Lokossa Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Benin

Climate

Lokossa experiences a tropical wet and dry climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season spans from April to June and October to December, while the dry season lasts from January to March and July to September. During the wet season, heavy rainfall is common, with average monthly precipitation exceeding 100 mm. Conversely, the dry season is much drier, with monthly precipitation typically below 25 mm. Temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year, with an average temperature of around 27°C (81°F).

Average Weather Year Round

January: Dry season with low rainfall and average temperatures around 27°C (81°F). Expect sunny skies and warm, dry conditions.

February: Continued dry season with slightly higher temperatures, averaging around 28°C (82°F). Humidity begins to rise as the transition to the wet season approaches.

March: Transition month with increasing rainfall and humidity. Average temperatures remain around 28°C (82°F).

April: Start of the wet season with frequent and heavy rainfall. Average temperatures decrease slightly to around 27°C (81°F).

May: Peak of the wet season with abundant rainfall and high humidity. Average temperatures remain stable around 27°C (81°F).

June: Continued wet season with heavy rain and humid conditions. Temperatures may rise slightly to around 28°C (82°F).

July: Transition month with decreasing rainfall as the dry season approaches. Average temperatures remain around 28°C (82°F).

August: Start of the dry season with reduced rainfall and lower humidity. Average temperatures remain warm at around 27°C (81°F).

September: Continued dry season with low rainfall and high sunshine. Average temperatures may slightly decrease to around 26°C (79°F).

October: Transition month with increasing rainfall and humidity as the wet season approaches. Average temperatures remain around 26°C (79°F).

November: Start of the second wet season with moderate rainfall and high humidity. Average temperatures remain stable around 27°C (81°F).

December: Continued wet season with heavy rain and humid conditions. Temperatures may rise slightly to around 28°C (82°F).

Average Temperature in Lokossa, Benin

Lokossa experiences a tropical climate, characterized by warm to hot temperatures year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons. The city lies in the southern coastal region of Benin, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The average temperature throughout the year ranges from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius (77 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit).

During the hottest months of the year, March to April, temperatures can soar to an average of 32 degrees Celsius (89 degrees Fahrenheit). The city experiences a slight dip in temperatures from May to October, the wet season, with an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit). The humidity during this period is high, leading to a muggy and uncomfortable atmosphere. The dry season, from November to February, brings with it a drop in humidity and more pleasant temperatures, averaging around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).

Types of Clouds in Lokossa, Benin

The skies above Lokossa, Benin, are graced with a diverse array of cloud formations. During the dry season, from November to April, cirrus and cumulus clouds are prevalent. Cirrus clouds, composed of ice crystals, appear as delicate white streaks or feathery wisps. Cumulus clouds, on the other hand, are puffy and cotton-like, often resembling oversized balls of cotton. They typically form at low altitudes and may indicate fair weather or the onset of rain showers.

Seasonal Patterns of Clouds in Lokossa, Benin

The wet season in Lokossa, spanning from May to October, brings a different cloud profile. Stratus and nimbus clouds become more dominant during this period. Stratus clouds form a uniform gray layer that covers the sky, often causing drizzle or light showers. Nimbus clouds are associated with heavy rainfall and appear as dark, anvil-shaped formations. The presence of cumulonimbus clouds, towering vertical clouds with a cauliflower-like top, can indicate thunderstorms or severe weather conditions.

Monthly Precipitation Patterns

Lokossa, located in southern Benin, experiences a tropical wet and dry climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, which typically spans from April to October, the city receives substantial rainfall, with monthly precipitation exceeding 100mm. The peak of the wet season occurs between May and September, when monthly precipitation can reach an average of 200mm. The dry season, which runs from November to March, is characterized by significantly reduced rainfall, with monthly precipitation falling below 50mm. December and January are typically the driest months, with average precipitation of less than 20mm.

Annual Precipitation and Variability

On average, Lokossa receives approximately 1,200mm of precipitation annually. However, there can be considerable variability in annual precipitation, influenced by factors such as climate patterns and weather systems. In years with strong wet seasons, annual precipitation can exceed 1,500mm. Conversely, in years with weak wet seasons, annual precipitation can fall below 1,000mm. Droughts and floods can also impact annual precipitation, affecting the availability of water resources and agricultural production.

