The climate of Aru
Located in the
Democratic Republic of Congo,
Aru experiences a tropical wet and dry or savanna type of climate, classified as 'Aw' according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate type is defined by substantial monthly temperature variations and contrasting wet and dry seasons.
Exploring the data, it is evident the temperatures in Aru range from 26.7°C (80.1°F) to 33.4°C (92.1°F) on the higher side and from 17.1°C (62.8°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F) on the lower side, indicating a consistently warm year-round climate. Examining relative humidity, it escalates progressively through the year from a low of 38% up until
August where it hits peak at 82%, then starts to subside once again.
Rainfall is another significant factor in Aru's climate. Patterns suggest the year is split between a pronounced rainy season and a considerably dry season. It stays relatively dry from
January to
March, with rainfall averages not exceeding 43mm (1.69"). Subsequently, from
April to
November, Aru receives substantial rainfall ranging from 108mm (4.25") to 226mm (8.9") per month. November seems to be particularly damp with the heaviest average rainfall of 226mm (8.9"). Then, the annual rainfall closes on a drier note in
December with just 22mm (0.87").
Predictably, higher amounts of rain correspond with more rain days, fluctuating from as low as 3.1 days in January to as high as 29.7 days in August. It is also reflected in cloud cover, which escalates from 10% in January to a peak of 41% in August before descending again towards the end of the year.
Sunshine trend is also noteworthy. There is relatively consistent daylight across the whole year, averaging around 12 hours a day. However, actual sunshine hours fluctuate markedly, ranging from a high of 9.9 hours in January to a low of 8.5 hours in August, reflecting the influence of the rainy season.
The best time to visit Aru
The best time to visit
Aru would ideally be during the dry months when rainfall and humidity are relatively low, the temperatures are somewhat cooler, and sunshine duration is maximised. Between
January and
March, temperatures fall within an optimal range of 32.5°C (90.5°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F) on the high-end and 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 20.7°C (69.3°F) on the lower end, which is generally comfortable for outdoor activities and exploration. With sunlight hours resting at a considerable 9.9 hours a day and lower cloud cover of around 10 to 22%, visitors can expect bright and sunny days, especially in January and
February.
The worst time to visit Aru
Travelling to
Aru during the months of
August and
October might not be an ideal decision due to high rainfall, with average monthly rain reaching 194mm (7.64") in August and 226mm (8.9") in October. With rain days surpassing 28 through these months, there is a high chance of encountering rain on any given day. Moreover, the cloud cover peaks at around 41%, and this high concentration of cloud cover does affect the sunshine hours which sink to a low point of the year, averaging 8.5 hours a day. Thus, outdoor activities and sightseeing could be heavily disrupted during this time.
Spring weather in Aru
Spring months in
Aru, from
September through
November, while not as wet as the summer, do still experience considerable rainfall which can vary from 167mm (6.57") to 226mm (8.9") across each month. Temperatures, however, remain relatively pleasant hovering from a high of 27.5°C (81.5°F) to 27.8°C (82°F) and a low of 17.5°C (63.5°F) to 18.1°C (64.6°F). This period sees some improvement in sunlight hours compared to the summer months, increasing to an average of 9.1 hours per day in September and 9.2 hours per day in November.
Summer weather in Aru
Aru’s summer season, spanning
June to
August, is marked by the highest levels of rainfall and humidity of the year. In this period, rainfall amounts shoot up to between 164mm (6.46") to 194mm (7.64") per month. Concurrently, relative humidity rises, reaching 80% to 82%, and average temperatures sit between 26.7°C (80.1°F) to 27.4°C (81.3°F) at the high end and 17.1°C (62.8°F) on the lower end. These months see the least sunshine hours of the year, dipping to a yearly low of 8.5 hours per day.
