Climate and monthly weather forecastMaseru, Lesotho
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Maseru
Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho, predominantly falls under a Cwb Köppen climate classification. Geographically, this type of climate is typically a Temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters. Over the course of a year, weather parameters such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, cloud coverage, wind, and pressure fluctuate and exhibit distinct patterns.The trend in temperatures becomes evident when observing the annual cycle. The warmest months are from December to February, with temperatures peaking at 26.1°C (79°F) in January. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the coldest months fall between June and August, with the temperature dropping as low as 2.1°C (35.8°F) in June. Precipitation varies significantly throughout the year, with a high of 71mm (2.8") in December and a low of 7mm (0.28") from June to August.
Maseru's unique position results in a particularly noticeable contrast in weather patterns. Keep an especially close eye on the relative humidity which is lowest in September at 35% but increases in the latter part of the year, reaching a high of 59% in February. Cloud coverage is minimized from June to September, with the least cloudiness recorded at 8% in July and August. The pressure rises gradually from the start of the year, peaking at 1025.3 mb in July and subsequently descends toward the end of the year with the lowest recorded at 1013.5 mb in December.
The best time to visit Maseru
Discerning travellers find the period from May to October to be the most ideal time to visit Maseru. During these months, temperatures range from 13.6°C (56.5°F) to 19.6°C (67.3°F) and present pleasant weather conditions that allow for exploration and sightseeing. Rainfall is also at a minimum, ranging from 7mm (0.28") to 12mm (0.47"), making it convenient for both outdoor activities and moving around.The worst time to visit Maseru
Maseru experiences its most extreme weather conditions from December to February. These months are marked by fluctuating temperatures that can reach highs of 26.1°C (79°F). Moreover, December is notorious for its high rainfall of 71mm (2.8") and 15.7 rainy days. Consequently, these conditions may restrict the range of activities available and should be taken into account when planning a visit.Spring weather in Maseru
Spanning September to November, spring in Maseru is characterized by a steady rise in temperatures and reduced rainfall. During this period, the temperature ranges between 17.1°C (62.8°F) and 24.2°C (75.6°F), while rainfall is relatively low, increasing from 9mm (0.35") to 45mm (1.77"). Interestingly, despite being spring, these months have some of the lowest relative humidity levels and cloud coverage.Summer weather in Maseru
Summer in Maseru runs from December to February. The city experiences its peak temperatures during this period, with mercury levels ranging between 25°C (77°F) and 26.1°C (79°F). Noticeably, these months are accompanied by high rainfall, peaking at 71mm (2.8") in December. Humidity levels also rise, recording a maximum of 59% in February.Autumn weather in Maseru
Autumn in Maseru, from March to May, is marked by a decline in temperatures and a drop in the amount of rainfall. During these months, temperatures range from 13.6°C (56.5°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F) while rainfall decreases steadily from 42mm (1.65") to 8mm (0.31"). Reduced cloud coverage and lower humidity make for a comfortable climate.Winter weather in Maseru
Winter months in Maseru are from June to August. During this period, the city witnesses cooler temperatures ranging from 2.2°C (36°F) to 17.1°C (62.8°F). Precipitation drops significantly to as low as 7mm (0.28"), contributing to the characteristic dry winter. Notably, these months see a rise in pressure, which is at its peak in July at 1025.3 mb. Despite the lower temperatures, winter enjoys the least cloudiness and lower relative humidity levels, contributing to the distinct clarity and brightness of winter days.Weather in January
The dawn of the year in Maseru, Lesotho unveils typical summer weather patterns. Balancing between a high of 26.1°C (79°F) and a low of 14.8°C (58.6°F), temperatures contribute to mild and comfortable conditions. Weather elements, such as wind speed, visibility, and air pressure, are usually consistent and present a stable pattern. Weather in January »Weather in February
As February arrives, Maseru's weather exhibits slight changes. The maximum temperature witnesses a slight dip compared to the previous month, resonating with the gradual departure of summer. Rainfall decreases compared to January, consolidating the city's transition into the dry spell. Weather in February »Weather in March
March ensues with its own set of weather characteristics. Corresponding to the arrival of autumn, Maseru observes a declining trend in temperature and humidity. A salient highlight of the month is a considerable reduction in rainfall, from 51mm (2.01") in February to 42mm (1.65") in March. Weather in March »Weather in April
April signals a discernable transformation of Maseru's climate, indicative of well-established autumn patterns. With temperatures continuing on the downward trend, there is a distinctive drop in night temperatures, indicating cooler evenings. Weather in April »Weather in May
May, being the transitionary period between autumn and winter, catalyzes a significant heat drop in Maseru. The sharp drop in rainfall, from 37mm (1.46") in April to 8mm (0.31") in May, creates a distinction between the two months. Weather in May »Weather in June
In June, winter announces its arrival in Maseru with lower temperatures and the first snowfall of the year. The city experiences cold nights with temperatures dipping to 2.1°C (35.8°F) on average but devoid of biting wintry winds. Weather in June »Weather in July
July, being the coldest month of the year in Maseru, witnesses winter in its full bloom. The cold nights are enhanced, and even though there is a slight increase in rainfall, the amount of 7mm (0.28") remains insignificant. The city is draped in a white sheen as snowfall increases compared to June, enhancing the scenic beauty of Maseru. Weather in July »Weather in August
August stands as a transition month between winter and spring in Maseru. The onset of spring is felt with a subtle rise in night temperatures and a lull in the snowfall, paving the way for warmer days ahead. Mild breezes replace the cold winds, fostering a pleasant environment. Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings with it vibrant spring vibes. A distinct increase in temperature from 17.1°C (62.8°F) in August to 21.2°C (70.2°F) in September, announces the arrival of spring in full form. The rainfall pattern also alters slightly, but the overall dry conditions prevail. Weather in September »Weather in October
October magnifies the spring season further with temperatures climbing to a balmy range, reinstating the weather warmth in Maseru. The transition from September to October is accompanied by a rise in rainfall, signaling the advent of the city's rainy season. Weather in October »Weather in November
November thereby prepares Maseru for the approaching summer, further escalating the heat. It exhibits an undulating weather pattern with a significant upsurge in rainfall, from 33mm (1.3") in October to 45mm (1.77") in November. Weather in November »Weather in December
December presents Maseru with a palpable taste of summer. The highest rainfall for the year is recorded in this month, with total precipitation reaching 71mm (2.8"). Extended daylight hours ensure sunny afternoons followed by cooler evenings. 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
The warmest time of the year in Maseru, Lesotho, is January, with temperatures averaging a high of 26.1°C (79°F) and a low of 14.8°C (58.6°F).
