Abomey-Calavi Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Benin

Summer (March-May)

Abomey-Calavi experiences a hot and dry summer season with average temperatures soaring between 28°C (82°F) and 35°C (95°F). Humidity levels remain low, making the heat more bearable. Rainfall is scarce, but occasional thunderstorms may occur. It is an ideal time to explore the city’s landmarks and engage in outdoor activities.

Rainy Season (June-October)

The rainy season in Abomey-Calavi is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. Temperatures average between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F). Frequent thunderstorms and downpours can make it challenging to get around or participate in outdoor events. However, the city’s vegetation flourishes during this season, creating a lush and vibrant landscape.

Abomey-Calavi’s Climate

Abomey-Calavi, located in southern Benin, experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, characterized by alternating wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically runs from April to October, while the dry season lasts from November to March. During the wet season, heavy rainfall is common, with an average of 1,200 millimeters (47 inches) of precipitation per year. The dry season is generally dry, with little to no rainfall.

The average temperature in Abomey-Calavi is relatively constant throughout the year, with an annual average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit). The hottest months are March and April, with average temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). The coolest months are July and August, with average temperatures dropping to 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit). The humidity levels are generally high throughout the year, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

Cloud Types and Characteristics

Abomey-Calavi, Benin, experiences various cloud types throughout the year, significantly influenced by its tropical monsoon climate. During the wet season (April to October), towering cumulonimbus clouds dominate the sky, often accompanied by heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning. These clouds have flat, anvil-shaped tops and can extend up to 50,000 feet into the atmosphere. In contrast, during the dry season (November to March), the atmosphere is generally drier, resulting in a prevalence of stratocumulus clouds. These clouds appear as gray, low-level blankets covering the sky and occasionally bring light showers or drizzle.

Cloud Patterns and Formations

Cloud patterns in Abomey-Calavi exhibit distinct characteristics depending on the atmospheric conditions. When moist air rises, adiabatic cooling occurs, leading to the formation of clouds. As these clouds rise further, the air within them expands and cools, causing condensation and the formation of water droplets. Cumulonimbus clouds often develop along convergence zones, where different air masses meet and lift. In contrast, stratocumulus clouds form in stable atmospheric conditions, where rising air is capped by a layer of warm air. The interaction between different cloud layers can create spectacular displays of cloud formations, such as the formation of lenticular clouds over mountainous areas during the dry season.

Annual Precipitation

Abomey-Calavi, located in southern Benin, experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The annual precipitation in the city averages around 1,200 millimeters (47 inches), with a majority of rainfall occurring during the wet seasons from April to July and September to October. During these months, heavy rainfall is common, resulting in increased water availability and lush vegetation.

Seasonal Variability

The wet seasons in Abomey-Calavi are characterized by frequent thunderstorms and downpours, with average monthly rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters (4 inches) from May to September. The dry seasons, on the other hand, are relatively drier, with average monthly rainfall below 50 millimeters (2 inches) from November to March. This variability in precipitation patterns has significant implications for agriculture, water resources management, and economic activities. During the wet seasons, flooding can occur in low-lying areas, while during the dry seasons, water scarcity can become an issue.

Distribution and Patterns

Abomey-Calavi experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by two distinct seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season, which spans from April to October, brings abundant rainfall, with average monthly precipitation exceeding 200 mm. During this season, heavy downpours are common, particularly in July and August, when the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) passes over the region. On the other hand, the dry season, from November to March, is significantly drier, with monthly precipitation typically below 50 mm. The transition between seasons is usually marked by a gradual increase or decrease in rainfall.

Long-Term Trends

Historical data indicates that rainfall in Abomey-Calavi has exhibited some long-term trends. While natural climate variability influences year-to-year fluctuations, over the past several decades, a gradual increase in annual precipitation has been observed. This trend is consistent with broader regional patterns and may be attributed to a combination of factors, including changes in global circulation patterns and increased atmospheric moisture due to rising sea temperatures. However, it’s important to note that climate change models predict that the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events may also increase in the future, posing challenges for water management and disaster risk reduction in the region.

Historical Nonoccurrence of Snowfall in Abomey-Calavi

Abomey-Calavi, a city in southern Benin, is located within the humid tropical climate zone. This region experiences high temperatures year-round, with an average daily temperature of around 26 degrees Celsius. The prevailing wind patterns and atmospheric conditions make snowfall an extremely rare occurrence in this part of the world. The last recorded snowfall in Benin occurred in 1968 in the northern town of Natitingou, but even this event was a highly unusual and isolated incident.

