The climate of Matadi
Matadi, located in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, experiences a tropical wet and dry climate according to the Köppen climate classification. Its geographical position near the equator contributes to this climate type, characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.
Throughout the year, temperatures in Matadi remain quite steady. The highest average temperature, 32.2°C (90°F), is observed in the third month of the year, while the lowest average value, 29.8°C (85.6°F), is marked in the twelfth month. The annual temperature range, therefore, is not substantial. It stays from 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 22.8°C (73°F), indicating consistently warm conditions year-round.
Rainfall patterns are unevenly distributed. The wettest month is
December, with an average rainfall of 173mm (6.81"), while
June sees the smallest amount of precipitation, around 1mm (0.04"). There is a marked drop in average rainfall from
May to June, signifying the start of the dry season. The annual number of rainy days follows a similar pattern, with a substantial decrease from May (19.5 days) to June (3.4 days).
Wind speeds in Matadi experience minor seasonal fluctuations. The lowest average wind speed of 5.2km/h (3.2mph) is recorded in
April, while the highest, 10.7km/h (6.6mph), is noted in
September. Meanwhile, cloud cover varies moderately.
January witnesses the least cloud cover at 31%, and December has the most at 62%.
The best time to visit Matadi
The best time to visit
Matadi depends largely on the traveller's weather preference. However, the dry season from
June to
August, when rainfall decreases significantly to 4mm (0.16") or less, is often chosen as the perfect time for outdoor activities. During this period, the average lowest temperature is around 19.1°C (66.4°F), and the highest is about 31.4°C (88.5°F), which is relatively mild. Besides, these months also see the highest average sunshine, with up to 9.1 hours of sunlight each day in
July, accompanied by an overall decrease in cloud cover and increased visibility.
The worst time to visit Matadi
The least desirable time to visit
Matadi, primarily for outdoor enthusiasts, is towards the year-end. This period, from
November to
December, corresponds to the peak of the rainy season, when rainfall increases to 160-173mm (-6.81"), with more than 26 rain-affected days in each month. Apart from rainfall, the humidity level between these months becomes high, around 86%. Meanwhile, the average temperature does not differ drastically, hovering between 29.8°C (85.6°F) and 30.5°C (86.9°F).
Spring weather in Matadi
In
Matadi, the spring months of
March,
April, and
May undergo a transition from wet to dry season. Rainfall ranges from 92mm (3.62") in March to a lesser 69mm (2.72") in May. The air pressure stays relatively constant around 1010mb, while the average temperatures stay high, with the highest reaches 32.2°C (90°F) in March and the lowest dipping to 22.2°C (72°F) in May.
Summer weather in Matadi
The summer months from
June to
August designate the driest period of the year. Rainfall volume drops to an absolute minimum, from 4mm (0.16") in June to 3mm (0.12") in August. Daylight hours remain nearly constant, about 11.8 hours daily, for this period. Simultaneously, the temperatures stay high, from 31.4°C (88.5°F) in June to 31.5°C (88.7°F) in August.
Autumn weather in Matadi
Autumn in
Matadi, spanning
September to
November, signifies the onset of the rainy season. Rainfall increases significantly, from 13mm (0.51") in September to 160mm (6.3") in November. Along with it, the number of rainy days also rises from 9.5 in September to 26.5 in November. Temperature variations follow a gradual decrease from 31.5°C (88.7°F) in September to 30.5°C (86.9°F) in November.
Winter weather in Matadi
Winter in
Matadi, comprising only
December, is characterized by the highest rainfall and maximum cloud coverage of the year. The rainfall spikes sharply to 173mm (6.81"), with a maximum of 28.8 rainy days. The lowest average temperature in December is 22.2°C (72°F), and the highest is 29.8°C (85.6°F). Despite high rainfall, the average pressure remains stable, around 1011mb.
Weather in January
Weather in February
As we transition into
February, the weather exhibits a minor decrease in temperature and humidity. The rainfall in February is measured at 98mm (3.86"), slightly less than that of
January. This slight decrease in rainfall makes February less humid than the preceding month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March continues the trend from
February with a further slight decrease in rainfall. It is a month characterized by high temperatures and moderate rainfall. The amount of daylight reduces marginally compared to February. Despite these shifts, March maintains high temperatures and visible cloud cover.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees an increase in rainfall from 92mm (3.62") to 142mm (5.59"), marking the commencement of the rainiest period in
Matadi. The temperatures remain consistent with those of
March. The notable rise in rainfall contributes to the overall increased humidity, with cloud cover also increasing consistently.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May represents a significant shift in weather, with a notably sharp decrease in rainfall from 142mm (5.59") to 69mm (2.72"). This shift is accompanied by a slight decrease in temperature and daylight hours. Despite this decline, the weather remains relatively warm and humid.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in the driest period in
Matadi, with rainfall decreasing drastically to a mere 4mm (0.16"). This is accompanied by a clear increase in wind speed from June onwards. The reduction in rainfall and rise in wind speed contribute to a significant decrease in humidity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the least amount of rainfall in a year, with a peak in wind speed clocking in at 8.6 Kph. The weather maintains consistent low rainfall and high wind speed from
June. The humidity drops to the lowest point in a year, bringing a relatively less humid period.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sees a slight increase in rainfall and a reasonable increase in wind speed. The conditions remain relatively dry and warm, marking the continuation of the drier season. The amount of daylight starts slowly increasing from this month onwards.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September, there is a noticeable increase in rainfall from 3mm (0.12") to 13mm (0.51"). Although the dry season persists, the increase in rainfall hints at the approaching wet season. The average temperature, UV index, and daylight remain relatively unchanged from
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a dramatic increase in rainfall from 13mm (0.51") to 98mm (3.86"), signaling the beginning of the wetter months. Compared to
September, the increase in rainfall leads to a substantial rise in humidity. The amount of daylight decreases slightly from September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November represents one of the rainiest months in
Matadi, with precipitation reaching 160mm (6.3"). This increase aligns with the trend of climbing temperatures seen in previous months. The rise in rainfall enhances the overall humidity experienced in November, contributing to more substantial cloud cover.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December sees the peak of the wet season with the highest rainfall measured at 173mm (6.81"). This climatic condition is complemented by the highest visibility of 7km (4.3mi). The end of the year in
Matadi is characterized by significantly high rainfall, humidity, and cloud coverage.
Weather in December »