Adjarra Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Benin
Climate Overview
Adjarra, Benin, experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically spans from April to October, while the dry season covers the remaining months. The average annual temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F), with minimal seasonal variation. The humidity levels are consistently high, particularly during the wet season, making the air feel warm and muggy. The annual rainfall exceeds 1,000 mm (40 in), concentrated primarily during the wet season.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
During the wet season, Adjarra receives abundant rainfall, resulting in frequent and often heavy downpours. The humidity levels peak, creating a humid and oppressive atmosphere. The sky remains mostly overcast, with occasional breaks of sunshine. Temperatures remain relatively stable, ranging between 25-29°C (77-84°F). In contrast, the dry season brings hot and dry conditions. Rainfall is scarce, and the sky is typically clear or partly cloudy. Temperatures can rise to 35°C (95°F) during the warmest months, but the low humidity levels make the heat feel less oppressive. The nights are generally cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 20°C (68°F).
Average Temperature Range
The average temperature in Adjarra, Benin, consistently falls within a narrow range throughout the year. The hottest months are February and March, with average temperatures hovering around 28°C (82°F). The coolest months are July and August, when temperatures typically drop to around 25°C (77°F). This small temperature variation makes Adjarra a comfortable destination year-round.
Seasonal Variations
Adjarra experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season runs from November to April and is characterized by clear skies and minimal rainfall. Temperatures during this period tend to be at their highest, with average highs reaching 30°C (86°F). The wet season, on the other hand, spans from May to October and brings heavy rainfall. During this season, average temperatures remain steady in the mid-20s (70s°F), providing a refreshing contrast to the humidity.
Types of Clouds in Adjarra, Benin
Adjarra, Benin experiences a wide variety of cloud types due to its tropical climate. During the dry season (November to April), cumulus clouds are the most common, characterized by their puffy, white appearance. These clouds typically form at low altitudes and bring fair weather. However, as the rainy season approaches (May to October), cumulonimbus clouds become more frequent. These anvil-shaped clouds tower high into the atmosphere and produce thunderstorms, bringing heavy rainfall and lightning. Additionally, during the transition between seasons, stratus clouds can be common, forming a uniform gray layer that covers the sky and often produces drizzle or light rain.
Cloud Formations in Adjarra, Benin
Cloud formations in Adjarra, Benin are influenced by several factors, including atmospheric instability, rising air currents, and wind patterns. The convergence of warm and moist air from the Atlantic Ocean and the inland highlands creates updrafts that allow clouds to form and grow. The prevailing easterly winds also contribute to cloud formation by transporting moisture from the ocean inland. The formation of cumulonimbus clouds is particularly associated with unstable atmospheric conditions, where warm, moist air rises rapidly, leading to the development of thunderstorms. Additionally, the presence of the Ouémé River and its surrounding wetlands can also affect local cloud patterns due to the release of moisture into the atmosphere.
Precipitation Patterns
Adjarra, located in southern Benin, experiences a tropical climate with a pronounced wet season and a shorter dry season. The wet season typically spans from April to October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between May and June. During this period, intense thunderstorms and downpours are common, contributing to the city’s average annual precipitation of around 1,200 millimeters.
Seasonal Variability
The dry season in Adjarra runs from November to March, characterized by a marked decrease in rainfall. However, even during this period, occasional showers and thunderstorms occur, providing some moisture to the local vegetation. The intensity and duration of the wet season can vary considerably from year to year, influenced by regional climate patterns such as the West African Monsoon and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events.
Rainfall Variability and Patterns
Rainfall in Adjarra, Benin, displays distinct variability throughout the year. The wet season typically lasts from April to October, with peak rainfall occurring in July and August. During these months, heavy downpours are common, often accompanied by thunderstorms. The dry season spans from November to March, characterized by minimal precipitation and occasional cool spells. This pronounced seasonality results in significant fluctuations in water availability and influences various aspects of local livelihoods and ecosystems.
Climatic Conditions and Influences
The rainfall patterns in Adjarra are predominantly influenced by the West African Monsoon. During the wet season, moisture-laden winds from the Atlantic Ocean are drawn inland by the low-pressure conditions over the continent. These winds bring abundant rainfall to Benin and its coastal regions, including Adjarra. The dry season, on the other hand, is associated with the northward movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the prevalence of the harmattan, a dry and dusty wind from the Sahara Desert. These climatic conditions create the alternating wet and dry seasons that characterize the rainfall regime in Adjarra.