Reasons for the Lack of Snowfall

The absence of snowfall in Abomey-Calavi is primarily due to its geographical location and climatic conditions. The city is situated approximately 7 degrees north of the equator, and its proximity to the Gulf of Benin influences the local weather patterns. The prevailing winds in this region are southwesterly, carrying warm and moist air from the ocean. These winds contribute to the high humidity and prevent the formation of freezing temperatures at ground level. Furthermore, the lack of significant elevation in Abomey-Calavi means that the air does not cool as rapidly as it does in mountainous regions. As a result, the temperature remains above freezing throughout the year, making snowfall highly improbable.

Sun in Abomey-Calavi

Abomey-Calavi, a city in southern Benin, experiences a tropical climate characterized by consistently high temperatures and alternating wet and dry seasons. The sun plays a prominent role in the city’s weather patterns, with an average of approximately 8 hours of sunshine per day throughout the year. During the dry season, from November to April, the sun shines brightly with minimal cloud cover, resulting in intense heat and a lack of humidity.

Impact on Daily Life

The abundance of sunshine in Abomey-Calavi has a significant impact on the daily life of its residents. The heat and humidity during the dry season can be oppressive, making it difficult to spend prolonged periods outdoors. Many activities are scheduled early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense heat of midday. The sun’s rays also pose health risks, including the potential for sunburn and dehydration. Thus, residents take precautions such as wearing hats, seeking shade, and staying hydrated to minimize the effects of the sun on their well-being.

Moon in Abomey-Calavi, Benin

The moon’s appearance in Abomey-Calavi, Benin, is influenced by its location near the equator. The city experiences a tropical climate, characterized by consistent temperatures throughout the year. This equatorial location means that the moon appears high in the sky and is visible for most of the night. During the full moon, the moon casts a bright light over the city, illuminating the streets and buildings.

The moon’s phases are also clearly visible in Abomey-Calavi. The new moon is not visible from the city, while the waxing and waning crescents appear as thin slivers in the sky. The first and last quarters show half of the moon illuminated, and the full moon is a complete circle. The moon’s phases have cultural significance in Benin, influencing religious practices, farming activities, and other aspects of daily life. Locals often use the moon’s position and appearance to determine the time and navigate their way around the city at night.

Seasonal Humidity Patterns

Abomey-Calavi, Benin, is characterized by its tropical monsoon climate, which is punctuated by distinct wet and dry seasons. The city experiences high humidity throughout the year, with average relative humidity levels consistently above 70%. However, the humidity levels fluctuate significantly depending on the season.

During the dry season, from November to March, humidity levels tend to be lower due to the absence of persistent rainfall. Average relative humidity values typically hover around 70-75% during this period. In contrast, the wet season, which lasts from April to October, brings an influx of precipitation, resulting in elevated humidity levels. Relative humidity levels often reach or exceed 80% during the wet season, creating a muggy and oppressive atmosphere.

Impact of High Humidity

The high humidity in Abomey-Calavi can have a significant impact on the daily lives of residents. Elevated humidity levels can lead to feelings of discomfort and fatigue, especially during the hot and humid months. Outdoor activities can become more challenging, as the body has to work harder to cool down. Additionally, high humidity levels can create favorable conditions for the growth of mold and mildew, which can pose health risks and damage buildings.

Wind Patterns in Abomey-Calavi

Abomey-Calavi, a city in Benin, experiences distinct wind patterns throughout the year. During the dry season, which runs from November to April, the predominant wind direction is from the northeast. These winds carry dry air from the Sahara Desert, resulting in a harmattan dust haze that can reduce visibility. The harmattan winds can also cause respiratory problems in sensitive individuals.

Seasonal Wind Variability

In contrast to the dry season, during the wet season (May-October), the wind direction in Abomey-Calavi shifts to the southwest. These winds originate from the Gulf of Guinea and bring moist air, contributing to increased precipitation. The wet season winds are generally stronger than the dry season winds, reaching speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. During the transition periods between the dry and wet seasons, winds can be variable in direction and strength.

Dry Season (November to April)

Abomey-Calavi experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, with a distinct dry season from November to April. This is the most favorable time to visit the city as the weather is generally dry and sunny with minimal rainfall. The skies are mostly clear, allowing for optimal sightseeing and outdoor activities. The harmattan, a dry and dusty wind from the Sahara Desert, occasionally blows during this season but does not significantly affect tourism.