Throughout the year, there are 106.2 rainfall days, and 387mm (15.24") of precipitation is accumulated.
January through May, September through December are months without snowfall.
In Maseru, during the entire year, snow aggregates up to 13mm (0.51").
January, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Maseru, Lesotho.
The most humid month is February, with an average relative humidity of 59%.
The months with the lowest UV index are May through July, with an average maximum UV index of 3.
Maseru's coldest month, June, generally records average temperatures ranging from a high of 13.6°C (56.5°F) to a low of 2.1°C (35.8°F).
June through August are months with snowfall in Maseru, Lesotho.
June has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 10h and 18min of daylight.
July and August are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 3.3 days and typically aggregates up to 7mm (0.28") of rain.
July is the month with the most snowfall in Maseru, Lesotho. Snow falls for 0.6 days and accumulates 7mm (0.28") of snow.
The month with the least sunshine in Maseru is August, with an average of 7.4h of sunshine.
September is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 35%.
The month with the most sunshine in Maseru is October, with an average of 11.8h of sunshine.
The month with the most rainfall in Maseru is December, when the rain falls for 15.7 days and typically aggregates up to 71mm (2.8") of precipitation.
The month with the longest days in Maseru, Lesotho, is December, with an average of 14h and 0min of daylight.
Maseru does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). SAST timezone is used over the entire year.
Average temperature
Maseru, Lesotho
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is January (26.1°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is June (13.6°C).
The month with the highest average low temperature is January (14.8°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is June (2.1°C).
Average pressure
Maseru, Lesotho
- Average pressure in January:
1013.6mbar - Average pressure in February:
1014.8mbar - Average pressure in March:
1016.8mbar - Average pressure in April:
1019.9mbar - Average pressure in May:
1021.9mbar - Average pressure in June:
1024.2mbar
- Average pressure in July:
1025.3mbar - Average pressure in August:
1022.1mbar - Average pressure in September:
1019.1mbar - Average pressure in October:
1016.3mbar - Average pressure in November:
1014.5mbar - Average pressure in December:
1013.5mbar
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is July (1025.3mbar).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is December (1013.5mbar).
Average wind speed
Maseru, Lesotho
- Average wind speed in January:
9km/h - Average wind speed in February:
8km/h - Average wind speed in March:
8.1km/h - Average wind speed in April:
7.6km/h - Average wind speed in May:
7km/h - Average wind speed in June:
7.6km/h
- Average wind speed in July:
7.4km/h - Average wind speed in August:
9.1km/h - Average wind speed in September:
10.4km/h - Average wind speed in October:
10.7km/h - Average wind speed in November:
11.1km/h - Average wind speed in December:
10.2km/h
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is November (11.1km/h).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is May (7km/h).
Average humidity
Maseru, Lesotho
The month with the highest relative humidity is February (59%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is September (35%).
Average rainfall
Maseru, Lesotho
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (71mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are July and August (7mm).
Average rainfall days
Maseru, Lesotho
- Average rainfall days in January:
15.9 days - Average rainfall days in February:
13.8 days - Average rainfall days in March:
13.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
9.7 days - Average rainfall days in May:
3.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
2.8 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
3.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
3.1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
5.2 days - Average rainfall days in October:
8.4 days - Average rainfall days in November:
11.2 days - Average rainfall days in December:
15.7 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is January (15.9 days).
The month with the least rainy days is June (2.8 days).
Average snowfall
Maseru, Lesotho
The month with the highest snowfall is July (7mm).
The months with the least snowfall are January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December (0mm).
Average snowfall days
Maseru, 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:
0.8 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0.6 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0.3 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 (0.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Maseru, Lesotho
- Average daylight in January:
13h and 48min - 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:
14h and 0min
The month with the longest days is December (Average daylight: 14h and 0min).
The month with the shortest days is June (Average daylight: 10h and 18min).
- Average sunshine in January:
11h and 36min - Average sunshine in February:
11h and 30min - Average sunshine in March:
9h and 30min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 30min - 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 42min - Average sunshine in December:
11h and 30min
The month with the most sunshine is October (Average sunshine: 11h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 7h and 24min).
Average sunshine days
Maseru, Lesotho
- Average sunshine days in January:
11 days - Average sunshine days in February:
12.1 days - Average sunshine days in March:
15.6 days - Average sunshine days in April:
19 days - Average sunshine days in May:
26.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
26.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
27.5 days - Average sunshine days in August:
26.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
23.9 days - Average sunshine days in October:
20.6 days - Average sunshine days in November:
16.1 days - Average sunshine days in December:
11.9 days
The month with the most sunshine days is July (27.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (11 days).
Average UV index
Maseru, Lesotho
The months with the highest UV index are January, November and December (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are May, June and July (UV index 3).
Average cloud cover
Maseru, Lesotho
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 20).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 8).
Average visibility
Maseru, Lesotho
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (10km).
