Climate and monthly weather forecast
Bamako, Mali

Bamako, the capital city of Mali, dwells in the tropical savannah zone of the Köppen climate categorization. Known explicitly as Aw, this type of environment signifies conditions commonly experienced in such locales: a hot, arid season alongside a wet, humid season.

Diving into a year-round overview, the data reveals that the temperature disparity is distinct but not excessive. Maximum temperatures in the region stretch from 31.1°C (88°F) in the wetter months to 39.6°C (103.3°F) at the most scorching point of the year. Offset by pleasing minimum nightly readings, these temperatures range from 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F) throughout the year. While the day's peak heat can often require inhabitants and visitors to seek shade, the cool night offers a welcome respite.

Apart from the temperatures, sunshine is another consistent feature of Bamako's climate. Bright hours range from 7 hours during the wetter periods, peaking at 9 hours in the drier months, indicating a relative abundance of sunny days annually. This abundance of sunlight correspondingly affects the Ultraviolet (UV) Index, which stays above 9 throughout the year, peaking at a potentially harmful 12 for a substantial portion of the year.

Additionally, Bamako's rainfall pattern works closely with the level of humidity and the widespread tropical norms. The data puts relative humidity at 24% in the dry season, rising to 81% in the most humid month. Rainfall varies dramatically through the year. From November to February, there is minimal to no rain, with levels below 1mm (0.04") each month, while the wettest month, August, brings a lavish deluge, averaging 290mm (11.42") of rain.

Aligning with the dry season of the tropical savannah, the most favorable time to explore Bamako falls from November to February. Temperatures, highest at 35.3°C (95.5°F) in November and lowest at 33.4°C (92.1°F) in December and February, accompanied by nights as cool as 16.8°C (62.2°F) to 18.4°C (65.1°F), offer pleasant conditions for tourists. The sunshine duration ranges between 8.7 hours to 9 hours daily. The UV index during these months remains relatively high, lingering from 9 to 10, necessitating sun protection while outdoors.

The slender rain figures, not exceeding 1mm (0.04") monthly, ensures predominantly dry weather, allowing tourists to make the most out of their visits. Intriguingly, the months of November to February register the lowest number of rainy days, with no more than a mere 0.3 days of rain monthly.

Adopting the norms of the tropical savannah climate, the least hospitable period in Bamako aligns with its rainy season. Between June and September, the city experiences the peak of its rainfall, which extends from 132mm (5.2") to 290mm (11.42"). Notably, July and August register the highest number of rainy days with 16.7 and 17.9 days respectively. Consequently, humidity rises, peaking at a damp 81% in August, adding another layer of discomfort to the climate.

Despite these conditions, it is worth noting that temperatures remain inviting, with highs oscillating between 32.1°C (89.8°F) and 35.3°C (95.5°F) and minimum temperatures falling in the range of 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F). However, this warmth, combined with higher rainfall and humidity, often transforms the city's conditions into a sticky, sultry environment.

The spring months in Bamako, characterizing March to May, are marked by rising temperatures and onset of rainfall. March commences with maximum temperatures of 38.5°C (101.3°F) but as May approaches the mercury level peaks to a sweltering 39.6°C (103.3°F). Minimum temperatures also follow a similar pattern moving from 22.9°C (73.2°F) in March to a warm 25.4°C (77.7°F) in May.

During these months, the city begins to transition from dry and sunlit to wet and cloudy. Rainfall gradually ascends from 2mm (0.08") in March to a substantial 54mm (2.13") in May, while the number of rainy days increases from 0.6 days in March to 6.3 days in May. In direct correlation, the city’s humidity ascends from a comfortable 22% to a more humid 50%. The duration of sunshine starts to dwindle, moving from an abundant 8.6 hours in March to slightly lesser 7.8 hours in May.

Bamako's tropical savannah climate makes its summer a hot, heavy and humid affair. Encompassing the months between June and September, the city is soaked in regular rainfall, ranging from 132mm (5.2") in June to a whopping 290mm (11.42") in August. Humidity typically skyrockets during these months, reaching the year's highest level of 81% in August.

Even with constant rainfall, temperatures remain relatively high. Maximum temperatures hover from 31.1°C (88°F) to 35.3°C (95.5°F) while the minimum night temperatures range from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F). During the summer season, the sunshine duration drops to around 7 hours, while UV index prevails at its highest of 12, urging the need for ample sun protection.

The autumn months from October to December in Bamako mark the return to the dry, cooler season. The transition from the humid, rainy summer sees a slow decrease in rainfall, from an impressive 66mm (2.6") in October to a meagre 1mm (0.04") and 1mm (0.04") in November and December respectively. Consequently, the humidity level gradually retracts from a sticky 65% to just over a quarter at 27%.

