The climate of Mbandaka
Mbandaka, nestled in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, lays beneath the blanket of the Af climate classification according to the Köppen system. That moniker, Af, stands for Tropical Rainforest; a fitting title given the city's position near the Earth's equator. As a result, the weather stays quite consistent, displaying similar patterns throughout the calendar year.
Throughout the months, high temperatures hover between 29°C (84.2°F) and 32°C (89.6°F), while low temperatures range from 17°C (62.6°F) to 20°C (68°F). It is a city with virtually no significant variations in temperature. The weather remains relatively hot year-round, offering minimal relief from the heat. Average daylight hours, planted firmly at 12.1 every month, indicate the city's equatorial location and lend to its stable weather pattern.
Rainfall can be experienced across Mbandaka consistently with the number of rainfall days ranging from 6 to 16. Steady precipitation is expected, especially given its Tropical Rainforest designation. The rainfall volume varies throughout the year but generally fluctuates from 100mm (3.94") to 210mm (8.27"), with peak rainfall times typically clocking in at 200mm (7.87") and above.
Unique remnant of this weather pattern is the UV index, which is consistently high - 12 for most of the year and drops only to 11 at times.
The best time to visit Mbandaka
For those interested in warm weather without the additions of heavier rain, the months of
July and
August can present as a good time to visit
Mbandaka. During these months, although high temperatures linger around 30°C (86°F), the rainfall tends to decrease slightly to around 100mm (3.94"), the lower end of annual variance, with fewer raining days — a reprieve from the heavier precipitation usually expected in this tropical region.
The worst time to visit Mbandaka
While
Mbandaka's climate remains stable throughout the year, periods of increased rainfall can make the city less accessible for visitors. This typically occurs in months of
September and
October when the rainfall can reach up to 200mm (7.87") to 210mm (8.27").
Spring weather in Mbandaka
Despite being situated on the equator,
Mbandaka shows some semblance of seasonal variability with mild differences in weather conditions. The spring months comprise of
March,
April, and
May, characterized by high temperatures between 31°C (87.8°F) and 32°C (89.6°F), and lows around 20°C (68°F). Rainfall escalates during this time, fluctuating from 130mm (5.12") to 150mm (5.91"), with a frequency of rainfall expected on up to 13 days of the months.
Summer weather in Mbandaka
In
Mbandaka, summer spans
June through
August and maintains high temperatures from 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) with lows of 17°C (62.6°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). The UV index dips slightly to 11, offering slight relief from the intense tropical sunlight. Despite the peak season moniker, rainfall decreases to 100mm (3.94") to 110mm (4.33") and fewer rainfall days at 6 to 7 days per month, providing respite from the otherwise consistent rains.
Autumn weather in Mbandaka
Autumn months in
Mbandaka include
September through
November. During these months, temperatures stand evenly at 30°C (86°F) with lows at 19°C (66.2°F). Rainfall strikes a peak with an impressive 190mm (7.48") to 210mm (8.27") precipitation making the autumn months the wettest of the year receiving rainfall for up to 16 days of the month.
Winter weather in Mbandaka
Winters here exhibit warm temperatures with highs of 30°C (86°F) and lows of 19°C (66.2°F). The UV index climbs back to its maximum value of 12. Expect generous rainfall stretching from 120mm (4.72") to 190mm (7.48"), with up to 15 rainfall days in
December, lessening to 10 by
February. Thus, despite its position on the equator,
Mbandaka experiences a noticeable shift in weather conditions in line with typical seasonal calendars.
Weather in January
Weather in February
Transitioning from
January,
February in
Mbandaka experiences an increase in rainfall amounting to a substantial 100mm (3.94"). Even with the increased precipitation, the month sees a rise in temperature, creating a distinct wet heat characteristic for this time of year.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March heralds substantially heavy precipitation in
Mbandaka, translating to relatively increased humidity. The weather patterns indicate a considerable jump in rainfall to 150mm (5.91"), marking one of the wettest periods of the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Heading into
April,
Mbandaka continues to experience slightly reduced rainfall at 140mm (5.51"), still keeping it within the area's rainiest time frame. The temperature proceeds to root itself in the established warmth, unfolding an overt humidity due to the persistent rainfall.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Mbandaka greets a small reduction in temperatures along with a decrease in rainfall to 130mm (5.12"). It follows from the previous month's pattern, maintaining a predictable weather rhythm for its residents and visitors. The sunlight duration continues to hold constant, enabling the people to plan their routines unaffected by significant variations in daylight hours.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the approach towards a noticeable shift in
Mbandaka's climate. With rainfall decreasing to 110mm (4.33"), the city sees a slight cessation of the wet season. Although weather conditions turn subtly milder due to a small dip in maximum temperatures, the months heat remains near the yearly average.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Mbandaka marks a distinct transition towards a less humid atmosphere as rainfall dips further to 100mm (3.94"). This decline in precipitation parallels a similar drop in temperature, culminating in an overall cooler and drier month than those preceding it.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Following
July's pattern,
August in
Mbandaka sustains the previous month's reduced rainfall of 100mm (3.94"). This steadiness in weather indicators ushers in consistency, enabling inhabitants to adapt to the mellowed climate. The unchanged daylight duration ensures consistent lighting conditions, while the UV index continues to mirror that of the previous month, pressing upon the importance of sun protection.
Weather in August »Weather in September
In
September,
Mbandaka witnesses an upsurge in precipitation, with rainfall levels soaring to 200mm (7.87"). The increased rainfall coincides with a subtle rise in temperature, culminating in a humid atmosphere. The steady daylight, combined with the high UV index, indicates a comparably higher amount of sun exposure.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Mbandaka presents somewhat of a climatic extremes with it reaching the highest recorded rainfall of 210mm (8.27") for the year. This increase in rainfall juxtaposes with a steady temperature, resulting in a humid month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Mbandaka reveals a noticeable reduction in raining patterns, with precipitation levels decreasing to 190mm (7.48"). This shift leads to a slightly drier atmosphere compared to
October, though the temperatures remain steady.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings a significant decline in rainfall amounting to 120mm (4.72"), marking the onset of a drier period in
Mbandaka. The temperatures remain consistently average, indicative of the city's tropical vibe. Still, despite the decreased rainfall, the high UV index continues to impose the necessity of protective measures against sun damage.
Weather in December » [Resources]