The climate of Butembo
An examination of Köppen climate classification reveals that
Butembo, located in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, is predominantly under the 'As' climatic zone. This classification denotes a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate that is characterized by a 'summer' dry season. Shifts in temperature, rainfall, sunlight, and other weather parameters occur across the calendar year, shaping Butembo's distinctive climatic profile.
The highest average temperatures, hovering from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 28.7°C (83.7°F), are experienced in the first two months of the calendar year while average low temperatures fluctuate between 15.2°C (59.4°F) and 16.8°C (62.2°F) throughout the year. Humidity levels occasionally vary, reaching a peak of 82% in
May. The region also marks moderate UV index values that range from 5 to 6 across the year.
Relatively constant daylight times are experienced year-round with an average of 12.1 hours per day, while monthly sunshine durations oscillate between 8.5 hours and 10.2 hours. Rainfall, recorded in millimeters, reaches peaks of 193mm (7.6") in May and 235mm (9.25") in
October while the number of rainy days ranges from 17.9 days to 29.5 days during the calendar year.
Pressure values reveal mild variations across the year, with the highest pressure of 1014.2 mb recorded in
June. Wind speed averages span between 3.1km/h (1.9mph) to 4.5km/h (2.8mph), with particularly gusty winds reaching up to 7.5km/h (4.7mph) in May.
The best time to visit Butembo
Given the subdued temperature variations and pleasant sunshine durations, the early months in the year, specifically
January and
February, present a favorable window for visiting
Butembo. These months record highest average temperatures from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 28.7°C (83.7°F) coupled with lowered rainfall figures of 67mm (2.64") and 79mm (3.11") respectively, which promotes outdoor exploration and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Butembo
The peak rainy season, particularly in
May and
October, may not be ideal for tourists as outdoor activities could be hindered by frequent rainfall. May registers an average of 193mm (7.6") of rainfall while October records the highest rainfall of 235mm (9.25"). Alongside this, these months also bear witness to the highest relative humidity figures, reaching up to 82% in May.
Spring weather in Butembo
Butembo experiences a relatively moderate weather during Spring, with temperatures averaging between 25.6°C (78.1°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F). Rainfall begins to increase from 67mm (2.64") in
March to 170mm (6.69") in
May. The month of May also sees peak humidity levels of 82%, coupled with the highest recorded wind gust of 7.5km/h (4.7mph).
Summer weather in Butembo
Summers in
Butembo, spanning
June to
August, are characterized by gentle dips in temperature, ranging from 25.6°C (78.1°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). The amount of rainfall fluctuates significantly, reaching up to 206mm (8.11") in August. Humidity during this period remains relatively high, from 77% to 81%. Despite the occasional increase in rainfall, the ample daylight time of 12.1 hours provides ample time for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Butembo
During the Autumn months of
September to
November, the city experiences average temperatures between 25.6°C (78.1°F) and 25.9°C (78.6°F). Rainfall typically peaks in
October at 235mm (9.25"), while relative humidity fluctuates from 79% to 81%. Sunlight durations during this period range from 8.5 hours to 10 hours, ensuring sufficient daylight for visitors.
Winter weather in Butembo
Even winter temperatures in
Butembo remain moderate compared to temperate regions, with averages from 25.6°C (78.1°F) to 26°C (78.8°F) in
December. The rainfall subsides to 139mm (5.47"), a significant drop compared to previous months. The relative humidity also decreases to 75%, providing a more comfortable atmosphere. The daylight duration maintains a steady 12.1-hour period, and the sunshine duration increases up to 9.9 hours, offering a welcoming environment for visitors despite the onset of winter.
Weather in January
Weather in February
Compared to
January,
February in
Butembo sees a slight increase in both the maximum and minimum temperatures. The total rainfall also increases from what it was in the preceding month. Despite February being a rainier month than January, it is still considered as part of the drier season in Butembo.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Butembo's weather conditions take a noticeable shift in
March. Increased precipitation is recorded this month, an average of 158mm (6.22"), indicating the start of a rainy season. While these heavy downpours might indicate that March is the peak of the rainy season, the following months prove otherwise with even greater amounts of rainfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The bounty of showers continues into
April as
Butembo experiences an average of 170mm (6.69") rainfall, even higher than
March. The temperatures, however, maintain a close range with the preceding month. This trend might lead to April being commonly mistaken as the peak of the rainy season, yet the succeeding month records even higher rainfall.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is the rainiest month in
Butembo with averaged rainfall reaching 193mm (7.6"), the highest for the year. This peak in rainfall coincides with a slight decrease in average maximum and minimum temperatures. After the peak in May, the rainfall starts to decrease progressively over the following months.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Butembo sees a decrease in both rainfall and temperature, deviating from the trend recorded in
May. Despite this decline in rainfall, the city continues to be quite humid, with relative humidity averaging around the annual high.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Butembo mirrors
June in terms of temperatures, with an average high maintaining at 26°C (78.8°F). Yet it brings an interesting contrast in terms of precipitation. The rainfall increases to an average of 157mm (6.18") making the city quite wet compared to the previous month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
August in
Butembo continues to follow the trend set by
July, the temperatures cool slightly, and the rainfall increases. In fact, this month witnesses the second-highest average rainfall for the year, only after
May.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September,
Butembo encounters a continued decrease in the average rainfall, descending from the high figures recorded in
August. Simultaneously, the maximum and minimum temperatures hover around their annual averages. Despite September being considered part of the drier season in Butembo, the city still experiences substantial rainfall owing to its tropical location.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October's weather in
Butembo is characterized by the continuation of declining rainfall and nearly stable temperatures. A considerable jump in the rainfall is recorded from
September to October, making October the third rainiest month of the year.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November, the rainfall decreases slightly from the high level it was in
October. The temperatures are nearly similar to those recorded during the preceding months. November is generally a transition month in
Butembo, with weather shifting from the rainy season to a drier season.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Butembo sees a further decrease in both temperature and rainfall. The average rainfall in December amounting to 139mm (5.47") is noticeably lower than that in
November, signifying an advancement into the drier season.
Weather in December » [Resources]