Historical Perspective
Snowfall in Adjarra, Benin, is an extremely rare occurrence. In fact, there are no recorded instances of snow ever falling in this coastal town. The average temperature year-round in Adjarra fluctuates between 75°F and 90°F, making it highly unlikely for snow to form.
Geographic and Climatic Conditions
Adjarra is located in southern Benin, close to the Gulf of Guinea. The town is characterized by a tropical savanna climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from April to October, while the dry season extends from November to March. During the wet season, heavy rainfall and high humidity create a hot and humid environment. Conversely, the dry season is typically hot and dry, with temperatures rarely dipping below 70°F. These climatic conditions make it virtually impossible for snow to form in Adjarra.
Sunrise and Sunset Times in Adjarra, Benin
The sunrise and sunset times in Adjarra, Benin, can vary slightly throughout the year due to the Earth’s orbit and axial tilt. However, the general pattern remains consistent. The sun typically rises between 6:00 and 6:30 AM local time, with the precise time shifting gradually earlier during the summer months and later during the winter months. Sunset, on the other hand, generally occurs between 6:00 and 6:30 PM local time, with similar seasonal variations. These times may vary slightly depending on factors such as cloud cover and atmospheric conditions.
Daylight Hours in Adjarra, Benin
The length of daylight hours in Adjarra, Benin, varies throughout the year due to its proximity to the equator. During the summer months (June to August), the days are longer, with approximately 12 to 13 hours of daylight. Conversely, during the winter months (December to February), the days are shorter, with approximately 10 to 11 hours of daylight. The equinoxes, which occur in March and September, mark the periods when the day and night are approximately equal in length, with about 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.
Moon Information for Adjarra, Benin
Adjarra, Benin, is located at latitude 6.6667° N, longitude 2.05° E. The Moon’s position and phase change throughout the month. Here is the current Moon information for Adjarra, Benin:
- Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent
- Moon Age: 11 days old
- Moonrise Time: 7:20 PM
- Moonset Time: 7:25 AM
- Moon Illumination: 45%
- Distance from Earth: 383,521 km
Moonrise and Moonset Times for Adjarra, Benin
The Moon’s position in the sky changes throughout the day. The following table shows the Moon’s rise and set times for the next few days in Adjarra, Benin:
| Date | Moonrise | Moonset |
|—|—|—|
| Today | 7:20 PM | 7:25 AM |
| Tomorrow | 8:08 PM | 8:31 AM |
| Day after tomorrow | 9:01 PM | 9:38 AM |
Absolute Humidity in Adjarra, Benin
Similar to other coastal West African cities, Adjarra experiences high levels of absolute humidity throughout the year. Absolute humidity refers to the actual amount of water vapor present in the air at any given time, measured in grams per cubic meter (g/m³). The high humidity in Adjarra is primarily influenced by its proximity to the Gulf of Guinea, as warm, moisture-laden air from the ocean is transported inland by prevailing winds. Consequently, the absolute humidity in Adjarra remains consistently elevated, with an average annual value ranging from 20 to 25 g/m³. The highest absolute humidity occurs during the rainy season from April to October, when values can exceed 30 g/m³.
Relative Humidity in Adjarra, Benin
Relative humidity, expressed as a percentage, indicates the amount of water vapor in the air relative to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature. Adjarra’s high absolute humidity translates to equally high relative humidity values. Throughout the year, the average relative humidity in Adjarra ranges between 70% and 90%. The combination of high absolute and relative humidity creates a consistently humid environment, with little variation throughout the year. The high humidity levels can result in a muggy and uncomfortable sensation, especially during the hot and rainy season. However, the high humidity also contributes to the lush vegetation and abundant rainfall in the region, supporting agriculture and the local ecosystem.
Diurnal Wind Patterns
The diurnal wind patterns in Adjarra, Benin, are influenced by the daily cycle of heating and cooling of the land and sea surfaces. During the day, the land surface heats up faster than the sea surface, creating a low-pressure area over the land and a high-pressure area over the sea. This pressure gradient results in a sea breeze that blows towards the land, typically starting around noon and reaching its peak in the late afternoon.
