The climate of Butha-Buthe
Situated in the highlands of
Lesotho,
Butha-Buthe has a unique geographical position which greatly impacts its climate. Classified under the Köppen climate system as a Temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters, also known as Cwb, it shows the distinctive seasonal variations associated with this classification.
Analyzing the climate throughout the year reveals several patterns. On the temperature scale, the data suggests a gradual decrease from an average high of 25.9°C (78.6°F) in
January to around 15°C (59°F) in
June and
July, before increasing again to reach 25.5°C (77.9°F) by
December. This decrease beginning in
February until mid-year hint at a cold winter season. On the other hand, the average temperature lows exhibit a fairly similar trend with January beginning at a comfortable 13.5°C (56.3°F) before dipping to 2.5°C (36.5°F) in July.
Humidity follows a more straightforward trend, starting high in the New Year at 64% and decreasing month by month to reach a low of 38% in
September, before slowly increasing again to finish the year at 61%. Rainfall also exhibits a sustained trend, being the highest at the start and end of the year with January and December seeing averages of 74mm (2.91") and 73mm (2.87") respectively. Gradual monthly decrease in rainfall occur up to mid-year with a pronounced dry spell in July with the lowest recorded average rainfall being 2mm (0.08").
The occurrence of rainfall shows a similar pattern with the most rainy days being at the beginning and end of the year, as well as a dry spell in June and July. Snowfall, as one could expect in a place with a highland tropical climate, is pretty much non-existent. Only in
August and September does the data record a minimal 10mm (0.39") of snowfall.
The best time to visit Butha-Buthe
Given the above weather patterns, favourable visiting times will largely depend on personal preferences - whether one enjoys warmer temperatures or cooler ones, dry weather or precipitations. If the goal is to enjoy a warmer climate with ample daylight, then the ideal time to visit
Butha-Buthe would be from
January to
March, when temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) during the day and 13°C (55.4°F) to 11°C (51.8°F) during nights and rainfall is moderate.
The worst time to visit Butha-Buthe
On the contrary, travellers looking to avoid colder temperatures and a dry climate should refrain from visiting between
June and
July. During these winter months, temperatures drop significantly during the day and night dropping to 15°C (59°F) and 2.5°C (36.5°F) respectively. The months also see minimal rainfall contributing to an arid atmosphere.
Spring weather in Butha-Buthe
For those seeking the spring bloom, the weather in
Butha-Buthe from
September to
November is welcoming. With rising temperatures from 18.3°C (64.9°F) to 24.4°C (75.9°F) during the daytime and cooler nights ranging between 4.6°C (40.3°F) and 11.1°C (52°F), it offers a refreshing atmosphere. Rainfall moderately increases during this time, preparing the field for vibrant flora.
Summer weather in Butha-Buthe
Experience the warmth of the summer sun in
Butha-Buthe from
December to
February. Average day temperature ranges from 23.7°C (74.7°F) to 25.9°C (78.6°F), providing balmy weather perfect for outdoor adventures. Nights are cool and comfortable, ranging from 10.3°C (50.5°F) to 13.5°C (56.3°F). Rainfall is maximum during these months, avergaing between 66mm (2.6") to 74mm (2.91").
Autumn weather in Butha-Buthe
From
March to
May, experience the vivid hues of autumn in
Butha-Buthe. The weather slowly cools down, with the daytime temperature ranging from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 18.4°C (65.1°F) and night temperatures between 11°C (51.8°F) to 6.1°C (43°F). Rainfall during these months is minimal, allowing visitors to soak in the spectacular fall colors.
Winter weather in Butha-Buthe
The winter months from
June to
August bring cold weather with temperatures dropping to 15°C (59°F) during the day and a chilly 2.5°C (36.5°F) at night. These months also mark a dry period with only 2mm (0.08") to 10mm (0.39") of average rainfall. Although rare, there is a chance of witnessing snowfall in August. It is the ideal time for those looking to experience the winter chills of the highland tropical climate.
Weather in January
In
Butha-Buthe, the weather ushers in the new year with clear skies and persistent sunshine. The city experiences longer daylight hours and fair visibility. Sunshine is plentiful with 7.8 days of radiant light contributing to the warm setting.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February marks the continuation of summer in
Butha-Buthe with temperatures remaining on the higher side. The month is noted for its heightened relative humidity, hinting at a slightly damp atmosphere. Simultaneously, the number of rainy days declines, ushering in dryer conditions than the previous month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Transitioning into autumn,
March in
Butha-Buthe carries forward the warmth of summer. It's a pleasant period when the city experiences a minor drop in temperature and rainfall from the previous month. Barometric pressure begins its upward climb as the month progresses, reaching 1017.3mb by the end of March.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the full arrival of autumn in
Butha-Buthe with a significant dip in temperature. The rainfall further decreases, setting the stage for drier conditions in the ensuing months. The fading effect of summer's heat also results in lower relative humidity compared to
March.
Weather in April » Weather in May
By
May,
Butha-Buthe feels the impact of the approaching winter as temperatures continue to merit cooler clothing. There is a significant reduction in rainfall, further confirming the onset of drier weather. The city experiences its lowest UV index of the year at 3, indicating fewer hours of intense sun radiation.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Winter in
Butha-Buthe hits its stride in
June, as temperatures drop further and rainfall remains low. The city also witnesses the shortest daylight span, indicating the winter solstice. Interestingly, despite the cooler temperature, wind speed in June goes up to 10.1km/h (6.3mph), a notable increase compared to previous months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the trend of the winter season with temperatures and rainfall remaining on the lower side. A unique characteristic of
Butha-Buthe's weather in July is the almost nil occurrence of snowfall despite the colder temperatures.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The final stretch of winter in
Butha-Buthe is marked by the rise in temperature during
August. This month experiences an increase in snowfall after the dry spell experienced in
July. A significant uptick in wind speed at 10.7km/h (6.6mph) is also observed compared to the previous month.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings a breath of spring to
Butha-Buthe as temperatures rise further, signalling the gradual end of winter and the onset of more comfortable weather. The city sees an increase in rainfall, an extension of daylight hours, and increased wind speed.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Butha-Buthe is immersed in the full-blown charm of spring. The city experiences an increase in temperatures and a simultaneous rise in relative humidity. A remarkable feature of October's climate is the marked jump in the number of rainy days to 10.9 days from 4.7 days in
September.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Nearing the end of the year,
November brings with it an ascent in temperature and relative humidity. The month sees a consistent rise in rainfall, reaching 65mm (2.56"), and an increase in the number of rainy days. Coinciding with these changes, November witnesses a significant surge in daylight hours and sunshine duration, enlivening the cityscape.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December, rounding off the year, greets
Butha-Buthe with an increase in warmth as it transitions fully into the summer season. The city experiences its highest rainfall of the year, measuring 73mm (2.87"), and also the most rainy days.
Weather in December » [Resources]