The climate of Bétou
Bétou, located in the
Congo, manifests a climate identified by the Köppen climate classification as "Aw". This label indicates a predominance of the tropical wet and dry conditions or savanna. Throughout the year, the climatic conditions exhibit remarkable variations.
Average temperatures oscillate from a cozy 20.4°C (68.7°F), typically the minimum in
September, and can soar upto a warm 35.7°C (96.3°F), frequently recorded as the maximum in the starting months of the year. No month sees temperatures plummet below 20°C (68°F) or rise higher than 35.7°C (96.3°F), underlining a moderate thermal amplitude within the year.
Precipitation levels follow an intriguing pattern. More copious rainfall graces Bétou between the months of
March and
November, with the wettest period around
October, featuring 171mm (6.73") of rain. On the contrary, the region sees minimal rain, around a paltry 8mm (0.31"), in
January.
Between January and
April, the region basks under the longest daylight hours extending upto 12.2 hours in the month of
May. The remainder of the year brings shorter sunlight periods, marginally less than 12 hours. An interesting trend is observed in the number of sunshine days which sees a drastic dip to as low as 1.5 days in October from a high of 24.8 days in January.
Being an equatorial region, the relative humidity although high, varies from 45% in January steadily rising to a peak of 86% in October. The cloud cover follows a similar trajectory, increasing from 13% to 51% over the same time frame, explaining the corresponding increase in precipitation.
The best time to visit Bétou
Visitors seeking to make the most of their trip to
Bétou should opt for the dry season, particularly
January. This period boasts the lowest rainfall, mere 8mm (0.31"), and the maximum number of sunshine days, around 24.8. These conditions allow outdoor activities without the worry of getting drenched in rain. Furthermore, the moderate temperatures, peaking at 35.7°C (96.3°F) and dipping no less than 20.8°C (69.4°F), make this period ideal for spending time exploring the outdoor attractions of the region.
The worst time to visit Bétou
The period from
September to
November might not be the best time for a visit. The heavy rainfall, peaking at 171mm (6.73") in
October, coincides with high humidity levels of upto 86%. This combination can lead to a damp and uncomfortable experience, particularly for tourists unfamiliar with tropical climates. Additionally, reduced visibility, down to 7km (4.3mi) between September and November, and fewer sunshine days, down to 1.5 in October, make this period less appealing.
Spring weather in Bétou
The spring season sees a gradual rise in temperatures from 31.7°C (89.1°F) in
May to 30.5°C (86.9°F) in
June. However, cooling off is rarely a problem as the relative humidity also increases from 77% to 79%. Rainfall, at this time of year, is moderate to high, varying from 120mm (4.72") in May to 105mm (4.13") in June. Wind speed tends to decrease slightly, from 5.5km/h (3.4mph) in May to 5km/h (3.1mph) in June, creating a calm and serene atmosphere.
Summer weather in Bétou
Summer in
Bétou sees a close range of temperatures, with highs of 29.9°C (85.8°F) in
July and lows of 29.5°C (85.1°F) in
August. The high humidity at 80% in July and 83% in August creates a humid environment. The rainfall is quite high in this season, from 107mm (4.21") in July to 151mm (5.94") in August, with an average wind speed between 4.7km/h (2.9mph) and 4.6km/h (2.9mph)
Autumn weather in Bétou
Autumn experiences almost stable temperatures, with 29.6°C (85.3°F) recorded from
September to
October. As humidity climbs to 86%, rainfall peaks at 171mm (6.73") in October, marking the onset of the wettest period. The number of sunshine days plunge to 1.5 days in October, highlighting the heightened cloud cover during this period.
Winter weather in Bétou
Winter months from
December to
February feature the highest temperatures with a surge from 33.9°C (93°F) in December to 35.7°C (96.3°F) by February.
Bétou enjoys abundant sunshine during this period with nearly 9.8 hours of sunshine in December. Rainfall is at its lowest, making winter a great time to visit. Even amid winter, the humidity levels relax from 55% to 45% in February, making it the least humid period of the year.
Weather in January
The start of the year in
Bétou,
Congo witnesses pleasant weather conditions, with comfortable temperatures and moderate rainfall. In comparison to the following month, it's a little drier, with rainfall touching 8mm (0.31"). The breeze blows gently, providing a respite from the daytime heat.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The weather in
February in
Bétou,
Congo continues to be pleasant, although it starts to get slightly warmer and wetter than
January. The rainfall increases notably to 32mm (1.26"), setting the stage for subsequent spring months.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March sees a significant shift in weather in
Bétou,
Congo as it gets considerably warmer and more humid than the preceding month. March receives the most rain with a total rainfall of 63mm (2.48"). The increase in cloud coverage provides some respite from the tropical heat.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Come
April in
Bétou,
Congo, and the city gets enveloped in a warmer and more humid climate, as compared to
March. This month witnesses the highest rainfall reaching 119mm (4.69") marking the peak of the wet season. The increase in humidity and rainy days leads to limited sunshine hours.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May in
Bétou,
Congo, the weather remains relatively unchanged from
April, with high temperatures and persistent rain. The notable feature of May’s climate is its constant rainfall of 120mm (4.72"). Local flora reaches peak bloom, offering scenic vistas despite the cloudy weather.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Bétou,
Congo, typically sees a marginal decrease in temperatures and rainfall from
May. With a slightly lower rainfall of 105mm (4.13"), June marks a transition into the drier part of the year. Pleasant breezes mitigate the tropical sunshine, creating a comfortable atmosphere.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Bétou,
Congo in
July is marked by stable weather patterns, with a calm transition from
June. July sees minimum temperatures touching 20.5°C (68.9°F). The rainfall decreases slightly but remains consistent with the overall wet climate of the city.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August in
Bétou,
Congo is similar to
July, with slight changes in temperatures. The rainfall increases to 151mm (5.94"), making it the wettest month of the year. While the city continues to receive consistent showers, the atmosphere remains cool and pleasant.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Bétou,
Congo shows signs of the wet season drawing to an end. The month brings a minutely reduced rainfall of 120mm (4.72"). The decrease in showers brings about a mild drop in humidity, paving the way for more enjoyable weather conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October carries forward the weather of
September in
Bétou,
Congo, witnessing a gradual decrease in rainfall. It receives the highest rainfall of 171mm (6.73"). However, the city continues to bask in pleasant temperatures and ample sunshine.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Bétou,
Congo marks the onset of the dry season, with a major decrease in rainfall and a slight increase in temperature from
October. The city receives a reduced downpour, measuring just 58mm (2.28"). As the skies clear up, the city starts receiving more sunshine hours.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December signals the peak of the dry season in
Bétou,
Congo. The weather is relatively cooler and much drier than previous months with just 13mm (0.51") of rainfall seen in the entire month. The city enjoys increased sunshine hours with a decreased cloud cover, illuminating the city in golden hues.
Weather in December »