The climate of Mafeteng
Mafeteng,
Lesotho, located in the Southern hemisphere, witnesses a diverse climate categorized under the Köppen climate classification as Cfb, signifying a Marine West Coast climate with warm summers. The geography, which includes both low-lying valleys and rugged highlands, markedly influences the weather fluctuations throughout the year.
Monthly average temperatures range from a maximum of 28°C (82.4°F) to a minimum of 3.1°C (37.6°F), indicating significant seasonal changes in temperature. High temperatures swing from 14.7°C (58.5°F) in
June, presenting cooler conditions, to a pleasantly warm 28°C (82.4°F) in
January. On the cooler side, temperatures bottom at 3.1°C (37.6°F) in
August and climb up to 16.7°C (62.1°F) in January.
Regarding Mafeteng's rainfall patterns, variations are found across the year. Precipitation spans from a scanty 6mm (0.24") in
July and August to a robust 72mm (2.83") in
December, signifying the maximum rainfall. Corresponding to rainfall amounts, the number of rainy days fluctuates between 3 days in July to reaching a peak of 16.1 days in January.
Looking at relative humidity levels, they vary just slightly between 33% in
September to 55% in
February and
April. Further, the city experiences a consistent visibility of about 10km (6.2mi) throughout the year, providing a clear, unobstructed view.
The best time to visit Mafeteng
Based on climatological data,
November appears to be the optimal time for visiting
Mafeteng. During this period, the city sees the highest number of sunshine hours, 11.7 hours per day on average, coupled with a high Web Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index of 6. Excellent visibility persists throughout November, thanks to the city’s monthly mean relative humidity of 42%.
The worst time to visit Mafeteng
From a weather perspective,
June could be considered the least suitable time for tourists to visit
Mafeteng. During this month, the city witnesses its coldest temperatures, averaging 14.7°C (58.5°F) during the day, and dropping to as low as 3.3°C (37.9°F) at night. Furthermore, sunshine is minimal, with an average of 7.5 hours per day, and the city marks one of the highest UV index values of 3.
Spring weather in Mafeteng
Spring, spanning from
September to
November, presents a smooth transition from cool winter to warm summer. Temperature highs range from 22.3°C (72.1°F) to 25.8°C (78.4°F) and lows from 8.4°C (47.1°F) to 12.7°C (54.9°F) across these months. By November, rainfall increases to 41mm (1.61"), with 9.7 days of rain, yet humidity remains moderate around 42%.
Summer weather in Mafeteng
Mafeteng's summer months of
December through
February offer warm conditions. Highs rise from 27.4°C (81.3°F) in December to 28°C (82.4°F) in
January, followed by a slight drop to 26.3°C (79.3°F) in February. Concurrently, lows moderately oscillate from 15.4°C (59.7°F) to 16.7°C (62.1°F). As for rainfall, February marks the second highest level, recording 67mm (2.64") across 14.4 rainy days.
Autumn weather in Mafeteng
Covering
March to
May, autumn in
Mafeteng brings about a decrease in temperature, with highs descending from 25.3°C (77.5°F) to 18.5°C (65.3°F) and lows holding between 12.9°C (55.2°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F). Rainfall patterns also shift in autumn, dwindling from 47mm (1.85") in March to just 12mm (0.47") in May, with a corresponding decrease in rainy days.
Winter weather in Mafeteng
June to
August,
Mafeteng's winter season, experiences the coolest temperatures of the year. The average high drops to 14.7°C (58.5°F) in June, marginally rises to 14.8°C (58.6°F) in
July, then ascends to 18.2°C (64.8°F) by August. Simultaneously, starting from June, the low temperatures measure at 3.3°C (37.9°F), gradually rise to 3.1°C (37.6°F) in July, reaching 5°C (41°F) by August. Although winter witnesses the least rainfall throughout the year, snowfall is recorded in June and July averaging 2mm (0.08") and 0mm (0") respectively.
Weather in January
Starting off the year,
Mafeteng,
Lesotho experiences a blend of warm temperatures and regular rainfall. Despite the showers,
January still offers ample daylight hours, promoting outdoor activities. Comparatively warmer than both
December and
February, it also carries the highest average temperature of 28°C (82.4°F) for the year.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February, a slight decrease in temperature is noticeable in
Mafeteng,
Lesotho, a trend that sets the path for the upcoming months. The overall prevailing climate in February offers a balanced appeal with decent sun exposure despite the regular rainfall.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Moving further into the year, local and international visitors in
Mafeteng can expect cooler average temperatures when compared to
February. Matched with a slight decrease in rainfall and decent sunlight hours,
March paves the way for pleasant weather conditions.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a noticeable shift in the weather pattern for
Mafeteng. The onset of cooler temperatures paired with reduced rainfall days creates an atmosphere that draws in visitors to enjoy the serene environment. A significant downturn in temperature is observed, making the weather significantly cooler than
March, and introducing the realm of single-digit nocturnal temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May invites the inhabitants of
Mafeteng to experience further temperature dips. This period is marked by relatively drier air with lower humidity and fewer rainfall days than in
April. It gives way to a dry season that extends throughout the winter months.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings forth the full impact of winter in
Mafeteng, with the coldest average temperatures of the year. This month witnesses an interesting weather event, where snowfall begins to appear, accumulating up to 2mm (0.08") on average.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the winter theme in
Mafeteng. Temperatures remain quite low and rarely fluctuate dramatically. Snowfall can still be seen, although it is less common compared to
June. An equally dry month as June, July reports the lowest rainfall of the year, around 6mm (0.24").
Weather in July » Weather in August
August unfolds as a transition month from the cold winter to a warmer spring season in
Mafeteng. The weather conditions gradually improve to offer warmer daytime temperatures, although nights remain relatively chilly. The occurrence of rain is still on the lower end, making it one of the drier months of the year.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September graces
Mafeteng with a significant improvement in weather. Day-time temperatures rise, the days are sunnier, and rainfall begins to increase, offering a refreshing change. This month stands out for its low relative humidity of 33%, providing crisp and comfortable climatic conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Mafeteng brings warm temperatures and a significant increase in rainfall, marking the real start of the rainy season. The daylight hours extend, allowing more time for outdoor excursions. The weather noticeably turns warmer compared to
September, and cloud cover increases slightly.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November initiates a peak in the rainy season in
Mafeteng. Accompanied by warm weather, November is a delightful mix of sun showers and warm breezes. An increase in rainfall is observed from
October, making this month pleasantly humid with a flourishing landscape.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Closing out the year,
December in
Mafeteng encapsulates a true summer experience. The high rainfall allows for a lush, verdant landscape making it a paradise for nature lovers. With warmer temperatures than in
November, the climate is delightful, offering sun-filled days despite frequent showers.
Weather in December »