Seasonal Rainfall Patterns

Lokossa experiences a distinct wet and dry season, with rainfall varying significantly throughout the year. The wet season typically spans from March to November, with peak rainfall occurring between June and September. During this period, intense thunderstorms and heavy downpours are common, bringing abundant moisture to the region. In contrast, the dry season extends from December to February, characterized by minimal precipitation and sunny skies.

Annual Rainfall and Variability

Lokossa receives an average annual rainfall of around 1,200 millimeters (47 inches). However, rainfall can vary considerably from year to year, influenced by factors such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) patterns and climate change. During El Niño events, rainfall tends to be below average, while La Niña periods typically bring increased precipitation. Additionally, climate change is projected to alter rainfall patterns over time, potentially leading to more frequent and intense rainfall events and longer dry periods.

Occurrence and Probability

Snowfall is a rare phenomenon in Lokossa, Benin, located in West Africa near the equator. The city experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. Due to its geographical location, Lokossa has never recorded any snowfall in its history. The probability of snowfall occurring in Lokossa is extremely low and is considered an exceptional event.

Possible Factors

Despite the unlikely occurrence of snowfall in Lokossa, several factors could potentially contribute to its formation if the right conditions were met. Firstly, there would need to be an unusually cold air mass that enters the region, causing a significant drop in temperatures. Additionally, there must be sufficient moisture present in the atmosphere, which could originate from a nearby body of water such as the Gulf of Guinea. Finally, specific atmospheric conditions, such as the presence of clouds and precipitation, would need to align to allow for the formation of snow crystals. However, the combination of these factors within the tropical climate of Lokossa is highly improbable.

Sunrise and Sunset Times

The sunrise time in Lokossa, Benin varies throughout the year, with the earliest sunrise occurring around 6:00 AM and the latest sunrise occurring around 6:30 AM. Similarly, the sunset time also varies, with the earliest sunset occurring around 6:30 PM and the latest sunset occurring around 7:00 PM. The specific sunrise and sunset times for any given day can be obtained from local weather forecasts or astronomical calendars.

Day Length and Sunlight Hours

The length of the day in Lokossa, Benin also varies throughout the year, with the shortest day occurring during the winter solstice around December 21st and the longest day occurring during the summer solstice around June 21st. The day length can range from approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes during the winter solstice to approximately 13 hours and 30 minutes during the summer solstice. The number of sunlight hours per day also varies accordingly, with the fewest sunlight hours occurring during the winter months and the most sunlight hours occurring during the summer months.

General Information

The Moon is the celestial body that orbits Earth, and it is the closest astronomical object to our planet. It is a natural satellite that has a profound impact on Earth’s tides, seasons, and climate. The Moon’s surface is covered in craters, mountains, and vast plains, and it has no atmosphere or liquid water.

The Moon’s appearance changes throughout its orbit around Earth, and it goes through different phases as it reflects sunlight. The Moon’s phases include the new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. The Moon’s orbit around Earth takes approximately 27.3 days to complete, and it is synchronized with Earth’s rotation, which is why we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth.

Humidity in Lokossa, Benin

Lokossa, a city located in Benin, experiences high humidity levels throughout the year due to its proximity to the Gulf of Guinea. The average annual humidity ranges between 75% and 90%, with minimal fluctuations. The high humidity is primarily attributed to the influence of the prevailing southwesterly winds, which carry moisture-laden air from the ocean. As a result, Lokossa experiences a humid equatorial climate characterized by consistently warm temperatures and abundant rainfall.

The humidity levels in Lokossa vary slightly throughout the year, with the wet season (April to October) experiencing higher humidity compared to the dry season (November to March). During the wet season, the average humidity reaches its peak, often exceeding 90%. This is due to the increased frequency of rainfall and higher moisture content in the atmosphere. Conversely, during the dry season, the humidity levels drop slightly, typically ranging between 75% and 85%. However, even during the drier months, Lokossa’s humidity remains relatively high compared to other regions with similar climatic conditions.

Speed and Direction of Wind in Lokossa, Benin

Lokossa, a city in southern Benin, experiences a tropical wet and dry climate characterized by distinct wind patterns throughout the year. During the wet season (April to October), prevailing winds blow from the southwest, bringing moisture from the Gulf of Guinea. These winds tend to be moderate to strong, with average speeds ranging from 6 to 12 knots (11 to 22 kilometers per hour). The southwest winds are particularly pronounced during the rainy months of May to July, when they frequently bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

During the dry season (November to March), the wind direction shifts to the northeast. These winds originate from the Sahara Desert and are generally weaker than their southwest counterparts. Average wind speeds during the dry season range from 3 to 6 knots (5 to 11 kilometers per hour). The northeast winds are often accompanied by dry and dusty conditions, as they carry particles from the desert across the region. However, occasional strong winds known as harmattans can occur during this period, bringing with them a dense haze and reduced visibility.

