The climate of Kolwezi
Characterized by the Köppen climate classification Cwa which designates a humid subtropical climate with dry winters,
Kolwezi, in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, sees a combination of varying weather conditions throughout the year.
An inspection of the climatological data reveals that the monthly average high temperatures fluctuate between 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), putting the city in an almost constant state of warmth. The monthly average low temperatures meanwhile range from 12.6°C (54.7°F) to 18.1°C (64.6°F), indicating that even the coldest days in Kolwezi can be relatively mild.
Rainfall figures reveal that Kolwezi experiences its wettest periods in the months from
November to
April, with rainfall measurements peaking at 259mm (10.2") in
December. Months from
June to
August, conversely, are typically dry, with almost no precipitation observed.
The average relative humidity generally stays between the wide range from 31% to 89%. This is accompanied by average wind speeds varying between 5.9km/h (3.7mph) to 11.7km/h (7.3mph) and gusts reaching a peak of 18.2km/h (11.3mph), indicating potential for breezy conditions.
Kolwezi's monthly UV index either rests at 5 or 6, suggesting that protective measures should be considered during most times of the year, particularly during the hotter months when UV radiation can be more intense.
Perhaps unique to Kolwezi is the constant daylight and sunshine figures available all through the year. Data shows the daylight hours alternating between 11.5h and 12.7h monthly, while the sunshine hours clock in between 6.3h and 11.4h.
The best time to visit Kolwezi
For visitors seeking to make the most out of a trip to
Kolwezi, the dry and cooler period from
June to
August can be an inviting time of the year. This season sees low rainfall, average high temperatures falling to a comfortable 26.7°C (80.1°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F), and a pleasant dip in humidity to levels as low as 31%. Sunshine is abundant during this period, with up to 10 hours of sun daily.
The worst time to visit Kolwezi
On the flip side, the high rainfall period from
November to
April can prove challenging to tourists. The heavy precipitation during these months, with rainfall reaching a high of 259mm (10.2") in
December, can hinder outdoor activities. In addition, humidity levels peak during this period, potentially contributing to a more uncomfortable climate.
Spring weather in Kolwezi
March to
May marks the spring period in
Kolwezi. During these months, the city witnesses a transition from the wet to the dry period. Rainfall lessens, falling from a high of 222mm (8.74") in March to only 17mm (0.67") by May. Humidity follows suit, with a decrease from 88% down to 68%.
Summer weather in Kolwezi
The summer months from
June to
August deliver the driest and breeziest conditions in
Kolwezi. Rainfall is virtually non-existent during this time, with less than 1mm (0.04") recorded monthly. Daytime temperatures remain comfortable, hovering between 26.7°C (80.1°F) and 29.9°C (85.8°F), complemented by low humidity between 31% and 51%.
Autumn weather in Kolwezi
During the autumn months of
September to
November,
Kolwezi experiences gradual increases in rainfall and humidity. September remains fairly dry with only 7mm (0.28") of rain, but by November the average rainfall reaches 213mm (8.39"). Similarly, humidity levels rise from 32% to 78%.
Winter weather in Kolwezi
Winter in
Kolwezi, occurring from
December through
February, is characterized by high levels of rainfall and humidity. Average rainfall hits its peak in December at 259mm (10.2"), and gradually declines to 223mm (8.78") by February. Likewise, humidity remains consistently high during these months, averaging around 88% to 89%.
Weather in January
The calendar year kicks off in
Kolwezi with a weather season that is characterized by both high rainfall days and high relative humidity.
January also sees notable daylight hours, rendering extra visibility in the city. The wind speed this month is fairly moderate and does not pose any significant hindrances to daily activities.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the year flows into
February in
Kolwezi, there is a decrease in rainfall - though negligible - and the number of rainy days slightly decreases compared to
January. The average daylight hours shrink a bit making afternoons slightly cooler.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March, the weather in
Kolwezi plateaus with the end of heavy rainfall, transitioning to a drier season ahead. The visibility improves as murky skies start clearing up, setting the stage for more sunshine-filled days. Daylight hours decrease slightly as March heralds, hinting at the shortening of days ahead.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April comes with a significant plunge in rainfall across
Kolwezi, accompanied by a corresponding drop in the number of rainy days. The skies become clearer with a marked decrease in cloud cover, enhancing the city's visibility. Meanwhile, daylight hours continue their downward trend, and the sunshine duration records an increase.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Kolwezi witnesses substantial weather changes in
May, marking the cessation of the rainy season. Apart from the notable drop in rainfall, May also displays a significant decline in relative humidity. Reduced cloud cover and increased sunshine duration effectively lead to warmer days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June arrives in
Kolwezi with the onset of arid weather. This shift brings along some evident transformations such as a dwindling number of sunshine days and a drastic reduction in relative humidity. Meanwhile, daylight hours reach their minimum value, indicating the city has crossed the halfway point of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July carries forward
June's arid spell in
Kolwezi sans rainfall. However, the reduction in daylight hours is compensated by an increase in sunshine duration. This dry month receives a fair share of sunshine, due to reduced cloud cover.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August unfolds,
Kolwezi continues to experience arid weather with no signs of rainfall. The sunshine hours and visibility remain fairly high, thanks to the absence of the dense cloud cover. Concurrently, the temperature in this month surges to a remarkable high of 29.9°C (85.8°F).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks a change in weather in
Kolwezi, as the arid spell gradually subsides. This month brings along a slight increase in rainfall and a corresponding augmentation in the number of rainy days. Despite the reduced sunshine hours, temperatures continue to soar, peaking at a significant 32°C (89.6°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October's arrival signifies a transition to a more humid climate in
Kolwezi. This month highlights an apparent increase in rainfall and an increments in the number of rainy days. Despite the shortening daylight hours, the city continues to enjoy clear visibility.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November ushers in a notable increase in humidity, rainfall, and number of rainy days for
Kolwezi. The gradually thickening cloud cover slightly reduces the amount of sunlight received, hinting at the approaching end of the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December wraps up the year in
Kolwezi with a weather scenario that is akin to the early part of the year. The season sees a marked increase in rainfall, making December a month with one of the highest averages for precipitations.
Weather in December »