The climate of Pitseng
The climate in
Pitseng,
Lesotho adheres to the Köppen climate classification of Cwb, otherwise known as a temperate highland tropical climate with dry winters. This geographical position results in distinctive weather patterns throughout the year, with sizeable variances in weather parameters. Over the course of a year, the climate ranges from low temperatures of 2.1°C (35.8°F) in
June to highs of 26.1°C (79°F) in
January. The relative humidity also fluctuates, peaking at 59% in
February and dropping to a low of 35% in
September.
In terms of precipitation, the rainfall in Pitseng varies from a relative drought of 7mm (0.28") from
July to
August, to high volumes of 71mm (2.8") in
December. Rainfall days also range from a minimum of 2.8 days in June to a maximum of 15.9 days in January. Additionally, there is also a minor occurrence of snowfall in winter, from June to August, with the highest accumulation in July of 7mm (0.28").
The categorization of the climate is influenced greatly by the cloud coverage, which oscillates between 8% from July to August and 20% in February. Contrasting this is the constant 10km (6.2mi) visibility throughout the year. The climatic conditions are also characterized by variations in daylight hours, peaking at 14 hours in December and dipping to 10.3 hours in June. Correspondingly, sunshine hours shift from a low of 7.4 hours in August to a peak of 11.8 hours in
October.
The best time to visit Pitseng
The ideal time to visit
Pitseng depends largely on visitor preference. However, for those seeking a mild climate with less rainfall, the months between
April and
October offer the most suitable conditions. During this period, the temperatures fluctuate from 17.1°C (62.8°F) to 23.1°C (73.6°F), with relatively lower rainfall ranging from 7mm (0.28") to 33mm (1.3"). Moreover, these months also offer a substantial amount of sunshine, ranging from 7.4 hours to 11.8 hours per day.
The worst time to visit Pitseng
Weather conditions in
Pitseng can be challenging between
November and
March when the area experiences its highest rainfall. The rainfall peaks in
December at 71mm (2.8"), couple with the high relative humidity of up to 59%. Simultaneously, the temperatures also reach their peaks ranging from 24.2°C (75.6°F) to 26.1°C (79°F), potentially causing discomfort for those unaccustomed to tropical climates.
Spring weather in Pitseng
Spring in
Pitseng occurs from
September to
November. During this time, the weather starts to warm, with temperatures ranging from 21.2°C (70.2°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F). The rainfall also begin to increase, moving from a low of 9mm (0.35") in September to a substantial 45mm (1.77") in November. Meanwhile, the sunshine hours also rise, increasing from 9.3 hours in September to 11.7 hours a day in November.
Summer weather in Pitseng
Pitseng's summer spans
December through
February. It is characterized by warm temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 26.1°C (79°F). Rainfall is also at its highest during these months, with an average monthly precipitation ranging from 51mm (2.01") to 71mm (2.8"). Humidity is also quite high during this period, fluctuating between 54% and 59%.
Autumn weather in Pitseng
Autumn in
Pitseng, from
March to
May, is characterized by a steady decline in temperature from 23.8°C (74.8°F) in March to 17.1°C (62.8°F) in May. Similarly, rainfall also reduces from 42mm (1.65") in March to just 8mm (0.31") in May. Despite the decrease in temperature, there is consistent sunshine with hours ranging from 7.6 in May to 9.5 in March.
Winter weather in Pitseng
Winter in
Pitseng spans
June through
August, with temperatures dipping to as low as 2.1°C (35.8°F) in June. Rain is scarce, with figures as low as 7mm (0.28") in both
July and August. Alongside the dip in temperature, snowfall makes its appearance, reaching its peak in July at 7mm (0.28"). Despite the cold, sunny days are not uncommon, sunshine hours range between 7.5 to 7.6 during these months.
Weather in January
Weather in
Pitseng,
Lesotho, starts the year with pleasantly warm conditions. The city experiences average high temperatures of 26.1°C (79°F), making it the warmest month of the year. As it transitions from the hot
December, the city witnesses a decline in humidity levels from 51% to 54%.
Weather in January »Weather in February
While
February experiences a decrease in temperatures, the weather remains warm in
Pitseng. Shifting from
January's highest temperature, February registers cooler but comfortable temperatures resulting in enjoyable weather. The average rainfall in millimeters diminishes slightly, marking the transition from the wetter start of the year towards drier times.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather in
Pitseng in
March is slightly cooler than
February, making it a relatively pleasant month. These conditions bring about a gentle transition from the warmth of February. As it progresses towards drier periods, a reduction in average rainfall from 51mm (2.01") to 42mm (1.65") takes place.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April ushers in cooler weather in
Pitseng, marking the start of the autumn season. While the decrease in temperatures might be noticeable from the previous months, the colder nights are still comfortable. The fall in average highest temperature to 19.6°C (67.3°F), coupled with the diminished rainfall of 37mm (1.46"), makes for crisp, enjoyable afternoons.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Pitseng continues its journey into the cooler season with a significant drop in temperatures. This time of the year is noticeably cooler than
April, paving the way for the impending cold months. Weather conditions remain dry with only 8mm (0.31") of rainfall recorded, the second-lowest for the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June signifies the arrival of winter in
Pitseng. Distinct chilly weather becomes more apparent as the city experiences the lowest average temperature of 13.6°C (56.5°F) in the year. Nights grow colder as the mercury dips to a minimal average of 2.1°C (35.8°F), signifying the need for winter preparations.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the heart of winter in
Pitseng, characterizing the coldest and driest conditions of the year. In harmonization with
June, the city again experiences an average highest temperature of 13.8°C (56.8°F), keeping the chill in the atmosphere.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August arrives in
Pitseng, the harshness of winter starts to relinquish its hold. The weather begins its slow transition path from winter to spring, with average high temperatures rebounding to 17.1°C (62.8°F). The snowfall lessens to 2mm (0.08"), signaling a nearing end to the winter season.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the commencement of spring season in
Pitseng. With the departure of cold
August nights, the city starts experiencing a warmer climate, establishing an agreeable transition in weather. The average high temperature reaches 21.2°C (70.2°F), indicating the city's steady path into the heat.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October continues to uphold spring's warmth in
Pitseng. Building on the climatic momentum of
September, the increase in average high temperature to 23.1°C (73.6°F), along with rainfall rising to 33mm (1.3"), reinforces the city's journey towards summer.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings
Pitseng closer to summer with progressively hotter weather. As the city steps away from the relatively cooler
October weather, it comfortably embraces higher average temperatures. However, the increased heat does not come alone; it's accompanied by higher rainfall at 45mm (1.77"), signifying the shift to rainier days.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the peak of summertime in
Pitseng, closing the year with the highest recorded heat and rain parameters. The city experiences a hike in temperatures making it second only to the highs of
January. As it steps into the final month of the year, the rainfall amount reaches the zenith at 71mm (2.8"), indicating a wet end to the year.
Weather in December »