In this period, temperatures display a gentle decline. The maximum temperatures vary from 34.6°C (94.3°F) in October to 33.4°C (92.1°F) in December, with minimum temperatures falling gently from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 16.8°C (62.2°F). We see an increment in the daylight hours from October's 11.8 hours to December's 11.4 hours and a comfortable 9 hours of sunshine in December.

As Bamako lies in the tropics, winter months (January and February) do not bring chilly winds or snowfall, but rather warm and sunlit days. January scores the year's lowest numbers, with minimum temperatures at a comfortable 17°C (62.6°F), and maximum temperatures slightly warming to 36.4°C (97.5°F) in February.

With rainfall recorded at a minimal 1mm (0.04") in January and 1mm (0.04") in February, these months see virtually no rain, making them the driest of the year. Looking at the sunny hours, January and February present about 8.9 and 9+ hours of sunshine daily, providing plentiful sunbathing opportunities. Despite the warmth, relative humidity is at a year-long low, ranging from 20% to 24% during these months, making winter a remarkably dry season.

The new year in Bamako, Mali begins with typically dry conditions and the mercury often reaches a high of 33.4°C (92.1°F) with lows around 17°C (62.6°F). Unlike the wet months that come later in the year, January is characterized by minimal rainfall, limited to an average of 1mm (0.04"). Weather in January »

February in Bamako witnesses a slight escalation of temperature from January with high temperatures peaking at 36.4°C (97.5°F) and lows around 19.9°C (67.8°F). The weather remains mostly dry with rainfall accumulation escalating a fraction to 1mm (0.04"). Weather in February »

Bamako experiences a transition in March. Temperatures continue their escalation from February to register at their second-highest for the year at 38.5°C (101.3°F). The average rainfall, while still low, tripled from the previous month to 2mm (0.08"), signaling the gradual shift towards the rainy season. Weather in March »

April in Bamako is characterized by the marked ramp-up of environmental moisture, with the rainfall increasing to 20mm (0.79"). This upward swing in humidity is harmonious with high temperatures which may rise to a blistering 39.6°C (103.3°F), with it being the warmest month of the year. Weather in April »

May indicates the onset of the rainy season in Bamako. Rainfall escalates dramatically to 54mm (2.13") from the meager 20mm (0.79") last April. This increase in precipitation leads to a humidity surge to 50%. Concurrently, the mean temperature plateaued at 38.5°C (101.3°F) defines the climatic interplay with both hot and wet conditions. Weather in May »

June is a distinctive month for Bamako as the rainfall volume more than doubles reaching 132mm (5.2"). However, the maximum temperatures start declining to a pleasant 35.3°C (95.5°F). As rainy days increase, so does humidity, reaching 67%. Weather in June »

July witnesses Bamako's annual peak in rainfall, a massive 224mm (8.82") accompanied by the high number of rainy days. The pattern of decreasing maximum temperatures continues, hitting a mid-year low of 32.1°C (89.8°F). Bamako's landscape transforms under the showers, with greenery flourishing all around and the Niger River at its most vigorous. Weather in July »

August in Bamako, Mali, further escalates the proliferation of rain-logged conditions with the rain to a volume of 290mm (11.42") and a relative humidity level peaking at 81%. Despite the heavy rainfall, maximum temperatures prevail around 31.1°C (88°F). Weather in August »

September brings a gradual end to the rainiest phase in Bamako with a reduction in rainfall to 196mm (7.72") and a slight decrease in average high temperatures to 32.2°C (90°F). The humidity levels attentive to the rainfall, start retreating but remain high at 78%. Weather in September »

October ushers in the dry season with a sharp decline in rainfall to 66mm (2.6"), significantly less than September's 196mm (7.72"). The average temperatures begin to rise again, climbing to a warmer 34.6°C (94.3°F). The city starts to dry up and the intensity of the sun increases yet the river remains swollen and tempts onlookers with its might. Weather in October »

Bamako's November is a testament to the transition from the wet to the dry season. Rainfall continues to decrease, hitting a low of 5mm (0.2") indicating the end of heavy showers. An increase in sunshine hours along with a revival in maximum temperatures to 35.3°C (95.5°F) signifies a steady return towards dry and warm conditions. Weather in November »

December in Bamako marks the dry season in full swing, with an insignificant average rainfall of 1mm (0.04"). Maximum temperatures stay elevated, averaging 33.4°C (92.1°F), comparable to January. This season is characterized by pleasant daytime temperatures and chillier nights, offering a refreshing change to the hot and humid rainy season. Weather in December »