The climate of Kigoma
Occupying a geographical position in
Tanzania,
Kigoma has a Tropical wet and dry or savanna climate, categorized by the Köppen climate classification as Aw. Months are differentiated by pronounced climatological cycles, which yield an array of weather situations.
Throughout the year, the temperature ranges from a low of 20.1°C (68.2°F) to a high of 26.3°C (79.3°F). This constant swing within a relatively narrow range typifies the tropical climate. Kigoma's weather is marked by a slight dip in temperature during mid-year, with the coldest month being
July with as low as 20.1°C (68.2°F) whereas the warmest months are
September and
October both with up to 26.3°C (79.3°F).
From an atmospheric perspective, the cloud cover percentage also varies from 12% to 42%, registering the highest in
April while lowest in
August. Going hand in hand with cloud cover, visibility experiences minor shifts ranging from 9km (5.6mi) in April and
May to 10km (6.2mi) through the remaining months. Pressure fluctuations are also minimal, revolving between 1011.4 mb to 1015.1 mb.
Rainfall in Kigoma is remarkable and varied, displaying an astounding contrast throughout the year. Relishing several months of impressive precipitation, from 130mm (5.12") in
February to a high of 216mm (8.5") in April, Kigoma also experiences months of scant rainfall. The dry spell stretches from
June to August with an extreme low of 3mm (0.12") in August, a testament to the stark weather patterns in Kigoma.
The best time to visit Kigoma
The best time to visit
Kigoma would be from
June to
August. These months present lower humidity levels, falling from as high as 80% in
May to 62%. Rainfall is also at its lowest during these months, with a significant drop from May's 181mm (7.13") to just 4mm (0.16") in
July. Sunlight hours are highest in this period with almost 11.9 hours of daylight daily. The air is drier and the days are sunnier, providing perfect conditions for outdoor activities and wildlife exploration.
The worst time to visit Kigoma
Explorers should exercise caution when planning a visit between
March and
May. These months have the highest rainfall ranging from 170mm (6.69") to 216mm (8.5"), with an average of 27 rainfall days in
April. As a result, humidity levels are rather high, standing at 80% in April and May. Potential visitors should also take into consideration the reduced sunshine hours and lower visibility during these months before planning their trip.
Spring weather in Kigoma
While springtime in the temperate zone is marked with a warming trend and flower blooms,
Kigoma sees an increase in rain accompanied by high humidity levels.
March starts with an average rainfall of 170mm (6.69"), peaking at 216mm (8.5") in
April, and slightly dropping to 181mm (7.13") in
May. Correspondingly, humidity stands at 78% in March, increasing to 80% in April and May. Average high temperatures are consistent, wavering between 24.5°C (76.1°F) in March and May to 25.3°C (77.5°F) in April, granting Kigoma a relatively constant thermal ambience.
Summer weather in Kigoma
Summer ushers in a drastic alteration in
Kigoma's weather, with
June to
August marking the driest months of the year. Contrary to what might be expected in typical summer, rainfall plummets to 17mm (0.67"), 4mm (0.16") and 3mm (0.12") respectively, accompanied by a significant drop in humidity to as low as 62% in August. This decrease continues into the cloud cover percentage, as well, falling to an average of 16%. Average daily high temperatures remain stable, from 24.3°C (75.7°F) in June, peaking at 25.7°C (78.3°F) in
July before somewhat cooling to 24.7°C (76.5°F) in August.
Autumn weather in Kigoma
The autumn season in
Kigoma is characterized by the revival of rainfall, increasing to 18mm (0.71") in
September and steadily climbing to 92mm (3.62") in
October. A modest increase in humidity is observed from 63% in September to 69% in October. Despite these alterations, average high temperatures remain steady, ranging from 26.3°C (79.3°F) to 26.1°C (79°F).
Winter weather in Kigoma
Winter months compete with spring as the most wet and humid time in
Kigoma. Beginning in
November with 159mm (6.26") rainfall and culminating in
December with a hefty 167mm (6.57"), precipitation surges. With the copious rains, humidity also rises, reaching up to 78% in both November and December. This period notices a mild retreat in terms of high temperatures, with an average of 25.1°C (77.2°F) in November and 24.3°C (75.7°F) in December, adding a splash of 'cold' to the tropical air.
Weather in January
Observations draw the attention to
Kigoma's weather in
January. Seen shifting from
December, it is marked by highs of 24.5°C (76.1°F) and lows of 20.9°C (69.6°F). Nonetheless, the weather remains humid, leading to a notable prevailing cloud cover.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the calendar flips to
February,
Kigoma experiences slight increases in both temperatures and rainfall quantities. The elevation of temperatures, however, does not disrupt the nature of the city's weather pattern. Consequently, the weather in Kigoma during this month attracts a diverse group of visitors, each with their unique preferences.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Following a warming trend from
February,
Kigoma's weather takes a distinctive turn in
March. Despite the monthly average high temperature creeping up to 25.3°C (77.5°F), it's the noticeable surge in rainfall, peaking at 170mm (6.69"), that sets this month apart.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Kigoma keeps its weather intact in
April. The city becomes the recipient of a copious amount of rainfall, reaching a yearly high of 216mm (8.5"). As such, April's aura is characterized by a harmonious blend of moderate temperatures and high humidity, broken occasionally by rainfall.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The
Kigoma weather narrative continues in
May with a gentle decline in rainfall and temperatures. Its weather pattern veers away from the rainfall peaks of
April, ushering in a month of receding precipitation levels. A visit to Kigoma in May offers the opportunity to explore the city amid soothing temperatures.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Kigoma sets the stage for a remarkable shift in weather. Consistent with the city's climate backdrop, rainfall decreases dramatically to a meager 17mm (0.67") for the entire month, the onset of drier times. The relief from incessant rainfall reinvigorates Kigoma, transforming it into a haven for outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Even with a subtle dip in temperature,
Kigoma's
July weather remains charming. Marking a distinct weather pattern, July records a bare minimum rainfall of 4mm (0.16"), the lowest for the year. Additionally, the combination of less rainfall, moderate temperatures, and persistent daylight makes Kigoma an attractive destination.
Weather in July »Weather in August
As
August rolls in,
Kigoma sustains the dry spell with a nominal increase in temperature and increase of just 3mm (0.12") rainfall. Outdoorsy enthusiasts should find Kigoma in August particularly enticing as the favorable weather conditions provide an impeccable backdrop for various activities.
Weather in August »Weather in September
While
September sees a marked rise in temperatures, with averages reaching 26.3°C (79.3°F), the rainfall remains relatively low compared to the wetter months. This subtle transition to hotter, drier conditions continues the pleasant weather-loving explorer's fantasy.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Transitioning from
September,
October brings slight increases in rainfall, marking its subtle shift away from the city's drier spell. The city's weather, however, continues to be predominantly dry, conjugated with reasonable temperatures.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Kigoma in
November witnesses an escalation in precipitation, the city records a discernible 159mm (6.26") of rainfall. The sight of fresh showers against the backdrop of tropical warmth offers a unique perspective of Kigoma. Despite the significant rainfall, the city maintains a balance of temperatures complemented by satisfactory daylight hours, which frames November in a refreshing light. The advent of November denotes an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 25.1°C (77.2°F), subtly different from
October's 26.1°C (79°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
Closing out the year, the weather in
Kigoma during
December reflects the climate trends seen throughout the year. The city rounds off the year with a monthly precipitation level of 167mm (6.57"), reaffirming Kigoma's equatorial climatic position.
Weather in December » [Resources]