The climate of Banfora
The coastal city,
Banfora, in
Burkina Faso, falls under the Köppen climate classification of Aw, which represents a tropical wet and dry climate, also known as savanna. The city’s geographical position ties closely with this classification, presenting a distinct variation in several climatological parameters throughout the year.
The annual climate of Banfora is predominated by two significant weather systems: dry and wet. The temperature varies considerably from a low average of 19.4°C to highs soaring to 39.1°C. This disparity occurs alongside a substantial change in relative humidity, fluctuating from a minimum of 15% during the driest months to a maximum of 82% during the height of the rainy season.
Rainfall in Banfora showcases strong seasonality with the heaviest precipitation occurring from
June to
August. The highest recording is in the month of August amassing 148mm, while
December and
January experience negligible rainfall with no more than 5mm in each month.
Sunshine duration and cloud coverage further indicate the seasonal transformation. Sunshine hours are lengthy, averaging 12.7 hours at the peak of June, contrasting sharply with shorter daylight hours and increased cloud coverage during heavier rainfall.
The best time to visit Banfora
Given the climate pattern, the ideal period to visit
Banfora falls between
November and
February. During these months, the temperature remains comfortable, averaging between 29.8°C and 35.6°C. Rainfall is considerably lower during this time, with November and
December even recording an average rainfall close to 0mm. The sunshine hours are also favorable, with daylight averaging betwen 11.5 hours and 11.6 hours, allowing ample time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Banfora
The least favorable time for a visit to
Banfora would be from
June to
August. These months show the highest rainfall, exceeding 80mm and peaking at 148mm in August. During these months, relative humidity is high, exceeding 73%, making the climate quite uncomfortable. In addition, these months have the lowest sunshine hours, dipping to 7.9 hours in
July, further curtailing outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Banfora
In accordance with the tropical nature of
Banfora, springtime presents an escalating change in climatic conditions.
March, with an average high temperature of 38.8°C and a low of 24.8°C, introduces the oncoming rainfall with an average of 13mm observed. The increasing humidity levels, touching 29% coupled with decreasing wind speed, prepares the region for the impending wet season.
Summer weather in Banfora
Summers in
Banfora extend from
June to
August, marking the rainy season. Temperature highs in this season hover around 35.6°C to 31.7°C and lows transpire between 26.7°C and 21.8°C. Heavy rainfall is common, with June recording 48mm and surging to 148mm in August. This period registers the highest humidity up to 82%, causing a significant reduction in visibility to 8km.
Autumn weather in Banfora
The mood of autumn in
Banfora brings a refreshing respite.
September begins with a rainfall average of 96mm, which progresses to decrease by more than half to 44mm in
October. Temperature highs range from 33.9°C to 30.9°C with lows stabilized between 22°C and 22.8°C. The hours of daylight begin to slightly extend, marking the end of wet and the onset of dry season.
Winter weather in Banfora
Winter months in
Banfora are relatively dry.
December records the coolest temperatures, moving from a low of 20°C to a high of 35.6°C. Minimal rainfall near 0mm in December and
January, and a relative humidity drop to as low as 15%, make this season the driest. During these months, visibility hits its annual peak of 10km, and the city enjoys an average of 11.5-11.6 hours of daylight, making it an ideal time for traveling in Banfora.
Weather in January
The overall weather conditions in
Banfora tend to be relatively cool for the region, with lower humidity and a chillier atmosphere compared to what will come later in the year. The absence of rainfall distinguishes this period, setting the stage for a dry spell as
January only receives 0mm rainfall on average, allowing residents to fully enjoy the sun.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the year advances,
Banfora witnesses a steady rise in temperatures, leaving the cooler spell of
January behind. This increase goes hand in hand with the humidity levels, hinting at the transitioning seasons. Even though rainfall is still minimal at 5mm on average, the city begins to receive more moisture compared to the previous month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March, there is a notable upward shift in the weather patterns in
Banfora; the residual winter chill completely gives way to a warmer spell. More clouds begin to gather, thanks to the increasing humidity, heralding the onset of the short wet season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the real beginning of
Banfora's minor rainy season. The average rainfall jumps up drastically to 40mm, a three-fold increase from
March. The days continue to get longer, providing ample sunshine despite the rising humidity.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Banfora steps fully into the rainy season, with a sharp spike in both rainfall and relative humidity. The rainfall reaches its first peak of the year at 51mm, a marked increase from the 40mm recorded in
April. Outdoor activities might be slightly interrupted, but the indoor scenes provide equally fantastic experiences, providing a blend of culture, history, and local cuisine.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
June,
Banfora's weather continues its rainy phase, but with a minor dip in temperatures. The city remains under rainfall's sway, registering 48mm of precipitation, only slightly less than
May's peak. It is a period characterized by vibrant and diverse foliage, thanks to the steady rains and maximum relative humidity of 60%.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
During
July,
Banfora experiences the heaviest rainfall of the year, reaching a yearly high of 96mm. This rainfall feeds the landscape, making it ideal for agriculture and providing excellent conditions for growing crops. The daily temperatures reduce slightly, giving residents and tourists a respite from the heat.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
Banfora,
August represents a transitional period where the weather starts showing signs of departing from the wet season. While the rainfall is still significant at 148mm, it shows the first decrease after monthly increases since the start of the year.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the beginning of the end for the rainy season in
Banfora with a decrease in rainfall to an average of 96mm. The landscape retains its green hue, amplified by an average of 12.2 daylight hours. Although the weather is still damp from
August's residual rains, the end of the rainy season is in sight.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings noticeable changes in
Banfora's weather, stepping away from the dampness of
September, and stepping towards a drier atmosphere. This month witnesses a significant decrease in rainfall, plummeting to 44mm from 96mm recorded in September, marking the definitive end of the rainy season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings even drier conditions to
Banfora, with the average rainfall dipping to a mere 7mm. This sharp drop signifies the city's transition into the dry season, characterized by less humid, cooler days. Banfora lights up with botanical beauty, thanks to the plentiful sunshine and reduced rainfall.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December crowns the year with
Banfora experiencing extremely dry conditions, similar to
January, experiencing no rainfall. The landscapes exude charm under the vibrant, cloudless skies due to the reduced 5% cloud cover. The reduced temperatures and dry conditions lead residents to engage in various outdoor activities, taking full advantage of the brilliant weather.
Weather in December » [Resources]