The climate of Djenne
Nestled in the heartland of
Mali, the town of
Djenne enjoys a subtropical steppe climate as classified under the Köppen climate designation BSh. Throughout the year, the town experiences an extensive range of temperatures, varying humidity, and prominent shifts in rainfall. It is a climate that leans towards aridity, with a hot tropical setting and significant fluctuations in weather parameters.
Temperatures fluctuate monthly, with the highest observed temperatures extending to 41.7°C (107.1°F) in the summer months while dipping to a mild 18.3°C (64.9°F) during winter nights. Much of the year, conditions are dry with the lowest relative humidity at 12% in
March compared to a peak of 58% in
August. Rainfall, almost absent from
November to March, increases dramatically moving from 1mm (0.04") in
April to a peak of 130mm (5.12") in August before tapering off. This trend in precipitation is well mirrored in the number of rainfall days, which escalate from virtually none in the dry season to a significant 17 days in August.
Djenne also experiences a handful of snowfall days in
September, albeit very infrequent and momentary. Regarding sunlight, an average of anywhere between 11.3 to 12.9 daylight hours ensures bright days, with sunshine hours varying from 7.6 to 12 hours through the year. Coupled with good visibility throughout the year, these factors typically contribute to clear, open skies for the majority of the year. The wind speeds are moderate, ranging from 9.8 to 14.8km/h (9.2mph), with slight gusts occasionally hitting a high of 24.8km/h (15.4mph).
The best time to visit Djenne
Tourists looking for the most comfortable conditions to explore
Djenne should ideally plan their visit during the period from
November to
February. During these months, temperatures are at their most moderate, ranging from 18.3°C (64.9°F) to 33.9°C (93°F). Experiencing less humidity than the rest of the year and negligible rainfall, this period also boasts steady sunshine hours and bright skies, promising ample opportunity for outdoor exploration and sight-seeing.
The worst time to visit Djenne
If higher humidity and rainfall are deterrents, avoid planning a trip to
Djenne from
June to
September. In these months, humidity levels escalate from 33% in June to 58% in
August. The increased moisture also brings sizable rainfall, from 17mm (0.67") in June, peaking at 130mm (5.12") in August and decreasing to 37mm (1.46") in September. While this period also witnesses a slight increase in cloud cover, these months provide an authentic experience of the subtropical steppe climate in its monsoonal phase.
Spring weather in Djenne
March to
May marks the spring season in
Djenne, and the weather during this period is characterized by rising temperatures and increased rainfall. Temperatures escalate from 33.3°C (91.9°F) in March to a torrid 41.4°C (106.5°F) in May while nights become progressively warmer from 18.3°C (64.9°F) to 30.2°C (86.4°F). Rainfall also nudges upwards, from a mere 1mm (0.04") in March to 11mm (0.43") in May. Wind speed during this time moderates between 14.7km/h (9.1mph) to 11.9km/h (7.4mph). Despite the mounting temperatures, spring is a picturesque season with longer daylight hours and extended sunshine periods.
Summer weather in Djenne
Summer in
Djenne lasts from
June to
August, bringing high humidity and substantial rainfall. The temperatures remain high, from 40.2°C (104.4°F) to 36.8°C (98.2°F) and 30.3°C (86.5°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F) for high and low respectively. It witnesses a significant increase in rainfall, with figures reaching well into 130mm (5.12") in August. This period also experiences the highest relative humidity, priced at 58% in August. Despite these factors, ample daylight hours and about 10 hours of sunshine persist throughout the summer months.
Autumn weather in Djenne
The weather in autumn, covering
September to
November, witnesses a gradual decrease in humidity, rainfall, and temperature. Highlighted by temperatures slowly falling from 36.4°C (97.5°F) to 37°C (98.6°F) and 26.5°C (79.7°F) to 23.9°C (75°F), for high and low respectively, and humidity dropping from 50% in September to 17% by November. The rainfall also sees a considerable decrease, from 37mm (1.46") to just 1mm (0.04"), marking an end to the monsoon. The lengthening shadow of autumn days still garners up to 11.8 hours of daylight and about 7.7 hours of sunshine.
Winter weather in Djenne
Winter in
Djenne, from
December through
February, is marked by a sharp reduction in rainfall and milder temperatures. Temperatures range from a cooler 33.9°C (93°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F) in December, before slightly rising up to 36.3°C (97.3°F) and 20.8°C (69.4°F) by February. Relative humidity levels also fall drastically during this season, making for more comfortable exploratory excursions. This brings to an end the rather dramatic flip in climate that the town bears witness to, from the hot and arid conditions to heavy monsoonal rains, only to return to the familiarity of dry comfort.
Weather in January
The weather in
Djenne,
Mali in
January, is characterized by its warmth and dryness, with the least relative humidity of 13% observed in the year. The temperatures remain relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations from
December.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Shifting to
February, a gradual rise in temperatures takes place from the previous month. With no significant change in humidity, the climatic conditions remain predominantly dry. Glistening sunshine dominates the days for almost 28.2 days in February, highlighting the overall resplendence of
Djenne.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March, a transitional season in
Djenne, sees a slight increase in both temperatures and humidity. Average rainfall slightly increases to 1mm (0.04") from the barren winter months, yet the month remains primarily dry. A pleasant breeze glides through the city during the day.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the advent of warmer weather as
Djenne moves further into the spring season. This month sees a remarkable increase in rainfall, which reaches up to 2mm (0.08"), a significant jump from the preceding months. A surge in humidity and cloud cover is noted.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Djenne is characterized by a considerable increase in temperature, humidity, and rainfall. It garners 11mm (0.43") of rainfall, with approximately 5.3 rainy days. This month also witnesses a significant rise in relative humidity due to increased precipitation.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signifies the peak of the wet season, with both temperature and rainfall touching their highest points. As summer intensifies, the daylight hours increase, further warming up the city. Despite temperatures soaring high and cloud cover thickening,
Djenne exudes a certain irreplaceable charm in June.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July, rainfall reaches its peak at 61mm (2.4"), resulting in the highest humidity in
Djenne. Climatic patterns shift noticeably as compared to
June, with the heat and sunshine giving way to cloudy skies. Known for its wet spells, this period distinguishes Djenne's annual climatic rhythm.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Djenne, in
August, witnesses the highest level of rainfall in the year, reaching up to 130mm (5.12"). It signifies the continuation of the wet season, albeit with a slight decrease in temperature. Despite a drop in sunshine hours, daylight continues to shine generously upon Djenne.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Entering
September, the weather conditions tend to stabilize. Rainfall reduces significantly from 130mm (5.12") to 37mm (1.46"), indicating a gradual departure from the monsoon season. Temperature and humidity also come down, adding to the comfort.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is characterized by receding rainfall and the onset of dry conditions. This is marked by a sharp decline in humidity from the preceding month. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the pleasing blend of warmth and dryness. The city shines brightly under the gleaming sunshine, bringing every corner of
Djenne to life.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Djenne is recognized by its drop in temperature and humidity. Only negligible precipitation of 1mm (0.04") is noted, signifying the advent of the dry season. The shift in seasons reveals another facet of Djenne's unique climate.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Met by
December, the weather conditions are reflective of the typical drier and cooler side of
Djenne. The relative humidity falls to 14%, and there is no rainfall, alluding to a stark contrast to the wet season. The city glistens under the winter sun, as an invigorating environment envelops Djenne.
Weather in December » [Resources]