The climate of Maun
Maun, nestled in the southern African nation of
Botswana, is distinguished by a predominant Köppen climate classification of BSh, better known as a subtropical steppe climate type. This region is marked with hot temperatures throughout the year with a considerable range in minimum and maximum temperatures and a variation in humidity levels from 22% to 61%. Amidst the dry conditions observed in most months, there are also periods of increased rainfall.
Throughout the year, temperatures spiral from a peak of 36.7°C (98.1°F) in
October to a low of 10.7°C (51.3°F) observed in
July. Noticeably, the difference in the high and low temperatures ranges from 9.7°C (49.5°F) during the colder months up to a maximum of 16.3°C (61.3°F) in the hotter months. On average, the yearly temperature swings between 25.3°C (77.5°F) during the coldest and 36.7°C (98.1°F) at the hottest point.
Rainfall patterns exhibit clear periods of droughts and deluges. Rainfall is extremely scarce from
May to
September with almost negligible precipitation. However, the subsequent months observe substantial rainfall, culminating in a peak of 82mm (3.23") in
January.
An interesting pattern in Maun's weather is the visibility, which remains consistently at 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year. However, the cloud cover percentage oscillates from a low of 2% in
August to 30% in January. The average wind speed slightly varies through the year with the minimum speed of 9.1km/h (5.7mph) during
March to May and a maximum of 11.7km/h (7.3mph) in October.
The best time to visit Maun
Based on the aforementioned climate factors, the ideal time to visit
Maun falls between
May and
October. Temperatures are mild during these months, ranging from a low of about 10.7°C (51.3°F) to highs around 36.7°C (98.1°F). The absence of rainfall, coupled with a lower humidity level, negligible cloud cover, and a steady wind speed, makes it a period of pleasant weather.
The worst time to visit Maun
Travelers may find it less favorable to visit
Maun from
January to
April. January witnesses the peak in rainfall with up to 82mm (3.23"). Besides, the average high temperature is quite high during this time, making it uncomfortable during the daytime.
February continues with high rainfall and relative humidity of around 60%, causing an excessively humid atmosphere.
Spring weather in Maun
Spring in
Maun, from
September to
November, is characterized by increasing temperatures. The warmth rises from an average high of 34.5°C (94.1°F) in September to an average high of 34.9°C (94.8°F) in November. The relative humidity is extremely low during this period, around 22% in September to 36% in November. Moreover, the amount of rainfall is negligible with just 1mm (0.04") in September, rising gradually to 28mm (1.1") in November.
Summer weather in Maun
Summers in
Maun, from
December to
February, display high temperatures averaging between 31.3°C (88.3°F) to 36.7°C (98.1°F). These months also witness increased rain activities with an average monthly rainfall of 82mm (3.23") in
January and 67mm (2.64") in February. Moreover, the ultraviolet index can rise to a high level of 7 during these months, requiring adequate sun protection measures.
Autumn weather in Maun
Autumn, extending from
March to
May, sees a steady drop in temperature. The average high temperature decreases from 31°C (87.8°F) in March to 25.5°C (77.9°F) in May. The rainfall continues its decrease to reach almost negligible by May. This period is also marked by decreasing daylight hours from 12.2 hours in March to 10.9 hours by May.
Winter weather in Maun
Winter in
Maun arrives in
June and extends to
August. These months experience the lowest temperatures of the year, with the lowest average high temperature being 25.3°C (77.5°F) in
July. Precipitation in winter is almost not recorded, while the average daylight and sunshine duration increase from 10.9 hours and 7.7 hours in June respectively to 11.5 hours and 10 hours by August.
Weather in January
Kicking off the year, the weather in
Maun,
Botswana, mirrors the hot and humid tropical climate of the region. Slight dips in temperature can be felt, in stark contrast to the extreme heat of the preceding months. The air pressure begins to stabilize, reducing the likelihood of strong winds.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The climate in
February carries over much of
January's characteristics, with only minor changes. The humidity begins to increase slightly, while the temperature drops, leading to cooler evenings. The rainfall also decreases slightly from the previous month, and the UV index drops to a level 6.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As we transition into
March, the number of daylight hours begins to shrink, while the temperature continues its gradual descent. Despite these changes, the pressure still remains relatively stable, and the wind speed continues to decrease.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a shift in the weather in
Maun, where the reduction of rainfall becomes more apparent. Winds are steady, with gusts not typically exceeding the normal speed, while the pressure starts to marginally increase. On a brighter note, the UV index remains at a moderate 6 units.
Weather in April » Weather in May
As
Maun,
Botswana moves into the middle of the year,
May brings even cooler temperatures. The cloud cover is noticeably reduced, resulting in a higher percentage of sunshine throughout the month. The UV index starts decreasing by one unit, reducing the intensity of the sun's rays.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Compared to the previous month,
June experiences slightly cooler temperatures. The average rainfall remains negligible, coupled with a stable pressure system that keeps stormy conditions at bay. Consistently, the wind speeds marginally increase, but the shore breeze makes for pleasant evenings in
Maun.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Maun,
Botswana, continues the trend with minor changes to
June's stable weather patterns. Temperatures drop more significantly at night, but clear skies and consistent pressure keep the days sunny and bright. However, the UV index remains at a moderate 5 units despite these sunny days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Maun marks a turning point in the year, with temperatures beginning to climb once again. While it continues the trend of having less rainfall, the wind speed starts gradually increasing. Pressure begins to drop slightly, marking the end of the stable high-pressure system.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Maun foretells the arrival of warmer months, as the temperature begins significantly increasing. While rainfall remains scarce, daylight begins to gradually extend, paving the way for longer days. Wind speed, similar to
August, continues to rise, venturing into double-digits.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Owing to the imminent arrival of summer,
Maun's
October weather sees a sharp increase in temperature. Coupled with the continued absence of rainfall, Maun's October climate poses high heat and dry conditions. The UV index also spikes up from the previous month reaching a level 8.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November sees a spike in both daylight hours and relative humidity in
Maun,
Botswana. The rise in UV index indicates a higher intensity of the sun's rays. This is further accelerated by a sharp drop in pressure and an increase in wind speed.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Lastly,
December in
Maun sees a significant increase in both rainfall and relative humidity. With the highest UV index of the year, the sun's rays can be quite intense. Meanwhile, temperatures stay relatively stable but slightly cooled, compared to the previous month's highs.
Weather in December » [Resources]