Climate and monthly weather forecastMali, Guinea

The climate of Mali

Mali, located in West Africa, is primarily subject to a Tropical wet and dry climate, also known as savanna, as classified by the Köppen system with the code Aw. The climate comes with a distinct wet season from June to September, and a notable dry season from October through May.

Throughout the year, Mali typically experiences high temperatures, ranging from a low of 19.1°C (66.4°F) to a high 41.6°C (106.9°F). The hottest month tends to be April, when temperatures can soar up to an average high of 41.6°C (106.9°F) and a low of 25.6°C (78.1°F). The coolest month, by comparison, is January with temperatures dropping to a night-time low of 19.1°C (66.4°F) and rising to a daytime high of 36°C (96.8°F).

Levels of humidity also vary throughout the year with lower values of 16% in January and February, progressively increasing to peak at 83% in August. Consistent with the rising humidity, Mali observes its highest rainfall during these wettest months as well. August records the highest rainfall, averaging 197mm (7.76"), and a significant 26.5 rain-affected days. The driest months, by contrast, are January and December, recording virtually no rainfall.

Amongst the characteristics of Mali's climate, the hours of daylight and sunshine remain fairly constant across the year. Daylight varies from 11.4 hours in December to 12.8 hours in June and July, while sunshine hovers between a lowest point of 7.5 hours in August and a maximum of 10 hours in March.

The best time to visit Mali

Given its tropical climate, a visit to Mali is especially pleasant during the dry season. This period, running from October to May, sees lower humidity levels and virtually no rainfall. December and January, characterized by milder temperatures between 19.1°C (66.4°F) and 36°C (96.8°F), along with plentiful sunlight averaging about 9.8 hours per day, are particularly enjoyable months for a visit.

The worst time to visit Mali

The unpleasantly hot weather and the heavy rains of the wet season makes the months of June through to September less optimal for visits. August, in particular, not only records the highest rainfall and humidity but also sees temperatures rise to an average maximum of 31.2°C (88.2°F).

Spring weather in Mali

In Mali, the spring months of March, April, and May are characterized by high temperatures, increasing relative humidity, and escalating rainfall. Temperatures rise steadily, starting from a high of 40.7°C (105.3°F) and low of 22.8°C (73°F) in March, to reach a high of 40.9°C (105.6°F) and low of 26.9°C (80.4°F) in May. Rainfall also sees an incremental increase from a mere 1mm (0.04") in March to a substantial 15mm (0.59") by May.

Summer weather in Mali

Summer, stretching from June through August, marks the wet phase in Mali. High humidity, substantial rainfall, and reduced sunshine hours distinguish this season. In June, rainfall amounts surge to 67mm (2.64"), increasing further to 197mm (7.76") in August. Humidity levels also rise sharply, from 53% in June to 83% in August. The temperatures remain high but register a decrease compared to spring.

Autumn weather in Mali

The autumn months of September, October, and November, segue from the wet to the dry phase. Rainfall reduces significantly, from 139mm (5.47") in September to just 5mm (0.2") in November, and temperature follows a similar trend, reducing progressively to offer a comfortable climate. Humidity also decreases, making these months more congenial for visitors.

Winter weather in Mali

Winter in Mali, extending from December through February, is characterized by a dry and mild climate. The nightly average low temperature touches its lowest point at 19.1°C (66.4°F) in January, and the daytime temperatures rise to a high of 38.3°C (100.9°F) in February. Rainfall is nearly absent during these months and humidity is at its lowest, while daylight and sunshine hours hover between 11.4 to 11.8 and 9.8 to 9.8, respectively.

Weather in January

Inhabitants of Guinea, Mali begin the year under clear skies and a low percentage of cloud coverage. January is one of the drier periods of the year with minimum average rainfall. Temperatures in January vary greatly, with the highest recorded at 36°C (96.8°F) while the lowest drops to 19.1°C (66.4°F). Weather in January »

Weather in February

February presents a slight increase in atmospheric pressure relative to January. In addition, there's a rise in UV index that often leads to high radiation exposure. During this month, temperatures can rise to about 38.3°C (100.9°F) and then drop to about 20.3°C (68.5°F). Weather in February »

Weather in March

March marks a small increase in temperatures alongside a steep surge in relative humidity compared to the previous months, paving way to increasingly warmer days. Average temperatures range from 22.8°C (73°F) at the minimum to a slightly sun-scorched 40.7°C (105.3°F) maximum. Weather in March »

Weather in April

In April, contrasts in the weather patterns become more apparent with a stark increase in rainfall, averaging up to 2mm (0.08"). The temperature averages rise to an overheated 40°C (104°F), reaching its peak for the year at 41.6°C (106.9°F) yet still dropping to a relatively cool 25.6°C (78.1°F). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May gets even wetter with rainfall amounting to 15mm (0.59"), a notable surge from April's 2mm (0.08") average. Peak temperatures begin to fall back from the extreme highs of April, reaching a less scalding 40.9°C (105.6°F). This mellower peak temperature, together with increased rainfall, brings about a perceivable drop in the overall heat intensity. Weather in May »

Weather in June

The weather in June demonstrates a considerable increase in rainfall, reaching a staggering 67mm (2.64") as compared to the previous month. The trend of falling peak temperatures continues with the maximum temperature dropping to 38.2°C (100.8°F). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July represents the apex of the annual monsoon, boasting an extraordinary rainfall average of 166mm (6.54"). Peak temperatures continue to plunge, reaching a year-round low of 33.7°C (92.7°F). Contrastingly, the lowest temperature stays stable from June to July at a balmy 23.4°C (74.1°F). Weather in July »

Weather in August

August stands out with the highest recorded average rainfall of 197mm (7.76") per month. Cooling off considerably from previous months, maximum temperatures drop to 31.2°C (88.2°F). The low temperatures, however, hold steady at a warm 22.3°C (72.1°F). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September marks a turn in climatic trend as it experiences a reduction in rainfall to 139mm (5.47"). Maximum temperatures exhibit an upward trend, reaching 31.9°C (89.4°F) but the nights remain relatively cooler at 22.5°C (72.5°F). Weather in September »

Weather in October

In October, the monsoon recedes significantly, the average rainfall falling drastically to 42mm (1.65"). The weather becomes noticeably warmer with peak temperatures rising to 34.9°C (94.8°F) as average humidity drops to 66%. Weather in October »

Weather in November

The trend of reducing rainfall continues into November with the average being a mere 5mm (0.2"). Simultaneously, maximum temperatures continue their rise, appreciating to a warm 36.4°C (97.5°F). November ushers in drier air, relative humidity falling to 38% from October's 66%. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December concludes the calendar year with no recorded rainfall making it the driest month of the year. The maximum temperature remains stable from November at 35.7°C (96.3°F) and the minimum nightly temperature descends to 19.4°C (66.9°F), signifying the onset of relatively cooler nights. Weather in December »