The climate of Gatumba
Gatumba,
Burundi is characterized by a Tropical wet and dry climate, falling under the Köppen climate classification of Aw. Positioned near the equator, this region experiences a relatively constant range of temperatures throughout the year, but with substantially varying rainfall patterns. The high temperatures range from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F), with the warmer months occurring towards the beginning and the end of the year.
On the lower end, temperatures oscillate between 12.4°C (54.3°F) to 15.5°C (59.9°F), again with the cooler months centered around the middle of the year. Relative humidity remains high throughout the year, varying from 62% to 84%. It appears that there is a distinct rainy season in Gatumba, with higher volumes of rainfall from 100mm (3.94") to 167mm (6.57") between
January and
April, followed by a drier period from
May to
September experiencing rainfall between 9mm (0.35") to 35mm (1.38") only.
Sunshine hours and daylight duration appear relatively consistent throughout the year, with sunlight spanning from 9.8 hours to 10.5 hours, and daylight varying marginally from 11.9 hours to 12.3 hours. The UV index largely remains at a moderate level of 5 all year round.
The best time to visit Gatumba
Given the overall weather patterns, the best time to visit
Gatumba would typically fall between
May and
September. This period sees significantly lesser amounts of rainfall, ranging from 9mm (0.35") to 35mm (1.38"), with fewer rainy days, between 7 to 14.7 days. Along with this, there is also an increase in the number of sunshine days, further enhancing the suitability for outdoor activities. Visitors can expect temperatures between 21.4°C (70.5°F) and 23.2°C (73.8°F) in these months, making it quite pleasant to explore the city.
The worst time to visit Gatumba
Contrarily, the period from
January to
April could be considered as a less favorable time to visit
Gatumba. This period sees the highest amounts of rainfall, from 100mm (3.94") to 167mm (6.57"), and excess cloudy days, which could limit outdoor activities and visibility. The higher humidity above 75% could also add to discomfort for tourists unused to such a climate.
Spring weather in Gatumba
In
Gatumba, the distinct spring period from
March to
May is characterized by a transition from a rain-filled season to a significantly dry period. Here, temperatures remain mildly warm, from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 23.4°C (74.1°F), and rainfall experiences a major slump from 154mm (6.06") in March to merely 23mm (0.91") in May. Sunshine hours go up to 8.5 hours per day in May, and the number of sunshine days notably rises to 14.4 days.
Summer weather in Gatumba
Observing a tropical climate, the summer in
Gatumba, forecasted roughly from
June to
August, is not excessively hot. It is indeed a mild summer with high temperatures staying between 22.4°C (72.3°F) and 21.4°C (70.5°F), and low temperatures between 12.4°C (54.3°F) and 12.8°C (55°F). One of the primary features of Gatumba's summer is the stark reduction in rainfall, with volumes resting between 9mm (0.35") and 15mm (0.59"). The number of sunshine days reaches its peak in
July at roughly 22.3 days.
Autumn weather in Gatumba
During autumn, from
September to
November,
Gatumba observes a gradual return of the monsoon pattern. Rainfall begins to rise gradually from 35mm (1.38") in September to 127mm (5") by November. The number of sunny days begins to lower from 11.9 days in September to 2.5 days by November, setting the stage for the subsequent monsoon season. Temperatures still remain on the warmer side from 23.3°C (73.9°F) to 22.8°C (73°F).
Winter weather in Gatumba
Much unlike the typical notion of winter,
Gatumba's winter sees a high amount of rainfall, with levels ranging from 127mm (5") to 137mm (5.39") in
December and
January. Despite being the wettest season, temperatures remain fairly warm, with highs from 22.8°C (73°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F). This is complemented by fewer sunshine hours, with daylight averaging about 12.3 hours, and sunshine duration ranging from 8.6 hours to 9.3 hours. This period also experiences high humidity, averaging around 77% to 78%.
Weather in January
January in
Gatumba,
Burundi is typically warm and humid with quite a bit of rainfall. This month boasts the highest humidity level compared to the rest of the year, making the air feel heavy and sticky. Notably, persistent rain leads to a total average rainfall of 100mm (3.94"), a figure worth paying attention to during January.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Gatumba transitions from
January to
February, minimal changes in weather conditions are experienced. A typical February day remains humid and warm, with highs similar to those of January. However, the rainfall increases slightly to an average of 112mm (4.41").
Weather in February »Weather in March
A noticeable change sweeps over
Gatumba's weather as it moves from
February to
March. March registers a peak in terms of rainfall, with the average rising dramatically to 154mm (6.06"). Despite the surge in rain, this is not the wettest month of the year for the city.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By the time
April arrives in
Gatumba, an upward trend in rainfall continues with totals increasing to the yearly high of 167mm (6.57"). This makes April the wettest month of the year. Due to high rainfall, the humidity levels also surge leading to a very sticky environment.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Gatumba experiences a marked contrast to the torrential rains and gloomy skies of
April. The reduction in humidity allows residents to enjoy slightly cooler temperatures compared to the previous months. Although rainfall decreases to 114mm (4.49"), May is still not the driest month for Gatumba.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the peak of dryness in
Gatumba, marking a stark difference from the wet days of
May. This month records the lowest rainfall of the year, with a mere 23mm (0.91") of rain registered. The reduced rainfall drastically changes the landscape as the lush greenery starts to fade, signalling the arrival of drier days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Gatumba is notably dry and comfortable. Although it does not reach the dry extreme of
June, there’s a further decrease in rainfall to an average of just 9mm (0.35"). This makes July the driest month of the year in Gatumba.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Gatumba sees a slight increase in humidity and rainfall compared to
July, yet still remains relatively dry. The weather remains warm but there’s a slight surge in temperature, making it just a bit warmer than July. Sunshine hours are at a high, with a slightly higher sunshine duration compared to previous months.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Gatumba represents a significant shift from the trescos of
August to the first hints of the wet season. The increase in rainfall to 35mm (1.38") signals the end of the dry season, paving the way for the wet season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Come
October,
Gatumba steps firmly into the wet season. Rainfall in October jumps dramatically from 35mm (1.38") in
September to a substantial 98mm (3.86"), a clear sign the wet season is in full swing. Despite this, the durations of daylight and sunshine remain constant, maintaining a balance in the city's daylight cycle.
Weather in October »Weather in November
In
November, the weather in
Gatumba remains consistently hot and wet. The rain levels continue to surge upwards, nearing the high points seen earlier in the year. An average rainfall of 127mm (5") ensures that the city landscape remains lush and green.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December winds down the year in
Gatumba with warm temperatures, high humidity and continuous rainfall. The rainfall remains relatively high with a recorded average of 137mm (5.39"), which is almost similar to the rainfall received in
November.
Weather in December »