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Contents
- The climate of Polokwane
- The best time to visit Polokwane
- The worst time to visit Polokwane
- Spring weather in Polokwane
- Summer weather in Polokwane
- Autumn weather in Polokwane
- Winter weather in Polokwane
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
The climate of Polokwane
Polokwane, a city nestled within the South African province of Limpopo, experiences a subtropical steppe climate, according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate type, labeled BSh, is characterized by considerable seasonal temperature fluctuations and minor variations in rainfall.
Looking at the data statistics, it's clear that Polokwane sees a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. The coldest months, falling between June to August, have temperatures dropping from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F) during the day and plunging to lower ranges from 4.4°C (39.9°F) to 4.7°C (40.5°F) at night. However, as the calendar progresses towards the warmer months, the city warms up, with daytime temperatures soaring to a balmy 28.1°C (82.6°F) in January, and nighttime lows only lowering to 17.1°C (62.8°F).
Relative humidity follows a relatively stable trend in the city, locating within values from 58% to 71%. Peaking in March, the humidity gently descends, reaching its nadir in September before gradually climbing again.
Rainfall patterns depict an inverse relationship with temperature. Drier months, with less than 6mm (0.24") of rainfall, coincide with winter's cold onslaught from June to August. Contrastingly, the city receives the highest precipitation in December and January, with 85mm (3.35") and 82mm (3.23") of rainfall respectively.
Given the city's latitude, daylight hours fluctuate in a considerable manner. This oscillation ranges from 10.7 hours of daylight in June to a more sun-soaked scenario of 13.6 hours in December.
Looking at the data statistics, it's clear that Polokwane sees a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. The coldest months, falling between June to August, have temperatures dropping from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F) during the day and plunging to lower ranges from 4.4°C (39.9°F) to 4.7°C (40.5°F) at night. However, as the calendar progresses towards the warmer months, the city warms up, with daytime temperatures soaring to a balmy 28.1°C (82.6°F) in January, and nighttime lows only lowering to 17.1°C (62.8°F).
Relative humidity follows a relatively stable trend in the city, locating within values from 58% to 71%. Peaking in March, the humidity gently descends, reaching its nadir in September before gradually climbing again.
Rainfall patterns depict an inverse relationship with temperature. Drier months, with less than 6mm (0.24") of rainfall, coincide with winter's cold onslaught from June to August. Contrastingly, the city receives the highest precipitation in December and January, with 85mm (3.35") and 82mm (3.23") of rainfall respectively.
Given the city's latitude, daylight hours fluctuate in a considerable manner. This oscillation ranges from 10.7 hours of daylight in June to a more sun-soaked scenario of 13.6 hours in December.
The best time to visit Polokwane
The timing of a visit to Polokwane should ideally align with an individual's weather preferences. However, data suggests that between May to October would be the most suitable timeframe. This period is characterized by lower rainfall, varying from 3mm (0.12") to 11mm (0.43"), ensuring minimal disruptions to outdoor activities. Plus, the higher sunshine hours in July, August, and September, sitting at 9 hours, offer ample opportunities to explore and soak up the local culture.
The worst time to visit Polokwane
As with any location subject to weather fluctuations, there are periods that might seem less appealing for visitors. In the case of Polokwane, the months between November to February, experiencing 60mm (2.36") to 85mm (3.35") of rainfall, can be quite inconvenient for those not fond of wet weather. The spike in precipitation and temperatures reaching 28.1°C (82.6°F) might be uncomfortable for some.
Spring weather in Polokwane
In Polokwane, spring encompasses September, October, and November. During this time, the city experiences a gentle upward tick in temperature, with daily highs ranging from 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 26.6°C (79.9°F), and nighttime lows adjusting between 6.7°C (44.1°F) and 15.3°C (59.5°F). Rainfall is relatively low in September and October, with values 6mm (0.24") and 17mm (0.67") respectively, but increases to 43mm (1.69") in November. Notably, the sunshine duration remains stable, from 9.2 hours in September to 7.8 hours in November.
