The climate of Maroua
Maroua is characterized predominantly by a subtropical steppe climate, as affirmed by the Köppen climate classification system, and is essentially characterized as BSh. Geographically, Maroua resides in the region classified as the dry tropics, characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall.
Trace through the course of a year reveals that the warmest month of the year is typically
April, with an average high temperature of 40.8°C (105.4°F), while the coolest month is
January with an average low temperature of 18.9°C (66°F). The variation in temperatures from lowest to highest remains considerable, underscoring the distinct seasonal changes. Hinging on humidity, the relative average shifts noticeably. Peak humidity is found in
August registering 73% whereas the lowest humidity is seen in
March at a minimal 12%.
As the year progresses, rainfall patterns present a distinctive trend. Monsoon seasons arrive in
May initiating from a slim 4mm (0.16"), then surges to a maximum average rainfall of 154mm (6.06") in August, thereafter gradually receding until no rainfall is observed from
November to March. Cloud cover follows a somewhat similar pattern, starting low at the beginning of the year, rising in the middle, and returning to lower levels towards the end.
The best time to visit Maroua
Considering the climate variables, one might conclude that the best time to visit
Maroua falls between
November and
March, coinciding with the months of least rainfall, and relatively moderate temperature ranges. During this time, the average high temperatures stay under 36°C (96.8°F) and visitors can experience the radiant warmth without the interruptions of precipitation. Besides, the visibility remaining a steady 10km (6.2mi) throughout these months provides an excellent opportunity for sightseeing and exploration.
The worst time to visit Maroua
The least favorable period to venture into
Maroua starts from
May extending to
August. This duration signals the onset of the monsoon, characterized by heavy rainfall peaking at 154mm (6.06") in August alongside an increased cloud cover. Moreover, coupled with high humidity levels, touching around 73%, this period may not provide the most comfortable conditions for tourists unfamiliar with tropical climatic conditions.
Spring weather in Maroua
Moving onto the Spring season, spanning from
March through
May,
Maroua experiences an increase in average temperatures from 36.8°C (98.2°F) to a yearly high of 40.8°C (105.4°F). Relative humidity remains low in March at 12%, however, it starts rising with the advent of monsoon in May, reaching a level of 33%. Similarly, the onset of rainfall occurs in May, while March records no rainfall with
April witnessing mere traces.
Summer weather in Maroua
Summer in
Maroua, starting
June and lasting till
August, is characterized by high precipitation along with rising humidity. Average temperatures though register a minor decrease with June reflecting an average of 39.3°C (102.7°F),
July 37°C (98.6°F), and August 30.8°C (87.4°F). Rainfall reaches its peak with an average of 154mm (6.06") in August, whereas the number of rainy days also touches 24.3.
Autumn weather in Maroua
The Autumn season, extending from
September to
November, marks a period of transition. Average high temperatures fall from 33°C (91.4°F) in September to 35.8°C (96.4°F) in November. Rainfall also drops significantly, from 62mm (2.44") in September to zero by November. Humidity follows a declining trajectory, reducing from 64% to 20% over these months.
Winter weather in Maroua
Winter, covering the months of
December through
February, portrays relatively cool and dry conditions in
Maroua. Average temperatures, having fallen to their lowest, fluctuate from 33.6°C (92.5°F) to 36.8°C (98.2°F). Similarly, rainfall remains absent throughout these months, the humidity sustains at lower levels and wind speeds stay consistent, hovering around 12.2km/h (7.6mph) to 12.8km/h (8mph).
Weather in January
The initial month of the year in
Maroua,
Cameroon, sees mild climatic changes from the preceding month.
January weather sports a high temperature of 33.6°C (92.5°F) and pleasant lows of 18.9°C (66°F). The month witnesses minimal cloud cover at 1% and relative humidity resting at 17%.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the grip of winter gradually loosens,
February embraces a warm shift. Noteworthy is the increase in average temperature from the previous month, with highs reaching 36.8°C (98.2°F) and lows of 21.9°C (71.4°F). The UV index soars to 8, hence locals and visitors should take necessary precautions when stepping out in the sunshine.
Weather in February »Weather in March
By the time
March rolls in,
Maroua experiences the year's first rains, albeit very sporadically and lightly. The recorded maximum temperature peaks further to 39.5°C (103.1°F). These higher temperatures combined with a relative humidity of 12% augments the hotness in the air.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April presents a distinctive change in
Maroua's weather pattern, welcoming some much-needed rainfall- 4mm (0.16") to be precise. The weather turns slightly towards the humid side as the temperature reaches its highest peak of 40.8°C (105.4°F) with the high at 28.2°C (82.8°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May pronounces the full swing of the rainy season in
Maroua with a significant increase in precipitation- 20mm (0.79") in fact. Accompanied by a cooler downswing in temperature, May witnesses temperatures dipping to a low of 29.7°C (85.5°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in more rainfall and lower temperatures in
Maroua, continuing the downward trend initiated in
May. Even though the shift is not as dramatic as that in May, June experiences its fair share thanks to 42mm (1.65") of rainfall.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, the middle of the year, brings about a subtle change in
Maroua's weather. The maximum temperature downslides to 33.4°C (92.1°F) due to frequent rainfall, totaling 89mm (3.5"). It is indeed the most awaited time for the locals as Maroua shakes off its hot and dry image, transforming into a wet and cooler city.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is synonymous with
Maroua's heaviest rainfall of the year. It records an all-time high of 154mm (6.06") of rain, considerably cooling down the city with temperatures averaging between 30.8°C (87.4°F) high and 23.3°C (73.9°F) low.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September, much like
August, witnesses a continuation in weather patterns previously established. However, September stands out for seeing a slight reduction in rainfall from 154mm (6.06") in August to 62mm (2.44"). Regardless of the decrease in precipitation, temperatures continue to linger around the same margins with a high of 33°C (91.4°F) and a low of 23.7°C (74.7°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October signals the beginning of the end for the rainy season in
Maroua. This month sees a dramatic decrease in rainfall, with a total of 29mm (1.14"). Accompanying the dry spell, temperatures begin their upward climb with averages ranging from highs of 35.9°C (96.6°F) and lows at 25.3°C (77.5°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers in the arid season in
Maroua, characterized by virtually no rainfall, supporting the city's reputation for dry weather. There is a negligible dip in maximum temperature to 35.8°C (96.4°F) that goes mostly unnoticed amidst rising temperatures.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding off the year,
December continues the trend of higher temperatures, although it experiences a slight decrease from the previous month. Nudged by the maximum temperature of 33.3°C (91.9°F), December trails the arid, warm weather that
Maroua is known for.
Weather in December » [Resources]