Nocturnal Wind Patterns
At night, the situation reverses. The land surface cools down faster than the sea surface, creating a high-pressure area over the land and a low-pressure area over the sea. This pressure gradient results in a land breeze that blows towards the sea, typically starting around midnight and reaching its peak in the early morning hours. The strength and duration of both the sea breeze and land breeze vary depending on factors such as the time of year, the weather conditions, and the local topography.
Wet Season in Adjarra, Benin
The best time to visit Adjarra, Benin, is during the dry season (November to April). This is when the weather is most enjoyable, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. During the rainy season (May to October), the weather can be unpredictable and the roads can become impassable.
Dry Season in Adjarra, Benin
The dry season in Adjarra is characterized by warm and sunny weather, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. The humidity is relatively low, making it a comfortable time to visit. There is little rainfall during the dry season, so you can enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about getting wet.
Planning Your Trip to Adjarra, Benin
When planning your trip to Adjarra, be sure to take into account the weather conditions. If you are looking for the best weather, visit during the dry season. However, if you are on a budget, the rainy season can be a good time to visit as well. Just be sure to pack your raincoat and be prepared for some wet weather.
Potential and Challenges of Solar Energy in Adjarra
Adjarra, a coastal town in Benin, harbors immense potential for solar energy harvesting due to its tropical climate and high levels of solar insolation. With an average global horizontal irradiance of 5.5 kWh/m²/day, Adjarra is well-suited for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, the region faces challenges such as high upfront investment costs and access to financing for solar installations. Despite these barriers, the increasing awareness of climate change and the potential benefits of renewable energy has sparked interest in developing solar projects in Adjarra.
Government Initiatives and Opportunities for Solar Energy
The government of Benin has recognized the significance of solar energy and has introduced several initiatives to promote its development. These include feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and support for off-grid solar solutions. Additionally, international organizations and development agencies are actively involved in supporting solar energy projects in Adjarra. These partnerships aim to provide access to affordable and reliable energy sources, reduce carbon emissions, and create employment opportunities in the region.
Coastal Plain and Wetlands
Adjarra is situated on the southern coast of Benin and is characterized by a low-lying coastal plain. This plain extends inland for several kilometers from the Gulf of Guinea. The coastline is marked by sandy beaches and dunes, with occasional lagoons and estuaries. The wetlands in Adjarra are ecologically important, providing habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. These wetlands include seasonally flooded grasslands and freshwater marshes, which support a rich biodiversity. The coastal plain is also home to coconut plantations and other agricultural activities.
Rolling Hills
Beyond the coastal plain, Adjarra gradually transitions into a region of rolling hills. These hills are part of the Cudjoe Hills range, which extends into neighboring Togo. The hills are typically several hundred meters high and are covered in lush vegetation, including forests, grasslands, and savannas. The hills provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and are a popular tourist attraction. The slopes of the hills are used for agriculture, with crops such as yams, maize, and cassava being grown. The hills also contain several mineral deposits, including limestone and granite.
Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO)
Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO) is the nearest airport to Adjarra, Benin, located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) to the west. It is the largest airport in Benin and serves as a hub for regional and international flights. COO offers connections to various destinations within Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The airport features a single terminal with basic amenities, including check-in counters, baggage claim, duty-free shops, and a restaurant. Ground transportation options from the airport include taxis, buses, and rental cars. The journey from COO to Adjarra typically takes approximately one and a half hours by car. Passengers are advised to plan their transportation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Geography and Climate of Adjarra, Benin
Adjarra is a commune located in the southern part of Benin, in the department of Ouémé. It covers an area of 122 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 100,000. The commune is made up of a diverse landscape that includes forests, hills, and valleys. The highest point in Adjarra is Mount Popa, which stands at 266 meters above sea level. The commune has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season from October to April and a wet season from May to September.
Economy and Culture of Adjarra, Benin
The economy of Adjarra is primarily based on agriculture, with the main crops being cassava, maize, and beans. The commune also produces a significant amount of livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats. In recent years, tourism has become an increasingly important part of the local economy. Adjarra is home to a number of historical and cultural sites, including the Royal Palace of Adjarra and the Temple of the Python. The commune also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Adjarra Voodoo Festival, which is held in honor of the voodoo god Sakpata.