Summer weather in Polokwane
In Polokwane's summer months, from December to February, the city reveals its highest temperatures, peaking at 28.1°C (82.6°F) in January complemented by nightly lows between 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 17.1°C (62.8°F). The weather remains quite humid; however, these months also yield the highest precipitation figures, from 60mm (2.36") to 85mm (3.35"). Despite these wet conditions, the city receives a generous dose of sunlight with sunshine hours ranging from 7.8 hours to 8.2 hours.
Autumn weather in Polokwane
Autumn in Polokwane falls in March, April, and May. Average high temperatures during this period moderately descend from 26.6°C (79.9°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F), accompanied by declining nighttime lows from 15.3°C (59.5°F) to 7.9°C (46.2°F). Rainfall decreases significantly in this season, dropping from 52mm (2.05") in March to a mere 11mm (0.43") in May, while sunshine hours increase optimally to 8.7 hours by the end of the season.
Winter weather in Polokwane
Winter sets foot in Polokwane during June, July, and August, with temperatures ranging from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F) during the day and dropping to 4.4°C (39.9°F) to 4.7°C (40.5°F) at night. In addition, these months depict the least rainy season, with rainfall dipping to as low as 3mm (0.12") in July. Yet, the season experiences a peak in sunshine hours, stretching to 9 hours in both July and August, offering bright sunny days despite the atypically lower temperatures.
Weather in January
In terms of comparative analysis, January weather conditions in Polokwane, South Africa, are marginally warmer than those of the preceding month. The region is characterized by substantial sunlight, allowing for a duration of 13.4 hours of daylight daily, as well as a UV index of 12, necessitating the use of UV protection. Weather in January »
Weather in February
Following January, February weather in Polokwane witnesses a slight drop in overall temperature range, yet continues to stay warm. Given the humidity stands at 70%, the climate, too, remains fairly moist. Total rainfall decreases to 60mm (2.36"), with an occurrence of around six days out of the month. Weather in February »
Weather in March
Transitioning into March, the climate in Polokwane experiences a notable decline in temperatures, although the variation remains insignificant. The city illuminates under 12.2 hours of daylight, moderately lesser as compared to February. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in Polokwane records a prominent cooling trend, moving away from the earlier months' consistent warmth. Humidity levels in Polokwane taper off as compared to March, resulting in slightly drier conditions. The region witnesses a declining UV index, which drops to 9. Weather in April »
Weather in May
By comparison to April, the month of May in Polokwane experiences more significant cooling, highlighting the onset of winter. The daylight duration holds firm at 11 hours daily, while the UV index dips further to 7, indicating a reduction in sunlight intensity. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June in Polokwane marks a juncture, with temperatures further sliding down compared to May. The city sees an average UV index of 5, implying subdued solar radiation. A minimal amount of rainfall is observed, with precipitation measuring a mere 5mm (0.2") over merely one day in the month. Weather in June »
Weather in July
The weather in July remains consistent with June's diminishing warmth in Polokwane, South Africa. With the unsettling lack of rainfall, marked as a mere 3mm (0.12"), July presents as the driest month of the year. The UV index inches up slightly to 6 in contrast to June, yet the intensity of the sunlight remains relatively scanty. Weather in July »
Weather in August
Compared to July, August in Polokwane witnesses a slight increment in temperatures, akin to the onset of spring. With 6mm (0.24") of precipitation over a day, the rainfall subtly hints at an upward shift. The UV index showcases an upward trend at 7, acknowledging the steadily intensifying sunlight. Weather in August »
Weather in September
With September's advent, Polokwane forecasts an escalation in climates when compared to August. Despite the increased heat, humidity retains a lower reading of 55%, accounting for relatively dry conditions. A distinct pattern emerges in September with rainfall elevating to 17mm (0.67"). Weather in September »
Weather in October
Contrasting with September, October in Polokwane, South Africa, signifies enhanced warmth in weather conditions. Nevertheless, the region sees a heightened frequency of rainfall, totalling 43mm (1.69") across five days. With a stable UV index of 12, the potency of sunlight remains high. Weather in October »
Weather in November
Moving into November, Polokwane sees a surge in precipitation compared to October, totalling 85mm (3.35") over eight days, making it one of the wettest months. Even as humidity rises to 66%, November retains the warmth of October with temperatures slightly increasing. Weather in November »
Weather in December
Comparatively, December in Polokwane remains close to November in terms of weather attributes. With precipitation amounting to a considerable 81mm (3.19") over seven days, it validates its reputation as a wet month. Moreover, the constant UV index of 12, paired with 13.6 hours of daylight, implies a continuation of substantial solar radiation. Weather in December »
Updated: Jan 25, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month in Polokwane?
