Climate Insights for Timbuktu
Tombouctou Cercle, Mali
Climate Overview
The climate in Timbuktu is hot. The average annual temperature is 30°C and approximately 100 mm of precipitation falls per year. August is the wettest month, receiving around 49 mm of rainfall. Timbuktu is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: May, June, April. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to 15°C.The climate in Timbuktu is hot. The average annual temperature is 86°F and approximately 3.9 in of precipitation falls per year. August is the wettest month, receiving around 1.9 in of rainfall. Timbuktu is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: May, June, April. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to 59°F.
Temperature
Temperatures in Timbuktu vary considerably across the year, with a 27°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. May is the hottest month, with daytime highs reaching 42°C and an average of 36°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 15°C and an average of 22°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 12°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 5°C shift in average temperatures.Temperatures in Timbuktu vary considerably across the year, with a 48°F difference between the coldest and warmest months. May is the hottest month, with daytime highs reaching 107°F and an average of 96°F. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 59°F and an average of 72°F. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 22°F between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 8°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Timbuktu is a quite dry location, receiving approximately 100 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 8 mm per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 49 mm of rainfall. July and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is November, with just 0 mm. That's 49 mm less than August, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.Timbuktu is a quite dry location, receiving approximately 3.9 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 0.3 in per month. The wettest month is August, averaging 1.9 in of rainfall. July and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is November, with just 0 in. That's 1.9 in less than August, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Timbuktu is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 15km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is February, averaging 17km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 13km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 4km/h between the calmest and windiest months.Timbuktu is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 9mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is February, averaging 10mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 8mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 2mph between the calmest and windiest months.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Timbuktu is during January, February and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 24°C with modest rainfall averaging 0 mm per month. By contrast, May can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 42°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.The best time to visit Timbuktu is during January, February and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 74°F with modest rainfall averaging 0 in per month. By contrast, May can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 107°F. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Timbuktu based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Timbuktu based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.