The climate of Tsikoane
Situated in
Lesotho,
Tsikoane has a temperate highland tropical climate classified as Cwb under the Köppen climate classification system. Predominant throughout the year are dry winters, making this region a place of particular interest for anyone eager to experience the myriad facets of a mild, tropical climate.
Tsikoane is mainly characterized by an array of climatological fluctuation. Temperature in this region fluctuates between a high of 26.1°C (79°F) and a low of 2.1°C (35.8°F), allowing residents and visitors to experience a range of weather conditions. During the year, the relative humidity varies from 35% to 59%, indicating the atmospheric moisture level's distinct change. The monthly average rainfall varies from 7mm (0.28") to 71mm (2.8"), demonstrating a significant shift in the wetness of the region. The rainfall is typically accompanied by storms lasting from 2.8 to 15.9 days per month.
This part of Lesotho experiences snow only in winter, with snowfall levels peaking at 7mm (0.28") in
July. The longer winter days, coupled with the cold, are perfect for snow enthusiasts. The daylight hours vary from 10.3 hours to 14 hours, while sunshine hours stretch from 7.4 hours to 11.8 hours, making it an enlightening place for sundowners. The UV index, a vital measure for skin safety considerations, fluctuates from 3 to 6.
The best time to visit Tsikoane
It is most advisable to visit
Tsikoane when the temperature is comfortable and the weather is less unpredictable. Considering these factors, the best time to visit Tsikoane would arguably be from
September to
November. During this period, the temperature ranges from moderate highs of 21.2°C (70.2°F) to 23.1°C (73.6°F) and lows of 7.7°C (45.9°F) to 10.6°C (51.1°F). This period also sees a moderate level of rainfall, between 9mm (0.35") and 33mm (1.3"), over a relatively low number of rainfall days (5.2 to 8.4 days). Combined with the generous sunshine hours, it makes for a pleasant stay.
The worst time to visit Tsikoane
While
Tsikoane offers a pleasant climate throughout most of the year, there are periods when the weather might prove a bit harsh for visitors. The months of
June and
July stand out as having notably colder temperatures compared to the rest of the year, with lows dropping to 2.1°C (35.8°F) and 2.2°C (36°F), respectively. Although these months witness less rainfall, the presence of light snowfall and fewer daylight hours might make travel and outdoor activities less enjoyable.
Spring weather in Tsikoane
Spring brings a fresh influx of warmth to
Tsikoane, spanning from
September to
November. During these months, the maximum temperature ranges from 21.2°C (70.2°F) to 23.1°C (73.6°F) with moderate humidity levels of 35% to 40%. Rainfall is relatively minimal, from 9mm (0.35") in September to 33mm (1.3") in November, making it a prime time for outdoor excursions.
Summer weather in Tsikoane
Summer is a slightly warmer period in
Tsikoane, with temperatures peaking at 26.1°C (79°F) in
January and dropping to lows of 14.8°C (58.6°F). This season extends from
December to
February and is characterized by rainfall from 51mm (2.01") to 71mm (2.8"), including the most rain-soaked days of the year, making it a less ideal time for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Tsikoane
Autumn in
Tsikoane, from
March to
May, is marked by a significant drop in temperature, with average lows of between 5.2°C (41.4°F) to 11.3°C (52.3°F). The rainfall decreases dramatically, reaching a minimum of 8mm (0.31") in May. The daylight hours decrease as well during this period, making the surrounding landscapes particularly enchanting.
Winter weather in Tsikoane
Winter in
Tsikoane, from
June to
August, sees cold temperatures, with a high of 17.1°C (62.8°F) in August and lows dropping to 2.1°C (35.8°F) in June. It is also distinguished by a marked decrease in rainfall, and the occurrence of snow in June and
July. Despite the colder temperatures, the relatively moderate levels of humidity (ranging from 41% to 51%) and the decrease in cloud percentage (from 8% to 11%) provide crystal clear winter skies. This creates a picturesque backdrop against the snow-capped beauty of Tsikoane's landscape during winter months.
Weather in January
The weather conditions in
Tsikoane throughout
January are fairly moderate with relative humidity levels of 54%, one of the lowest of the year. Being the first month of the year, it brings an invigorating combination of climate parameters that lays the foundation for the following months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The climate in
February aligns closely with
January, though monthly averages subtly shift in some parameters. Most notably, although the temperature decreases marginally, the frequency of rainfall increases as rainfall is expected on 13.8 days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Moving on to
March,
Tsikoane witnesses the beginning of a slow descend towards cooler months. March distinguishes itself with a significant decrease in sunshine hours, from 11.5 hours in
February to 9.5 hours. Apart from this, the climate conditions, while slightly lower, fall along similar lines as the previous month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sets
Tsikoane on a significant climatic pivot, marking a transition from warmer to cooler temperatures. At 19.6°C (67.3°F), it is the month with the lowest high temperature thus far. Rainfall in April significantly reduces to 37mm (1.46") from the previous month's 42mm (1.65").
Weather in April » Weather in May
Weather-wise,
Tsikoane in
May is a continuation of the cooling trend initiated in
April. Distinctively, May surfaces as the month with the least rainfall, recording merely 8mm (0.31") which is a drastic fall from the 65mm (2.56") in
January, marking it as the driest month of the year.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June shifts the city's environment conclusively towards a colder spectrum. This is the month when
Tsikoane encounters the first hints of snowfall, marking 4mm (0.16") this month. The relative humidity also increases slightly, pushing up the chill factor.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is a month of prodigious weather contrast in
Tsikoane. This mid-year month is characteristic of the lowest temperatures, recording an average low of 2.2°C (36°F). July also holds the title for the most amount of snowfall, with an average of 7mm (0.28").
Weather in July » Weather in August
The weather in
Tsikoane through
August bears similarity to
July, with just some slight upward shifts in several parameters. It continues to belong to the colder side of the year. There are only minor changes, and they represent slight progressions towards the end of winter.
Weather in August »Weather in September
With the arrival of
September,
Tsikoane witnesses a shift back towards a warmer weather outlook. In terms of snowfall, September clocks in at 0mm (0"), indicating that the snowfall phase has concluded. The amount of rainfall also experiences an elevation reaching up to 9mm (0.35") after having been at its lowest in the preceding months.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October's weather in
Tsikoane sees a substantial rise in a multitude of climatological aspects. Notably, this month is characterized by fastest wind speed in the year, reaching up to 13.2Kph. Besides this, October ushers in more rainfall, increased temperatures, and longer daylight hours, showing clear signs of the earlier winter's retreat.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November sets the tone for the imminent summer in
Tsikoane with refined alterations in multiple climatic attributes. However, the most significant shift is in the quantity of rainfall which spikes to 45mm (1.77") from the previous month's 33mm (1.3").
Weather in November » Weather in December
Rounding up the year,
December emerges as the wettest month in
Tsikoane with the highest rainfall of 71mm (2.8") throughout the year. It is a month enveloped in a summer vibe with high temperatures, rising humidity, and long sunshine hours.
Weather in December » [Resources]