The climate of Katsina
Katsina,
Nigeria falls within the BSH Küppen climate classification, indicative of a subtropical steppe climate. The city is situated in the far north of Nigeria, where savannah landscapes dominate deeply traditional, agriculturally dependent communities.
A year in Katsina presents fairly constant climate conditions, with large variations in temperature, humidity, and rainfall. Typically, temperatures fluctuate between a low of 14.7°C in
January to a soaring high of 40.8°C in
April. Humidity levels adjust correspondingly, with the lowest relative humidity of 13% in
February and
March, to a peak of 64% in
August. Rainfall significantly defines this climate, with months deprived of rainfall contrasting distinctly to periods of substantial precipitation.
Rainfall scarcity occurs from
November to March, amounting to no recorded rainfall in most years. In contrast, the period from
June to
September sees an uptick in precipitation, with August registering the highest rainfall of 119mm on an average of almost 18 days. This pattern demonstrates a distinct wet season and a lengthy dry spell, characteristic of the subtropical steppe weather. Maximum sunlight availability is also seen in these summer months, with sunlight hours ranging from 12.5 to 12.9 per day.
The best time to visit Katsina
When selecting the prime time to visit
Katsina, it greatly depends on individual weather preferences. For those keen on warmth and drier climate, the period from
November to
March offers the best conditions. The temperatures during these months vary from 14.7°C to 34.8°C, with relatively low humidity and no rainfall. Additionally, these months present almost uninterrupted sunshine, offering an ideal opportunity to explore the local attractions in pleasant atmospheric conditions.
The worst time to visit Katsina
Tourist visits to
Katsina might be hindered from
June to
September due to significant rainfall. In
August alone, rainfall can reach 119mm over approximately 18 days. Coupled with the increased humidity of up to 64%, it makes this period least desirable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The visibility remains good; however, the higher cloud coverage of up to 35% identified in these months might obscure the usually clear skies.
Spring weather in Katsina
While local geographical conditions do not present a conventional Spring season, for practical purposes, the period from
March to
May can be considered equivalent. Roaring temperatures highlight this period, beginning at 38.8°C in March, increasing up to 40.8°C in
April before slightly declining to 40.2°C in May. Despite these high temperatures, the city experiences minimal rainfall, averaging 1mm in April and 9mm in May over approximately 2 to 4 days. The relative humidity also maintains a steady incline from 13% to 30% throughout this phase.
Summer weather in Katsina
A traditional Summer stretch in
Katsina falls between
June and
August, with a considerable surge in the rainfall. In June, rainfall gradually increases to 41mm, peaking at 119mm in August.
July also experiences a rise in the relative humidity up to 52%, which reaches its maximum in August, at 64%. Concurrently, temperatures begin to decrease, positioning between 34.4°C to 37.8°C. Despite substantial precipitation, these monsoonal months still enjoy an impressive average of around 10 hours of sunshine daily.
Autumn weather in Katsina
September to
November characterizes the Autumn season in
Katsina. This period begins with a slighter cooler atmosphere between 24.1°C to 24.9°C as the low temperatures. Thereafter, temperatures gradually rise, reaching a high of 36.5°C in
October before declining slightly in November. Rainfall dramatically decreases after the torrential Summer, from 40mm in September to absolutely no rainfall in November. Concurrently, relative humidity falls steadily from 54% in September, dropping to 17% by November.
Winter weather in Katsina
The Winter months of
December and
January in
Katsina are characterized by pleasant daytime temperatures, fluctuating between 31.4°C to 31.9°C. Night temperatures during these months are generally cool, positioning from 14.7°C to 15.9°C. These months feature very low humidity, maintaining at 17%, making the air markedly dry. Additionally, these months present no rainfall, following the consistent weather pattern of the region. With around 11.5 hours of daylight, outdoor activities can be comfortably planned for most of the day.
Weather in January
The year in
Katsina commences with dry and warm conditions. As
January progresses, the weather stays relatively stable with minimal variation. The absence of rainfall is noticeable, setting a stark contrast with wetter months ahead.
Weather in January »Weather in February
There is an upward trend in temperatures during
February. The weather in
Katsina continues to stay dry with almost no rain throughout the month. Pressure over the region mildly depreciates in comparison to
January. The average temperature range augments from the previous month, paving the way for warmer days ahead.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks a significant increase in temperatures while the absence of precipitation persists in
Katsina. The daylight hours enhance slightly, offering longer days than previous months. The UV index reaches 8, indicating an escalating intensity of the sun's rays.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a substantial variation in the weather pattern with minimal rainfall initiating in
Katsina. The humidity levels show a modest rise as compared to the preceding months. The length of the days continues to elongate, touching the maximum value for the year.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals the commencement of the wet season in
Katsina. It experiences an increase in rainfall, albeit modest in amount. Humidity levels take a significant leap forward, making the atmosphere more humid. Despite a shift towards the wet season, temperatures remain relatively high.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June, the wet season in
Katsina consolidates with an escalated measure of rainfall. A perceptible decrease in sunshine hours due to increased cloud cover signals the peak of the wet season. Relative humidity levels further increase, making the days more humid and nights cooler.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July bears witness to the highest amount of rainfall in the year in
Katsina. The cloud cover percentage hits its peak during this month. The UV index and sunshine hours observe a decline due to overcast skies. The wind speed predominantly remains unchanged compared to
June.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues to be majorly wet in
Katsina with the highest frequency of rain falling days. There is a significant drop in temperature providing relief from the intense heat. Daylight hours begin to reduce, however, the humid conditions remain constant.
Weather in August » Weather in September
By
September,
Katsina witnesses a noticeable shift from the rainy season to drier weather. The number of rainy days dwindles, and the amount of precipitation experiences a significant drop. Atmospheric pressure begins to rise again.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October denotes the end of the wet season in
Katsina. The rainfall frequency drastically reduces, and humidity levels follow suit. The daytime temperatures remain high, while the night temperatures start to cool down. The weather becomes more pleasant with decreased cloud cover and increased sunshine hours.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks a definitive return to the dry season in
Katsina. The noticeable absence of rainfall and declining humidity levels highlight this shift. The period is characterised by warmth during the day and cooler nights. The length of daylight hours and sunshine hours begin to balance out.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December carries forward the dry spell in
Katsina, rounding off the climatological year on a uniformly arid note. With the sun shining brightly and cloud cover at a minimum, conditions remain dry and clear. The temperatures start to descend, bringing in cooler evenings.
Weather in December » [Resources]