The climate of Sanam
Sanam, situated in
Niger, dwells under the influence of the Subtropical Desert climate, as classified under the Köppen climate system. Its geographical location, nestled in the hot dry expanses of Africa, makes BWh the predominant climate.
A remarkable trait of the weather in Sanam is the extreme temperatures experienced throughout the year, with the lowest average in
January at 16.2°C (61.2°F) and the highest in
May reaching a blistering 41.2°C (106.2°F). Varying significantly from 16.2°C (61.2°F) to 41.2°C (106.2°F), Sanam exhibits a substantial fluctuation in temperature. Adding to this contrast, higher temperatures of 40.9°C (105.6°F) and above are expected from
April to
July and again in
September and
October, showcasing quite a wide range.
Humidity levels change from relatively low levels during the first quarter of the year with a minimum 11% in
March to its peak at 48% by
August. Rainfall shows an interesting cyclic pattern, with a dry phase from
December to April where rainfall is nearly non-existent, followed by significant rainfall during the monsoon season stretching from May to September where it peaks at 78mm (3.07") in August.
Sunlight is abundant, with sunshine hours varying subtly from 9.8 to 9.9, except for a slight dip in July and August. Days with sunlight are maximum during the drier months and dip slightly during the monsoon season. Visibility remains steady at 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year.
Wind speeds oscillate from 11.6km/h (7.2mph) to 18.4km/h (11.4mph). The windiest month in Sanam is December, with April witnessing a decline in wind speed. The winter months are also marked by an increased wind gust speed up to 30.5km/h (19mph).
The best time to visit Sanam
Considering the climatic patterns, the months between
November and
February are the best time to visit
Sanam. During this period, the weather becomes more tolerable with average temperatures ranging from 16.2°C (61.2°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F). These months also witness minimal rainfall, ensuring clear skies and excellent weather conditions for outdoor activities. Moreover, the relatively cool nights offer a respite from the extreme daytime heat.
The worst time to visit Sanam
The period from
May to
October is considered the worst time to visit
Sanam, due to extreme heat and monsoon conditions. This time of the year sees the temperatures soaring from 37.2°C (99°F) to 41.2°C (106.2°F), with high humidity levels accompanying the monsoon, making it challenging for visitors unused to extreme weather and oppressive heat.
Spring weather in Sanam
There's hardly any spring weather in
Sanam, considering its subtropical desert climate.
March witnesses average high temperatures of 38.3°C (100.9°F), low humidity levels of 11%, and virtually no rainfall. Wind speeds moderate to an average of 16km/h (9.9mph) during this month. The month also observes an increase in daylight hours, offering around 12.1 hours generally.
Summer weather in Sanam
The summer in
Sanam, which lasts from
May to
September, is indeed harsh and hot, with average high temperatures consistently above 35°C (95°F), peaking at 41.2°C (106.2°F) in May. This is compounded by the monsoon, which sets in around May and lasts until September, with a high of 78mm (3.07") of rainfall in
August. Despite these harsh conditions, the generous sunshine and consistent visibility prove advantageous.
Autumn weather in Sanam
Similar to Spring, Autumn is hardly a season in
Sanam. But during the months of
October and
November, there is a significant decrease in temperature, from highs of 37.8°C (100°F) in October to 31.2°C (88.2°F) by
December. Rainfall also diminishes considerably, reaching zero by November, making this period a transitional phase before the cooler, drier months.
Winter weather in Sanam
Winter in
Sanam features much cooler weather with the lowest average temperatures of the year, ranging from 16.2°C (61.2°F) in
January to 17.4°C (63.3°F) in
December. Unlike typical winter scenarios, it remains dry with no rainfall and humidity levels hovering around 14 to 16%. Bright skies and consistent visibility set the stage for the best climate conditions within the year, with Sanam basking in approximately 9.9 hours of daily sunshine bathed in the winter. Winds also witness an increase, typically reaching their annual high during this season.
Weather in January
Sanam,
Niger begins the year with widely drastic temperature fluctuations, reaching a high of 31.3°C (88.3°F) and potentially plummeting to a low of 16.2°C (61.2°F). The relative humidity remains quite low at 14%, so one can expect the air to be much less moist than in subsequent months.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February witnesses a slight rise in temperature, with the city enduring a higher temperature reaching 34.8°C (94.6°F), found it to be a bit more toasty than its predecessor. However, the skies remain mostly clear, relatively low humidity and winds, much similar to
January.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Sanam displays a considerable increase in temperature, peaking at 38.3°C (100.9°F), setting it apart from the cooler months of
January and
February. The day has lengthened to 12.1 hours by now, providing sunlight in abundance and heating the city significantly.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Sanam reaches a yearly high in
April with temperatures escalating up to 40.9°C (105.6°F). The progression from the initial months to April entails a significant hike in the city's humidity standing at 13% which is predictable considering the soaring temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The weather in
May shows a stark contrast from previous months with maximum temperatures at a scorching 41.2°C (106.2°F). The city starts receiving seasoned rainfall of 8mm (0.31"), further affected by raised humidity levels at 22%.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of proper summer with temperatures reaching up to 39.8°C (103.6°F). The city witnesses an enormous jump in humidity soaring to 31%, making the heat feel more intense. Further, the high possibility of encountering rains, which becomes more persistent, brings a noticeable change to the dry atmosphere in place since the year's beginning.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July signifies a slight reprieve from the escalating heat with temperature peaking at a comparatively cooler 36.9°C (98.4°F). A significant level of rainfall of 43mm (1.69") is witnessed in July, making the city a display of fresh, green surroundings.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is a period of rainy retreat in
Sanam, with the maximum temperature relievingly plunging to 35°C (95°F), a break from the scorching heat. The city records the highest rainfall in the entire year, nearly 78mm (3.07"), leading to an influx of humidity.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The slight increase in temperature up to 37.2°C (99°F) in
September announces the retreat of the wet season. The decrease in rains to 29mm (1.14") along with a reduction in humidity to 39% marks the return to the dry weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, a consistent high temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) is noted but the rains cease almost entirely, leaving only 6mm (0.24") behind. A noticeable dip in the relative humidity reveals the ultimate end of the wet season. The gradual fall in cloud cover to 7% and a lesser wind speed marks the beginning of clear skies and calm winds.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Sanam in
November experiences noticeably cooler temperatures, taking a dip to a maximum of 35.4°C (95.7°F), thus, beginning the transition into the winter months. Absence of rainfall throughout the month solidifies the return of the dry season, significantly lowering the humidity level.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In conclusion,
December marks the end of the year with comfortable temperatures, decreasing to 31.2°C (88.2°F) at the highest, and becoming coldest compared to other months. It exhibits weather conditions where there is no trace of rainfall, similar to the scenario in
January.
Weather in December »