Best time to visit Lokossa for weather

Lokossa, a bustling city in southern Benin, boasts a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. The city experiences two distinct seasons: the wet season, which runs from April to October, and the dry season, which lasts from November to March. The best time to visit Lokossa for favorable weather is during the dry season, particularly from November to February. During these months, the skies are typically clear, with minimal rainfall, and the temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The dry season provides ideal conditions for exploring the city’s attractions and engaging in outdoor activities.

Best time to visit Lokossa for events

Lokossa is home to a vibrant cultural scene and hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. One of the most significant events is the Popo Cultural Festival, which takes place in January. This festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Popo people, featuring traditional dance performances, music, and food. Another popular event is the Lokossa Carnival, held in March. The carnival is a lively celebration with colorful parades, music, and dancing. If you are interested in experiencing the local culture and participate in festive events, it is recommended to visit Lokossa during these months.

Potential and Prospects

Lokossa, Benin, possesses significant solar energy potential due to its location in the sub-Saharan region, which receives an abundance of sunlight throughout the year. The city has an estimated average solar radiation of 5.4 kilowatt-hours per square meter per day. This high solar insolation makes it an ideal location for harnessing solar power.

The Beninese government has recognized the potential of solar energy and has set ambitious targets for its development. In 2020, the country launched its Long-Term Strategy for Renewable Energy (LTRE), which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix to 25% by 2025. Solar energy is expected to play a major role in achieving this target, with the government planning to install 100 megawatts of solar capacity by 2025.

Topography of Lokossa, Benin

Lokossa, situated in southeastern Benin, is characterized by a diverse topography that includes both plains and highlands. The city lies within the Benin Basin, an extensive plain that covers most of southern Benin and extends into neighboring Togo and Nigeria. This plain is generally flat and low-lying, with an average elevation of around 100 meters (328 feet). The city of Lokossa itself is located at an elevation of approximately 50 meters (164 feet).

In addition to the plains, Lokossa also features a range of hills and mountains to the north and west. These highlands form part of the Atakora Mountains, which run along the northern border of Benin. The highest point in the Lokossa area is Mont Kouffè, which rises to an elevation of 658 meters (2,159 feet). These highlands provide a scenic backdrop to the city and offer opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport

Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport (COO) serves Lokossa and the surrounding region in the Mono Department of Benin. It is the second-largest airport in Benin, after Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou. The airport is located approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the center of Lokossa. COO is a hub for Benin Air Express, the national airline of Benin. The airport has one asphalt runway that is 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) long and 45 meters (148 feet) wide.

COO offers a range of domestic and international flights. Domestic flights connect Lokossa to Cotonou, Parakou, and Natitingou. International flights connect Lokossa to Accra, Lome, and Niamey. The airport is also used by the Benin Air Force. COO has a passenger terminal with a capacity of 200,000 passengers per year. The terminal has a check-in area, a departure lounge, an arrivals hall, and a duty-free shop. The airport also has a cargo terminal with a capacity of 10,000 tons of cargo per year.

History and Cultural Heritage

Lokossa is an ancient city with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. It was a significant administrative center during the Dahomey Kingdom and served as a gateway to the interior of the country. The city is home to several historical landmarks, including the Royal Palace of King Agoli-Agbo, which has been restored and turned into a museum. Visitors can immerse themselves in Lokossa’s vibrant cultural heritage through traditional ceremonies, music, and dance performances that showcase the city’s unique blend of ethnicities and customs.

Economic Activities and Development

Lokossa is a major economic hub in southern Benin, primarily driven by agriculture and trade. The city is renowned for its expansive oil palm plantations, which contribute significantly to the national economy. Other agricultural products cultivated in the area include cotton, cassava, and yams. Lokossa is also a thriving commercial center, with a bustling market where local artisans and traders sell their goods ranging from textiles to handicrafts. In recent years, the city has experienced significant infrastructure development, with modern roads, bridges, and improved access to electricity and water, attracting new businesses and investors to the region.