Climate and monthly weather forecastPensa, Burkina Faso

Climate and monthly weather forecast

The climate of Pensa

The climate in Pensa, Burkina Faso is predominantly classified as BSh, also known as the Subtropical steppe climate according to the Köppen climate classification. This essentially signals a dry and hot weather pattern. The average annual temperatures range from a high of about 41.7°C (107.1°F) in May to a low of around 17.9°C (64.2°F) in January. Notably, the humidity displays a progressively escalating trend with the year's progression - starting at about 12% in January and peaking at 52% in August.

Rainfall in Pensa presents quite an interesting pattern. The area experiences almost no rainfall from January until April, with increased downpours from May onwards leading to substantial showers in the months of July and August. Remarkably, after August, the rainfall decreases drastically. Observing daylight and sunshine hours, both remain fairly consistent through the year with slightly more hours during summer months. The wind speeds generally fluctuate with maximums being reported at around 15.9km/h (9.9mph).

The uniqueness of Pensa's weather is the extreme dry and wet months, with almost no rain received from January to April and the substantial downpours in July and August.

The best time to visit Pensa

Considerably, the preferable time to visit Pensa can be estimated based on the weather conditions. With the temperatures relatively manageable and rainfall scanty during the months from November to February, these months are arguably the best time to venture to Pensa. During these months, temperatures range from 19.5°C (67.1°F) to 36.6°C (97.9°F) alongside relative humidity levels of between 13 to 14%. Moreover, there is virtually no rainfall experienced during this period, thus offering pleasant conditions for visitors.

The worst time to visit Pensa

Travelling to Pensa between June and August is relatively challenging, primarily due to the high rainfall coupled with the extreme temperatures. During this time, temperatures can soar to as high as 41.7°C (107.1°F) and rainfall can reach up to 74mm (2.91"), making it quite uncomfortable for tourists.

Spring weather in Pensa

In Pensa, spring unfolds from March to May. During this period, Pensa experiences a gradual increase in temperatures - from 35.8°C (96.4°F) to 41.7°C (107.1°F). Humidity levels also gradually rise from 10% to 24%. Notably, rainfall is nearly non-existent in March and April but experiences a slight increase to 4mm (0.16") in May.

Summer weather in Pensa

The months from June to August define the climatic summer in Pensa. Within this period, temperatures remain extremely high, peaking at around 41.7°C (107.1°F) in June and then gradually dropping to approximately 35.3°C (95.5°F) in August. It is the wettest period in Pensa with rainfall reaching as much as 74mm (2.91") in August, accompanied by a peak in humidity of around 52%.

Autumn weather in Pensa

Autumn in Pensa spans from September to November. During these months, temperatures cool slightly, ranging from 36.9°C (98.4°F) to 36.6°C (97.9°F). Rainfall drops drastically, reducing to a mere 4mm (0.16") in November from the 15mm (0.59") peak in September. Concurrently, autumn is characterized by reducing humidity levels, dropping from 44% in September to 14% in November.

Winter weather in Pensa

Winter in Pensa occurs in December and January. The weather becomes significantly cooler with average temperatures fluctuating from 33°C (91.4°F) in December to a seeming low of 32.6°C (90.7°F) in January. Precipitation levels remain absent during this period, with humidity levels averaging between 12 to 13%. This climatic period can be noted for its relative stability in weather conditions.

Weather in January

January marks the beginning of the dry season in Pensa, Burkina Faso when the blazing sun shines for 7.6 hours a day and temperatures range between 17.9°C (64.2°F) at the lower end and 32.6°C (90.7°F) at the upper end. A noticeable change from the preceding month is the dwindling humidity, reaching as low as 12%, making this one of the driest months of the year. Weather in January »

Weather in February

In February, seasonal weather changes are limited in Pensa with temperatures continuing to rise marginally while daylight increases by 0.3 hours compared to January. Despite the small increase in rainfall, totaling 1mm (0.04"), it barely influences the overall aridity of the city during this period. Weather in February »

Weather in March

As Pensa moves into March, the temperatures continue to soar, reaching a high of 39.3°C (102.7°F) and a low of 24.2°C (75.6°F). The minimal cloud cover of 6%, one of the lowest in the year, ensures clear skies and extensive sunshine. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Weather in Pensa during April undergoes a transition, with a significant increase in humidity to 15%, more than a 50% increase from March. Sunshine duration experiences a marginal increment, with the sun glaring down for a more extended period than in the previous months. Weather in April »