Autumn weather in Aru
Aru’s autumn period between
December and
February is characterized by drier conditions, with rainfall drastically dropping to between 3mm (0.12") and 43mm (1.69"). This period is suitable for outdoor activities and exploration as temperatures at their highest range from 29.9°C (85.8°F) to 33.4°C (92.1°F) and at the lowest range from 18.5°C (65.3°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F). Sunshine duration extends to 9.9 hours on average per day making this period optimally bright and sunny.
Winter weather in Aru
Winter in
Aru, spanning
March till
May, signals the beginning of the wet season. Rainfall commences a perceptible rise from 43mm (1.69") in March to a heavy 177mm (6.97") in May. Yet, relative humidity remains within a tolerable range from 54% to 78%. Temperatures during these months sit at a comfortable bracket of 28.3°C (82.9°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F) on the high end and 18.3°C (64.9°F) to 20.7°C (69.3°F) on the lower end. Sunlight hours start to dwindle wider the influence of increasing cloud cover, falling from 9.6 hours per day in March to 8.7 hours per day by May's end.
Weather in January
January kicks off with mild temperatures, and the city of
Aru experiences balmy weather. Despite the welcoming warmth, it's essential to stay hydrated as relative humidity measures at 38%. The daylight period, measuring 12 hours, barely fluctuates throughout the month, indicating a consistent pattern of sunlight and darkness.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather in
Aru in
February showcases a mild rise in temperature, further enhancing the warmth introduced in
January. There is a similar pattern of daylight and sunshine hours as witnessed in January. The weather in Aru during this month is also characterized by a slight increase in rainfall, indicating a transition to the wetter months ahead.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Entering
March, a significant shift in weather patterns begins, with a notable increase in rainfall, reaching 43mm (1.69"). In terms of temperature, the changes are less drastic, with a slight drop compared to
February. The period of daylight remains almost static, just like the previous months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The drastic shift in weather, apparent in
March, continues into
April. This time, the city of
Aru experiences massively increased rainfall, reaching an average of 109mm (4.29"), thus April becomes the onset of the long wet season in Congo.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May holds the banner of the wettest month in
Aru, with a maximum rainfall of 177mm (6.97"). Temperature ranges remain relatively constant, with the warmth persisting. Relative humidity reaches a high level due to ongoing rains, making it quite comfortless without the right attire.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is characterized by sustained rainfall, with little to no decrease compared to
May. Similarly, temperatures also remain steady, with warmth persisting in the city of
Aru despite the rainy season. A decrease in wind speed down to 6.1 Kph is noted during this month.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues with the established weather pattern, including high rainfall and stable temperatures. The wind speed drops slightly to 5.5 Kph, providing a calmer environment despite the continuing rainfall. The consistent atmospheric pressure, sitting at 1013.3mb, indicates the maintenance of the ongoing climatic trend.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August, although still part of the long wet season, begins to hint at a moderation in rainfall. Yet, this month has the highest relative humidity of 82%. A slight decrease in visibility to 8km (5mi) is noted due to the persistent rain and high moister content in air.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September stands as a turning point in the weather in
Aru, with reduced rainfall and a slight dip in average temperature. The climate is more bearable with temperatures of 27.5°C (81.5°F), and the heavy rain less frequent. More sunshine hours, measuring nearly 9.1 hours, grace the city, lighting up the days beautifully.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Weather in
October continues the pattern set in
September, with a consistent dip in rainfall and a slight rise in temperature. The city of
Aru witnesses a considerable spike in rainfall to 226mm (8.9"), a notable climatic twist in October.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Heading into
November, the weather in
Aru exhibits a marked reduction in rainfall to 108mm (4.25"), relieving the city from the heavy showers experienced in
October. A slight rise in sunshine hours is observed, offering brighter days.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December,
Aru witnesses a significant drop in rainfall, down to just 22mm (0.87"), bringing back the drier season. Simultaneously, a rise in temperature clears the trails of the wet season by bringing in warmth. Consistent daylight accompanies the reducing rainfall levels, infusing more brightness into the shorter days.
Weather in December »