The climate of Abomey
Located in
Benin,
Abomey has a tropical climate predominantly characterized by the Köppen Aw climate classification which indicates a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. The City represents a landscape where temperatures fluctuate between 22°C (71.6°F) to 36°C (96.8°F) across the annual cycle, presenting the visitors with a warm atmosphere.
Every month, the daily temperatures peak somewhere into a band set by a high of 34°C (93.2°F) and reach lows of around 22°C (71.6°F), indicating a fairly stable year-round weather vibe. Although temperatures show a mild shift across the year, the notable variation appears in the rainfall pattern. Abomey witnesses rainfall concentration majorly in the second and third quarters of the year, and nearly negligible precipitation during the rest of the months from 6mm (0.24") in
January to 164mm (6.46") in
June.
The number of days with rainfall follows a similar annual pattern, outnumbering considerably during the wet season from 7 to 15 days per month. In tandem with the rainfall, daylight hours show slight variation moving from approximately 11.7 hours in
December to around 12.5 hours daily at mid-year. Sunshine hours are generously peppered throughout the year at an average of 7 hours daily.
However, a dip in sunlight is noticed during the rainy season, reducing from to 6 hours in
May and even descending down to 3 hours in
August. As expected in this latitude, a consistently high UV index of 10 to 12 warns of the potential for heavy sun exposure, demanding precaution throughout the year.
The best time to visit Abomey
The season of choice for travellers depends largely on personal preference and planned activities. However, considering the climate parameters, the best time to visit
Abomey would likely be during the dry spell between
November and
April. With a limited number of rainy days and least precipitation levels standing at 6mm (0.24") in
January, this time of the year facilitates outdoor activities and explorations.
Furthermore, average daylight hours are fairly consistent, ensuring ample time for making the most of the trip. Concurrently, a higher concentration of sunshine, peaking at 8 hours per day in November contributes to the overall exciting spirit of the travel season.
The worst time to visit Abomey
The period ranging from
May to
October could be less appealing to travellers due to a high frequency of rainy days. Extremely high rainfall, topping at 164mm (6.46") in
June and lasting visibility reduction can dampen outdoor adventures. A decrease in sunshine hours further affirms this claim, taking a downward turn in this season reaching a nadir of 3 hours in
August.
Spring weather in Abomey
In this tropical zone, the definition of "spring" corresponds to the period from
March to
May. During this time, the city experiences climbing temperatures from 34°C (93.2°F) to 35°C (95°F), while the nights bring some relief with a steady temperature of 24°C (75.2°F). Rainfall sees an exponential growth in this period from 25mm (0.98") to a significant 125mm (4.92") in May, with the number of rainy days following suit by escalating rapidly from 2 to 10.
Summer weather in Abomey
The months
June through
August signify the full onset of the wet season. This period adopts a profile of high rainfall with some months climbing to record high values of 164mm (6.46") in June. The rainfall modulates the scorching high temperatures to settle between 29°C (84.2°F) to 31°C (87.8°F). Also, the lowered sunshine duration, down to 4 hours in June and 3 hours in August, acknowledges the heavy rainfall.
Autumn weather in Abomey
Typically defined as
September to
November, the autumn season in
Abomey hosts relatively lower temperatures between 29°C (84.2°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). Rainfall starts to dwindle from 140mm (5.51") in September to settle at 21mm (0.83") by November, translating to decreasing rainy days. Meanwhile, daylight hours slightly reduce while sunshine duration makes a promising increase up to 8 hours.
Winter weather in Abomey
In contrast to the frigid winters in temperate zones, the winter months;
December through
February in
Abomey host comfortable temperatures ranging between 22°C (71.6°F) to 34°C (93.2°F). The minimal rainfall of 10mm (0.39") in December and 6mm (0.24") in
January with very few rainy days, accompanied by familiarly long daylight hours and an average of 7 hours of sunshine, projects amiable weather conditions characteristic of the dry season.
Weather in January
Though
January in
Abomey,
Benin, still experiences high temperatures, they are slightly cooler than subsequent months. The daytime warmth typically reaches between 34°C (93.2°F). The occasional rain showers provide some relief from the heat, as precipitation levels are low with rainfall of 6mm (0.24").
Weather in January »Weather in February
February weather in
Abomey carries over the tone of
January, with minimal changes. The month continues to offer favorable weather for visitors or residents who enjoy warm climates. Almost doubled rainfall, 25mm (0.98") compared to 6mm (0.24") in January, does bring occasional refreshing spurts against the enduring heat.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March marks the oncoming of the rainy season in
Abomey, denoted by a threefold increase in rainfall volume. The daytime temperature does not diminish significantly, offering a warm climate, though the evenings steadily start showing a slight rise.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Through
April,
Abomey experiences its wettest period, registering rainfall at 125mm (4.92"). Daylight hours continue to increase, closely mirroring the pattern of the previous month. The weather maintains a consistently warm profile while the UV index plateau with the zenith of the sun almost overhead.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May experiences the crescendo of the wet season. Even though the frequency of rainfall days marginally increases, rainfall volume soars to 142mm (5.59"). It coincides with the longest daylight hours, providing a stunning contrast of bright mornings and overcast afternoons.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The trend of heavy showers continues into
June, with precipitation levels peaking at 164mm (6.46") for the year and a maximum number of rainy days. Reduction in temperature, by about 2°C (35.6°F) compared to
May, coupled with limited sunshine hours, provides a much-needed respite from the constant high heat.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July witnesses a descent in the overall temperature, reaching the yearly low of 29°C (84.2°F). Although the number of rainy days decreases slightly, accumulated precipitation remains substantial. Concurrently, an increase in sunshine hours indicates a reduction in cloud cover.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August perseveres as a transition month, with a further reduction in rainfall and temperature barely shifting from the previous month. While the frequency of sunshine hours keeps increasing, the UV index vaults back to its highest annual level.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September witnesses an upswing in rainfall volume, marking the beginning of the second rainy season. The weather resumes its warm temperatures after the modest cool-off though recorded as the least amount of sunshine hours for the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Experience in
October echoes the prevailing patterns of
September, albeit with lower precipitation and a rise in temperature. Daylight hours start reducing, signifying the transition towards the end of the year. The weather remains warm and humid, despite the lessened rainfall.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November sees a drastic fall in precipitation, highlighting the end of the rainy season. Higher temperatures and a decrease in rainfall days accompany the shift towards a drier climate. The UV index drops, aligning with shortening daylight hours.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Abomey’s
December ushers in the driest part of the year with temperature constant around prior month's readings. Notably, the rainfall touches the annual minimum at 10mm (0.39"). The warmth continues throughout daylight hours, which are the shortest for the year.
Weather in December » [Resources]