The climate of Bandundu
The city of
Bandundu perseveres in the Köppen climate classification of Aw, indicative of a tropical wet and dry climate or savanna climate. The geographical positioning of the city in the
Democratic Republic of Congo gives it a predominantly warm and tropical atmosphere throughout the year.
Average high temperatures regularly beam down upon the city and tend to waver between 87.4°F to a potent 95.7°F. The relatively stable range of temperature highs from month to month reflects the city's tropical climate. Lows, on the other hand, oscillate mildly, but maintain a steady foundation between 72.5°F and 77°F.
Analyzing its precipitation patterns, Bandundu receives considerable rainfall, from a low of 0.28" in
July to a significant downpour measured at 5.91" in
November. The volume of rainfall influences the number of rainfall days, rising to 26.6 days in November. Moreover, humidity levels in the city also correspondingly ebb and flow throughout the year. Starting from a low of 47% in July, it amasses to a peak of 80% by November.
Bandundu is gifted with extended daylight hours that remain almost constant around 12 hours, slightly increasing or decreasing throughout the year. Similarly, sunshine hours range from a low of 7.9 hours in November up to 11.2 hours in
January. These conditions also affect the UV index that uniformly persists at a high level of 7 throughout the year.
The Best Time to Visit Bandundu
The period found to be most preferable for a visit would be sometime between
May and
July. Within this span,
Bandundu embraces the drier side of its tropical climate. Rainfall during these months is at minimal levels, with precipitation measuring as low as 0.28" to 0.67". Correspondingly fewer rainfall days, as well as comparatively less humidity, add to the allure of these months. Additionally, one can enjoy a generous share of sunlight, with sunshine hours ranging from 9.8 hours to 9.9 hours, at a comfortable high temperature in the vicinity of 91.4°F.
The Worst Time to Visit Bandundu
Steering clear of
Bandundu might be advisable during the months of
October,
November, and
December. Torrential rainfall ensues in these months, with downpours measuring up to a hefty 5.91" in November. The heavy precipitation continues for most of the days, with November observing as many as 26.6 rainy days. Alongside rain, dense humidity cloaks the city, peaking at 80%. While the temperature remains near the average levels, the comfort factor in these conditions takes a back seat.
Spring Weather in Bandundu
Spring in
Bandundu witnesses a moderate climate. The period from
March to
May experiences temperatures reaching highs of 91.4°F to 90.5°F and lows of 74.1°F to 74.1°F. Rainfall during these months is higher - up to 4.17" in
April. Correspondingly, there are more rainfall days, with April observing a high of 24 rainy days. However, with increasing daylight hours and consistent 9 to 9.9 hours of sunshine, the weather remains generally pleasant and comfortable.
Summer Weather in Bandundu
During
Bandundu's summer, from
June to
August, the city experiences a very dry phase, especially in
July with a mere 0.28" of rain. Even as temperatures remain steady between 93°F in June to 95.7°F in August, the amount of rainfall decreases. Correspondingly lesser rainfall days (from 7.5 days in June to 4.9 days in July) ensure the weather remains drier than in other seasons.
Autumn Weather in Bandundu
Autumn (
September to
November) marks a transition phase. The city sees a gradual increase in rainfall, from 2.52" in September surging up to a significant 5.91" in November. The number of rainy days also sharply rises from 19.6 in September to a peak of 26.6 in November. The humidity takes a big leap from September's 65% to an overwhelming 80% by November.
Winter Weather in Bandundu
Winter in
Bandundu aligns with the prominent wet phase. The city measures significant rainfall in
December at around 4.76" and experiences an increased number of rainy days at 26.2. December also presents a relatively higher level of humidity at 78%, tagging alongside a temperature spectrum that spans from lows of 72.5°F to highs of 88.5°F. However, with a constant UV index and around 8.7 hours of sunshine, December is not entirely devoid of Bandundu's tropical charm.
Weather in January
Kicking off the year,
Bandundu's climate is characterized by an average relative humidity level of 71% and a high temperature reaching up to 91.4°F. As one of the wettest months, the weather often leans towards high precipitation, with frequent rainfall events.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Continuing the hardware from
January,
February in
Bandundu experiences a minor surge in temperature, bringing the minimum temperature up to 74.3°F. This time of the year can also be identified by a slight uptick in humidity, now standing at 72%, and increasing rainfall at 3.74" along with a few additional rainy days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Bandundu ventures into the third month, the slight dip in high temperature to 91.4°F doesn’t seem to affect the overall climatic conditions significantly.
March typically sees a continuation of the city's rainy season, characterized by a little less sunshine and moderate wind speed.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Come
April,
Bandundu experiences a shift in its weather pattern. With a high temperature of 90.5°F and equally high humidity at 75%, this period marks the peak of the rainy season. The rainfall reaches a four-month high of 4.17".
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings a welcome respite from the high rainfall, as the showers taper down to 3.11". Remarkably, the weather parameters, such as high and low temperatures, remain steady from 90.5°F to 74.1°F. The reduction in humidity to 73%, along with steady visibility and wind speed, indicates a transition towards the drier period.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Bandundu is a turning point, marking the arrival of drier and warmer months. Now, a peak temperature of 93°F coupled with humidity dropping to 58% signifies this transition. The drastic reduction in rainfall down to 0.67" is a stark contrast to previous months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the apex of the dry season,
July witnesses a substantial drop in humidity levels down to 47%. The average high temperature rises to around 95.4°F. The rainfall patterns reach a minimum, falling dramatically to just 0.28".
Weather in July »Weather in August
August sees a slight uptick in climatic conditions from 77°F to 95.7°F, signifying the height of summer. Even though there's a minor increase in rainy days to 11.3, the rainfall quantity remains meager. Wind speeds continue to remain high, topping the year’s records.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As summer starts winding down,
September brings the first signs of relief with minor reductions in temperature, high being 92.1°F. The rainfall quantity also picks up slightly to 2.52", signaling the onset of a sub-seasonal shift.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Bandundu is distinct due to the significant rise in rainfall to 5.24". The high temperature drops further to 89.2°F, making this month relatively cooler and wetter. The month ushers in a fresh spell of the rainy season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November solidifies the return of the rainy season in
Bandundu, with the rainfall peaking at 5.91". High temperatures continue to fall and settle at 87.4°F. Greater cloud cover and lower visibility levels become standard weather elements.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December rings in the end of the year with a drop in average temperatures to 72.5°F and a decrease in rainfall to 4.76". Humidity is at its yearly peak, reaching up to 78%. This month presents excellent visibility extending to 5.6mi, which, coupled with calm wind conditions, makes it ideal for outdoor activities.
Weather in December »