January weather forecast
Mapaki, Sierra Leone

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. The remarkable aspect that earmarks January is the mere 4mm (0.16") of rainfall, making it one of the driest months of the year. Omnipresent clouds cover only a minor portion of the sky, pushing onset of the rainy season forward.

Temperature

January's presence records an average high-temperature of a torrid 35.4°C (95.7°F), closely mirroring December's climate. Mapaki records a marked divergence from the day's high temperatures, with nights in January averaging at an enjoyable 19.8°C (67.6°F).

Heat index

January's heat index is estimated at a burning hot 45°C (113°F). Take note: Heat exhaustion and heat cramps are expected. Heatstroke can occur with prolonged effort.
Heat index details are generally centered around shaded locations and a mild breeze. The heat index can potentially augment by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees due to direct sunlight.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'feels like', reflects the feeling of heat when considering both air temperature and humidity. One's perception of temperature is subjective, varying based on their activity and individual heat perception, influenced by factors like wind, clothing, and metabolic variations. Given the impact of direct sunlight, it's noteworthy that the felt temperature can rise by 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values hold great significance to children. Kids frequently ignore the importance of taking a break and rehydrating. Thirst is a late symptom of dehydration - thus, it is crucial to stay hydrated, especially during long-lasting physical activities.
In high temperatures, perspiration kicks in, allowing the human body to cool down through the evaporation of sweat. An increase in relative humidity retards evaporation, subsequently reducing the body's heat removal rate and leading to a sensation of being overly warm. Accumulating more heat than the body can dissipate leads to an uptick in body temperature, with potential heat stress consequences.

Humidity

The months with the lowest humidity are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 58%.

Rainfall

In Mapaki, Sierra Leone, during January, the rain falls for 2.2 days and regularly aggregates up to 4mm (0.16") of precipitation. In Mapaki, during the entire year, the rain falls for 225.8 days and collects up to 1471mm (57.91") of precipitation.

Daylight

In Mapaki, the average length of the day in January is 11h and 41min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 07:02 and sunset at 18:39. On the last day of January, sunrise is at 07:08 and sunset at 18:53 GMT.

Sunshine

With an average of 9.8h of sunshine, January has the most sunshine of the year.

UV index

The months with the highest UV index are January through April, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7. A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 represents a high health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for the average person.
Note: In January, the maximum UV index of 7 transforms into these recommendations:
Avoid excessive sunlight. Those with lighter skin may experience burning in less than 20 minutes. Stay out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is most intense, and remember that not all shade structures provide complete protection. For minimizing sun-related eye damage, always choose sunglasses with UVA and UVB coverage.