The climate of Sandama
Nestled in the heart of
Malawi,
Sandama experiences a climate characterized by the Köppen climate classification as 'Aw', also known as Tropical wet and dry or savanna. This points to significant variations in rainfall during the year, coupled with generally high temperatures.
The weather in Sandama is largely dictated by two opposing patterns: a distinctive dry season and a pronounced wet season. The annual temperature range appears modest. The average high temperature peaks at 32.9°C (91.2°F) typically observed in
October, while the lowest average high temperature descends to a mild 22.9°C (73.2°F) in
July. Equally, the average low temperature, recorded from 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 21.2°C (70.2°F) does not significantly fluctuate within the year.
Rainfall patterns, on the other hand, exhibit prominent diversity. The highest volume of rainfall is received in
January, registering 220mm (8.66"), whereas the minimum amount of rainfall, a mere 7mm (0.28"), is recorded in
September. Moreover, cloudy conditions predominate from January to
April, with a cloud cover percentage hovering above 55%. Contrastingly, the latter part of the year experiences less cloud coverage, thereby indicating clear, sunny skies.
Closely following the rainfall trend, the humidity level also undergoes considerable fluctuations. It increases from 48% in September to a maximum of 87% in
March. Wind patterns follow a rather stable course with wind speeds consistently ranging from 5.5km/h (3.4mph) to 8.4km/h (5.2mph).
The best time to visit Sandama
Most would agree that the perfect time to visit
Sandama is during the dry months from
May to
September. During this period, the temperature ranges from a comfortable 25.2°C (77.4°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F) with little to no rainfall, marking an ideal condition for outdoor activities and local exploration. Furthermore, these months see an increase in daily sunshine hours, ranging from 8.3 to 9.5 hours, making it an excellent time for tourists to bask under the radiant Malawian skies.
The worst time to visit Sandama
The least favorable time to visit
Sandama is from
January to
March, when the rainfall level reaches its peak, making outdoor activities less enjoyable. Moreover, the high humidity level, varying from 85% to 87%, can make the weather conditions seem much hotter and muggier, reducing the overall comfort level for visitors.
Spring weather in Sandama
The spring season, considered as
September to
November in
Sandama, is marked by increasing temperatures along with drastic changes in rainfall and humidity levels. During this time, the temperature hikes from 27.1°C (80.8°F) to 32.9°C (91.2°F), while the relative humidity plunges from 61% in September to 52% in November. This makes Spring an excellent transitional season to enjoy the outdoors before the wet season kicks in.
Summer weather in Sandama
December to
February marks the summer in
Sandama, characterized by high temperatures ranging from 30.4°C (86.7°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F), combined with significant rainfall levels. The number of rainfall days mount considerably during these months, with a noticeable peak in
January, reaching 25.8 days. In addition, the relative humidity remains high throughout these months.
Autumn weather in Sandama
From
March to
May,
Sandama experiences autumn, where temperature decreases gradually from 27.2°C (81°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F). Autumn is distinguished by a significant drop in rainfall, particularly in May when it touches its lowest level of 12mm (0.47"). These weather conditions make autumn preferable for those who seek cooler climates and minimal rainfall.
Winter weather in Sandama
June to
August signals the arrival of winter in
Sandama. This period indicates mild and drier conditions, with the temperature dropping to its lowest average range, 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 27.1°C (80.8°F). Correspondingly, rainfall is significantly lower, as seen in August, with recorded rainfall as low as 8mm (0.31"). Despite being called the 'winter', this period is rather pleasant and preferred by many due to its milder weather conditions.
Weather in January
Unpredictability characterizes the weather in
January in
Sandama,
Malawi. With the unpredictability comes an interesting blend of climate variations. The fluctuation between a daytime high of 28.2°C (82.8°F) and a nighttime low of 20.5°C (68.9°F) creates a distinct contrast.
Weather in January »Weather in February
While
January may take visitors by surprise,
February presents a slightly different weather panorama.
Sandama experiences a decrease in rainfall, paving the way for improved visibility. Milder temperatures pepper the month, peaking at 28°C (82.4°F) and falling to 19.8°C (67.6°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March heralds the onset of a slight change in the weather in
Sandama, with fewer rain showers noted. A gradual reduction in temperature occurs, the maximum temperature falling to 27.2°C (81°F) and the minimum to 19.1°C (66.4°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a significant shift in the climate scale in
Sandama, taking a step towards drier weather. Residents notice a notable reduction in rainfall, which coincides with a decrease in humidity levels. The cooler daytime temperature of 25.8°C (78.4°F) and a comfortable minimum of 17.3°C (63.1°F) add to the pleasant weather narrative.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Towards the end of
May, a visible variation in the weather patterns emerges in
Sandama,
Malawi. There's a significant transition from the previous month's climate with a notable decrease in rainfall, with only 12mm (0.47") reported.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June showcases a different side of
Sandama's weather, with more stable and dryer conditions overriding. Clear skies and reduced rainfall dominate this period, and temperatures remain consistently moderate. Unerringly, the temperatures continue on a downward trend, manifesting milder days and cooler nights.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
By the advent of
July,
Sandama's weather shifts yet again. It receives lowest rainfall, a mere 17mm (0.67"), making this the driest month in the city. Despite low rainfall rates, humidity persists in a mild form amidst the warm days and cooler nights.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August's weather in
Sandama can be summarized as harmoniously balanced. With a paltry 8mm (0.31") of rainfall, the city experiences one of its driest periods in the year. The mercury levels offer solace from the harsh sun with an average high of 27.1°C (80.8°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks another transition for
Sandama, with higher temperatures and lower humidity. Peak temperatures ascend to 31.5°C (88.7°F), marking this as one of the warmest months. Wind speeds shift upward, signaling the shift towards the hotter season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The weather in
October in
Sandama experiences a shift towards hotter extremes. The dry conditions of the previous month give way to a slight increment in rainfall, providing a small reprieve from the arid surroundings. The month wavers between warm days and slightly cooler nights, continuing the trend of pleasant temperatures.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Sandama,
Malawi, is characterized by a noticeable retreat of the dry season. A heavy downpour is witnessed, with rainfall registering a sharp increase to 86mm (3.39"). The strong wind gusts tail off slightly, giving way to calmer conditions.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December weather in
Sandama features an enveloping wet blanket, marking the return of the rains in full force. Receiving the highest rainfall of the yearly cycle at 178mm (7.01"), the city transitions back to a wet spell. The drier, perkier climate gives way to cooler, moist days, as the annual cycle completes in spectacular fashion.
Weather in December »