Wet Season (May to October)

May to October marks the wet season in Abomey-Calavi. While rainfall can be heavy and unpredictable during this period, the city still offers some attractions and activities. The lush greenery and vibrant vegetation are at their peak during the wet season, providing a picturesque backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photographers. However, heavy downpours can occasionally disrupt outdoor plans, and it’s important to be prepared for wet weather conditions and adjust your itinerary accordingly.

Potential of Solar Energy in Abomey-Calavi

Abomey-Calavi, a rapidly growing city in southern Benin, holds immense potential for solar energy development. The city boasts abundant sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 5.5 kilowatt-hours per square meter per day. This favorable solar resource makes Abomey-Calavi an ideal location for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and other renewable energy technologies.

Benefits of Solar Energy Adoption

Harnessing solar energy in Abomey-Calavi offers numerous benefits. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, it helps mitigate climate change and air pollution. Solar energy is also cost-effective, as the cost of PV panels has declined significantly in recent years. Additionally, solar PV systems provide reliable and decentralized electricity, supporting economic growth and improving energy access for residents in remote or underserved areas.

Terrain Features

Abomey-Calavi, located in southern Benin, exhibits a diverse range of topographical features. The city is largely situated within the coastal plain, characterized by a gently sloping landscape gradually descending towards the Gulf of Guinea. This relatively flat terrain facilitates urban development and transportation. However, scattered throughout the coastal plain are a series of low-lying hills and plateaus, known as “atonrisses”. These formations, often covered in dense vegetation, add a touch of scenic variety to the otherwise flat landscape.

Vegetation and Hydrology

The topography of Abomey-Calavi plays a significant role in shaping the city’s natural environment. The low-lying coastal plain supports a rich variety of plant life, including coconut palms, mangroves, and oil palms. These vegetation types provide habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including birds, insects, and reptiles. The presence of numerous water bodies, such as lagoons, marshes, and the Ouémé River, further contributes to the city’s ecological diversity. These bodies of water provide a valuable source of sustenance and recreational opportunities for local communities. The intricate interplay between terrain and vegetation creates a unique and ecologically rich environment within Abomey-Calavi.

Cadjehoun Airport (COO)

Cadjehoun Airport, which holds the airport code COO, is the nearest airport to Abomey-Calavi, Benin. The airport is located in Cotonou, which is approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from Abomey-Calavi. Cadjehoun Airport is the primary international airport in Benin and serves as a hub for Benin’s national airline, Benin Golf Air. The airport offers both domestic and international flights to various destinations in Africa and Europe. Major airlines operating at Cadjehoun Airport include Air France, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, and Turkish Airlines. Passengers can access Abomey-Calavi from the airport via taxis, buses, or rental cars. The journey from the airport to Abomey-Calavi typically takes around 30 minutes.

Other Airports in Benin

While Cadjehoun Airport is the nearest airport to Abomey-Calavi, there are other airports in Benin that may be considered depending on flight availability and preferences. These airports include:

1. Parakou Airport (PKO): Located in Parakou, approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Abomey-Calavi. Parakou Airport mainly serves domestic flights within Benin.

2. Natitingou Airport (NAE): Located in Natitingou, approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) northwest of Abomey-Calavi. Natitingou Airport also primarily serves domestic flights within Benin.

3. Cotonou Airport (COO): Located in Cotonou, approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from Abomey-Calavi. Cotonou Airport is the same as Cadjehoun Airport and offers both domestic and international flights.

Overview

Abomey-Calavi is a city located in Benin, West Africa. It is the second-largest city in the country after Cotonou, with a population of over 1 million inhabitants. Abomey-Calavi is situated north of Cotonou and serves as a major commercial hub. The city is home to several markets, shopping centers, and businesses. It is also a center for education, with several universities and colleges located within its boundaries.

History and Culture

Abomey-Calavi has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It was founded by the Fon people and was originally part of the Kingdom of Dahomey. The city served as a major trading center and was a hub for the slave trade. In the 19th century, Abomey-Calavi was occupied by the French and became part of the French colony of Dahomey. After independence in 1960, Abomey-Calavi became part of the Republic of Benin. The city has experienced significant growth in recent decades due to its proximity to Cotonou and its status as a commercial hub.