Climate and monthly weather forecastButha-Buthe, Lesotho
Climate and monthly weather forecast
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 »Updated: Feb 3, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
January, recognised by an average high temperature of 25.9°C (78.6°F) and a low of 13.5°C (56.3°F), is Butha-Buthe's warmest month.
The month with the most rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 19 days and typically aggregates up to 74mm (2.91") of precipitation.
In Butha-Buthe, during the entire year, the rain falls for 117.6 days and collects up to 432mm (17.01") of precipitation.
January through July, September through December are months without snowfall in Butha-Buthe, Lesotho.
Throughout the year, 10mm (0.39") of snow is accumulated.
January through March, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 5, are months with the highest UV index in Butha-Buthe, Lesotho.
With an average relative humidity of 66%, February is the most humid month in Butha-Buthe.
The months with the least sunshine are April and August, with an average of 7.4h of sunshine.
With average high and low temperatures of 15°C (59°F) and 2.7°C (36.9°F) respectively, June is Butha-Buthe's coldest month.
With an average of 10h and 18min of daylight, June has the shortest days of the year in Butha-Buthe, Lesotho.
June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the lowest UV index.
July is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 1.7 days and accumulates 2mm (0.08") of precipitation.
August is the only month when snow falls.
The month with the most snowfall is August, when snow falls for 0.2 days and typically aggregates up to 10mm (0.39") of snow.
The least humid month is September, with an average relative humidity of 38%.
With an average of 11.8h of sunshine, October has the most sunshine of the year in Butha-Buthe.
With an average of 13h and 54min of daylight, December has the longest days of the year.
Butha-Buthe does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). SAST timezone is used throughout the entire year.
Average temperature
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is January (25.9°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is June (15°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is January (13.5°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (2.5°C).
Average pressure
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
- Average pressure in January:
1014.3mbar - Average pressure in February:
1015.2mbar - Average pressure in March:
1017.3mbar - Average pressure in April:
1020.1mbar - Average pressure in May:
1022mbar - Average pressure in June:
1024.2mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1025.3mbar - Average pressure in August:
1022.1mbar - Average pressure in September:
1019.4mbar - Average pressure in October:
1016.6mbar - Average pressure in November:
1015mbar - Average pressure in December:
1014.2mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1025.3mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is December (1014.2mbar).
Average wind speed
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
- Average wind speed in January:
9.5km/h - Average wind speed in February:
9.4km/h - Average wind speed in March:
8.8km/h - Average wind speed in April:
8.9km/h - Average wind speed in May:
8.7km/h - Average wind speed in June:
10.1km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
9.7km/h - Average wind speed in August:
10.7km/h - Average wind speed in September:
11.7km/h - Average wind speed in October:
11.5km/h - Average wind speed in November:
11.4km/h - Average wind speed in December:
10.5km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is September (11.7km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is May (8.7km/h).
Average humidity
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
The month with the highest relative humidity is February (66%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is September (38%).
Average rainfall
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is January (74mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (2mm).
Average rainfall days
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
- Average rainfall days in January:
19 days - Average rainfall days in February:
15.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
14 days - Average rainfall days in April:
9.9 days - Average rainfall days in May:
4.3 days - Average rainfall days in June:
2.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
1.7 days - Average rainfall days in August:
2.3 days - Average rainfall days in September:
4.7 days - Average rainfall days in October:
10.9 days - Average rainfall days in November:
14.6 days - Average rainfall days in December:
18.1 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is January (19 days).
The month with the least rainy days is July (1.7 days).
Average snowfall
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
The month with the highest snowfall is August (10mm).
The months with the least snowfall are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, September, October, November and December (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
- Average snowfall days in January:
0 days - Average snowfall days in February:
0 days - Average snowfall days in March:
0 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0.3 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0 days - Average snowfall days in December:
0 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is June (0.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are January, February, March, April, May, July, September, October, November and December (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
- Average daylight in January:
13h and 42min - Average daylight in February:
13h and 6min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 18min - Average daylight in April:
11h and 24min - Average daylight in May:
10h and 42min - Average daylight in June:
10h and 18min
- Average daylight in July:
10h and 30min - Average daylight in August:
11h and 6min - Average daylight in September:
11h and 54min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 48min - Average daylight in November:
13h and 36min - Average daylight in December:
13h and 54min
The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 13h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 10h and 18min).
- Average sunshine in January:
11h and 30min - Average sunshine in February:
11h and 36min - Average sunshine in March:
9h and 36min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 24min - Average sunshine in May:
7h and 36min - Average sunshine in June:
7h and 30min
- Average sunshine in July:
7h and 36min - Average sunshine in August:
7h and 24min - Average sunshine in September:
9h and 18min - Average sunshine in October:
11h and 48min - Average sunshine in November:
11h and 36min - Average sunshine in December:
11h and 30min
The month with the most sunshine is October (Average sunshine: 11h and 48min).
The months with the least sunshine are April and August (Average sunshine: 7h and 24min).
Average sunshine days
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
- Average sunshine days in January:
7.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
8.5 days - Average sunshine days in March:
13.3 days - Average sunshine days in April:
18.8 days - Average sunshine days in May:
26.2 days - Average sunshine days in June:
26.9 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
28.8 days - Average sunshine days in August:
27.9 days - Average sunshine days in September:
23.6 days - Average sunshine days in October:
18.2 days - Average sunshine days in November:
13 days - Average sunshine days in December:
9 days
The month with the most sunshine days is July (28.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (7.8 days).
Average UV index
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, October, November and December (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are June and July (UV index 3).
Average cloud cover
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 26).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 7).
Average visibility
Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
The months with the highest visibility are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February and December (9km).
