The climate of Angola
Angola, located on the southwestern coast of Africa, has a geography characterized by a large coastal plain rising to a vast interior plateau. The country experiences a semi-arid to arid climate, as indicated by its Köppen classification "Bsh" (Mid-Latitude Steppe and Desert Climate). Here, the annual average temperature remains 18°C (64.4°F) or above, with the interior being slightly cooler than the coast. The annual rainfall varies widely from the north to the south and from the coast to the interior. Generally, there is a rainy season from
October to
April and a dry season from
May to
September. The north, being closer to the equator, sees more rainfall, while the southern parts have less precipitation. Coastal areas frequently experience fog and cooler temperatures due to the Benguela Current in the Atlantic Ocean.
The best time to visit Angola
The best time to visit
Angola is generally during the dry season, from
May to
September. This period offers more comfortable travel conditions, with less rain, moderate temperatures, and clearer skies. From
June to
August, temperatures hover between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The dry season also coincides with the peak of Angola's wildlife viewing season, as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.
The worst time to visit Angola
Travel to
Angola can be more challenging during the rainy season, particularly from
November to
April. During this period, heavy rains can cause flooding, particularly in the northern parts of the country. Moreover, road conditions deteriorate significantly, making some rural areas inaccessible. Temperatures can also rise to 35°C (95°F) or higher, particularly in the north, adding to the discomfort. Therefore, unless necessary, this period is often avoided by tourists.
Spring weather in Angola
In
Angola, the spring months (
September to
November) mark the transition from the dry to the rainy season. The weather begins to warm, with temperatures generally ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). Rainfall increases gradually, starting in the northern regions and gradually moving southward. Despite this, the landscape remains relatively dry, and the wildlife viewing remains excellent during the early spring months.
Summer weather in Angola
Angola's summer (
December to
February) coincides with the peak of the rainy season. The weather is typically hot and humid, especially in the northern regions, with average temperatures ranging from 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F). Rainfall is significant during this period, with the north receiving more precipitation compared to the southern parts of the country. The coastal areas remain cooler, with temperatures moderated by the Benguela Current.
Autumn weather in Angola
Autumn in
Angola (
March to
May) signifies the end of the rainy season and the start of the dry season. Temperatures start to fall, ranging between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), and the heavy rains begin to subside. However, some areas, particularly in the north, can still experience occasional rainfall during the early autumn months. As the season progresses, the landscape begins to dry out, offering more accessible travel conditions.
Winter weather in Angola
The winter season in
Angola (
June to
August) coincides with the dry season. The weather during this period is cooler and drier compared to other times of the year, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F). Rainfall is scarce throughout the country, making travel easier and offering excellent conditions for wildlife viewing. Despite being winter, the days remain sunny and clear, making it an attractive period for visitors.
Weather in January
January falls right in the middle of
Angola's rainy season and is one of the wettest months of the year, especially in the northern regions of the country. The average temperatures during this month hover between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), but they can occasionally spike to 35°C (95°F) in some regions, making it among the hottest months. Rainfall in the northern parts, particularly in cities such as Luanda, is significantly higher than in the southern regions.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Angola marks the continuation of the rainy season. The climate remains hot and humid, particularly in the north. Average temperatures are somewhat similar to
January, ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F). However, February tends to be slightly hotter, with temperatures occasionally reaching up to 35°C (95°F) in certain regions. This month is generally the peak of the rainy season, with northern areas, including the capital Luanda, receiving substantial rainfall.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Angola marks the beginning of the transition period from the rainy season towards the dry season. This period is characterized by gradually reducing rainfall and steady temperatures. The average temperatures across the country hover between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), similar to the preceding months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Angola marks the tail end of the rainy season. As a transition month, the rainfall continues to decrease across the country, paving the way for the forthcoming dry season. The average temperatures maintain steady, generally ranging between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), providing a warm yet less intense heat than the peak rainy season. In the northern regions of Angola, including cities like Luanda and Malanje, rainfall significantly reduces compared to the earlier months, averaging 80mm (3.15").
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Angola signals the beginning of the dry season. As the transition from the rainy season concludes, rainfall across the country decreases dramatically. The average temperatures remain warm, typically hovering between 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Angola solidifies the presence of the dry season. The country experiences negligible rainfall and stable, warm temperatures throughout this month. Average temperatures range between 18°C (64.4°F) to 23°C (73.4°F), which is slightly cooler compared to the preceding months. In the northern regions, including major cities like Luanda and Malanje, rainfall is almost nonexistent, registering less than 10mm (0.39") on average.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Angola continues the established trend of the dry season, characterized by scarce rainfall and steady temperatures. The average temperatures during this month vary from 16°C (60.8°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), marking it as one of the coolest months of the year in the country. The northern regions of Angola, which include major cities like Luanda and Malanje, experience practically no rainfall in July, with an average of less than 5mm (0.2").
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Angola epitomizes the dry season. Rainfall remains extremely rare, and temperatures are steady, contributing to a stable climate throughout the country. Average temperatures typically range from 16°C (60.8°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), closely mirroring the conditions in
July. In northern regions, including key cities like Luanda and Malanje, precipitation remains almost negligible, with an average of less than 5mm (0.2").
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Angola signifies the beginning of the transition from the dry season back to the rainy season. While the country still experiences dry conditions, the rainfall starts to increase slightly. Average temperatures range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 23°C (73.4°F), indicating a slight warming trend compared to the cooler months of
July and
August. In the northern regions of Angola, including Luanda and Malanje, rainfall remains low but begins to increase, averaging 10mm (0.39") for the month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Angola marks the progression from the dry season towards the rainy season, with a noticeable increase in rainfall across the country. Average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), a further slight increase compared to the transitional month of
September. In the northern regions of Angola, including Luanda and Malanje, rainfall becomes more frequent, averaging 30mm (1.18") for the month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Angola symbolizes the steady approach of the rainy season. The country experiences a significant increase in rainfall and the continuation of warm temperatures. The average temperatures usually range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), maintaining a warm climate as the country heads towards the peak of the rainy season. In the northern regions of Angola, including cities like Luanda and Malanje, rainfall increases significantly, with averages rising to 80mm (3.15") for the month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Angola marks the onset of the rainy season in full swing. The country experiences high rainfall and consistently warm temperatures throughout this month. Average temperatures hover between 25°C (77°F) to 30°C (86°F), similar to the warm climate of
November. In the northern regions of Angola, which include major cities like Luanda and Malanje, rainfall reaches its peak, averaging 130mm (5.12") for the month.
Weather in December » [Resources]