The climate of Bangui
Bangui, the capital city of
Central African Republic, lies within the Köppen climate classification of Aw, also known as the tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. In this equatorial region, weather patterns fluctuate between warm and hot temperatures throughout the year with a significant seasonal pattern to rainfall.
Analyzing the yearly climatological data, average high temperatures range from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 37.6°C (99.7°F), suggesting consistently warm to hot conditions all year round. Meanwhile, nighttime temperatures fall to a comfortable average low between 20.4°C (68.7°F) and 23.4°C (74.1°F). This pattern indicates a relatively moderate diurnal temperature range.
In terms of precipitation, there is a pronounced pattern extending from
February to
November. The wettest month on record is
August with an average rainfall of 173mm (6.81") falling on nearly 28 days, closely followed by
July with 147mm (5.79"). The driest months are
December and
January, each recording just 2mm (0.08") of precipitation.
Relative humidity varies significantly throughout the year, the highest levels occur between July and
October, averaging from 82% to 86%, and the lowest in December and January, averaging 33% to 42%. The area also experiences fairly consistent wind speeds, typically around 5-7km/h (-4.3mph), with gusts reaching up to 11km/h (6.8mph).
Furthermore, the city observes abundant daylight hours throughout the year, with an average of nearly 12 hours per day. Combined with an average monthly sunshine ranging from 7.9 hours to 9.9 hours per day, this reinforces the tropical characteristics of the climate.
The best time to visit Bangui
For visitors seeking to experience the warmest weather and most favourable conditions for outdoor activities, the best time to visit
Bangui falls between
December and
March. These months are characterized by lower rainfall amounts, lower humidity levels, and comfortably warm temperatures. The average high temperature during this period ranges from 33°C (91.4°F) to 37.6°C (99.7°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to more pleasant levels between 20.4°C (68.7°F) and 23.2°C (73.8°F).
The worst time to visit Bangui
Travel to
Bangui between
June and
October might prove challenging due to increased rainfall and humidity. These months mark the peak of the wet season where daily life can be hampered by rainfall, often accompanied by high relative humidity ranging from 78% to 86%. Despite these challenges, temperatures remain warm, with daytime highs ranging from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F) and night lows from 20.6°C (69.1°F) to 22°C (71.6°F) respectively.
Spring weather in Bangui
If measured by the meteorological calendar, spring in
Bangui spans
March to
May. This period transitions from the drier conditions of the early year to the wetter months ahead. March still experiences dry conditions with 2mm (0.08") of rainfall but by May the average rainfall amount increases significantly to 92mm (3.62"). Temperatures during this period remain fairly stable, with daytime highs ranging from 34.8°C (94.6°F) to 37.1°C (98.8°F) and nighttime lows between 21.3°C (70.3°F) and 22.8°C (73°F).
Summer weather in Bangui
During
Bangui's meteorological summer, from
June to
August, the city experiences its highest rainfall, with monthly averages ranging from 116mm (4.57") to 173mm (6.81"). These months also showcase the highest relative humidity levels. Temperatures during this time remain warm though, with daily highs ranging from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F) and nightly lows relatively stable between 20.6°C (69.1°F) and 21.1°C (70°F).
Autumn weather in Bangui
Autumn months in
Bangui, from
September through
November, maintain the pattern of high precipitation with monthly averages between 26mm (1.02") to 131mm (5.16"). Humidity starts to fall, providing slightly more comfortable conditions despite the rainfall. Daily high temperatures slowly increase, from 29.7°C (85.5°F) in September to 32.5°C (90.5°F) by November, while nightly lows remain consistent between 20.4°C (68.7°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F).
Winter weather in Bangui
Winter season in
Bangui, from
December to
February, is characterized by a pronounced decrease in rainfall and a return to more comfortable humidity levels. This is also the warmest period with high temperatures averaging from 35.4°C (95.7°F) to 37.6°C (99.7°F), while nighttime averages range from 20.4°C (68.7°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F). With the reduction in cloud cover, this period experiences ample sunshine providing bright and warm conditions perfect for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
Weather in February
Transitioning from
January,
February witnesses a notable increase in several aspects, including rainfall and relative humidity while the temperature goes up slightly to an average high of 37.6°C (99.7°F), the highest of the year.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the steady escalation of rainfall and humidity, with temperatures slightly cooling down from
February. The average high temperature drops to 36.6°C (97.9°F), hinting at the transition towards the cooler months. Increased cloud cover, higher humidity, and more rainfall days signify deeper progression into the wet season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a clear distinction in the weather cycle, with significant climatic variations from
March. There's a further decrease in temperature, with the average high falling to 34.8°C (94.6°F). Different from the increasing temperatures in the first quarter,
Bangui starts to experience a colder climate in April.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May introduces even cooler temperatures, along with an amplified volume of rainfall and a higher number of rainy days. The downward adjustment of the temperature is steady, with an average high of 33°C (91.4°F). The charm of the wet season in
Bangui,
Central African Republic, is fully unveiled in May, as the landscape adorns a more refreshing green look.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June witnesses a continuation of the cooling trend with less intense sunshine due to incessant rains and thick cloud cover. The average high temperature dips further to 31.2°C (88.2°F), setting an all year low with the most rainfall volume of 116mm (4.57").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Bangui experiences the coolest average high temperature at 29.9°C (85.8°F), despite an increase in daylight hours, which stays at a steady twelve hours. The downward trend in temperature halts and stabilizes, marking the coolest time of the year.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August brings in a marginal change in temperature with an average high of 29.3°C (84.7°F), making it the third coolest month of the year. In
Bangui, the wet season persists with frequent rains and high humidity consistent with the previous month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September unveils a gradual shift in the weather with a slight increase in temperature, hinting at the forthcoming dry season. The city experiences an average high temperature of 29.7°C (85.5°F), reiterating a slow emergence from the chilly months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a more pronounced transition towards the dry season with increased warmth and a substantial reduction in rainfall. The upward trend in temperature continues with the average high reaching 30.3°C (86.5°F). Reduction in rainfall and humidity is noticeable, signaling a shift from the wet season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November experiences a considerable increase in temperature, suggesting a stronger presence of the dry season. With the average high temperature rising to 32.5°C (90.5°F), much higher than that of
October,
Bangui grows hotter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings in warmer days with decreasing rainfall, buttoning up the year with the re-establishment of the dry season. The city basks under an average high temperature of 35.4°C (95.7°F), highlighting the warmer end to the year.
Weather in December » [Resources]