunny days are a norm. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July’s weather in Timbuktu features a continued downward trend in temperatures and an increase in rainfall volume, peaking at 54mm (2.13"). The higher frequency of rain does not overshadow the city's characteristically sunny weather. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August marks the climax of the wet season in Timbuktu as rainfall reaches its highest average volume of 74mm (2.91") for the year. This increase coincides with a noticeable dip in temperature. Despite being the wettest month, ample sunlight continues to illuminate the city for the majority of the day. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September sees a reduction in rainfall in Timbuktu, signaling the gradual end of the rainy season. Temperatures begin their rise again, and days continue to be sunny with ample hours of sunshine. The city's ever-present clear skies contribute to extended daylight periods, making this month suitable for outdoor exploration. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October hosts a return to drier conditions in Timbuktu, characterized by significantly reduced rainfall. Slight falls in temperature offer a more comfortable climate, easing off from the high heat experienced earlier in the year. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November marks the beginning of the cool season in Timbuktu, as comfortable temperatures become more pronounced. Virtually zero rainfall recorded for this month ensures dry weather conditions. The city basks in the longest daily sunshine hours for the year, creating perfect conditions for exploring the outdoors. Weather in November »

Weather in December

In December, Timbuktu maintains its dry and mild weather pattern from November. With the average daytime temperature dropping to 30.4°C (86.7°F), December is one of the year's temperate months, ideal for outdoor activities. The volume and frequency of rain remain negligible, ensuring clear skies and long hours of daylight. Weather in December »

Updated: Feb 6, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest in Timbuktu?

With its average high temperature of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 13°C (55.4°F), January is regarded as the coldest month in Timbuktu.

How many days does it rain in Timbuktu?

Throughout the year, there are 25.3 rainfall days, and 183mm (7.2") of precipitation is accumulated.

What is the driest month in Timbuktu?

February, March and November are months with the least rain in Timbuktu, Mali, when the rain falls for 0.1 days and typically aggregates up to 0mm (0") of rain.

When is the highest UV index in Timbuktu?

March through September, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index in Timbuktu, Mali.

What part of the year is the hottest in Timbuktu?

The warmest temperatures in Timbuktu occur during May, when averages reach a peak of 42.2°C (108°F) and a low of 26°C (78.8°F).

When are the longest days in Timbuktu?

June has the longest days of the year in Timbuktu, Mali, with an average of 13h and 6min of daylight.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Timbuktu?

With an average of 7.8h of sunshine, June has the least sunshine of the year.

What is the rainiest month in Timbuktu?

August is the month with the most rainfall in Timbuktu, Mali. Rain falls for 8.1 days and accumulates 74mm (2.91") of precipitation.

What month has the most sunshine in Timbuktu?

November has the most sunshine of the year in Timbuktu, Mali, with an average of 9.1h of sunshine.

What is the month with the shortest days in Timbuktu?

With an average of 11h and 6min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Timbuktu.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Timbuktu?

Timbuktu does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used over the entire year.

When is the lowest UV index in Timbuktu?

The month with the lowest UV index in Timbuktu, Mali, is December, with an average maximum UV index of 8.

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Long-term

Year J F M A M J J A S O N D

Average temperature
Timbuktu, Mali

Average high temperature in January:
30°C
Average high temperature in February:
33.2°C
Average high temperature in March:
36.6°C
Average high temperature in April:
40°C
Average high temperature in May:
42.2°C
Average high temperature in June:
41.6°C

Average high temperature in July:
38.5°C
Average high temperature in August:
36.5°C
Average high temperature in September:
38.3°C
Average high temperature in October:
39.1°C
Average high temperature in November:
35.2°C
Average high temperature in December:
30.4°C

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is May (42.2°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (30°C).

Average low temperature in January:
13°C
Average low temperature in February:
15.2°C
Average low temperature in March:
18.5°C
Average low temperature in April:
22.5°C
Average low temperature in May:
26°C
Average low temperature in June:
27.3°C

Average low temperature in July:
25.8°C
Average low temperature in August:
24.8°C
Average low temperature in September:
24.8°C
Average low temperature in October:
22.7°C
Average low temperature in November:
17.7°C
Average low temperature in December:
13.5°C

The month with the highest average low temperature is June (27.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (13°C).

Average rainfall
Timbuktu, Mali

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (73.6mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are February, March and November (0.1mm).

Average rainfall days
Timbuktu, Mali

Average rainfall days in January:
0.1 days
Average rainfall days in February:
0.1 days
Average rainfall days in March:
0.1 days
Average rainfall days in April:
0.6 days
Average rainfall days in May:
0.9 days
Average rainfall days in June:
3.2 days

Average rainfall days in July:
6.6 days
Average rainfall days in August:
8.1 days
Average rainfall days in September:
4.7 days
Average rainfall days in October:
0.8 days
Average rainfall days in November:
0 days
Average rainfall days in December:
0.1 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (8.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Timbuktu, Mali

Average daylight in January:
11h and 2min
Average daylight in February:
11h and 4min
Average daylight in March:
12h and 1min
Average daylight in April:
12h and 3min
Average daylight in May:
12h and 5min
Average daylight in June:
13h and 1min

Average daylight in July:
13h and 0min
Average daylight in August:
12h and 4min
Average daylight in September:
12h and 1min
Average daylight in October:
11h and 5min
Average daylight in November:
11h and 2min
Average daylight in December:
11h and 1min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 13h and 6min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 6min).

Average sunshine in January:
8h and 3min
Average sunshine in February:
8h and 5min
Average sunshine in March:
8h and 4min
Average sunshine in April:
8h and 3min
Average sunshine in May:
8h and 5min
Average sunshine in June:
7h and 5min

Average sunshine in July:
8h and 0min
Average sunshine in August:
8h and 1min
Average sunshine in September:
8h and 2min
Average sunshine in October:
8h and 5min
Average sunshine in November:
9h and 1min
Average sunshine in December:
8h and 2min

The month with the most sunshine is November (Average sunshine: 9h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 7h and 48min).

Average UV index
Timbuktu, Mali

The months with the highest UV index are March, April, May, June, July, August and September (UV index 12).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 8).

Climate and monthly weather forecastTimbuktu, Mali

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