Climate and monthly weather forecast
Bonthe, Sierra Leone

Bonthe is categorized as a tropical monsoon climate, in accordance with the Köppen climate classification. It is in the Am climate zone, residing in a tropical region. The tropical monsoon climate manifests in a significant seasonal shift in rainfall, while maintaining high, tropical temperatures throughout the year.

Throughout the year, a dependable factor is the consistently high temperature. Periods of high temperatures varying from 28.3°C (82.9°F) to 33.1°C (91.6°F) are experienced all year round. Likewise, the lower temperature boundary varies minutely from 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F). The sea temperature lends to the heat, as it does not cool down sufficiently to offer any respite from the ever-present warmth, ranging from a low of 27.2°C (81°F) to a high of 28.8°C (83.8°F) throughout the year.

Rainfall varies drastically across different months. A dry season stretches from December to February, with the lowest point in January with rainfall measuring only 6mm (0.24"). Rainfall rises sharply in March and then jumps to a significant 89mm (3.5") in April. From May through October, the precipitation reaches substantial levels exceeding 204mm (8.03") each month with peaks in July and August amounting to more than 800mm (31.5").

The daylight hours barely experience any fluctuation. Although the hours of sunshine do decrease during the wetter months (July and August), the tropical location ensures long daylight hours all year round, within a relatively fixed range of 11.7 to 12.6 hours per day.

Considering all climatological factors, the best period to visit Bonthe is during its dry season, from November to March. Although the temperatures during this time remain above 30°C (86°F), the limitation of rainfall to less than 25mm (0.98") per month and the abundance of sunshine hours, up to 6.3 hours per day, permit outdoor activities. Swimming is also feasible with sea temperatures between 28.1°C (82.6°F) and 28.8°C (83.8°F).

The period from May to October falls under the monsoon season with rainfall exceeding 557mm (21.93") each month. Despite these months having average temperatures slightly lower than the rest of the year, ranging from 28.3°C (82.9°F) to 32.5°C (90.5°F), the heavy precipitation and the skies being overcast for most of the day (with sunshine hours as low as 1.6 hours per day in August), make it a challenging time for outdoor activities or travel.

Spring season in Bonthe is represented by the months of March, April and May. These months represent a transition from the dry to the wet season. Rainfall sees a steady uptick from 10mm (0.39") in March to a whopping 204mm (8.03") in May. The average high temperatures during this period range from 31.3°C (88.3°F) to 33.1°C (91.6°F) and the average low from 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F), indicating persistently warm conditions.

The summer months from June to August in Bonthe signify the peak of the monsoon season. During this period, rainfall is the highest, reaching a peak of 844mm (33.23") in July. Despite the abundant rainfall, temperatures stay consistently high, between 28.3°C (82.9°F) to 30.1°C (86.2°F). Sunshine hours dip to their year-round lowest, averaging between 1.6 to 3.9 hours per day.

Autumn in Bonthe, marking the months of September through November, heralds the end of the monsoon season. Rainfall begins to taper off, ranging from 557mm (21.93") in September to 148mm (5.83") in November. High temperatures show a small incremental increase, varying from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F), while the low temperatures hold steady within the 23°C (73.4°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F) range.

Winter in Bonthe, the months of December through February, is a time of scarce rainfall, lower temperatures, and prolonged sunshine hours. Rainfall ranges from 6mm (0.24") to 10mm (0.39"), effectively marking this period as the dry season. Daylight extends to 11.7 to 11.9 hours per day with sunshine hours rising up to 6 hours per day. Despite being the coolest months, temperatures still remain high, between 30.1°C (86.2°F) to 32.4°C (90.3°F), reinforcing the enduring tropical climate.

The start of the year introduces a relatively dry spell for Bonthe, Sierra Leone. The atmospheric conditions promote a warm climate, without overpowering heat. January’s temperature closely mirrors Febuary's, ensuring a seamless transition from the first to the second month. Weather in January »

February carries forward January's weather characteristics, sustaining consistent temperature and low rainfall. Despite the slight increase in rainfall to 10mm (0.39"), February maintains its low-rainfall reputation. Moving to March, a modest hike in rainfall is predictable, indicating the onset of wetter months. Weather in February »

In March, Bonthe, Sierra Leone begins to experience a subtle shift in weather patterns. Rainfall increases to 25mm (0.98"), triple February's fall, marking a shift towards wetter months. The increment in rainfall isn't indicative of a drastic climate change, as temperature norms persist. Weather in March »

April paves the way for the real rainy season in Bonthe, Sierra Leone. Rainfall sees an overwhelming rise to 89mm (3.5") from March's 25mm (0.98"), reinforcing the ongoing transition to the wet season. Topography and ecosystems brace themselves for higher precipitation in the forthcoming months. Weather in April »

May amplifies the rainy season characteristic significantly, with Bonthe, Sierra Leone preparing for high precipitation. The frenzy of the rains hardens, as ecosystems reach their adaptive zenith. The similarity in temperatures from April to May aids in maintaining climate stability amidst high rainfall. Weather in May »

June showcases the peak of the rainy season in Bonthe, Sierra Leone. With monsoon in full swing, 574mm (22.6") of rain is expected, the highest for the year so far. Rather than a dramatic temperature change, minor fluctuations become noticeable in this month. Weather in June »

July raises the bar for rainfall in Bonthe, Sierra Leone, outperforming the preceding months. The weather pattern strengthens the rainy season, with the intensity of downpour reaching its climax. Temperature adjustments are minute, preserving the customary warmth of the region despite excessive rains. Weather in July »

August commences the gradual withdrawal of the monsoon in Bonthe, Sierra Leone. Despite the decline to 825mm (32.48") from July's peak in rainfall, August remains predominantly rainy. This month assures that September will follow in its footsteps, albeit with a much milder approach. Weather in August »

The month of September inaugurates a noticeable shift towards drier times for Bonthe, Sierra Leone. September's weather portrays a reducing trend in rainfall, announcing the imminent end of monsoon. Temperature readings remain steady, upholding Bonthe's warm climatic characteristic. Weather in September »

October announces the beginning of the dry season in Bonthe, Sierra Leone. The 334mm (13.15") rainfall of October, considerably lower than September's, flags the transitory phase between the seasons. The change in rainfall does not affect the usual temperature trends, ensuring a warm climate dominates. Weather in October »

In November, the weather in Bonthe, Sierra Leone solidifies the dominance of the dry season. The substantial reduction in rainfall confirms the retreat of the monsoon, leaving behind warm, arid conditions. A harmonious transition from November to December is on the cards, considering the stable temperature scale. Weather in November »

December in Bonthe, Sierra Leone carries forward November's weather traits, climatically capping off the year. The scanty 49mm (1.93") rainfall marks December as one of the driest months of the year. The temperature remains consistent, tying together the warm, dry verdict for December. Weather in December »