The climate of Kankan
Kankan, located in
Guinea, is under the influence of a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate, widely known as the Aw type according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate type is characterized by a significant variation in rainfall and temperatures throughout the year.
The city witnesses substantial fluctuations in temperature through different months. The highest average temperature peaks to 39.4°C (102.9°F) in
March with the mercury dropping to a pleasant 28.3°C (82.9°F) in
August. However, the mean minimum temperature also sees a similar trend, with a high of 25.3°C (77.5°F) in
April and a considerably cool low of 18.1°C (64.6°F) in
January.
An examination of the climate parameters reveals a swing in humidity levels, with the highest relative humidity of 89% in August and the lowest of 19% in January. The rainfall pattern adds another dimension to Kankan's climate. The city records zero millimeters of rain in
December, while August experiences the highest levels of precipitation, at 213mm (8.39").
A unique characteristic of Kankan's climate is observed in the sunshine hours and daylight hours. January and
February offer the most sunshine hours, with averages of 9.8 and 9.9 hours respectively. However, the daylight hours vary from a maximum of 12.7 hours in
June and
July to a minimum of 11.5 hours in December.
The best time to visit Kankan
For those inclined to a blend of enriching sunshine along with moderate temperatures,
January and
February stand out as the most enticing months to visit
Kankan. With the mercury ascending to only 34.7°C (94.5°F) to 37.2°C (99°F) during these months, travelers can enjoy up to 9.9 hours of brilliant sunshine. The relative humidity is a comfortable 19% to 22% coupled with maximum wind speeds of 7.6km/h (4.7mph), adding to the pleasant weather conditions.
The worst time to visit Kankan
Kankan experiences its highest levels of precipitation from
June to
August. During this period, the city records rainfall of 113mm (4.45") to 213mm (8.39") paired with low visibility of up to 7km (4.3mi), resulting in less than optimal weather conditions for touring. The months of June and
July also offer the least amount of sunshine hours, clocking in at only 8.9 hours and 7 hours respectively. Visitors might want to avoid these months for travel.
Spring weather in Kankan
During the spring months of
March,
April, and
May, temperatures in
Kankan climb significantly, with average highs reaching between 36.9°C (98.4°F) to 39.4°C (102.9°F). The humidity in spring varies, starting at 32% in March and escalating to 59% in May. Rainfall also increases gradually, starting with 7mm (0.28") in March and peaking at 65mm (2.56") in May.
Summer weather in Kankan
In the summer period,
Kankan experiences variations in temperature ranging from 34°C (93.2°F) in
June to a low of 28.3°C (82.9°F) in
August. The relative humidity remains high from 71% in June to peak at 89% in August. Rainfall marks its presence with an average high of 213mm (8.39") in August. Notably, the daylight hours remain steady, fluctuating around 12.5 to 12.7 hours during the summer months.
Autumn weather in Kankan
September,
October, and
November are characterized by falling temperatures from 31.6°C (88.9°F) to 33.5°C (92.3°F) in
Kankan. An opposite trend can be seen in humidity, falling steadily from 87% in September to 51% in November. Rainfall exhibits a steep decline, plummeting from 126mm (4.96") in September to a meager 7mm (0.28") in November.
Winter weather in Kankan
Winter in
Kankan sees temperatures fluctuating between 33.9°C (93°F) in
December and a mild 34.7°C (94.5°F) in
January. Rainfall in winter is nearly non-existent, as December records no rainfall. Similarly, in January, precipitation is at a very low level of 1mm (0.04"). The average relative humidity drops significantly from 25% in December to 19% in January, providing a reprieve from the moisture-laden air. During this period, the city enjoys almost uninterrupted sunshine for up to 9.8 hours in January.
Weather in January
As the year kicks off in
Kankan,
Guinea, mild yet marked fluctuations in weather conditions become evident. With humidity levels peaking at only 19%,
January marks the driest month, seen through the minimal rainfall of a mere 1mm (0.04").
Weather in January »Weather in February
The month of
February retains a similar weather pattern as
January, with slight variations. A minor increase in temperature and humidity is observed as the month progresses in
Kankan. However, February continues to maintain the dry season, with a rainfall of a minimal 1mm (0.04") still.
Weather in February »Weather in March
A visible shift in
Kankan's weather phenomenon signifies the arrival of
March. A notable change in climatic patterns starts to appear as rainfall increases to 7mm (0.28"), a significant rise compared to the first two months. The daylight hours extend, announcing longer days indicated by an increase in UV index to level 8.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The torrential downpours have arrived in
Kankan, indicating the beginning of the long-drawn wet season. The amount of rainfall witnesses a significant rise, reaching 27mm (1.06") during this month. The city gets engulfed in lush greenery as its trees and shrubs soak in the increased precipitation.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May witnesses a further upsurge in rainfall, marking the onset of the peak rainy season in
Kankan. The increased precipitation, coupled with a steady rise in humidity, adds to the overall moisture content in the air. The atmosphere starts to feel damp, which is typical for this month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Kankan is well within the clutches of the wet season. The streets, sidewalks, and buildings of this West African city glisten from the rain washing over them. June brings the highest amounts of rainfall this region will see with 113mm (4.45").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Moving towards the middle of the year,
Kankan exhibits tropical characteristics with
July proving to be the wettest month, featuring massive rainfall of around 190mm (7.48"). This peak rainy season paints a vibrant picture of the city, with streets brimming with life and greenery at its fullest.
Weather in July »Weather in August
As
August sets in, rainfall continues to dominate the weather scene in
Kankan, though it shows a slight decline at 213mm (8.39") compared to
July. Yet, with the highest humidity standing at 89%, August marks the highest moisture content in the air, indicating a typical African high-summer month.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September serves as the final chapter in
Kankan's wet season narrative, with rains beginning to recede. Signs of resilience become evident as the city shifts back to the drier quarter of the year. Despite the reduced precipitation, the weather remains warm and wet, which is typical for this month in Kankan.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Smooth transition into the dry season becomes evident by
October, with a drastic reduction in rainfall to 64mm (2.52"). The city of
Kankan starts to dry out as the decrease in cloud cover allows more sunshine. Observations hint at the advent of the cooler and drier part of the year from this month onwards.
Weather in October »Weather in November
The city of
Kankan steps into
November, witnessing a significant turning point in its weather cycle with a return to the dry season. A sharp decrease in the average amount of rainfall to 7mm (0.28") signifies the cessation of the wet season.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Completing its one-year weather cycle,
Kankan steps into
December with no rainfall, signifying the full swing of the dry season. Thoroughly dry conditions take over, transforming the city's appearance into a typical West African dry landscape.
Weather in December » [Resources]