Climate and monthly weather forecastMakeni, Sierra Leone

The climate of Makeni

Makeni, a significantly vibrant city in Sierra Leone, enjoys a Tropical monsoon climate, often categorized as 'Am' under the Köppen climate classification. This climate categorization primarily signifies a combination of high heat and substantial rainfall throughout the year.

Throughout the calendar year, Makeni shares an enticing dance between considerable downpours and warm temperatures. The mean high temperatures fluctuate from 27.7°C (81.9°F) in August to 38.3°C (100.9°F) in March, while the mean lows dodge between 19.8°C (67.6°F) in January and 24°C (75.2°F) in April. While the mercury never falls too much, the variances in humidity, rainfall, and sunshine hours create intriguing subplots to Makeni's climatic tale.

Humidity levels are relatively high in Makeni, ranging from 60% in February to 93% in August. Correspondingly, daylight hours also resonate somewhat reciprocally to humidity, with maximum daylight observed in June and July with 12.6 hours, and lowest in December with 11.6 hours. The rainfall, however, establishes a more pronounced seasonal pattern, increasing progressively from January onwards, peaking at 299mm (11.77") in August, and then experiences a consistent decrement until December.

This diverse weather pattern converts Makeni into a landscape with unique contrasts. The most distinctive climate pattern is perhaps the notable rise in rainfall from March to August, culminating in a high-precipitation period, peculiarly accompanied by the least sunshine hours and maximum humidity levels.

The best time to visit Makeni

Establishing the best time to visit Makeni mostly hinges on what visitors seek. If dry, relatively cooler periods with extended sunshine duration are to be preferred, December to March would be the perfect selection. During this quarter, Makeni experiences the least rainfall, ranging from 3mm (0.12") to 23mm (0.91"), lowest humidity levels between 60% and 65%, plus extended sunshine hours near nine hours.

The worst time to visit Makeni

The period from May to September could be characterized as the least desirable time for travelers seeking dry and cooler conditions. These months witness the city's highest rainfall reaching up to 299mm (11.77"), humidity peaking to 93%, and the lowest sunshine duration, plummeting down to 3.6 hours during August.

Spring weather in Makeni

In the spring months of March, April, and May, Makeni witnesses a significant increase in rainfall, while temperatures remain high. Rainfall begins to increase from 23mm (0.91") in March to 112mm (4.41") in May. Mean high temperatures, despite being on the higher side, witness a gradual fall from 38.3°C (100.9°F) in March to 34.3°C (93.7°F) in May.

Summer weather in Makeni

During June, July, and August, Makeni sees the peak of its monsoon with rainfall levels peaking at 299mm (11.77") in August. Simultaneously, mean high temperatures recede from 31.2°C (88.2°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F), and the humidity levels ascend to a steep peak of 93%.

Autumn weather in Makeni

The autumn months of September, October, and November witness a decrease in rainfall from 249mm (9.8") in September to 67mm (2.64") in November. Mean high temperatures modestly creep up from 28.9°C (84°F) in September to 31.6°C (88.9°F) in November.

Winter weather in Makeni

Through December, January, and February, Makeni endures a dry phase with rainfall reduced to a minimum, between 3mm (0.12") to 5mm (0.2"). Mean high temperatures hover between 33.1°C (91.6°F) and 35.4°C (95.7°F). These months also boast a significant increase in sunshine hours, reaching a comfortable 9.4 hours.

Weather in January

January, the first month of the year, graces Makeni, Sierra Leone with warm afternoons reaching up to 35.4°C (95.7°F) and considerably cooler nights with lows around 19.8°C (67.6°F). The clear and sunny days of January often lend to a relatively dry atmosphere, making it the second driest month of the year. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Following January, February continues to enjoy the warmth with slightly increased temperatures. February witnesses a rise in overall rainfall to 5mm (0.2"), however, the dry conditions endure. The duration of sunshine reduces slightly yet remains consistent enough to maintain the warm and generally lovely weather. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March, the first month of the spring in Makeni, is still a torrid month, with an average temperature varying between 38.3°C (100.9°F) and 22.9°C (73.2°F). In Makeni, the highest average temperatures are observed in March, with a high of 38.3°C (100.9°F) and a low of 22.9°C (73.2°F). March's mean heat index is calculated to be a burning hot 57°C (134.6°F). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April, being the start of the rainy season, witnesses substantial rainfall leading to relatively cooler temperatures. Moisture levels surge as rainfall reaches a significant 51mm (2.01") over a course of nearly 17.1 days. Despite the overcast, the city still enjoys longer daylight hours reflecting extended periods of veiled sunshine. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May experiences a drastic shift in weather dynamics as Makeni welcomes a relatively heavier downpour with a significant 112mm (4.41") of rain. Simultaneously, a decline in the maximum temperature is noticable, an indication of the city transitioning further deeper into the rainy season. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June highlights the onset of wetter months in Makeni with June being the rainiest. Now, the rainfall reaches its peak at 152mm (5.98") offering a much-needed respite from the heat. Sunshine hours dwindle to their lowest point in the year. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July, the heart of Makeni's rainy season, brings a moderate dip in the temperature ranging from 28.7°C (83.7°F) during the day to 22°C (71.6°F) at night. Despite the significant rainfall of 264mm (10.39"), the city quickly adapts to the changing weather revealing its resilience. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Makeni, in August, continues to be drenched under heavy showers, with the city experiencing the highest annual rainfall of 299mm (11.77"). These abundant rain showers, accompanied by dense cloud cover, offer a mystical allure to the city. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September observes a slight break from incessant rains with rainfall reducing from 299mm (11.77") to 249mm (9.8"). While the city still experiences high humidity and rainfall, the overall temperature begins to rise. The sun slowly makes its comeback, increasing the duration of sunshine hours. Weather in September »

Weather in October

In October, Makeni begins its transition out of the rainy season with rainfall decreasing to 189mm (7.44"). As the city waves goodbye to humidity and rain, temperatures rebound progressively. Average sunshine hours per day begin to recover, hinting at the approaching drier months. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November denotes the conclusion of the rainy spell with rainfall significantly dropping to 67mm (2.64"). The sun graces the city with plenty of sunshine depicted by an increase in sunshine hours per day. The temperature shifts show a marked increase providing warmth that most people in Makeni find comfortable. Weather in November »

Weather in December

By December, the weather in Makeni has become substantially dry and sunny reaching merely 4mm (0.16") of rainfall. The temperature elevates, and the city starts to warm up again as the dry season sets in solidly. The skies are mostly clear offering longer hours of bright sunshine. Weather in December »