The climate of Sikasso
Categorised under the Köppen climate classification as 'Aw', or Tropical wet and dry or savanna,
Sikasso in
Mali reveals a climate pattern that oscillates from subtle rainy climatic conditions to pronounced dry circumstances. Geographically located, Sikasso sits in the Sudano-Guinean zone, rendering it with two distinguished weather periods through the year: a dry season from
November to
April, and a wet season that graces the region from
May to
October.
It brings forth variations in numerous weather parameters as the year progresses. On average, temperatures peak at their highest between 34.6°C (94.3°F) and 39.6°C (103.3°F), bordering on the lower side in
August with a high of 29.7°C (85.5°F), and fall at their lowest from 19°C (66.2°F) to 26.5°C (79.7°F), with a slight dip to 19.4°C (66.9°F) in
December. The relative humidity transverses a spectrum from a low of 15% in
January to a peak of 83% come August, indicative of the two distinct wet and dry seasons. A similar pattern is evident in the rainfall data, wherein April commences the wet months, culminating at 187mm (7.36") in August, and descending to nil in December.
A unique trait of Sikasso's climate is the month of August. It carries the highest rainfall totalling 187mm (7.36"), the highest relative humidity at 83%, and the comparatively lowest high temperatures around 29.7°C (85.5°F). August, thus, poses as the wettest and coolest month in Sikasso.
The best time to visit Sikasso
The most appealing time to visit
Sikasso occurs during the winter months of
November through
February. During this stretch, travellers can expect relatively low humidity levels ranging from 15% to 16% in November and
December, extending up to 23% by February. Ensuing a more comfortable ambience, temperatures would drop to a low of 19°C (66.2°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F), the daytime highs descend to more dearable numbers from 34.3°C (93.7°F) to 37°C (98.6°F). Rainfall is also at its lowest, receiving mere 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08").
The worst time to visit Sikasso
Contrastingly, from
June to
August should be refrained from touring
Sikasso. During this interval, heavy rainfall occurs, topping as high as 187mm (7.36"); combined with the soaring relative humidity that can reach 83%. The sporadic nature of these showers may cause disruptions to outdoor activities and travel plans. While the temperatures remain relatively consistent around 32.3°C (90.1°F) to 36.5°C (97.7°F), the increased humidity can make these temperatures feel significantly higher.
Spring weather in Sikasso
Spring in
Sikasso is defined by an increasing gradient of temperature and rising humidity levels. From
March to
May, temperatures spike from 37°C (98.6°F) up to approximately 39.6°C (103.3°F), which is amongst the highest in the year. The lows remain fairly warm, varying from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F). Humidity starts to creep up in this period, reaching 45% in May from a low of 23% in March. Rainfall starts to surface in this season with 16mm (0.63") in
April up to 36mm (1.42") in May.
Summer weather in Sikasso
Summer, from
June to
August, ushers
Sikasso into its rainiest period. Rainfall skyrockets from 60mm (2.36") in June to a peak of 187mm (7.36") in August. This is the phase with stifling humidity levels, escalating from 55% in June to an onerous 83% in August. Though high temperatures are slightly moderated in this period, ranging between 32.3°C (90.1°F) and 36.5°C (97.7°F), high humidity coupled with these numbers can push the "real feel" temperatures much higher.
Autumn weather in Sikasso
Autumn in
Sikasso, from
September and
October, is characterised by a tapering of rainfall from a high of 93mm (3.66") to a slight 41mm (1.61"). However, humidity levels still dominate the atmosphere, dropping slowly from 78% to 62%. Autumn temperature highs range from 29.7°C (85.5°F) to 35.4°C (95.7°F), with the lows offering little relief, staying between 21.5°C (70.7°F) to 22.5°C (72.5°F).
Winter weather in Sikasso
Transitioning into winter from
November to
February,
Sikasso gradually enters a period of greater comfort. Both temperature and humidity decline during these months with highs settling between 34.3°C (93.7°F) and 37°C (98.6°F) and lows barring 19°C (66.2°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F). Humidity subsides to the year's lowest levels of 15% to 23%, transforming the air to be dryer. This also marks the start of the dry season, which sees near to no rain, merely receiving 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08") in
December and
January respectively.
Weather in January
Positive characteristics are most notable in
January's weather in
Sikasso,
Mali. The clear skies coupled with strong sunshine hours might be appealing, especially for holiday seekers. The city is relatively on the drier end, with January recording the lowest relative humidity of 15%.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February establishes itself subtly distinct from
January, considering variations in the weather conditions. The temperature makes a gentle climb, adding to the warmth. Increases are noted in several areas, including the humidity rate, rainfall, and even the UV index, peaking at 8 for a regional comparison.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March's weather in
Sikasso marks a transition from the slightly cool months to a warmer period. The atmosphere gains humidity, and the rainfall levels step up, indicating the onset of wetter days ahead. Interestingly, the hours of sunshine fall slightly from the preceding month despite an increase in total daylight hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
Sikasso merges into the month of
April, the weather traits between the two months become evident. The month experiences its first sizeable jump in rainfall to 16mm (0.63"), signaling the onset of the rainy season. Temperature readings count towards some of the highest recorded, adding to the discomfort caused by the now high humidity levels.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is known for its significant deviation in the weather pattern in
Sikasso. The city confronts rainfall peaks, making it the wettest month with precipitation reaching 36mm (1.42"). Meanwhile, daylight and sunshine hours plateau despite the progressive changes observed in the previous months.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June's weather in
Sikasso carries the characteristics of a typical wet season month. Rainfall drops from
May's levels, setting up a more consistent trend for upcoming months. The influence of slightly increased cloud cover on the temperature is slight and does nothing to affect the temperatures.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The month of
July registers an interesting mix of weather elements in
Sikasso. As the rainfall reaches an impressive 130mm (5.12"), July becomes the month with the second-highest rainfall in the year, matched with a relative humidity of 71%.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August's weather in
Sikasso continues on from
July, making it a rather predictable albeit wet month. Rainfall totals top the chart, with August being the rainiest month at 187mm (7.36"). Despite this, high UV indexes, reduced visibility, and the still-consistent daylight hours make it less popular for outdoor pursuits.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September symbolizes a turning point in the weather cycle in
Sikasso. The showers lessen substantially as rainfall drops by more than half to 93mm (3.66") compared to
August's, signifying the close of the wet season. Despite the lingering high temperatures, they seem rather bearable with the declining levels of humidity.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
October in
Sikasso differences starkly from
September with the most notable changes being in the precipitation levels. The city receives 41mm (1.61") of rainfall, a considerable drop from September's levels, continuing the path to the dry season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November's weather in
Sikasso sets the pace for the cooler, drier end-of-the-year months. The city bids farewell to the rainy period with the rainfall measuring a minimal 5mm (0.2") - laying the groundwork for drier upcoming months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
By
December, the weather tale of
Sikasso arrives at a full circle. It comes with the driest conditions seen all year, as rainfall is absent throughout the month. Though the intensity of sunshine remains substantially-high and it is balanced by the reduced daylight hours.
Weather in December » [Resources]