The climate of San
San, a sprawling city situated in the West African country of
Mali, exhibits a subtropical steppe climate, as characterized by the Köppen climate classification BSh. This designation implies a dry, warm environment, with yearly temperature fluctuations and rainfall predominantly confined to a specific period.
Temperatures in San range considerably throughout the year, with monthly averages for high temperatures varying from 33.5°C (92.3°F) to 41.5°C (106.7°F). These temperatures, coupled with relative humidity levels fluctuating from 13% to 65%, create distinct seasonal variations. Low temperatures also exhibit a noteworthy variation, with monthly averages oscillating between 17.9°C (64.2°F) and 29.4°C (84.9°F).
Rainfall patterns in San are somewhat consistent with the steppe climate, with virtually no rainfall from
January to
March, a gradual increase from
April to
July, peaking in
August with 122mm (4.8"), before tapering off through
September and
October and stopping entirely in
November and
December.
Numerous sunshine hours are a key feature of San's climate, with no month receiving fewer than 7.7 hours of direct sunlight daily. Coupled with consistent visibility at 10km (6.2mi) and average cloud cover remaining below 33% throughout the year, San's climate presents extended sunny periods.
Wind speeds, range from 8.3km/h (5.2mph) to 12.6km/h (7.8mph), with gusts reaching up to 21.3km/h (13.2mph). This combination of relatively low average wind speeds and gusts reflects a significantly calm atmospheric condition throughout the majority of the year.
The Best Time to Visit San
Optimal visiting times hinge on personal preferences; however, considering climate and weather conditions,
November through
February offer the most comfortable conditions. Average high temperatures range from 33.5°C (92.3°F) to 36.9°C (98.4°F), with lows between 17.9°C (64.2°F) and 20.3°C (68.5°F) ensuring cooler evenings. These months yield virtually no rainfall, and relative humidity levels remain at their annual low, oscillating between 13% and 15%.
The Worst Time to Visit San
Arguably the least pleasant time to visit revolves around the rainiest period:
July and
August. While the average high temperatures during this period remain manageable, from 36.3°C (97.3°F) to 33.5°C (92.3°F), the significant increase in relative humidity to 65% can make conditions feel more uncomfortable. Additionally, expected rainfall reaches its yearly peak with 122mm (4.8") in August, coinciding with the highest number of rainy days at 18.
Spring Weather in San
During spring -
March through
May - temperatures start to rise, with average highs moving from 40°C (104°F) to 41.5°C (106.7°F) and lows ranging from 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F). Spring also signals the start of the rainy season, with
April and May experiencing an average of 2mm (0.08") and 6mm (0.24") of rainfall, respectively. The relative humidity begins to rise during this period, starting at 13% in March and increasing to 28% in May.
Summer Weather in San
June to
August represent
San's summer season. High temperatures hover from 39.6°C (103.3°F) to 33.5°C (92.3°F), while lows stay between 29.2°C (84.6°F) and 24.7°C (76.5°F). This period also represents the peak of the rainy season, with
July and August receiving significant amounts of precipitation, up to 122mm (4.8") falling in August. Humidity levels reach their yearly peak, making the weather feel much warmer.
Autumn Weather in San
Autumn, from
September to
November, sees a gradual decrease in temperature, with highs going from 37.5°C (99.5°F) to 36.9°C (98.4°F) and lows fluctuating from 25.6°C (78.1°F) to 23.2°C (73.8°F). Rainfall also begins to decline, reducing from 37mm (1.46") in September to a negligible one millimeter in November.
Winter Weather in San
Winter in
San is characterized by lower temperatures and little to no rainfall.
December through
February sees average high temperatures from 34.1°C (93.4°F) to 36.9°C (98.4°F) and average low temperatures ranging from 19°C (66.2°F) to 20.3°C (68.5°F). It is also the driest period of the year, with
January and February receiving no recorded rainfall.
Weather in January
January ushers in the year with warm and dry conditions, geared towards the higher end of the spectrum in
San,
Mali. Notably, temperatures vary from 17.9°C (64.2°F) to 33.8°C (92.8°F), demonstrating a considerable range for this time of year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February, the weather in
San reveals a subtle upward tendency in temperature. The climatic conditions remain predominantly dry, similar to the previous month. One could observe the peak of ultraviolet index during this month, making the application of sunscreen a crucial practice.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings in some changes in the weather conditions of
San,
Mali. The days grow slightly longer, paralleling the minor enhancement in temperature observed last month. Rainfall remains a rare commodity, while clear skies continue to dominate the month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By the time
April arrives,
San,
Mali starts to encounter the early signs of the rainy season. Rainfall doubles to 2mm (0.08") from the previous month, though it remains insignificant in the grand scheme of the city’s annual precipitation.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks a shift in
San,
Mali weather as the rainfall intensifies threefold compared to the
April showers, registering 6mm (0.24"). The progression in temperature takes a backseat, with little to no variation in comparison to the previous month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June witnesses the heaviest rainfall on record for the year in
San,
Mali, with a total of 20mm (0.79"). The shift in weather conditions becomes evident as humidity levels soar, coinciding with the onset of the wet season. Notwithstanding, the days are longest at this time of year contributing to extended sunlight hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The climatic narrative in
San,
Mali during
July is one of building humidity and increased rainfall. A striking feature of July’s weather is that it records the highest rainfall for the year with 61mm (2.4"). Even though the rains persist, the daily sunshine hours decrease marginally.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August is the month of peak humidity in
San,
Mali, emphasising the city’s tropical weather profile. It brings with it the maximum rainfall of an impressive 122mm (4.8"), while the temperature range narrows compared to previous months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals a shift in weather patterns in
San,
Mali. Rainfall sharply decreases from 122mm (4.8") to 37mm (1.46"), indicative of the impending end of the rainy season. Temperature ranges slowly start to broaden again, suggesting a return to hotter conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a break from the heavy rains, as the weather turns considerably drier in
San,
Mali. A marginal drop in both humidity and rainfall accentuates the onset of drier days. The increase in daylight hours is subtle, but certainly noticeable.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Transitioning into
November, the climatic disposition of
San,
Mali takes a turn towards cooler conditions. The rainfall decreases to a meagre 1mm (0.04"), highlighting the onset of the dry season. Temperatures start to lean towards the lower end of the spectrum.
Weather in November »Weather in December
As the year draws to a close,
December’s weather in
San,
Mali is characterised by cool and extremely dry conditions. Temperatures range between a chilly 19°C (66.2°F) and a balmy 34.1°C (93.4°F) across the city. A significant decline in relative humidity is observed, marking the reign of the dry season.
Weather in December »