The climate of Rustenburg
Rustenburg in
South Africa is characterized by a Koppen climate classification of Cwa, indicative of a Humid subtropical climate with a dry winter. Its geographical location allows for diverse weather patterns reflected in its monthly averages.
Around the year, Rustenburg experiences a significant swing in its weather parameters demonstrated by temperatures, humidity levels, and rainfall. The highest average temperature recorded is 29.3°C (84.7°F) while the lowest average is 6.3°C (43.3°F). The difference in temperature is a reflection of Rustenburg's varied climate, which shifts from comfortably warm to refreshingly cold within a span of few months.
Humidity levels hover around the 60% mark with slight variations throughout the year, the lowest being 44% and the highest reaching 61%. Rainfall patterns are notably distinguishing, with the highest rainfall recorded in
December and
January at 95mm (3.74") and 83mm (3.27") respectively, while the dry months correspond to a drastic fall to 1mm (0.04") of rainfall.
Unusual weather patterns include a significant drop in rainfall between the months of
May and
August. It is also noteworthy that the wind speed varies between 7km/h (4.3mph) to 10.6km/h (6.6mph), influencing the local weather conditions.
The best time to visit Rustenburg
Mild weather conditions combined with low rainfall make the period from
May to
August optimal for visiting
Rustenburg. During these months, the temperature lies between 18.9°C (66°F) to 22.4°C (72.3°F), creating conducive environment for outdoor activities. Simultaneously, lower levels of rainfall, ranging from 1mm (0.04") to 5mm (0.2"), ensure minimal disruptions to travel plans and outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Rustenburg
The months of
December and
January may not be the most suitable period for a visit to
Rustenburg. This is due to a combination of high rainfall, with averages around 95mm (3.74") and 83mm (3.27") respectively, and relatively higher average temperatures reaching up to 29.3°C (84.7°F). These conditions might hinder outdoor activities and impede travel plans.
Spring weather in Rustenburg
Spring months in
Rustenburg bring about a gradual increase in temperature from 24.4°C (75.9°F) in
September to 28.8°C (83.8°F) by
November. Meanwhile, rainfall begins to rise starting from 4mm (0.16") in September and going up to 63mm (2.48") by November. Despite this, high sunshine hours persist, with November witnessing up to 11.6 hours of sunlight a day.
Summer weather in Rustenburg
The summer in
Rustenburg characterizes high temperatures with averages between 28.7°C (83.7°F) and 29.3°C (84.7°F). High rainfall is a significant trait of Rustenburg's summer with averages ranging from 63mm (2.48") to 95mm (3.74"). Coupling this with high humidity levels of around 60%, the weather can feel somewhat hot and humid. Despite the occasional cloud cover, the city still experiences around 11 hours of daily sunshine.
Autumn weather in Rustenburg
Rustenburg's autumn months witness a gradual decrease in average temperatures, dropping from 27.6°C (81.7°F) in
March to 22.4°C (72.3°F) in
May. Rainfall levels also see a significant decrease from 41mm (1.61") in March to 5mm (0.2") by May. Despite lower rainfall, humidity levels remain fairly constant, resulting in a moderately humid atmosphere.
Winter weather in Rustenburg
The winter in
Rustenburg experiences colder temperatures ranging from 19.2°C (66.6°F) in
June to 22.7°C (72.9°F) in
August. Coupled with minimal rainfall hovering around 1mm (0.04") to 3mm (0.12"), the city experiences dry winter conditions. Despite the cold, the sun is still out for approximately 7.7 hours a day, providing ample daylight. Peak wind speeds occur during this time, touching 10.8km/h (6.7mph) in
July.
Weather in January
Rustenburg's year starts off with fairly temperate weather as
January shows signs of significant humidity and slightly higher temperatures. Marked as the month with the highest rainfall at 83mm (3.27"), it sets the ground wet for the rest of the year, providing the much-needed moisture for the flora and fauna of the city.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Rustenburg moves into
February, there is a slight dip in temperature and rainfall, transitioning from the high moisture content of the previous month. The cloud cover decreases allowing for more sunny days, promoting clear, idyllic skies.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings a notable reduction in rainfall, from 53mm (2.09") to 41mm (1.61"), marking a gradual transition towards drier months. As
Rustenburg enter into autumn, temperatures begin to comfortably cool down, especially during the nighttime.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April shows clear signs of autumn in
Rustenburg with further decline in temperatures. The noticeable drop in both rainfall and relative humidity marks this month as the onset of a drier season. Despite fewer daylight hours, sun shines bright for substantial periods, illuminating the stunning landscapes of the area.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is known for its significantly lower rainfall, a mere 5mm (0.2"), representing the dry season of
Rustenburg. Temperatures continue their downward trend, especially during the night, signifying the approach of winter. Clear skies dominate the weather pattern with a significant drop in cloud cover percentage to 8%.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June, the winter truly sets in
Rustenburg, with the coldest average lows of the year at 6.7°C (44.1°F). However, the significantly lower rainfall, just 3mm (0.12"), combined with fewer clouds, allow residents and tourists to admire the unobscured, panoramic views of the city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July follows a similar pattern to
June, maintaining the cold and dry conditions characteristic of
Rustenburg's winter. The lowest rainfall of the year at 1mm (0.04") further reduces the already minimal moisture content in the atmosphere, marking the zenith of the city’s dry season.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Rustenburg symbolizes a transition, with temperatures beginning to climb, indicating an end to the cold winter months. With bare minimum rainfall in this month as well, the weather remains primarily dry, although humidity starts to pick up slightly.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings warmer temperatures in
Rustenburg, accompanying the arrival of spring. Although the rainfall does see some increase to 4mm (0.16"), it remains relatively low, maintaining the dry spell the city has been experiencing over the past few months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October graces
Rustenburg, there is an observable shift in the weather towards higher temperatures and rainfall. The increase in rain from 4mm (0.16") to 32mm (1.26") heralds the onset of wetter months, in sharp contrast to the dry spell in previous months.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November brings further increase in rainfall, peaking to 63mm (2.48"), making it the second wettest month in
Rustenburg. Despite the rains, there is ample sunshine available, illuminating the city in its full glory. As the temperatures keep rising, the city sees a notable increase in humidity, implying the onset of summer.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December witnesses the highest temperatures of the year in
Rustenburg, truly celebrating the peak of summer. With the highest rainfall at 95mm (3.74"), this month is characterized by frequent, albeit short-lived, showers. Despite the rain, daylight hours are the longest, balanced by substantial sunshine periods, projecting the city in a vibrant, glowing light.
Weather in December » [Resources]