The climate of Mapaki
According to the Köppen climate classification,
Mapaki falls under the Am category, signifying a predominant tropical monsoon climate. This is defined by warm to high temperatures throughout the year, accompanied by distinct wet and dry seasons. Mapaki's geographic position in
Sierra Leone aids in maintaining this particular climate with the region's proximity to the Equator moderating temperatures.
Through the year, the maximum temperatures fluctuate moderately, with the highest average maximum temperature being 38.4°C (101.1°F) in
March and lowest recording as 27.6°C (81.7°F) in
August. Average minimum temperatures, on the other hand, remain relatively steady, ranging from 19.8°C (67.6°F) in
January to a peak of 24°C (75.2°F) in
April. As the months proceed, one can observe a decrease in average sunlight hours, from 12.6 hours per day in
June and
July to 11.6 hours per day in
December, which further affects the visibility, falling as low as 5 km in
September.
Relative humidity is highest from June to September, with values peaking at 93% in August, while cloud presence follows a similar pattern, with peak coverage of 83% in August, slowly lessening during other parts of the year. Rainfall registers significant fluctuations, with a dry period at the start of the year, experiencing only 4mm (0.16") in January and
February, moving to an intensely wet period with the peak registered at 332mm (13.07") in August. Mapaki's weather includes a notable change in wind speed and wind gusts as well, peaking at around 6.8km/h (4.2mph) in April and 8.3km/h (5.2mph) correspondingly.
The best time to visit Mapaki
Given the weather conditions, the ideal time to visit
Mapaki can be from
November to
February. During this time, temperatures remain moderate, with high temperatures from 30.6°C (87.1°F) to 35.4°C (95.7°F) and lows from 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 22.2°C (72°F). Rainfall is infrequent, ensuring fewer disruptions for outdoor activities, and relative humidity values range from an adequate 58% to 85%, resulting in a relatively comfortable atmosphere. Moreover, the average daylight hours stay above 11.6, allowing tourists to fully indulge in sightseeing and engaging activities.
The worst time to visit Mapaki
The period from
June to
September might be the least preferable time to visit the area, owing to the heightened rainfall, which often surpasses 160mm (6.3") per month, and peaks at a substantial 332mm (13.07") in
August. The relative humidity also spikes during this period and, in combination with the abundant cloud coverage (above 68%), may lead to inhibited visibility, thereby affecting travel plans and outings.
Spring weather in Mapaki
As
Mapaki falls under the Am Köppen climate classification, it does not experience distinct spring weather akin to temperate regions. In this tropical monsoon climate, spring can be interpreted as the period of
March through
May, when the weather transition occurs from slightly drier conditions to the start of the monsoon period. During this period, maximum temperatures range from 34.3°C (93.7°F) to 38.4°C (101.1°F) while minimums vary from 21°C (69.8°F) to 24°C (75.2°F).
Summer weather in Mapaki
Mapaki's summer corresponds to the monsoon period, running from
June to
August. The temperatures remain relatively comfortable, with maximum values oscillating between 27.6°C (81.7°F) and 31.2°C (88.2°F) and minimums ranging from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 24°C (75.2°F). However, this period also marks the onset of the highest rainfall rates of the year, with August registering an impressive total rainfall of 332mm (13.07").
Autumn weather in Mapaki
Autumn months from
September to
November in
Mapaki showcase a gradual transition from the intense monsoon season to drier conditions. While the high and low temperatures fluctuate between 28.9°C (84°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F) and 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 22.2°C (72°F) respectively, there is a decrease in rainfall, falling from 261mm (10.28") in September to 64mm (2.52") in November.
Winter weather in Mapaki
The winter months from
December to
February bring the driest period of the year for
Mapaki. The high temperatures, ranging from 31.5°C (88.7°F) to 35.4°C (95.7°F), pair with low temperatures, varying from 19.7°C (67.5°F) to 22.1°C (71.8°F). Rainfall is at its lightest, recording 4mm (0.16") in
January and in February. The relative humidity during these months falls to among the lowest values throughout the year, providing a relatively comfortable and warm climate.
Weather in January
Serving as a grand opening of the year,
January in
Mapaki,
Sierra Leone, captures the authentic tropical vibe. Sun-soaked days, boasting approximately 9.8 hours of blazing sunshine in 24 hours, inject a refreshing essence. Not a radical shift,
February’s conditions mirror those of January - a sight of little variation to anticipate.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In the tail end of
Mapaki's dry season,
February continues the trend set forth by
January with a remarkable increase in temperature. The tropical heat soars high, effortlessly meeting an average high of 37.8°C (100°F).
March offers somewhat respite as the mercury begins to dip, signaling the start of the overdue rainy season.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March rolls in with a whiff of change in
Mapaki. The dust-laden dry breeze morphs into moist zephyrs, paving the way for the rainy season to unleash its spectacle. Stepping up from the preceding months, rainfall levels leap to an average of 21mm (0.83"), turning the heated ambiance into a refreshing retreat.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
A shift in the weather patterns is evident with
April’s arrival in
Mapaki,
Sierra Leone. Transitioning from a dry, heated landscape to a fertile sky raining dust-free waterdrops, Mapaki turns into a juxtaposition of sun and showers.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Stepping firmly into
Mapaki's rainy season,
May offers a refreshing reprieve from the preceding sun-drenched months. These seemingly perennial spells of rain refurbish Mapaki's natural beauty, showering life into every nook and cranny.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June carries forward with the momentum of
May, further immersing
Mapaki in the rains. The increasingly obscure sun gives way to overcast skies and frequent showers, occasionally accompanied by a brief gust of wind. As the city trudges along its monsoon journey,
July awaits with an upswing in rainfall and a continued decline in sunshine.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
Mapaki forges ahead in the heart of the monsoon,
July emerges as the peak of this wet period. A transitioning landscape from vibrant green to a darker monsoon-soaked hue displays a clear reflection of the weather.
August presents similar patterns with the monsoon's grip tightening onto the city, offering little reprieve.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August inherits the monsoon’s legacy from
July and runs with it, keeping
Mapaki ensnared in the wet season. Fluctuating between fitful showers and moments of calm, August paints an intriguing variety within the monsoon months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signals a gradual easing out of the monsoon with a marked decrease in rainfall. Monsoon-loaded months yield to relatively calmer days with the onset of the post-monsoon season. A slower pace in
October characterizes a welcoming transition after a long, moist trail of the rainy season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Mapaki brings about a transformation from the saturated months past. A noticeable drop in humidity and a return of sunshine indicate the retreat of the monsoon. The next chapter,
November, adopts a similar narrative as the city gradually shifts towards the start of the dry season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November embarks on a journey towards the dry season, leaving behind the tail ends of the monsoon. With receding rainfall and increasingly clearer skies,
Mapaki readies itself for the familiar dry season. Merging seamlessly into
December, the final month continues this trend with a further decline in rainfall.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Closing the year in
Mapaki,
Sierra Leone,
December symbolizes the definitive arrival of the dry season. The skies clear up, the sun takes the center stage, and the landscapes bask in the returning heat.
January waits just around the corner with an identical weather pattern, mirroring December's warm, dry conditions.
Weather in December » [Resources]