The warmest period tends to be January, when average temperatures fluctuate between a high of 28.1°C (82.6°F) and a low of 17.1°C (62.8°F).
How many days does it rain in Polokwane?
Throughout the year, there are 47 rainfall days, and 478mm (18.82") of precipitation is accumulated.
When is the highest UV index in Polokwane?
The months with the highest UV index in Polokwane are January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 12.
What is the most humid month in Polokwane?
The most humid month in Polokwane is March, with an average relative humidity of 71%.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Polokwane?
April has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 7.7h of sunshine.
What is the coldest month in Polokwane?
June, marked by an average high-temperature of 19.6°C (67.3°F) and a low-temperature of 4.7°C (40.5°F), is the coldest month.
What is the month with the shortest days in Polokwane?
With an average of 10h and 42min of daylight, June has the shortest days of the year.
When is the lowest UV index in Polokwane?
The month with the lowest UV index in Polokwane is June, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
What is the driest month in Polokwane?
July is the month with the least rainfall in Polokwane, with 3mm (0.12") of accumulated precipitation.
What is the least humid month in Polokwane?
With an average relative humidity of 55%, September is the least humid month in Polokwane.
What month has the most sunshine in Polokwane?
The month with the most sunshine is September, with an average of 9.2h of sunshine.
What is the wettest month in Polokwane?
The month with the most rainfall in Polokwane is November, when the rain falls for 8 days and typically aggregates up to 85mm (3.35") of precipitation.
When are the longest days in Polokwane?
December has the longest days of the year in Polokwane, South Africa, with an average of 13h and 36min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Polokwane?
Polokwane, South Africa, does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). SAST timezone is used over the entire year.
Average temperature
Polokwane, South Africa
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is January (28.1°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is June (19.6°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is January (17.1°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (4.4°C).
Average humidity
Polokwane, South Africa
The month with the highest relative humidity is March (71%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is September (55%).
Average rainfall
Polokwane, South Africa
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is November (85mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (3mm).
Average rainfall days
Polokwane, South Africa
- Average rainfall days in January:
7 days - Average rainfall days in February:
6 days - Average rainfall days in March:
5 days - Average rainfall days in April:
4 days - Average rainfall days in May:
2 days - Average rainfall days in June:
1 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
0 days - Average rainfall days in August:
1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
1 days - Average rainfall days in October:
5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
8 days - Average rainfall days in December:
7 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is November (8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is July (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Polokwane, South Africa
- Average daylight in January:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in February:
12h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in April:
11h and 3min - Average daylight in May:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in June:
10h and 4min
- Average daylight in July:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in August:
11h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 4min - Average daylight in November:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in December:
13h and 4min
The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 13h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 10h and 42min).
- Average sunshine in January:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in February:
7h and 5min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 4min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 4min - Average sunshine in June:
8h and 4min
- Average sunshine in July:
9h and 0min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 1min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 1min - Average sunshine in October:
8h and 3min - Average sunshine in November:
7h and 5min - Average sunshine in December:
8h and 1min
The month with the most sunshine is September (Average sunshine: 9h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is April (Average sunshine: 7h and 42min).
Average UV index
Polokwane, South Africa
The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, October, November and December (UV index 12).
The month with the lowest UV index is June (UV index 5).
Polokwane, South Africa
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