The climate of Natitingou
Natitingou, located in
Benin, features primarily a tropical wet and dry or savanna type of climate, as outlined by the Köppen climate classification as 'Aw'. This climate category is characterized by a pronounced dry season, paired with a wet season that is defined by moist and warm conditions.
A cycle throughout the year takes place in which the climatic conditions change notably. Temperatures in Natitingou range from a low of 18.2°C (64.8°F) in
January to a peak of 39.3°C (102.7°F) in
March. Consequently, the warmth remains considerable, even high, throughout the year. Relative humidity varies from 17% in January to 85% in
August, providing a broad range of moisture conditions.
The amount of rainfall follows a similar pattern, with January and
December experiencing virtually no precipitation, literally 0mm (0"), while August sees a high of 164mm (6.46"). Days with rainfall are most numerous from
July to
September, reaching a maximum of 28.2 days in August.
A noticeable aspect of the climatic patterns in Natitingou is the inverse relation between sunshine hours and rainfall. As the rainfall peaks in the middle of the year, the number of sunshine hours decreases, reaching a low of 6.5 hours in August. On the other hand, dry months from
November to
February experience the most sunshine, peaking at 10 hours in December and February.
The best time to visit Natitingou
Taking into account the variations in climatic factors, the best time to visit
Natitingou falls between
November and
February. During these months, temperatures remain warm yet tolerable, with averages between 33.6°C (92.5°F) and 35.2°C (95.4°F). Equally important is the low rainfall during this period, ensuring a dry climate and making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Sunshine hours also maximize during these months, offering between 9.5 to 10 hours of daily sunlight, providing ample opportunity for exploring the city and its surroundings. With relative humidity at its lowest, the dryness of the air makes it more comfortable for visitors.
The worst time to visit Natitingou
The least favorable period to visit
Natitingou occurs during the mid-year, specifically from
June to
September. This period is characterized by the highest levels of rainfall, humidity, and cloud cover. With average rainfall reaching up to 164mm (6.46") in
August and raining days going as high as 28.2 in the same month, outdoor activities may be disrupted.
Relative humidity often climbs above 65%, meaning the air can feel heavy and uncomfortable. Furthermore, cloud cover is greatest during this period, reducing the amount of sunlight received each day, as attested by the drop in daily sunshine hours to 7.3 in
July and 6.5 in August.
Spring weather in Natitingou
In
Natitingou, the spring period from
March to
May witnesses a progressive increase in rainfall, with amounts escalating from a minor 3mm (0.12") in March to a substantial 91mm (3.58") in May. Temperature decreases are also seen, from a high of 39.3°C (102.7°F) in March to a less stifling 36.4°C (97.5°F) in May. As the rains start to arrive, relative humidity begins to climb, from 32% in March to 55% in May.
Sunlight hours diminish during this period, from 9.7 in March to 9.5 in May. Additionally, visibility remains relatively high, at 10km (6.2mi) throughout the entire season. Cloud cover, in parallel with increasing humidity and rainfall, begins to build up from 12% in March to 23% in May.
Summer weather in Natitingou
A period of high rainfall characterizes the summer months in
Natitingou, from
June to
August. Rainfall peaks at 164mm (6.46") in August, combined with a high of 28.2 rainy days in the same month. Temperatures become moderate, fluctuating from 33.8°C (92.8°F) in June to a cool 28.9°C (84°F) in August.
Relative humidity soars, reaching 85% in August. Hence, the air tends to feel muggy and heavy. Sunlight hours decrease throughout the season, reaching a low of 6.5 hours in August. Cloud cover also increases, blocking out a significant amount of sunlight in these months.
Autumn weather in Natitingou
From
September to
November, the rainfall begins to dwindle in
Natitingou. Average rainfall drops from 125mm (4.92") in September to a minuscule 1mm (0.04") in November. The wet days decrease from 26.4 in September to 0.9 in November.