Weather in May

By May, Pensa shows signs of monsoon preparation with the rainfall quadrupling to 4mm (0.16") from 1mm (0.04") recorded in April. Temperature changes become prevalent with highs reaching 41.7°C (107.1°F), the highest in the year. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June brings about a distinct shift in Pensa’s climate with humidity soaring to 32%, a significant rise from 24% observed in May. While the sunshine hours remain constant, the rainfall increases substantially to a high of 19mm (0.75"). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July witnesses a peak in Pensa's rainfall, reaching 41mm (1.61"), as the city gets into the heart of the monsoon season. The trend of rising humidity continues with relative humidity increasing to 42%. The city experiences a reduction in the number of sunny days, impacting daylight hours minimally. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, Pensa becomes the wettest it has been all year, with rainfall accumulating up to 74mm (2.91"). A striking change is the cloud cover, which shoots up to 30%. Correspondingly, the duration of sunshine hours reduces, a first in the year. Weather in August »

Weather in September

Entering September, Pensa starts gradually shaking off the monsoon hangover with rainfall plummeting to 15mm (0.59"). While the change in temperature is minimal, the cloud% decreases to 19% from 30%. A reduction in humidity, along with the tapering rainfall, signifies that the monsoon is on its way out. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Pensa records a distinct drop in rainfall to 4mm (0.16") and an impressive decrease in humidity to 28%. Clear skies dominate throughout the month, with the sun reclaiming its dominance and shining for an average of 9.8 hours a day. Weather in October »

Weather in November

In November, Pensa is back to experiencing a dry spell, just as it did at the start of the year, without any recorded rainfall. A fall in temperature marks the oncoming of cooler days, yet the humidity continues to decline, making the weather pleasant and enjoyable. Weather in November »

Weather in December

As the year ends, December in Pensa, Burkina Faso secures its spot in the cycle with no rainfall, much like November. The relative humidity drops further to 13%, reinstating the dry weather trend typically experienced around this time. Weather in December »

Frequently asked questions

January is the month when Pensa experiences its coldest temperatures, averaging a high of 32.6°C (90.7°F) and a low of 17.9°C (64.2°F).

January, March, November and December are months without rainfall.

Throughout the year, in Pensa, there are 44.5 rainfall days, and 160mm (6.3") of precipitation is accumulated.

February, April through October are months with rainfall.

March is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 10%.

April and May, with an average of 12.1h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.

The months with the highest UV index are April and May, with an average maximum UV index of 9.

In Pensa, May is the warmest month, with temperatures averaging a high of 41.7°C (107.1°F) and a low of 30.3°C (86.5°F).

With an average of 12h and 54min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Pensa.

The most humid month is August, with an average relative humidity of 52%.

The month with the most rainfall is August, when the rain falls for 13.3 days and typically aggregates up to 74mm (2.91") of precipitation.

December has the shortest days of the year in Pensa, with an average of 11h and 18min of daylight.

Pensa does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used throughout the entire year.

December has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 7.5h of sunshine.

December is the month with the lowest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

Average temperature
Pensa, Burkina Faso

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is May (41.7°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (32.6°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is June (30.6°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (17.9°C).

Average pressure
Pensa, Burkina Faso

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (1013.3mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is April (1007.3mbar).

Average wind speed
Pensa, Burkina Faso

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January and December (15.9km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is October (11.1km/h).

Average humidity
Pensa, Burkina Faso

The month with the highest relative humidity is August (52%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is March (10%).

Average rainfall
Pensa, Burkina Faso

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (74mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January, March, November and December (0mm).

Average rainfall days
Pensa, Burkina Faso

The month with the highest number of rainy days is August (13.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Pensa, Burkina Faso

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 12h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 18min).

The months with the most sunshine are April and May (Average sunshine: 12h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 7h and 30min).

Average sunshine days
Pensa, Burkina Faso

The month with the most sunshine days is December (30.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is August (15.8 days).

Average UV index
Pensa, Burkina Faso

The months with the highest UV index are April and May (UV index 9).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 6).

Average cloud cover
Pensa, Burkina Faso

The month with the most cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 30).
The month with the least cloud cover is November (Cloud cover 5).

Average visibility
Pensa, Burkina Faso

The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).