The climate of Otavi
Otavi, nestled in the heart of
Namibia, possesses a BSh or Subtropical steppe Köppen climate classification. This classification indicates that the town's climatic conditions are shaped by warm temperatures and low rainfall levels that occur rather sporadically. Throughout the year, the weather showcases a mixture of relative humidity, wind speed, sunshine, daylight hours, and rainfall.
Temperature highs fluctuate from 22.6°C (72.7°F) in
July to a peak of 32.8°C (91°F) in
October. On the other end of the spectrum, lows toggle between 6.8°C (44.2°F) in July to around 20.5°C (68.9°F) in
November and
December. Substantial temperature variations are evident pointing towards typically warm to hot days and cooler nights.
Analysing the precipitation data shows an intriguing pattern with rainfall peaking at 129mm (5.08") in December and dropping to a negligible 2mm (0.08") in
May and
September. Meanwhile, there is no recorded rainfall from
June through
August.
Relative humidity readings illustrate a similar trend, sjowing a peak of 62% in
March and dwindling into the mid-twenties from August through October. As for wind speeds, it ranges between 8.5km/h (5.3mph) in
April and reaches up to 11km/h (6.8mph) in October. Sunshine hours stay relatively stable for most of the year, oscillating between 9.2 hours in
January and
February to a maximum of 10 hours during August.
The best time to visit Otavi
For visitors desiring warm but not overwhelming temperatures and less precipitation, the period from
May to
August may be the best time to journey to
Otavi. During this period, temperatures are cooler with highs oscillating from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 22.6°C (72.7°F), and lows dipping to a chilly 11.4°C (52.5°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F). Additionally, relative humidity is at comfortable levels hovering from 55% in
April to the lowest readings of the year, around 26% in August. This period also offers the most sunshine with daily amounts ranging from 9.8 to 10 hours.
The worst time to visit Otavi
In contrast, travelling to
Otavi may be challenging from
December to
February, as these months witness the most rainfall: a 129mm (5.08") peak in December, followed by 118mm (4.65") in
January and 88mm (3.46") in February. Furthermore, these months register a higher frequency of rainfall days with counts ranging from 19.9 to 23.7 days. Coupled with the highest temperatures, with extreme values exceeding 31°C (87.8°F) in January, February, and December, the conditions might be overly humid and uncomfortable for some visitors.
Spring weather in Otavi
Spring in
Otavi, recorded between
September through
November, is characterized by increasing temperatures and humidity levels. During this period, temperatures escalate from a high of 27.1°C (80.8°F) in September to a blistering 32.8°C (91°F) in
October before residing to 31°C (87.8°F) in November. Correspondingly, minimum temperatures elevate from 9.7°C (49.5°F) in September to 20.5°C (68.9°F) in November. Furthermore, rainfall gradually increases this season, culminating in a notable 77mm (3.03") in November.
Summer weather in Otavi
Summer, extending from
December to
February, is the wettest season in
Otavi. The amount of rainfall is substantial, peaking in December at 129mm (5.08"), followed by 118mm (4.65") in
January, before somewhat easing to 88mm (3.46") in February. Concurrently, relative humidity levels rise to similar highs in these months with maximum temperatures soaring between 31°C (87.8°F) and 29.1°C (84.4°F).
Autumn weather in Otavi
During the months of
March,
April, and
May,
Otavi transitions into an autumn season. Rainfall sharply decreases from 88mm (3.46") in March, 44mm (1.73") in April, to a minimal 2mm (0.08") in May. During this phase, temperatures begin to drop, with highs diversifying from 27.3°C (81.1°F) in March, 26.1°C (79°F) in April, to 24.8°C (76.6°F) in May. Contrarily, minimum temperatures uniformly decline from 17.8°C (64°F) in March to 11.4°C (52.5°F) in May, introducing cooler nights.
Winter weather in Otavi
Winter in
Otavi spans between
June and
August. These months are typically dry with no recorded rainfall, complemented by a drop in relative humidity levels. Temperatures tread a cooler path with highs wavering between 22.7°C (72.9°F) in June to 22.6°C (72.7°F) in
July and returning to 27.1°C (80.8°F) in August. Meanwhile, lows drop to 7.6°C (45.7°F) in June, dip further to 6.8°C (44.2°F) in July before climbing to 9.7°C (49.5°F) in August. Consequently, nights are crisp and cool, while days remain warm but comfortable.
Weather in January
January marks the peak of summer in
Otavi,
Namibia with hot and humid weather trending during this period. Notably, the highest temperature recorded is 29.1°C (84.4°F), with high levels of humidity recorded at around 57%. The city experiences its fair share of rainfall as the year opens.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The city endures a slight reduction in temperature as
February sets in, though high levels of humidity linger. With routine rainfall and near similar temperature patterns, February mirrors
January when it comes to the weather.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The gradual transition towards a milder climate becomes evident in the city of
Otavi as
March arrives. Predictably, the temperature decreases, while the rainfall is less intensive compared to the summer months. Winds blow with a speed of 9km/h (5.6mph), contributing to a slight nip in the weather.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, a marked dip in rainfall becomes apparent, characterized by precipitation merely reaching 44mm (1.73"), with only 11.7 days of rainfall on average. This shift is accompanied by lower temperatures and humidity levels, setting the stage for a steady transition into colder months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As
May dawns,
Otavi's weather steers swiftly into the winter months with decreasing temperatures and negligible rainfall. There is a noteworthy pattern of cloud cover dropping significantly, correlating with the declining temperature and humidity ratio.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June’s arrival in
Otavi brings forth the true essence of winter with distinctively cooler temperatures. While other climatic patterns follow similar trends as
May, the cloud cover minimizes to almost negligible levels. The pressure stays constant at a monthly average of about 1020mb, causing most of the atmospheric energy to dissipate.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Midwinter is peaked in
July with the lowest average monthly temperature limiting to 6.8°C (44.2°F). The humidity continues to drop, while the precipitation remains nonobservant. There is a slight increase in wind speed, adding to the chill factor in the city.
Weather in July »Weather in August
With the closing of
July, there is a mild increase in the daytime temperature in
August, offering a hint of relief from the biting cold. The rainfall remains at an absolute minimum, resulting in dry surroundings. Contiguously, visibility improves, combined with an almost invisible cloud cover.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As
September progresses in
Otavi, the city begins to warm up with a pronounced increase in daytime highs. The distinct lack of rainfall remains, while the nominal cloud cover results in hot and dry days. Higher daylight hours and returning warmer temperatures suggest the onset of the summer season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Altering its prior course,
Otavi experiences a surge in rainfall in
October with approximately twenty days of precipitation. The temperature remains within a comfortable range, inviting a welcoming transition into the summer season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November ushers in a moderate climate, blending warmth with sporadic showers in
Otavi. The rainfall diversifies to 15.3 days on average, breaking the steady rising heat during this month. The frequency of sunshine-filled days reduces, with observable cloud formations appearing more frequently.
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Otavi culminates in the year's second-highest rainfall frequency, around 129mm (5.08"). The city is enveloped under a thick cloud cover of 24%, leading to shorter days and reduced sunlight hours. The prevalent wind speeds reduce in comparison to previous months.
Weather in December » [Resources]