Autumn also sees a decline in humidity, falling from 82% in September to 34% in November. Sunshine hours begin to increase again, rising from 8.2 hours in September to 10 hours by November.
Winter weather in Natitingou
Winter in
Natitingou extends from
December to
February, characterizing with dry and hot conditions. Rainfall stays virtually non-existent during this period, with minimal rainfall recorded. The number of rainy days also approaches zero. Temperatures remain high, averaging from 35.2°C (95.4°F) in December to 35.8°C (96.4°F) in February.
Relative humidity falls considerably, especially in
January when it reaches 17%. Sunshine hours, in contrast to the rainy season, stay high averaging 10 hours per day. During these months, the sky is mostly clear with cloud cover moving between 3% to 4%.
Weather in January
In comparison to other winter months, the weather of
Natitingou,
Benin in
January showcases some interesting traits. The year's first month is usually marked by relatively low humidity, with a relative humidity of 17% along with a high temperature of 35.8°C (96.4°F) and a low of 18.2°C (64.8°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning into
February, the winter weather in
Natitingou continues to provide noticeable changes in climatic patterns. It is marked by a soar in both minimum and maximum temperatures reaching up to 38.2°C (100.8°F), but there is still a sunny disposition with 9.9 hours of sunshine.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March is a month where the weather of
Natitingou experiences some significant changes, particularly as it is a precursor to the heavy rainfall season. Comparatively, the number of rainfall days jumps to 5.8 from 1.4 in
February, with a noteworthy rainfall of 18mm (0.71"), marking a transition towards the rainy season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Rain and an increase in the relative humidity to 45% signal the arrival of the wet season in
Natitingou in
April. The precipitation levels continue to rise sharply to 37mm (1.46"). Although the downpours might offer a break from the usually high temperatures, the climate sticks to the warmer side.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is characterized by an even higher prevalence of rainfall in
Natitingou, with a precipitation peak of 91mm (3.58"), signaling the peak season of rain. With this increase in precipitation comes a reduction in the UV index. Notably, the temperature starts dropping but remains relatively high, which when coupled with the rise in humidity, can feel slightly uncomfortable at times.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Natitingou greets residents and visitors alike with cooler temperatures, though it remains humid, with the relative humidity reaching its year's high of 66%. A major decrease in sunlight hours from 9.5 to 9.0 along with strong wind speed also marks this month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
With the rolling tide of
July weather,
Natitingou visitors must come prepared for the most rainy days of the year, hitting at 26. It hits a high point in rainfall measurements too, with 129mm (5.08") of precipitation. July is followed by an associated dip in temperature, touchingly cooler than earlier months, mainly due to cloud coverage.
Weather in July »Weather in August
As
August approaches, the weather brings the highest rainfall, a whopping 164mm (6.46"), making the town a paradise for those who love the rain. Decreased visibility of 8km (5mi), largely due to incessant rains, cloud coverage, and overcast skies is something you might encounter.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September records a decline in rainfall to 125mm (4.92") as it brings
Natitingou's weather pattern back towards the dry season. A noticeable decrease in the number of rainfall days can also be seen, falling to 26.4 from 28.2 in
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With the onset of
October,
Natitingou sees a significant decrease in rainfall, bringing only 72mm (2.83") of precipitation, and a drop in relative humidity to 65%. Despite the changes, one constant remains—the average visibility of 10km (6.2mi) during this period.
Weather in October »Weather in November
In
November,
Natitingou's weather further progresses into the dry season with a significant fall in rainfall to just 1mm (0.04"). With a notable dip seen in the previous month, the town’s landscapes gradually transform from green to a more arid scenery.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Natitingou marks the arrival of the dry season with no rainfall and a decrease in relative humidity to 19%. The month sees the year's lowest temperature averages, with the minimum temperature dropping to 19.6°C (67.3°F), bringing a mild chill, especially during late nights.
Weather in December » [Resources]