Climate and monthly weather forecastFrancistown, Botswana

The climate of Francistown

Francistown, located in Botswana, is characterized by a Subtropical Steppe climate, otherwise known as the BSh classification under the Köppen climate system. This implies that the city experiences considerable warmth throughout the year, complemented by low humidity and rainfall, typical attributes of a semi-arid terrain.

Analyzing the available climatological data highlights that the average high temperature varies from 22.2°C (72°F) in July to 32.6°C (90.7°F) in October, while the average low ranges from 9.4°C (48.9°F) in July to 20.8°C (69.4°F) in December. The annual temperature fluctuations, although relatively minimal, accentuate the predominantly mild climate. The relative humidity values display a similar pattern, fluctuating from a low of 34% in September to a peak of 62% in February, hinting at the region's aridity.

An examination of the rain patterns reveals that Francistown receives practically no rainfall from May to September, with a marginal increase from 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08") between June and May, and a significant rise to 84mm (3.31") in December. Interestingly, the number of rainy days show a similar trend, peaking at 14.5 days in December and reaching a minimum of 0.4 days in August. This noticeable variation indicates a marked rain season from October through to the end of the year.

The best time to visit Francistown

Tourists often find the period from May to September as the most pleasant and conducive for a visit to Francistown. During this time, the temperatures range between 23°C (73.4°F) and 30.8°C (87.4°F), providing a comfortable warmth without the intensity of the summer months. Rainfall is nearly absent throughout these months, eliminating weather-related disruptions to outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Moreover, these months witness longer sunshine durations, offering the most optimal conditions for exploration. From a UV index perspective, values hover around the moderate range of 5 and 6 ensuring adequate safety for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Francistown

The months from October to December could be challenging for tourists, largely due to the high temperatures that peak at 32.6°C (90.7°F) in October. Also, the advent of the rainy season in October contributes to increased cloudiness, coupled with a considerable rise in relative humidity. December in particular witnesses the maximum monthly rainfall of 84mm (3.31"), causing potential disruptions to travel plans and outdoor pursuits.

Spring weather in Francistown

Spring, extending from September to November, is characterized by rising temperatures and the onset of the rain season. While September still enjoys relatively dry conditions with only 1mm (0.04") of rainfall, October and November see a substantial increase in rainfall with totals of 7mm (0.28") and 28mm (1.1") respectively. The high temperatures range from 30.8°C (87.4°F) to 32.1°C (89.8°F), with the lows varying between 16.1°C (61°F) and 20.6°C (69.1°F).

Summer weather in Francistown

In Francistown, summer covers the months from December to February. Although the temperatures remain high, in the range of 29.8°C (85.6°F) to 32.6°C (90.7°F), the notable feature of this season is the substantial rainfall. With an average of 61mm (2.4") to 84mm (3.31") of rain and 13.2 to 14.5 rainy days per month, this period marks the peak of the wet season.

Autumn weather in Francistown

Autumn, spanning from March to May, witnesses a decline in both temperature and rainfall. As autumn progresses, the high temperature drops from 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 25.8°C (78.4°F), while the average rainfall dwindles from 27mm (1.06") in March to just 2mm (0.08") by May. This gradual transition from the wet to the dry season results in clearer skies and lower humidity levels.

Winter weather in Francistown

The winter months, from June to August, portray the least variation in climatic conditions. With temperatures hovering between 22.2°C (72°F) to 26.7°C (80.1°F), the winter season is relatively mild. These months also record the lowest rainfall figures, with June and July both registering just 1mm (0.04"), reflecting the aridity typical of a subtropical steppe climate.

Weather in January

January in Francistown, Botswana typically sees the mercury reach as high as 30.1°C (86.2°F) and drop to an average low of 19.9°C (67.8°F). Climate conditions at the start of the year are characterized by increased humidity and multiple rainy days. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The town of Francistown begins February with weather not too different from January's conditions, though the average temperatures slightly lower than the previous month, varying from a high of 29.8°C (85.6°F) to a low of 19.3°C (66.7°F). Weather in February »

Weather in March

March in Francistown, Botswana, ushers in the transformation of the climate into drier conditions where the rainfall greatly diminishes from 62mm (2.44") in the previous month to 27mm (1.06"). The slight decline of the average maximum and minimum temperatures from the wet season sets a cooler undertone for the weather. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Francistown's weather in April smoothly transitions into the dry season with temperatures finding equilibrium between 27.4°C (81.3°F) to 16°C (60.8°F). Lower precipitation levels alongside longer hours of sunshine become the norm and create a crisp, clean atmosphere that lends itself to outdoor activities. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May in Francistown maintains a consistent run with the dry pattern set by April, albeit at a lower temperature range from 25.8°C (78.4°F) to 13.1°C (55.6°F). As this progression of lower temperature and rainfall continues, clear skies and cooler evenings become prominent features. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June ushers in a noticeable chill in Francistown, with temperatures dipping from 23°C (73.4°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). The breeze rustling through the relatively non-humid climate is a pleasant contrast to the higher temperatures experienced earlier in the year. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July continues with the trend of cool weather in Francistown, Botswana, with the temperature range narrowing down from 22.2°C (72°F) to 9.4°C (48.9°F). Sunshine days continue to dominate the scene, punctuated by steady wind gusts that vary around 20.5km/h (12.7mph). Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Francistown marks the gradual return of higher temperatures, ranging from 26.7°C (80.1°F) to 12.3°C (54.1°F), slowly wavering back towards the warmer climate. Despite these warmer temperatures, the dry spell persists making outdoor activities in Francistown during this month an enjoyable affair. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September sees Francistown experience a warm surge with temperatures between 30.8°C (87.4°F) and 16.1°C (61°F). The low humidity coupled with clear views due to near-absent clouds make this month ideal for tourism. The relatively calm and predictable weather during this period welcomes outdoor events and adventures. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Francistown witnesses a significant spike in temperatures, with a high of 32.6°C (90.7°F) and a low of 19.2°C (66.6°F). As the city warmly embraces this rise in heat, residents and visitors can enjoy plenty of sunny hours owing to the minimal cloud cover present. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November sees Francistown getting accustomed to the increased heat, with temperatures fluctuating between 32.1°C (89.8°F) to 20.6°C (69.1°F). An increase in rainfall, up to 28mm (1.1") from the previous month’s 7mm (0.28"), signifies the onset of the rainy season. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December witnesses the full onset of the rainy season, where rainfall leaps to an impactful 84mm (3.31") as temperatures range from 31.1°C (88°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F). Even with the increased rainfall, sunshine hours remain considerable, providing the city of Francistown with ample sunlit days. Weather in December »